Top summer holiday destinations 2026: Opodo reveals where British travellers are heading this summer
This summer is shaping up to be a season of bright city breaks, coastal escapes and confidently-planned adventures. Our latest travel report analyses bookings made between 1 January and 31 May 2026 for travel in July and August, and we’ve compared patterns with the same period in 2025 to understand where British travellers are heading, and how our holiday habits are evolving. It’s clear: we are seeing a strong appetite for sunshine, culture and convenience, with short-haul favourites continuing to dominate. Alongside the classics, a new wave of destinations is also emerging, from Greek island gateways to Iberian cultural hubs and lesser-explored European capitals. This is not just a list of places: it’s a snapshot of how we want to travel now: with more intention, more inspiration and a sharper eye for destinations that offer both ease and discovery.
The summer mood: short-haul sunshine leads the way
Our data shows that we're leaning into accessible summer escapes. Short-haul journeys account for 46% of summer bookings, followed closely by medium-haul travel at 40%. Long-haul trips represent just 14% of the total. tells us something important: Brits are not necessarily travelling less ambitiously, but we are travelling more efficiently. A few days in a sunlit city, a week by the sea, or a culturally rich European break can deliver the feeling of a faraway holiday without the complexity of a long-haul journey.
Favourite countries?
Underlining our enduring love of Mediterranean warmth, familiar favourites and destinations with strong cultural pull, Spain leads the rankings, attracting 17% of bookings. That’s followed by Greece at 8% and then Italy, Portugal and domestic travel then each account for 6%.
Favourite cities?
We’re seeing out beach energy, architecture, and gastronomy:
Barcelona
Mediterranean energy with cultural soul - it remains one of our most popular summer city escapes with the rhythm of a beach destination, the depth of a cultural capital and the visual drama of a city shaped by art, architecture and the sea.. Here appeal is in the contrast: mornings wandering through the Gothic Quarter, afternoons near the waterfront, and evenings built around tapas, terraces and golden-hour streets. For a summer break that blends sightseeing with slow coastal living, Barcelona feels effortless.
Amsterdam
canals, culture and summer light - here’s a city with a different kind of summer charm. Rather than relying on heat, it offers atmosphere through its world-class museums, leafy neighbourhoods and a pace that suits long days outdoors. In July and August, the city’s at its most open and sociable - ideal for travellers who want a compact cultural break, with enough galleries, cafés, markets and waterside walks to fill a weekend or stretch into a longer stay.
Malaga
Andalusian warmth by the sea - here’s a city that’s become far more than a gateway to the Costa del Sol, bringing together beaches, historic streets, an established art scene and the easy warmth of southern Spain. Its strength is in its versatility, working for travellers who want to be near the beach without giving up culture. The old town, marina and nearby coastline make it especially well suited to summer days that move naturally from exploration to rest.
Lisbon
hills, views and Atlantic cool - here’s a city that offers one of Europe’s most atmospheric summer escapes. Its tiled façades, viewpoints, trams and riverside light give the city a cinematic quality, while its neighbourhoods each bring a distinct personality. Lisbon attracts travellers who want texture: historic streets, creative dining, music, design and the sense of being somewhere both classic and contemporary. It is a city made for wandering, with rewarding views around almost every corner.
Faro
a relaxed gateway to the Algarve - rounding out our top five, here’s a city with a softer, slower appeal, a destination that suits travellers drawn to beaches, lagoon landscapes and a more tranquil summer pace. Its old town, coastal access and proximity to the Ria Formosa area make it a natural choice for those who want sunshine without sacrificing a sense of place. For a summer break that feels restorative rather than crowded with plans, Faro is an excellent choice.
Growth destinations to watch: Bilbao, Alicante and Tirana
The data reveals that our summer travel is becoming more layered. We are still drawn to sunshine, but we are also looking for character, value, immersive experiences - to individuality and places that give a trip its own identity. Beyond the new destination rankings, the top growth destinations for British travellers point to a broadening map of summer inspiration. Bilbao is up 39%, Alicante has risen by 28%, and Tirana shows a 6% increase.
Bilbao brings northern Spain’s cultural depth, with striking architecture, a renowned food scene and a cooler urban feel. Alicante offers classic Mediterranean appeal with beaches, promenades and an easygoing Spanish atmosphere. Tirana, meanwhile, reflects growing interest in Albania as travellers look for European cities with a different story, lively streets and a sense of discovery.
How are we planning our travel this summer?
British booking habits reveal a strong preference for planning ahead. In our data, 73% of British summer bookings were made more than 90 days ahead of travel, with most of us choosing certainty over last-minute improvisation.
Trip length also tells a nuanced story. The most common holiday duration is 7–13 days, representing 27% of bookings, closely followed by 3–4 day trips at 26%. That split captures the dual nature of modern travel: we want both the full summer reset and the compact, high-impact escape.
The practical takeaway is clear. Early planning can help open up more choice across flights, accommodation and packages, especially for high-demand July and August departures. Short breaks work best when built around well-connected cities, while longer trips create space to combine a main destination with nearby coastal or cultural experiences.
Incoming travel: UK cities remain summer magnets
Our report also looks at inbound travel to the United Kingdom. Spain accounts for the largest share of incoming travellers at 25%, followed by Germany at 17% and France at 13%.
The most popular UK destinations for incoming tourism are London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Glasgow and Bristol. Together, they reflect the range of experiences international travellers seek here: capital-city landmarks, historic streets, music, culture, festivals, neighbourhood dining and creative urban energy.
This inbound picture adds another perspective to the season. While British travellers head toward Mediterranean sunshine and European discovery, the UK continues to attract visitors looking for its own distinctive summer atmosphere.
Find your perfect getaway: Book one of the top summer holiday destinations for 2026
The insights from our 2026 summer travel report reveal a clear trend: British travellers are planning ahead with confidence and approaching their holidays with a focus on experience and efficiency. We are seeing a strong preference for accessible, rewarding trips that strike a perfect balance between a return to trusted favourites and a growing curiosity for fresh experiences.
Classic city breaks like Barcelona, Amsterdam, Malaga, Lisbon, and Faro continue to demonstrate an enduring appeal for summer getaways. At the same time, an exciting new wave of summer holiday destinations is emerging, with locations such as Valencia, Funchal, Bilbao, Tirana, and the scenic coastlines of Preveza & Lefkada seeing a significant rise in interest as travellers seek out hidden European gems.
Ultimately, the data shows that summer travel is about how a destination makes us feel, whether we want to immerse ourselves in a vibrant new culture or return home feeling completely restored. If you are ready to secure your next escape, Opodo makes it simple to build a seamless itinerary. We invite you to explore our tailored options across flights, hotels, car rentals, and dynamic packages to book your ideal 2026 summer holiday today.
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