The 20 top travel destinations for summer 2025 according to Lonely Planet

Anyone still undecided about where to travel in summer 2025 is in for a treat: The Lonely Planet travel guide reveals its "20 places to travel in summer 2025," divided into tips for the months of June, July, and August. There's something for every taste: The top summer travel destinations include cities, regions ideal for outdoor adventures, and dream islands.

Lonely Planet's worldwide vacation tips range from Europe to Africa , North America , Asia , and Oceania . Spoiler: Unfortunately, destinations in Germany are not recommended this time.

Why: Relaxation in a tropical paradise at the best time of year

Bora Bora – these islands are often associated with honeymoons and with all the shades of blue in the Pacific Ocean. Naturally, they're set against white, fine sandy beaches.

"Lonely Planet" recommends visiting this island paradise in French Polynesia in June, as that's when the dry season begins. You can expect pleasant 25 to 30 degrees Celsius and elegant overwater bungalows, palm-fringed beaches, and stunning lagoons. Bora Bora is ideal for snorkeling with rays and reef sharks or for dolce far niente—simply doing nothing. However, the best accommodations can book up quickly due to the high season.

Why: Cowboy feeling and sustainable ranch experiences

Do you dream of campfire romance, horseback riding, and the feeling of the Wild West, but with a modern and sustainable approach? Then Western Colorado in the USA is a great travel tip for you this summer. Many ranches today offer more than just horseback riding and cattle drives: yoga, rafting, birdwatching, and writing workshops are just as much a part of the experience as cowboy crafts.

Especially in June, when the heat is still bearable, "Lonely Planet" recommends a stay at the C Lazy U Ranch. There, you'll not only learn about everyday life with cattle and bison, but also how modern ranches actively contribute to biodiversity.

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Why: Yoga, ocean adventures and world-class waves

For International Yoga Day in June, Byron Bay, south of Brisbane on Australia 's east coast, is the perfect place to harmonize body and mind. This former hippie hangout is now stylish, yet still relaxed and alternative. You can start your day at one of the many yoga retreats before going snorkeling: At Julian Rocks, you're likely to spot turtles, rays, and colorful reef fish. Surfers can look forward to the consistent winter waves.

Between June and October, thousands of humpback whales also migrate past – with a bit of luck, you might even spot them from the beach! Another top whale-watching spot is the Cape Byron Lighthouse.

Why: Wild nature, midnight sun and whisky

“Lonely Planet” recommends visiting the Shetland Islands in June, among other things, because the days are particularly long then.

Source: IMAGO/Addictive Stock

The more than 100 Shetland Islands, part of Scotland , are closer to Norway than to Edinburgh—and you'll definitely notice. Lonely Planet recommends June as the month to travel because the sun barely sets then—perfect for long hikes under the midnight sun through wild hills, to coastal cliffs, and to huge seabird colonies. You'll spot puffins, guillemots, and gannets, among others.

Other highlights include ancient settlements like the Broch of Mousa and the ruins of Jarlshof. And if the weather turns bad (which can happen quickly there, even in summer), warm up in a Lerwick pub with live music and a glass of local whisky. Perhaps from Scotland's northernmost legal whisky producer, Shetland Reel on Unst.

Why: Culture, canals, fado and freshly caught fish

According to Lonely Planet, Coimbra, Portugal, is all yours in June – students are on summer break, and the old town is filled with melancholic fado. It's a great time to visit the historic university, which dates back to 1290. For the best view of the city, climb the 180 steps to the tower. A detour to the Romanesque Sé Velha Cathedral is also worthwhile.

The journey then continues to Aveiro, the "Venice of Portugal." Colorful boats glide along canals and elegant Art Nouveau facades line the streets. The fish market smells of the sea. But the best part: You can swim on the beaches of São Jacinto or Costa Nova before the big summer rush begins in July.

Why: Sun, history and delicious food

According to the travel guide, a summer trip to Sicily is worth it in June, before it gets really crowded.

Source: IMAGO/robertharding

There's no question about it – the Italian Mediterranean island of Sicily is a feast for travelers interested in culture and history, especially since Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and Spaniards have all left their mark there. But that's not all.

According to the guidebook, especially in June, before the summer rush begins, you can take a leisurely stroll through ancient sites like Agrigento, Syracuse, or Taormina, or explore Palermo's Norman Palace and the Cathedral of Monreale. Another highlight of Sicily is the excellent food. Whether arancini (stuffed rice balls), fried chickpea fritters, tuna, sardines, or sweet cannoli with ricotta – Sicily is a paradise for connoisseurs. Which, of course, also includes a good glass of local wine!

Why: Sun, beach and fresh seafood

Cape Cod is considered a top summer destination on the US East Coast. Located in the state of New England, it enchants with its dunes, lighthouses, and picturesque coastal towns. Along with delicacies like lobster (be sure to try the lobster rolls!), mussels, and oysters.

According to Lonely Planet, things are still quiet there in June. Perfect if you want to relax on the expansive beaches, stroll through the artsy town of Provincetown, or experience culture at the film festival. Those looking for an active holiday can cycle along the 40-kilometer Cape Cod Rail Trail or go on a whale-watching tour.

Why: Sunny days on the Baltic Sea

There are many reasons to visit Lithuania in summer – for example the Curonian Spit.

Source: IMAGO/Zoonar

While the German Baltic coast is often quite crowded in July, you have a better chance of finding secluded beaches in Lithuania . According to the travel guide, the country is at its best in July: long summer days, short nights, and a pleasantly warm Baltic Sea. A good starting point for a trip through the country is the capital, Vilnius, with its cathedral and old town, and not far from the fairytale Trakai Castle.

But the best comes last: Klaipėda, the "Gateway to the Curonian Spit." Vast dune landscapes and seemingly endless beaches await you there, especially in the national park. The main town, Nida, is picturesque, but things are quieter in the smaller villages of Preila and Pervalka.

Why: Old town strolls and mountain hikes

In summer, Slovakia reveals two sides: On the one hand, you can expect relaxed city life with beer and ice cream parlors, and on the other, the occasional mountain adventure in the High Tatras. The capital, Bratislava, is known for its cozy squares with statues and cafés, while in Banská Štiavnica, you'll feel transported back to the Middle Ages.

The hiking trails to the highest peaks of the High Tatras, such as Rysy (2,501 meters) and Kriváň (2,495 meters), only open from mid-June. July is therefore ideal for hiking in Slovakia before the snow begins to fall again.

Why: Pure nature away from the crowds

Next, "Lonely Planet" recommends a country that probably isn't on many travelers' bucket lists: Kazakhstan . If you love solitary mountain hikes, summer in Kazakhstan is ideal. Only then are the mountain passes snow-free and accessible. You can experience true adventures on your way to less-traveled regions.

Burabay National Park, with its huge lake surrounded by birch forests and granite cliffs, is particularly popular. While it can get a bit crowded along the shore, once you hit the hiking trails, you'll often find yourself alone with nature. Our special tip: Spend the night in a traditional yurt!

Why: History and turquoise sea

Zanzibar is one of the top summer travel destinations 2025 for July.

Source: IMAGO/Depositphotos

Tanzania's archipelago of Zanzibar —or more precisely, its main island of Unguja—is considered a feast for the senses. According to the travel guide, July is a perfect time to visit because it falls right in the middle of the dry season. This means an optimal climate for strolling through the narrow streets of Stone Town and absorbing the scent of cloves, cinnamon, and freshly fried fish.

Historic palaces, relics from the slave era, and a very special charm await you in the old town. But most visitors to Zanzibar are quickly drawn to the beautiful beaches. For example, you can go snorkeling on a dhow (a traditional sailing vessel) or relax on the white coral sand.

Why: Perfect mix of action and relaxation

In July, crystal-clear, calm waters await you on the Bahamas' islands of Andros and Bimini – ideal for diving, snorkeling, and relaxing. Andros, in particular, is largely undeveloped for tourism, but boasts the world's third-largest barrier reef, mangroves, a diverse range of birds, and endless, dreamy beaches.

On Bimini, you can snorkel with manta rays (July is peak season!) and, with a little luck, even spot Atlantic spotted dolphins. All without large crowds and at more reasonable prices than on many other Caribbean islands.

Why: Pure wilderness and insights into indigenous culture

According to Lonely Planet, you should travel to the wilderness of the Northwest Territories in Canada in July.

Source: IMAGO/SuperStock

The largely untouched nature of Northwest Canada is best explored in summer, and according to the travel guide, especially in July. Tundra, taiga, vast lakes, and few people await you. From the end of June, when the sun hardly sets and the temperatures are mild, canoeing, kayaking, and rafting on the wild rivers leading deep into the wilderness are the order of the day.

For example, you can paddle down the Dehcho (Mackenzie River), Canada's longest river, or the wild South Nahanni with its 96-meter-high Virginia Falls. Along the way, you'll encounter the millennia-old culture of the indigenous Dene people and perhaps even caribou, moose, black bears, or even a wood bison, the largest land mammal in North America.

Why: Sunny summer days with culture and cuisine

Aarhus, Denmark , the bike-friendly "little sister of Copenhagen," is, according to Lonely Planet, lively, creative, and trendy. Between street food markets, hip cafés, and highlights like the ARoS art museum and the futuristic Dokk1, you can immerse yourself in the Danish way of life. The Moesgaard Museum also combines history (complete with a bog body!) with modern design.

In July, jazz and flower festivals, Viking shows, and mild 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) attract visitors, making it ideal for beach days on the Baltic Sea. Whether in the city center at Den Permanente, north at the elegant Bellevue Beach, or more relaxed on the car-free island of Samsø —you can enjoy a relaxing swim anywhere.

Why: Rural idyll and coastal flair

East Anglia is an ideal summer destination full of attractions – including the white cliffs of Dover.

Source: IMAGO/imagebroker

East Anglia is the umbrella term for the southeastern counties of Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, and Cambridgeshire in England . There, you'll find postcard-worthy landscapes with half-timbered villages, charming small towns, old wool merchant towns with an art scene, and a diverse coastline.

"Lonely Planet" recommends visiting the region in late summer, when the evenings are still long but there are fewer tourists around. This is when you can take relaxing strolls along the seafront or enjoy pints in a pub garden. From London, you can quickly reach Norwich, Cambridge, or the coast by train. Renting a car gives you the most flexibility while you're there.

Why: Summer holidays between the Black Sea and the mountains

When it gets hot elsewhere in Turkey , many locals head to the Black Sea coast around Giresun and Ordu. Here, a fresh breeze blows, the sea is close, and the green hills invite you to cool off in the mountains.

In addition, the hazelnut harvest begins in August, celebrated with cheerful village festivals. In many places, you can sample local hazelnut specialties. Temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius await you, ideal for swimming, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors.

Why: Lonely beaches, good surfing weather and festivals

The travel guide also puts northeast Sri Lanka on its list of the top 20 summer travel destinations because of its cultural highlights.

Source: IMAGO/Cavan Images

According to the travel guide, Sri Lanka's northeast coast is a real insider tip in August: excellent weather, little rain, and hardly any tourists. Nevertheless, you can expect warm water and the best wave conditions for surfing, especially in Arugam Bay. Many beaches, including Nilaveli, Uppuveli, and Passekudah, are even considered relatively untouched.

A visit to the interior is also worthwhile: One highlight is the rock fortress of Sigiriya, which is easy to climb in the dry months of August. In Kandy, meanwhile, the Esala Perahera is a colorful festival honoring a sacred Buddha tooth, complete with drumming, dancing, and temple processions.

Why: Volcanoes, jungles and colorful markets

Ecuador is small but full of highlights: There are colonial cities like the capital Quito, located at 2,800 meters, and Cuenca; Inca ruins near Ingapirca; and colorful markets in Otavalo and Saquisilí. Not to mention the famous "Avenue of the Volcanoes" with the perfect cone of Cotopaxi.

August is an ideal month for a trip to Ecuador because it's the dry season in the highlands and rainforest. This makes hiking, volcano climbing, and whitewater rafting easier. You can also explore the tropical wildlife in the Amazon region – or the unique flora and fauna of the Galápagos Islands! As a bonus, Ecuador is also relatively affordable.

Why: Feasting under palm trees

According to the travel guide, Singapore is hot year-round—in both the tropical climate and the spectacular food scene. However, in August, it's often drier and a bit quieter, as the school holidays are over.

It's the ideal time of year to sample the food at food stalls and hawker stalls. Singapore's menu includes dishes like laksa, Hokkien mee, and char kway teow. These classics are back in fashion, sometimes reinterpreted by young "hawkerpreneurs." At the same time, the city is becoming greener, with more and more parks being developed and trees being planted.

Why: Hiking on impressive trails

The travel guide recommends a trip to Georgia and Armenia in August, among other things because of the new Transcaucasian Trail.

Source: IMAGO/Depositphotos

"Lonely Planet" recommends Georgia and Armenia, among other things, because of the Transcaucasian Trail . The long-distance hiking trail across the Caucasus is still under construction and will stretch over 3,000 kilometers from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea. Parts of it are already accessible in Georgia and Armenia.

From July onwards, the high passes are free of snow, so even in August you can enjoy wonderful hikes along ancient shepherds' trails through dramatic gorges, past monasteries, lakes, and typical villages. For overnight stays, there are family-run guesthouses where travelers are warmly welcomed with homemade food and a glass of wine (or two or three).

Looking for more inspiration? You can find tips for all the top travel destinations at reisereporter, and the best travel deals on our deals page .

travel reporter