Where to go on holiday in July

A rugged coastline, family-friendly beaches, beautiful countryside and the vibrant capital of St Helier make Jersey a perfect destination for both short breaks or longer family holidays. Explore the island's castles or WWII fortifications and take the family to aMaizin! Adventure Park. July is also the perfect time to be in the water – sea kayaking, boat excursions and even standup paddleboard yoga are great activities for adventurous travellers.

Walks along the beach, fish and chips on the Palace Pier, sandcastles with the kids – you can't beat a British seaside holiday. Attractions such as The Sea Life Centre and views from the British Airways i360 make Brighton a popular choice for families. July sees some weird and wonderful events including Paddle Round the Pier and March of the Mermaids, both supporting local charities.

With around 320 days of sunshine every year, any time is a good time to visit Gran Canaria. However, July is when the island really comes to life. If you’re a fan of live music, you will love the annual Canary Islands International Jazz Festival which takes place in Gran Canaria as well as Tenerife and Lanzarote. During your visit, be sure to check out the Dunas de Maspalomas. These desert-like dunes are particularly beautiful around sunrise and sunset, and once you’ve finished exploring you can relax on the nearby beach, Playa de Maspalomas. 

Combining history and culture with sun, sea and beaches, Dubrovnik makes a fantastic getaway.  Thanks to its lovely, warm Mediterranean climate, July is a great time to visit to soak up the sun. Visit Sveti Jakov beach for a relaxed, isolated vibe or head to Banje beach for something a bit more vibrant. Be sure to take the cable car to the top of the hillside to get the best views of the scenic Old Town at sunset.

Valencia has become one of Spain's most striking destinations, especially since the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences) was built. Stroll around the futuristic buildings, designed by local architect Santiago Calatrava, and explore the rest of the city including the historic district of El Carme. Visit Valencia in July and you'll find a packed programme of events including Latin Fest València and Big Sound Festival. 

Menorca's beaches are some of the loveliest in the Mediterranean and the tranquil atmosphere is perfect for a romantic break. The island's rural interior is equally interesting. Visit the Parc Natural S'Albufera des Grau, a haven for flora and fauna. For a true flavour of the island, catch one of the festivals that take place in July including the Sant Martí or Sant Jaume celebrations.

Every Greek island is similar yet wonderfully different. July is the perfect time to enjoy the tempting warm waters lapping at beautiful beaches. Islands such as Naxos, Santorini and Mykonos deliver something for all tastes. Syros International Film Festival (SIFF), which takes place at the end of July, is a must for film buffs, while Bourtzi Island Fortress becomes a cultural hub for both traditional and contemporary events in July.

With mouth-watering food, incredible landscapes and a fascinating history, the Italian island of Sicily has something for everyone. July is the perfect time for visiting beautiful beaches including those of Catania and Siracusa. Enjoy the Stragusto Street Food Festical in Trapani towards the end of July, or stay in Palermo for the Festival of Santa Rosalia which finishes with waterfront fireworks.

Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula is romantic and relaxing with its azure Caribbean waters and tropical beaches. Tear yourself away from the luxury of an all-inclusive resort to visit ancient Mayan ruins or the colonial town of Merida. In July, the Isla Mujeres hosts the Whale Shark Festival when huge shoals of sharks arrive annually. Enjoy swimming alongside these gentle sharks.