You have many great options when choosing the best countries to visit for summer vacations. You can explore the best countries like Italy, Spain, and Norway.

Or, you can visit the best countries like Japan and Barbados.

If you want to experience local culture, try delicious European food, or relax on a lovely Caribbean beach, summer vacations are calling.

In this blog, we will explore the 10 best countries to visit for summer vacations in 2024.

So, make a list of sunny places you want to see and start planning your summer trip.

Italy

Italy is perfect for anyone who loves summer. Whether you want to visit the Duomo di Milano in the north or enjoy the views from the Amalfi Coast in the south, Italy has plenty of summer activities.

You won’t see Milan Fashion Week in the summer, but you can still have fun in Milan. Stop by the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for some of the best shopping in Europe’s fashion capital.

If you love nature, Milan is a great starting point. You can take day trips to Lake Como or Lake Garda. In central Italy, Rome is a must-visit.

If you don’t have much time, Rome is perfect for making the most of your trip. Walk around the Colosseum, explore the Sistine Chapel, and visit the Vatican Museum.

Rome offers a fantastic cultural experience for your summer holiday. Italy is great to visit any time of the year, but summer is the best time to enjoy Italian wines and food.

For a special treat, go to Sicily. Join a food and wine-tasting tour in the vineyards near Mount Etna’s volcanic landscape.

Greece

Greece is a wonderful place to visit in the summer. In Santorini, you can see beautiful sunsets, white buildings, and clear blue waters.

Athens, the capital, has many famous landmarks like the Acropolis and Parthenon. Mykonos is great for its lively nightlife, lovely beaches, and charming old town.

Crete, the largest Greek island, offers diverse landscapes, ancient ruins, and delicious food. In Greece, you can hop from one island to another, each with its own unique beauty and culture.

Explore ancient ruins like the Acropolis in Athens, the Palace of Knossos in Crete, and the old city of Delos near Mykonos. Mykonos is also famous for its beach parties that go on all day and night.

Enjoy traditional Greek dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and fresh seafood, along with local wines and ouzo. Greece combines history, culture, and stunning scenery, making it a perfect place for a summer vacation.

Japan

Japan is probably one of the most popular summer destinations in Asia and for good reasons.

Apart from famous cities like Tokyo or Kyoto, Japan offers a variety of experiences that cater to different interests and budgets.

You can start your trip in Tokyo by exploring the vibrant city life and famous attractions like Shibuya Crossing and the historic Senso-ji Temple. Book a guided tour in Tokyo to make the most of your time in the capital city before heading to other parts of Japan.

Popular with tourists, Kyoto and Hokkaido offers various things to do in the summer. You can join a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto or take a scenic drive in Hokkaido to enjoy the breathtaking flower fields and cool summer weather.

If you’re looking for a more affordable destination in Japan, consider staying in Okinawa, where the prices for hotels and activities are relatively cheaper.

You can spend a day out on the beach, as Okinawa is home to stunning beaches like Emerald Beach – the most popular beach on the island. While the beach can be pretty busy during the summer, there are many activities you can do in Okinawa.

Okinawa is one of the best places in Japan to visit for a relaxing beach vacation. During the day, you can easily go on a boat trip to nearby islands like Iriomote or even explore the underwater world with some snorkeling.

Spain

Spain is a top choice for summer vacations in Europe, famous for its lively cities and diverse activities.

Barcelona invites exploration of Antoni Gaudí’s amazing architecture at landmarks like the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.

Madrid offers a rich historical experience as Spain’s bustling capital. Ibiza boasts legendary nightlife and beautiful beaches perfect for relaxation.

While Seville charms visitors with its historic sites and vibrant flamenco culture.

Whether you’re enjoying architectural tours in Barcelona, beach vacations in Ibiza, experiencing nightlife, or savoring tapas throughout Spain, it’s a destination that blends cultural richness with relaxation, ideal for summer vacations.

Norway

Norway is known more for winter trips in Europe, but visiting in summer is really worth it, especially if you love nature. The country’s landscapes are stunning during this season.

A trip to Norway wouldn’t be complete without seeing its famous fjords. Almost every city in Norway offers tours to explore nearby fjords.

For a great experience, I suggest taking a sunset cruise on Oslofjords to see the beautiful scenery during summer evenings. To truly enjoy Norway, you should explore beyond the capital.

Tromso is a must-visit for its amazing natural scenery and fun summer activities. During the day, you can go fishing on a boat and enjoy the fjords near Tromso.

And at night, don’t miss the chance to take a Northern Lights tour from Tromso to see the aurora borealis firsthand.

Antigua

Antigua is one of the top countries to visit in summer. It blends Caribbean culture with British history and has many beautiful sandy beaches.

A must-do in Antigua is visiting Nelson’s Dockyard in Saint Paul Parish. This 18th-century site once protected the British Navy and now hosts sailing yachts, stylish hotels, and shops selling yachting gear.

After that, go up to Shirley Heights Lookout, the highest point on the island, for stunning views of Antigua’s turquoise waters and green hillsides.

For shopping, visit Redcliffe Quay. It has charming stores, cafes, palm trees, and colorful buildings by the water.

If you’re looking for sun and fun, head to Dickenson Bay or Half Moon Bay. Both beaches offer soft sand and warm Caribbean waters to enjoy.

Barbados

Barbados, a sunny Caribbean island, is a great place to explore coral reefs, colorful fish, and shipwrecks in shallow waters. Carlisle Bay is one of the top spots for swimming and snorkeling here.

For nature lovers, Farley Hill National Park offers green hiking trails. You can wander among the remnants of an old mansion while enjoying the park’s peaceful atmosphere.

Another scenic spot is Bathsheba Beach, known for its rocky coastline and stunning views. It’s a popular spot for surfing in the Caribbean due to its big waves and sandy stretches.

For a unique adventure, visit Harrison’s Cave to see stalactites and stalagmites in the limestone cavern. The cave’s cool air is a refreshing break from the summer heat and humidity.

Malta

In Malta, summer brings clear blue skies. Explore beautiful gardens and visit the palaces and mansions of Valletta, which are made of honey-colored stone.

From there, you can see boats bustling in Valletta’s Grand Harbor and admire the detailed baroque art and craftsmanship at places like the Grandmaster’s Palace.

Take a trip to Gozo, Malta’s quiet neighbor, and experience its Sicilian-influenced culture. Walk along the cliff paths with the sparkling Mediterranean below, and enjoy a leisurely seafood lunch.

Portugal

Portugal has everything you need for a perfect summer vacation: lively nightlife, beautiful beaches, delicious food experiences, and refreshing drinks.

For a unique party experience, join a sunset boat party on the Tagus River in Lisbon. Enjoy an open bar, mingle with others, and take in views of Lisbon’s famous landmarks from the boat.

If you prefer sightseeing, take a day trip to Sintra and visit Pena Palace. This trip from Lisbon also includes a stop at Cabo da Roca, where Europe meets the Atlantic Ocean along its beautiful coastline.

Czech Republic

Prague, the capital Czech Republic, is one of Europe’s most popular summer destinations.

But the Czech Republic has much more to offer beyond Prague, with plenty of enjoyable activities to fill your summer holiday.

In Prague, you can explore the old town and visit medieval underground attractions. Treat yourself to a unique experience like a beer spa and massage—there’s something here for every type of traveler.

While in Czechia, take a day trip from Prague to Cesky Krumlov, a charming small town straight out of a fairy tale.

Conclusion

Planning your summer vacation in these best countries involves exciting choices, from exploring the historical richness of Italy and Greece to experiencing the vibrant cultures of Japan and Spain.

For those seeking natural beauty, Norway’s fjords offer breathtaking views, while the Caribbean islands of Antigua and Barbados promise sunny beaches and diverse marine life.

Malta and Portugal provide Mediterranean charm with stunning landscapes and delicious cuisine.

Whether you prefer city adventures or beach relaxation, these destinations offer something special for everyone to enjoy in the summer of 2024.

Start making your travel plans now and get ready for an unforgettable summer vacations in these 10 best countries.