Summer destinations: beach, city or history? Discover the perfect scenario for your holidays

The summer seems to stretch time and invite travellers to enjoy different experiences in summer destinations. Among golden beaches, lively cities and historic havens, there’s a perfect place waiting to be found.

From north to south, or even abroad, there is always a destination that matches a traveller, whether they are more adventurous, contemplative or urban. The important thing is to choose the right scenario and allow yourself to experience each and every moment with intensity and authenticity.

Sun and sea. Algarve or Madeira?

There are destinations where summer is spent barefoot, in the water and out on seaside walks, in contact only with the essential – the Algarve and Madeira are great examples. For those looking for absolute rest and being close to the sea, the hotels with direct access to the beach are the perfect choice. The nearness to the ocean makes it possible to live summer to the maximum, with spontaneous swimming, strolls on the sand and the sound of the waves as soundtrack.

Heading south, between rugged cliffs and secluded beaches, the Algarve offers days without watches to check and late afternoons spent at pavement cafés facing west. In Madeira, the pace is dictated by the combination of sea and mountain: it’s possible to start the day on a viewpoint overlooking the Atlantic, walking along a levada listening to the flow of spring water, and ending the afternoon with a dip in the sea.

Historic charm and authenticity. Guimarães or Viana do Castelo?

The summer can also be a chance to discover heritage, culture and history in an authentic way. The country’s best historic hotels offer this experience, where architecture, tradition and identity intertwine. Sleeping in a palace, a monastery or a castle is a guarantee of a memorable stay.

In Guimarães, busy squares, illuminated terraces and medieval streets come to life during summer with a variety of Portuguese and foreign tourists, not to mention the emigrants, who spend summer at home. In Viana do Castelo, where the sea is a constant feature of the landscape, the atmosphere changes considerably during the warmer days, when pilgrimages and local festivities show that tradition still shapes the calendar.

Dynamism and culture. Lisbon or Amsterdam?

During summer, the energy of cities alters – it becomes more laid back and vibrant. City hotels are the perfect starting point to explore a more colourful and light side that big towns have during summertime. Even the most cosmopolitan cities acquire a new dynamic during the warm season, with busy terraces, outdoor events and a welcoming atmosphere.

Lisbon becomes much lighter and less crowded during the summer months, which means you can get to know the capital with less queueing and more peace and quiet. Museums, viewpoints, terraces and the best restaurants are easier to visit, with most experiences more enjoyable and peaceful. In Amsterdam, summer has a similar effect: there’s more calm, but also more enthusiasm in the streets; after months of low temperatures, the locals go outside and fill the canal banks, the huge city parks and the various street markets.