Nine Best Places to Visit in July 2024

In the Northern Hemisphere, schools are on break, and summer is in full bloom. July brings warm temperatures, summer festivals, and endless travel opportunities both domestically and internationally. This month also marks the height of tourism as people worldwide embrace travel. Despite the crowds, great travel experiences are available, from popular summer spots to unique adventures. Here are 9 top places to visit in July to help you choose your next destination.

1. Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver, Canada, is first on our list of top July travel destinations. This coastal city is famous for its natural beauty, with lush forests and stunning mountains surrounding it. In July, Vancouver's scenic surroundings offer ideal conditions for exploring a variety of outdoor activities. Additionally, Vancouver boasts a diverse population and a lively arts and culture scene to explore while visiting.

Stanley Park is a 400-hectare forested area with beaches, and the famous 8.8-kilometer Seawall. Begin exploration with its trails for hiking and biking. Visit Granville Island Public Market to experience the city's food scene ( Lee's Donuts is a must-try).

For spectacular hikes, go to the North Shore Mountains and visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge, which is one of the world's longest and tallest. Afterward, check out different neighborhoods such as historic Gastown, sunny Kitsilano, and Chinatown, designated as a National Historic Site.

Considering a trip to Vancouver? Stay connected with a Canada eSIM.

2. Milos, Greece

Milos, Greece, is our next recommendation for July travel. This volcanic island is located at the southern tip of the Cyclades. It adds a unique charm to any Greek Islands journey. As a paradise for visitors, Milos is known for its colorful fishing villages, with over 80 beaches, and dramatic limestone landscapes.

Sarakiniko and Kleftiko are famous for their white rock formations, crystal-clear waters, and sea caves. These spots are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and cliff-jumping. Discover Klima, a picturesque seaside village with traditional syrmata—fishermen's houses carved into rocks, each with vibrant doors distinguishing them.

Don't miss the historical sites such as the Catacombs of Milos, the Ancient Theater, and the hilltop castle in Plaka. Catch the sunset from the castle for a breathtaking view of the island's surroundings.

Considering a vacation in Milos? Stay connected with a Greece eSIM.

3. Madagascar

Another great place to travel in July is Madagascar. During mid-summer, Madagascar offers cooler, dry weather, making it perfect for exploring one of the planet's most biodiverse ecosystems. The island boasts incredible flora and fauna, with 90% of species found nowhere else. Madagascar's landscapes are otherworldly. It features sandstone canyons, granite tsingy formations, baobab forests, lush rainforests, deserts, and coral reefs. All are within reach for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy hiking, biking, climbing, surfing, and diving.

Stroll down the famous Avenue des Baobabs at sunrise or sunset, where towering baobab trees line the road (some are over 800 years old). Discover Tsingy de Bemaraha, a 200 million-year-old stone forest with rugged karst formations ("tsingy" translates to "where one cannot walk"). Explore Parc National d'Andasibe-Mantadia to encounter Madagascar's distinctive wildlife, including the renowned lemur. Lastly, visit Île Sainte-Marie and Nosy Be for opportunities to swim, snorkel, and dive in the pristine waters.

Embarking on a Madagascar travel? Stay connected with a Madagascar eSIM.

4. Bonaire

Our next recommendation for the best places to travel in July is Bonaire in the Caribbean. Located off the coast of Venezuela as part of the ABC Islands, this destination lies outside the Caribbean's hurricane belt. It offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere compared to its neighboring islands. It features unspoiled wilderness, minimal chain hotels, and exceptional snorkeling and diving opportunities. With eco-preservation efforts dating back to the 1970s, its national parks are among the finest to explore in the region.

As a protected coral reef, Bonaire National Marine Park features dozens of world-class dive sites. A small deserted island Klein Bonaire is located within the park. It boasts immaculate white beaches and transparent azure waters. Lac Bay is the largest bay in the ABC islands. Visitors can enjoy the world's best windsurfing, and rent a glass-bottomed kayak to paddle through its mangroves. If you favor land adventure, Washington-Slagbaai National Park is a good destination. You can explore volcanic hills, remote beaches, and desert landscapes.

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5. Bodrum, Turkey

Bodrum, located on Turkey's Turquoise Coast, is a must-visit destination in July. All you can expect can be found in Bodrum: gorgeous beaches, tranquil coastal villages, and ancient ruins. The sea breeze in Bodrum makes this summer bearable.

If you're into history, you can visit St. Peter's Castle, which was built by the Knights of St. John in the 15th century. Today, it houses the Underwater Archaeology Museum, displaying artifacts from ancient shipwrecks. At the ruins of Halicarnassus, you'll see the Myndos Gate and the Mausoleum , considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. For diving enthusiasts, there are underwater treasures to explore, such as sunken ships, submerged planes, and nearby coral reefs. One of Bodrum's best views is the windmills overlooking the city at sunset—make sure not to miss it!

Considering a vocation in Bodrum? Stay connected with a Turkey eSIM.

6. Azores, Portugal

Next up is the Azores, Portugal. This island paradise, often referred to as the " Hawaii of Europe" , is known for its breathtaking natural beauty. The Azores archipelago, made up of nine volcanic islands, boasts green hills, vibrant volcanic lakes, and impressive mountain summits. The island also boasts two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Pico's vineyards and the historic center of Angra do Heroismo on Terceira. There's no shortage of outdoor adventures, including surfing, scuba diving, whale watching, hiking, cycling, and canyoning.

São Miguel is the largest island and a key draw for tourists. Highlights include Sete Cidades, known for its twin lakes—one green, the other blue—and scenic hiking trails. The Furnas Valley offers a volcanic caldera featuring bubbling mud pots and thermal pools. Terceira invites exploration of Angra do Heroismo's historic center, complete with maritime forts, Baroque cathedrals, and an underwater archaeological park. Ascend Mount Pico, Portugal's highest peak, for breathtaking views of neighboring islands, and visit Criação Velha's UNESCO-designated vineyards. São Jorge offers the traditional Caldeira de Santo Cristo route, leading to one of the island's most remote fajãs.

Embarking on an Azores travel? Stay connected with an Azores eSIM.

7. Ilulissat, Greenland

One of the top destinations to visit in July is Ilulissat, Greenland. The name Ilulissat means "icebergs," and this remote town is renowned for its UNESCO-listed ice fjord. Between mid-May and mid-July, travelers can enjoy the Midnight Sun, offering round-the-clock daylight for discovering the breathtaking scenery. Don't miss the opportunity to take a midnight boat tour to witness the icebergs illuminated in shades of pink, orange, and purple.

Ilulissat Kangerlua (Ilulissat Icefjord) is the main attraction in the region. The Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, spanning 5 kilometers wide, contributes 20 billion tonnes of ice to the fjord each year. While boating or kayaking through the bay, you'll encounter icebergs of various sizes, some towering up to one kilometer in height. On land, explore Ilulissat's vibrant harbor, visit the Ilulissat Icefjord Centre, and follow wooden boardwalks to enjoy fjord views from shore. During the summer months, consider booking a whale-watching tour to observe humpback, minke, and fin whales swimming in Disko Bay.

Excited to explore Ilulissat? Stay connected with a Greenland eSIM. 

8. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo, Japan, is our next featured destination for July travel. This time of year is vibrant with festivals such as Tanabata Matsuri (Star Festival), Mitama Matsuri (Soul Festival), and the Sumidaga River Fireworks Festival. While there might be occasional rainy days, it's a trip well worth making. Pack a light jacket and umbrella, and explore all that this unique city has to offer.

One of Tokyo's most famous landmarks is Shibuya Crossing. Ascend Shibuya Scramble Square Tower in the evening to enjoy a spectacular view of the world's busiest intersection. Take a stroll down Takeshita Street in the heart of Harajuku for shopping and sampling sweet treats like daifuku (fruit-filled mochi) and Marion crêpes. A visit to Tokyo isn't complete without exploring the renowned Toyosu Market—witness its famous fish auctions, browse through the outdoor market, and indulge in fresh sushi. Don't forget to visit Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku, a narrow alley lined with yakitori restaurants that accommodate only a few diners at a time.

Are you heading to Tokyo? Stay connected with a Japan eSIM. 

9. Provence and Côte d'Azur, France

Another destination to add to your July travel list is Provence and Côte d'Azur in France. July is one of the prime times to experience the region's breathtaking scenery, from lavender fieldsand hilltop villages to lively promenades and Mediterranean beaches. Renowned for its " painter's light" , this area's natural beauty has inspired artists like Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Matisse.

Provence offers a wealth of places to explore, including Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Nice, and St. Tropez. In Avignon, visit the Palais des Papes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest Gothic palace ever constructed. Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque is the ideal spot to see lavender fields in full bloom, while Mougins stands out as one of the region's most picturesque hilltop villages. Venture to Aix and Nice for their captivating old towns, Grasse for its fragrance factories, and Cannes for its seaside promenade. For a beach escape, head to St. Tropez, Île Sainte-Marguerite, and Plage des Marinières. For outdoor enthusiasts, hiking or biking the scenic Montagne Sainte Victoire, a favorite of Cézanne, is a must.

Getting ready to Provence? Stay connected with a France eSIM. 

Stay Connected With a ByteSIM eSIM

Wherever your journey leads you, stay connected with a ByteSIM eSIM. ByteSIM offers affordable eSIMs for over 200 countries and regions, including all of our top July travel destinations.

• Forget about hunting for SIM card vendors when you travel.
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• Use multiple eSIMs on your phone.

Where will you go in July? Opt for a ByteSIM eSIM to ensure you stay connected throughout your travels.