As the sun burns high and bright in the sky, nature flourishes — and the heat sends people outside to witness all that magnificence. Summer is the time to wear less and go out more, and outdoor recreation is more enjoyable when your limbs aren't freezing.
Since most people have one kind of holiday or the other during the sunny days, the best destinations can be a little crowded, but that's usually part of the appeal. Keeping these factors in mind, here are 10 of the best summer holiday destinations:
1. Whistler, Canada
Nowhere screams sun and fun like Whistler in summer. The incredible mountainous backdrop is famous for its outdoor adventure offers and activities: biking, golfing, beaches, forests and waterfalls. In this town, you’ll also find the world’s highest cable car, which goes over an impressive alpine landscape.
2. Iceland
Even at this time of year, the average daily temperature in Iceland is barely over 10°C. Still, this is as warm as it gets, so the Nordic paradise sees an influx of tourists during summer. Isn't it amazing to enjoy hot springs and glaciers at the warmest time of the year?
3. Marseille, France
Here, the waters at the exquisite beaches attain ideal temperatures for cooling under the warm sun. Marseille is typically sunny almost all year round, but as spring starts to pack up, taking a dip in the sea is virtually irresistible.
4. Amalfi Coast, Italy
No other season compares to summer on Amalfi Coast, and that's why Italians and non-Italians alike troop into the tiny town. Of course, this means the population here during the dog days is quite dense, but most see it as an opportunity to make as many friends as they like in the — literal — heat of things.
5. Zermatt, Switzerland
At this Swiss resort, there are boutiques, hotels and restaurants. Then there are many outdoor activities like hiking, biking, paragliding, fly fishing and bird watching/shooting. Everything is available every day of the year, even skiing, but vacationers sure do love it here in summer, when the heat is a good enough excuse to stay outside.
6. Grand Canyon, USA
Home to two deserts, this geological history site will amaze anyone, but thrill-seekers, in particular, are in for a treat. Just a simple tour of the Grand Canyon is a once in a lifetime experience. On some summer days when it's a little too hot for excursions, you’d find visitors at the National Park’s closest resorts, hotels and all the other favourite accommodation choices.
7. Lima, Peru
The clear sunny skies of Lima’s summer are a welcome change from La Garua, the city’s sea fog that mostly blocks out the sun for the rest of the year. There is a catch, though: the destination’s sun-filled days are from December to April. The rest of the year — including the typical European summer months — is humid or Lima’s winter. So if your summer plans run late, then this is the place for you.
8. Maldives
This destination is famous for its gorgeous setting in shades of blue and green. It's a surreal sight straight out of the most beautiful landscape painting. The Maldives is an exciting beauty that can be enjoyed all year round. Still, the sky and sea are breathtaking when the sun shines the brightest, and the high temperatures encourage you to get into the immaculate waters.
9. Greenland, Denmark
For most of the year, Greenland is more of a white land — covered in the snow of all the ice caps and glaciers. Summer heralds colour and life not only in flora and fauna but also in people who get excited about all the new possible activities. The sun fun of the world’s largest island is often short-lived, though, so locals and visitors alike do their best to revel in the vibrant change as much as they can.
10. Cappadocia, Turkey
The few weeks in between can be a little too hot for comfort — reaching up to 40°C — but Cappadocia is a dream at the start and end of summer. Spending summer at the land famous for hot air balloons means there is very little chance for any literal rain on your parade. Whether you're getting in a balloon yourself or watching in awe from the ground, the incredible views are more appreciable with clear skies.
