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8 destinations perfect for a July weekend escape ✈️☀️
Fancy a break but can’t take a full week off? No worries. July is the ideal time for a long weekend – the days are super long, cities are buzzing, and with the right flight, you could be on a beach, at a festival or soaking in a cracking view within hours.
Here are 8 brilliant places for a summer weekend in July – a mix of culture, coast, nature and proper downtime.
Weekend escapes in July: 8 fab places for a sunny getaway ☀️✈️
Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹
In July, Lisbon is a top combo of sunshine, tiled streets and live music. Hop on a tram through the old neighbourhoods, chill at the viewpoints overlooking the Tagus, snack on warm pastel de nata and catch some fado in a tucked-away tavern. Don’t miss Alfama, the LX Factory and a quick trip out to Belém or the beaches in Cascais.
Marseille, France 🇫🇷
One of the most vibrant cities on the Med, Marseille is perfect for an urban-beach mix. Wander around the multicultural Panier district, visit the Mucem, or hop on a boat to the Calanques. July’s great for a dip in the sea, tucking into bouillabaisse by the port and soaking up that slightly rebellious, salty French vibe.
Ghent, Belgium 🇧🇪
Elegant, lively and still flying under the radar, Ghent is spot-on for a summer weekend. Cruise the canals, explore the medieval centre and hang out on the Graslei in the evening sun. There’s history (Castles! Street art! Museums!), great food and proper Belgian beer. A Flemish city with a young, creative heart.
Graz, Austria 🇦🇹
Austria’s second city is a proper gem for culture lovers after something a bit different. Stroll around the UNESCO-listed old town, catch the views from the castle and hang out by the River Mur. Markets, festivals, a bit of edge with the design scene – Graz has that laid-back city feel but with something extra.
Inverness & the Highlands, Scotland 🇬🇧
Not a fan of the heat? Head north. Inverness is a great base for exploring lochs, castles and rolling hills. Check out Loch Ness, go castle-spotting and have a picnic among sheep and heather. Long, light-filled days in July make this a dream for nature lovers after a breath of fresh air.
Zadar, Croatia 🇭🇷
For history, sea and sunsets that’ll knock your socks off, Zadar ticks the boxes. July’s perfect for wandering the Roman old town, catching the Sea Organ’s strange music at dusk, and hopping to nearby islands for a swim. The food’s good, prices are fair and the vibe is super relaxed.
Ljubljana, Slovenia 🇸🇮
Compact, green and really lovely – Ljubljana’s great for a two-day escape. Walk along the Ljubljanica river, head up to the castle, cycle about or just chill at an outdoor café. The city’s pedestrian-only core is packed with street art, street food and summer festivals. You’ll love it.
🧭 Pirate tips: how to make the most of your trip
Go for flights early Friday or late Sunday to get the most out of your time
Pick places with small city centres and easy transport
Don’t overplan – leave some room to go with the flow
Travel light – hand luggage only = no faff, no extra fees
Handy apps? Google Maps offline, Moovit for local buses/trains, TheFork for meals out
🏴☠️ Ready to set sail?
Whether it’s art and culture, beach chills or endless green views, July’s a cracking time to sneak in a weekend to remember. 🧭✨
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