In summer, the events calendar’s packed, the streets are bustling, and the sun shines all day long. In other words, it’s the magic formula for a bucket-list-ticking break. We’ve rounded up 20 of the top sights, best eats and most unforgettable experiences that’ll make sure this summer is your best yet! The only question: which will you tick off first?

Go Greek Island hopping

Sunset strolls in Skiathos? Meze-munching in Lesvos? Beach-baking in Crete? Greece’s goodie bag of isles is packed with must-visit gems, so choosing which piece of paradise to visit can be a struggle. Island hopping to the rescue!

See the Temple of Apollo in Didim at sunset

The historic ruins of the Temple of Apollo are a real sight to behold at any time of day, but for mouth-on-the-floor magic, head up there as evening falls. In summer, the sunsets are particularly striking, so grab a spot nearby and watch as the marble columns are drenched in a honey-gold glow.

Hike the Samariá Gorge in Crete

Samariá Gorge is a haven for hikers, home to a ten-mile trek which winds through Crete’s spectacular White Mountains. You’ll meander through fragrant pine forests and frozen-in-time villages, before arriving at a black-sand beach for a well-deserved dip.

Kayak through the lagoons of Ria Formosa in the Algarve

Ria Formosa Natural Park provides a unique setting for an adventure-packed day out. The calm waters are perfect for kayaking, with a network of lagoons to glide through. Make sure to look out for the fascinating wildlife that flocks here too!

Tackle the slides at Tenerife’s Siam Park

If you’re a waterpark worshipper, a visit to Tenerife’s tube-twirling mecca, Siam Park, is a must! There’s no better way to spend a sizzling summer’s day than plunging down the Tower of Power or bobbing around the Lazy River.

Dive into the colourful coral reefs of Cabo de Gata in Almeria

Cabo de Gata, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is ripe for underwater adventures. Don your snorkel and dive below the surface, where you’ll be blown away by a kaleidoscope of colourful corals and marine life.

Ride a cable car to the top of Spain’s highest peak in Tenerife

Experience the beauty of Tenerife’s Mount Teide as you soar to the summit in a cable car. On a clear summer’s day, you’ll be treated to wow-worthy views of Gran Canaria, La Palma and La Gomera.

Discover Madeira’s natural sea pools

In Porto Moniz, on Madeira’s north-west coast, you’ll find tidal pools of volcanic rock, carved into the seafront. These fill naturally at high tide and provide a beautiful bathing spot where you can watch the spectacle of waves frothing white over the rocks.

Explore Majorca’s Tramuntana Mountains on two wheels

Avoid Majorca’s crowded coastlines during the sunny season and head for some fresh air fun in the Tramuntana Mountains instead. Some of Europe’s finest cycle paths are carved across its peaks and it’s regularly used as a training ground for seasoned pros. So saddle up and get ready to test your pedal power!

Explore Kotor’s Old Town

Step into a slice of authentic Montenegro in Kotor’s picturesque Old Town. Uncover the layers of history around every corner, from Venetian palaces to Baroque monuments. Dip in and out of pretty piazzas, grab a coffee in a quaint café or bag a bargain in the tucked-away shops.

Munch your way along Benidorm’s Tapas Alley

Located in the heart of Benidorm Old Town, this vibrant area is the go-to place for tasty tapas, especially during the summer months. Grab a seat at the bar with the locals, and tuck into bite-sized delights like crispy calamari, spicy patatas bravas and alioli-drenched croquettes.

Try tapas in a chiringuito on the Costa del Sol

If you’re a fan of long lunches feasting on fresh seafood, then an afternoon on a sun-dappled deck of a chiringuito has got your name on it. There are hundreds of these beachfront bars dotted along the Costa del Sol's golden shoreline, so try a few, then pick your favourite!

Uncover a piece of ancient Crete at the Palace of Knossos

Be transported back in time to Minoan Crete as you wander through the ancient ruins of the Palace of Knossos. Be enchanted by tales of Greek mythology as you marvel at this well-preserved complex.

Tee off like a pro in Belek

Five-star hotels and world-class courses have made the upmarket resort of Belek a mecca for golfers. In the summer, golf season is in full swing, and you’ll have your pick of 14 courses to help you go from bogey to birdie to hole in one!

Delve into Lake Garda’s wine region

Get into vino-tasting mode on Lake Garda's vineyard-enveloped shores. Book onto a wine tour and learn all about the production process, from grape to bottle, then sip your way through some tasty samples.

Watch a Santorini sunset

There are few sights more beautiful than a Santorini sunset. Head to caldera-clinging villages like Oia and Imerovigli for some of the best seats in the house, then sit back and soak up that golden hour.

Be immersed in nature at Croatia’s national parks

Croatia's parks are a natural wonderland of waterfalls, lagoons and mist-cloaked mountains. When the weather is at its loveliest head for crowd-pleasers like Plitvice Lakes National Park, where wooden walkways weave past jade-blue pools.

Lounge like a VIP in Capri

Cruise across to the island of Capri, and you’ll quickly see why it attracts such a star-studded guestlist. Pastel-hued villas cling to the craggy clifftops, aquamarine waters lap the shore and boutiques entice with designer-decked windows.

Check out Corralejo’s Natural Park

A visit to the wind-whipped sand dunes scattered south of Corralejo should be top of any Fuerteventura itinerary. Stretching for 10km, these swathes of sand roll into sprawling beaches, known as Grandes Playas.

Swim in Comino’s Blue Lagoon

Sandwiched between Malta and Gozo, you’ll find the charming island of Comino. The mesmerising waters of the Blue Lagoon are its main draw and are well worth a visit for a snorkel and a swim.