July Trips, Destinations That Are Really Worth Considering
July is that month of the year when summer really comes to life: the days are endless, the office slowly empties and the desire to unplug becomes stronger than ever. But precisely because everyone is thinking the same thing, choosing where to go can become a challenge, as the locations risk being crowded, the prices go crazy, and it is possible to find yourself in places that seem more like amusement parks than places to live. For this reason, we have decided to select destinations for you that have something to tell, where July does not only mean "high season", but also discovery, respite and, why not, a little space for yourself. Here's where to go on a trip during the seventh month of the year.
Salina, the green island of the Aeolian IslandsOne of the destinations to consider in July is Salina , the second largest island of the Aeolian archipelago, north of Sicily . Unlike its more famous “colleagues”, such as Panarea (trendy) or Lipari (tourist), Salina is in the middle, even geographically.
July here is a very interesting month, because it is the perfect time before the onslaught of August. The climate is warm but not unbearable (thanks to the constant breeze), the sea is already a table and the days are very long, ideal for exploring the island without rushing.
To enjoy it at its best, we recommend renting a scooter and not underestimating the possibility of “getting lost” among the streets of the Malvasia vineyards. While for an unforgettable swim, the best spot is the Pollara cliff, where Troisi filmed Il Postino , and yes, it is beautiful. But it is small. You go there in the morning, when there are few people, and the water is as clear as glass.
Iceland, with lots of lightThe incredible (because yes, it is a truly amazing country) Iceland is there, suspended between the Atlantic and the Arctic, geographically closer to Greenland than to Europe. Technically it is part of our continent, but in reality it is a world apart: volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls that seem to fall from another planet.
July is the most “human” month, as temperatures are acceptable (between 10° and 18°), the internal roads are finally passable, and the light never ends, to the point that there is sun even at midnight, or at least an unreal dim light. This means that you can grind out kilometers, explore, stop wherever you want but without rushing and without having to fight with the dark or bad weather.
Most people travel around Iceland along the main road (the Ring Road , circular), but if you want to know the hard truth, the pearls are in the “East Fjords”, in forgotten villages like Seyðisfjörður or in the lunar landscapes of the Highlands.
Geysir, Thingvellir and Gullfoss are beautiful and not to be missed, of course. But they are also the top three things everyone does. If you want a real thrill, better to aim for Dettifoss (the most powerful waterfall in Europe), or the Ásbyrgi canyon , which seems to have been carved by a drunken god.
Aspromonte, a particularly authentic ItalyThen again the Aspromonte , the mountain massif that dominates the extreme south of Calabria, between the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas. It is a sort of vertical world, harsh and isolated, dotted with villages suspended in time and a nature that does not give discounts. In this period, the paths are passable without too much effort, the hilltop villages come back to life, the patronal festivals enliven the squares, and everything smells of wild oregano and sun-scorched earth.
Roghudi Vecchio , Africo Antico and Pentedattilo are some of the ghost towns in the area, all perched on rocky ridges, abandoned after floods or earthquakes, but still full of stories. And then, from the high points of Aspromonte (Montalto, for example), you can observe two seas at the same time: the Ionian and the Tyrrhenian.
Quebec, for a vibrant journeyThose who want to travel overseas can focus onQuebec , Canada 's largest province, where you can find vibrant cities like Montreal and Quebec City , as well as boundless natural landscapes that extend between lakes, forests and rivers. It is not the postcard Canada of the Rocky Mountains, but it is a Canada that is loved for its pace, culture and a less impactful but breathtaking nature.
July is the best month to experience this territory, because you don't suffer from the cold, the days are very long and the cities come alive with festivals, markets and open-air concerts, while nature is in full green explosion. Not to be missed, for example, are the Festival d'été de Québec and the Montreal Jazz Festival, which attract tens of thousands of people, but what they don't tell you is that there are many other smaller and lesser-known events, often free, in parks or neighborhoods.
The lakes and national parks around the cities offer hiking, kayaking, fishing, and even whale watching off the coast. But it's all meticulously maintained, and visitors must abide by strict rules to maintain that balance.
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If you want to spend July at the seaside, an excellent solution is the Isola del Giglio , a small pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea, south of Argentario, part of the Tuscan archipelago. It is not Elba or Capraia, it is a smaller island, more intimate and with a character all its own.
At this time of year, summer is already in full swing, the sea is warm and transparent, but despite this, there is still no mass tourism like in August. You can therefore enjoy the semi-hidden coves and the paths immersed in greenery without being overwhelmed by hordes of bathers. The climate is just right for long sunny days and cool nights under the starry sky.
The island is mostly rocky, with sheer cliffs and secret coves accessible only by sea or after a few uphill walks. An example is Cala dell'Allume, with crystal clear water, fine sand and few people. Also not to be missed are the alleys of Giglio Castello , a fortified village that looks like a stone labyrinth, with ancient walls and a view that embraces the entire Tyrrhenian Sea.
Albania, still cheapDespite the great success of recent years in terms of tourism, Albania is still a rather cheap destination, especially in July. “Hidden” between Greece, Montenegro and the Adriatic Sea, it is a land of strong contrasts and beauties still little visited by mass tourism. Imposing mountains, wild beaches and cities that still bear the traces of a difficult past, often forgotten but alive in the present.
The sea at this time of year is warm, the days are long and bright, and the interior is accessible for exploration on foot or by car. It is the best time to enjoy both the coast and the mountains, without having to deal with too many tourists or unbearable temperatures.
The coasts of Ksamil , Dhermi and Saranda are spectacular, but the true soul of the country lies inland, among the green valleys, the villages that seem frozen in time, the perched castles and the narrow streets where the past mixes with the present with a rare strength.
San Pietro Island, the most authentic SardiniaIt is also worth considering the Island of San Pietro , a small paradise off the south-western coast of Sardinia , which here becomes more authentic. Carloforte , its only inhabited center, is a city born from Ligurian fishermen and their language and culture are still alive. It will therefore not be difficult to hear the Tabarchino dialect, a mix of Ligurian and Sardinian, in daily chatter.
In these parts, moreover, there are few large beach resorts, because here you look for the hidden cove, the sea that tastes of real salt and the wind that carries you away. Beaches like Cala Fico or Cala Sapone are small pearls to conquer, not simple points on a map.
Furthermore, this is also a period of village festivals that reveal themselves to be moments of true sociality, with songs, dances and food that unite the whole island.
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Finally, Hokkaido , the northernmost island of Japan , which has little to do with the chaos of metropolises like Tokyo and Osaka. It is a vast territory, made up of immense forests, active volcanoes, crystalline lakes and national parks that seem to come from another world. Here nature dominates, and the local culture has a more rustic and authentic character compared to the rest of the country.
July is the month when Hokkaido wakes up after a long, harsh winter. The days are long, the air is fresh and clean, and the flower fields, especially the famous lavender fields of Furano, explode with intense colors. In addition, the indigenous Ainu people live in these parts, with their own unique language and traditions. If you venture off the beaten track, among other things, you can discover museums, festivals and crafts that tell a different story from traditional Japan.
In essence, Hokkaido allows you to discover a different Japan, far from mass tourism, made of uncontaminated nature, hidden culture and a pace that forces you to slow down.
