The 5 Holiday Destinations *Actually* Worth Visiting This Summer

We’re officially in summer mode.

Alright, so we still have a couple of months until it’s officially summer but now the clocks have changed and it’s getting lighter every evening we’re definitely picking up on the summer vibes.

If you’re dreading exam and dissertation season the one thing that can help to get you through those late library nights is knowing you have a holiday to look forward to and that in just a few months you’ll be tanning on a beach or exploring a brand new city while eating all the food.

There’s nothing worse than being excited for a holiday and getting to your destination and actually being a bit disappointed by Instagram vs reality. Let’s face it, sometimes photos don’t always live up to the expectations. 

That’s why we’ve put together a list of the holiday destinations that are *actually* worth visiting, where you won’t run out of things to do and will get the most out of your money.

Plus, don’t forget if you’re booking your summer holiday that you can get a 10% student discount at hotels.com to help you save some money on your hotel and find your perfect destination at an affordable price.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a dream for students, from the architecture to the nightlife. You can enjoy delicious sangria while soaking up the sun on the beach, check out the shops on La Rambla, visit the Picasso Museum, food markets or one of the many historic churches.

The famous Sagrada Familia cathedral which has been under construction for 142 years is finally set to be completed next year, so there’s never been a better time to visit.

Plus, if you like to explore during the day and relax at night there is a huge nightlife scene with affordable drinks and deals that are perfect for a student budget.

For selected dates in June, you could stay in the Rialto Hotel in the Gothic Quarter for £489 for 3 nights* when you book with hotels.com.

Get a student discount at hotels.com

Rome, Italy

Rome is another student favourite thanks to the amazing food and culture. While there are many amazing cities in Italy, Rome has a bit of everything which makes it a great choice for people who like to explore while on holiday.

From visiting iconic pieces of history like the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain to taking a day trip to the Vatican, you’ll find plenty of amazing places to stop off while sightseeing in Rome.

If your dream holiday consists of drinking endless amounts of wine while eating huge bowls of pasta, pizza, and gelato you’re in luck as Rome is not short of amazing restaurants and cafes.

If you prefer a more relaxing holiday, you can choose a hotel with a pool or spa to get some downtime when you’re not exploring. For selected dates in June, you could stay at the Crowne Plaza Rome- St Peter’s Hotel & Spa for £487 for 3 nights* when you book with hotels.com.

Get a student discount at hotels.com

Antalya, Turkey

If you want a beach holiday, Antalya is a gorgeous and affordable location with stunning views. While the Old Town has a rich culture and plenty of traditional Turkish restaurants, the beaches are definitely what entice most people to visit.

If you don’t love city breaks where you’re on your feet all day, Antalya is the perfect mix of historic buildings and beaches with lively nightlife, plenty of shops and amazing local food. It’s also a super affordable destination so it’s perfect for anyone on a student budget and you won’t need to break the bank to visit.

For selected dates in June, you can stay at the Hotel Lykia Old Town for £331 for 3 nights* when you book with hotels.com.

Get a student discount at hotels.com

Valletta, Malta

For anyone who can’t wait to escape the gloomy grey skies of the UK, Malta has over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year and the island has plenty of amazing spots for tourists to visit.

With an amazing nightlife scene and endless sandy beaches, Malta is a great place for a variety of interests— so if you like to stay active on holiday but your friends want to sunbathe, everyone will be happy.

From hiking routes, diving, rock climbing or even boat trips there are plenty of fun day activities to keep you busy while enjoying delicious wine, beer and local food to unwind each night.

For selected nights in June, you can stay at the Melior Boutique Hotel in the city centre of Valetta for £478 for 3 nights* when you book with hotels.com.

Get a student discount at hotels.com

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is Portugal’s capital and has a good mix of history and modern art and plenty to do if you love a sightseeing holiday. You can easily walk to explore the city, or take the famous 28 tram route to get a good view of the city and all it has to offer if you hate walking around all day.

Of course, you can’t visit Portugal without indulging in a pastel del nata and there are plenty of amazing local bakeries and coffee shops which will satisfy your cravings while you’re taking in the sights.

When you’re done with visiting the local museums and monuments you can enjoy delicious Portuguese food at one of the city’s many local markets or restaurants.

For selected dates in June, you could stay at the Hotel Dom Carlos Park for £386 for 3 nights* when you book with hotels.com.

Get a student discount at hotels.com

Now you’ve got an idea of some of the best destinations in Europe for a holiday you’ll love and remember forever. All that’s left to do is book your flights and hotel and get planning for what adventures you’re going to go on as soon as you arrive. 

This post is a sponsored post in partnership with Hotels.com
*prices are correct at the time of publishing