Deciding on the perfect summer holiday destination can feel like somewhat of a daunting task. With such a plethora of scenic locales, offering diverse blends of unique cultures, cuisine, and activities, it can seem impossible to decide which one to tick off first. Luckily, we’ve shortlisted some of our brand-new and highly recommended routes from East Midlands Airport this summer, to help make your choice a little easier. From frolicking along golden sand-banked beaches or exploring historical architecture to roaming around quaint city streets and enjoying the finest al fresco dining, find your next summer city break here.
Our first stop on our tour of summer destinations is one of Europe’s coolest cities, Barcelona. Famous for its Gaudi and other Art Nouveau architecture, the city overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and is considered to be a hub for new trends in the world of culture, fashion, and cuisine. The weather conditions during the summer are especially desirable, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to the low 30s Celsius. The reverence for local tradition, blended with the fresh creativity of native artists makes for a beautiful combination of the old and the new and upholds its reputation as one of the world’s most visited cities.
One of Barcelona’s crowning jewels is the world-famous basilica, Sagrada Familia. Designed by renowned architect, Antoni Gaudi, the construction originally began in 1882 and has an ongoing estimated completion date of 2026, which will ceremonially mark the 100th anniversary of the visionary’s death. The iconic landmark is the artistic culmination of Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture that features intricate carvings, stained glass windows and towering spires, which are accessible and, from the top, give visitors panoramic views of the city, but be warned the climb is fairly steep. The interior is just as jaw-dropping as the exterior and continues to wow tourists from far and wide, making it one of Europe’s most iconic landmarks. The very same architect, Gaudi, is also responsible for the city’s most famous green space, Park Guell. Located in the Gracia district of Barcelona, it’s famed for its unique designs and stunning mosaics - be sure to check out the Salamander statue! Stroll through the park’s gardens on a sunny day and enjoy one of the most beautiful green spaces in the world.
What summer break is complete without a trip to the beach? Luckily you don’t have to worry about that! Take a day trip to Barceloneta Beach and let the gentle waves wash away your worries. Situated in the fishing district of the city, it’s one of Barcelona’s best-loved and most-visited beaches. It features all the facilities you would expect to have and more at the beach, including showers, toilets, a games area for little ones, sun loungers, changing rooms, beach umbrellas, refreshment kiosks, plus some fun beach sports including volleyball and tennis. You can also sample the fresh seafood and tapas from the neighbouring fishing district for a truly authentic Barcelona beach break.
The al fresco activities don’t stop there! The summertime sees the arrival of open air-cinema events across the city, the perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon in the sun or rounding off a busy day and relaxing in front of a film in the warm summer evenings. The free indie film event, the Cinema Lliure, is situated on the beach and features a number of worldwide independent films. The seating is first come first serve but it’s the perfect place to set up camp and enjoy a picnic.
With such a dynamic and colourful culture and a variety of activities to get immersed in, Barcelona is ideal for a summer getaway. So, what are you waiting for? Get your bags packed and get ready to explore Barcelona this summer!
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Paris is a magical city to visit all year round, but it truly comes alive during the summer months. One of the most appealing things about the French capital is that during the high season, the sun doesn't set until around 9 pm, which means that most of Paris's attractions extend their opening hours to accommodate the longer days, giving you the opportunity to enjoy endless summer fun! From pedestrianized streets with al fresco dining to rooftop bars, bar-péniches, and street festivals, Paris offers tourists a beautiful fusion of culture, cuisine, and activities. The city also boasts an abundance of museums and galleries to peruse at your leisure, so there's no shortage of things to do in Paris this summer.
If you're lucky enough to visit Paris in mid-July, you'll witness one of the biggest national celebrations of the summer. Bastille Day, also known as La Fête Nationale, sees the country enter grand festivities that include a military ceremony and parade down the Avenue des Champs Élysées, accompanied by a fantastic flyover of military aircraft. Afterwards, bring a picnic down to the Champ des Mars, where free concerts are available to attend, including the popular Bals des Pompiers (Firemen's Balls). The day culminates at the foot of the Eiffel Tower with the most dazzling firework display, lighting up the Parisian night sky. The display starts at 11 pm when the sky is almost completely dark and lasts for around 35 minutes. For an alternative perspective, book a night-time cruise on the river Seine and enjoy dinner with the most spectacular view.
No summer holiday is complete without a joyful day spent at a theme park, and Disneyland Paris is the most magical and enchanting thing to add to your itinerary. During the summer season, the park extends its opening hours, and the number of scheduled shows and events increases considerably. Immerse yourself in the fairy-tale magic of Disney in the summer sunshine, meet your favourite characters from movies old and new, and enjoy everything the resort has to offer for a city break like no other. Don’t let the idea of large crowds discourage you. The resort's busiest period is from July to August so why not consider booking a weekday visit around June, and the park will be noticeably less crowded.
Finally, stroll down the winding roads of Paris and discover enticing patisseries and fromageries, alongside pavement cafes and chic bars. Spend an afternoon visiting the Louvre and Musee d'Orsay before heading to dinner at your choice of cosy bistros or triple-Michelin-starred establishments. And, of course, indulge in some holiday retail therapy by exploring the city centre and uncovering some of the most luxurious and ostentatious boutiques to find the perfect Parisian souvenir.
Embark on a truly enchanting French escapade this summer and allow yourself to be captivated by the timeless charm and unparalleled beauty of the romantic city of Paris. With its iconic landmarks, artistic treasures, gourmet cuisine, and so much more, it’s the perfect city to fall in love with this summer.
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Looking for something a little closer to home this summer? Situated on the north coast of Cornwall, you’ll discover a little taste of paradise. Known as the surfing capital of the UK, Newquay transforms into a summer utopia with endless activities, a wide range of beaches, and partial to some of the best weather on offer throughout the year, making it one of the most popular seaside resorts in the country.
For travellers yearning for some sun, sea and sand, in Newquay, you’ll find you’re truly spoilt for choice in Newquay. The seaside town is blessed with what seems like endless miles of golden sands and beaches, one of the most famous being Fistral Beach. With wide sandy banks backed by dunes and towering cliffs, it provides the perfect surfing conditions for anyone wanting to dive into water sports fun. The beach has onsite surf schools, making it a great spot for beginners and experienced surfers alike. There’s also a wide range of nearby amenities, perfect for cooling down, refreshing and refuelling on a warm summer’s afternoon. Located at the heart of Newquay is Towan Beach. Smaller than Fistral, it’s a popular spot for families with young children and offers a broad range of facilities, including beach showers and toilets, and cafes. There's also a small island located just off the beach called Towan Island, which is accessible via a narrow suspension bridge at low tide. The last of our beachy recommendations is Watergate Bay. This sandy little haven is located just a few miles out of Newquay centre and is also considered a great spot for surfing, as well as kite-surfing and wind-surfing.
If feeling famished just reading about all the sporting activities available to you, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy some al fresco dining in Newquay. The streets and beaches are littered with seaside cafes and restaurants, many of which have generous outdoor seating so you can enjoy some of the region’s finest food on offer and bask in the summer sunshine. Why not try The Harbour Fish and Grill? This restaurant specializes in dishes made with fresh local ingredients and classic flavours with a varied and plentiful menu. If you’re feeling spoilt for choice, the grill offers a seven-course tasting menu to help narrow it down. The restaurant is located on the harbour, so you can enjoy scenic views of the waterfront while you dine. But wait there’s even more! During the summer months, Newquay hosts several outdoor events that are fun for you and the entire family. The Boardmasters Festival is an annual event that’s popular with locals and tourists alike, spanning over 5 days and featuring live music, surfing competitions and other outdoor activities. With other events like outdoor cinema screenings, art exhibitions and food and drink festivals, there’s no end in things to do in Newquay and it’s very easy to see why it’s one of the UK’s hottest destinations to visit during the summertime.