Spanish Costas

Hundreds of kilometres of shoreline and a multitude of magnificent resorts to choose from - you'll love the Spanish Costas.

Tapas and sangria at the water's edge, long stretches of golden sands, family-friendly hotels, sublime scenery, water parks, theme parks, culture, art, romance... just a few of the reasons that holidaymakers simply adore the Spanish Costas. For most, July is the prime time to visit as daytime temperatures soar to sizzling highs of 30C and beyond. And there's nothing nicer than leaving that jacket at home and feeling the warm Spanish evening air on your arms after a day in the sun.  

Average July temperature (Benidorm): 25C
Average July rainfall (Benidorm): 4mm
Average July sunshine (Benidorm): 13hrs

The other advantage of holidays along the southern coastline of Spain is the sheer volume of options available. You can pack your bucket and spade and give the children a week or two to remember on the sunny shores, or make room for the golf clubs and book a break on the fairways. Food lovers can eat their way around chic city restaurants, while families and groups can check in at great-value all-inclusive hotels where even the fussiest of eaters are catered for. There are spa hotels and quiet retreats in the mountains, or you can stay on the doorstep of some of Europe's most thrilling theme parks. 

Greek Islands

Hit the shores of Greece's attractive islands for guaranteed sunshine in July.

Just like the Spanish Costas, the islands that dot the Mediterranean waters around Greece offer a huge variety of holiday types. Young night owls can dance under an inky blanket of stars while, on the same island, couples enjoy candle-lit dinners with nothing but the sound of singing cicadas on the warm evening breeze. Families can spend two weeks by the gentle waves of the sea, or take some time to delve into the fascinating history and heritage of this enchanting nation.

Average July temperature (Crete): 26C
Average July rainfall (Crete): 1mm
Average July sunshine (Crete): 13hrs

Some of the islands are very quiet, where daily life is as slow as the donkeys in the fields, while some islands are known for lively nights and days spent at the beach, having a go at the water sports on offer. Most of the bigger islands feature a resort to suit every taste, so you don't have to compromise.

The Greek islands are popular in July thanks to plenty of sun, blue skies and hot weather. Almost everywhere, daytime averages are in the late twenties and night-time temperatures drop no lower than 20C. More than 12 hours of sunshine every day ensures that these hotspots will never fall out of favour with sun-seekers.

Take your pick from islands such as Crete, Corfu, Rhodes, Kos, Zante, Mykonos and Santorini.

Algarve

July holidays to the Algarve are ideal for those who wish to relax, play, shop, dine and do everything else that makes a perfect break.

The Algarve is ideal for sun-worshipping holidaymakers looking for that little bit extra. While it's got as much sun, sea and sand as any weary traveller could dream of, the Algarve also serves up generous helpings of golf, luxury spas, shops, water sports, historic sites, and walks, plus scenery that is unique to the coastline of Portugal. It's a great place to be to make your holiday varied, exciting and totally unforgettable.

Average July temperature: 24C
Average July rainfall: 10mm
Average July sunshine: 12hrs

In July, of course, the weather begins to reach its summer-time peak in terms of average daytime and night-time temperatures. From the break of dawn until those gorgeous sunsets in the west, 12 long hours of sun-filled skies bake the beaches and rugged terrain of the Algarve. For a sunset to remember, the headland of Cabo de Sao Vicente, near Sagres Point, is a super spot to see the daylight hours come to a magnificent close.

Resort areas to select from in the Algarve include Albufeira, Lagos and Faro, with destinations such as Alvor, Praia da Luz and Carvoeiro proving popular.

Cyprus

Average July temperature (Paphos): 25C
Average July rainfall (Paphos): 10mm
Average July sunshine (Paphos): 14hrs

This island nation in the Mediterranean Sea gets very hot in July - the sparkling ripples of your hotel's swimming pool will never be more inviting. The sea looks pretty good in July too, with those 30C days tempting visitors into the gentle shallows that lap onto the glorious beaches of Cyprus. Spend some time on TravelSupermarket researching the various tourist areas of Cyprus, as party towns like Ayia Napa might not suit those looking for rest and relaxation (you could consider Pissouri if you hope to totally unwind). Other popular resorts include Protaras, Paphos and Limassol.

Malta

Average July temperature: 27C
Average July rainfall: 0mm
Average July sunshine: 14hrs 

A little way south of Italy is the island nation of Malta, which features an abundance of charm and a zesty cocktail of culture. It feels a little British, a bit Italian, and it has a pinch of exotic Arabian flavour - the people and culture here are quite unlike anywhere else and you have to feel it to believe it. Malta is also kissed by year-round sunshine, with the best weather in July for those who like it hot. Daytime temperatures pushing past 30C are the norm during July, with nights dropping to a balmy 20C. July also boasts the most sunshine hours in Malta, with up to 14 hours of sun beating down each day. 

You can stay on the main island of Malta, either in the enchanting and historic capital of Valletta or at a resort such as Mellieha Bay, Bugibba and Sliema. The other main holiday islands of Malta are Gozo and Comino, which are much smaller and quieter and feature many luxury hotels. Wherever you stay in July, the swimming pool and pure blue seas will be impossible to resist. 

Sardinia

Average July temperature: 24C
Average July rainfall: 2mm
Average July sunshine: 12hrs 

The Italian island of Sardinia buzzes with holiday atmosphere in July. Part of the buzz springs from the A-list celebrities that dock boats in the turquoise waters here and recline on their multi-million pound yachts as cameras inch closer for a shot that will make the papers. Sardinia thrives on its celebrity status, though it's also got rugged charm, amazing restaurants, terrific hotels and resorts, and beaches that would make even Caribbean islands a little green with envy. With temperatures during the day pushing close to 30C and a pleasant 12 hours of sunshine, July's weather is also perfect for holidays spent lazing, exploring, reading, eating... whatever you fancy! Stay in areas such as the stunning Costa Smeralda, the Coral Riviera and Chia.

Balearic Islands

Average July temperature (Majorca): 24C
Average July rainfall (Majorca): 6mm
Average July sunshine (Majorca): 13hrs 

The beautiful Balearics have a special place just for you. Whether you want two weeks reading the latest bestseller, a family holiday crammed with beaches and parks, a cultural time in the city, a yoga retreat in the hills or nights filled with the loudest dance-floor fillers on the planet - you can have your holiday your way on these rocky Spanish gems. Stay on Majorca or Ibiza and you can shake up your break by doing a little of everything; the island of Menorca is the only major island where you will struggle to find a party scene at 3am!