Our 'Top' destinations for your summer vacation 2026
1. Santorini, the gem of the Aegean
When thinking of a dream destination for the summer, Santorini is often one of the first that comes to mind. This Greek island, with its iconic white houses and blue domes, is the perfect place for a romantic vacation or a complete getaway. During the day, you can explore its volcanic beaches, such as the famous Red Beach, with its red sand, or the Perissa Beach, with its unique black sand. At sunset, the color show over the sea in Oia is one of the most impressive in the world. Additionally, the island offers unique experiences such as boat trips to the Nea Kameni volcano or visits to local wineries to taste the famous Assyrtiko wine.
If what you're looking for is a combination of paradise beaches and vibrant nightlife, Mykonos is your ideal destination. Known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and endless energy, the island boasts some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean, such as Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach, where the fun never stops. Beyond the party scene, Mykonos also has a charming side with cobbled streets, historic windmills, and the picturesque area of Little Venice, where bars and restaurants line the water offering spectacular views. If you're interested in history, don't miss a trip to the island of Delos, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece.
While many Greek islands are arid and rocky, Corfu is the complete opposite: a green paradise filled with olive groves and mountains that merge with the sea. Its old town, with strong Venetian influence, is perfect for getting lost in narrow alleys and historic squares. When it comes to beaches, there are options for every taste: from the calm waters of Paleokastritsa to the wild beauty of Porto Timoni, a double sand isthmus surrounded by green hills. One of the best activities you can do in Corfu is take a boat to the neighboring islands of Paxos and Antipaxos, where the water is so clear it looks like it's taken from a Caribbean postcard.
Dubrovnik is a city that looks like it’s taken from a medieval tale. Its imposing walls, which surround the entire old town, offer unrivaled views of the Adriatic Sea and the terracotta rooftops. During the summer, the city comes alive with festivals, outdoor events, and terraces filled with travelers from all over the world. One of the most recommended experiences is walking along the city walls at sunset or taking a cable car to the top of Mount Srđ to admire Dubrovnik from above. If you’re looking for some relaxation, Banje Beach is the most popular, with crystal-clear waters and views of the old town.
Another Croatian gem perfect for summer is Split, a city that combines Roman ruins with a vibrant coastal atmosphere. Its main attraction is the Palace of Diocletian, a 4th-century building declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. This palace, which is now part of the city, is filled with restaurants, bars, and shops hidden within its centuries-old walls. But Split is also an ideal destination for sea lovers. From its port, you can take excursions to the islands of Hvar, Brač, and Vis, famous for their hidden coves and turquoise waters. For those who prefer to stay on land, Bacvice Beach is perfect for a dip and for trying picigin, a traditional Croatian game played in the water.
The Italian island of Sardinia is a spectacular beach destination, and its two main gateways, Cagliari and Olbia, offer irresistible options for the summer.
Cagliari, in the south of the island, stands out for its beaches like Poetto, with white sand and crystal-clear waters, as well as its old town filled with history and delicious Sardinian cuisine.
To the north, Olbia is the gateway to the luxurious Emerald Coast, home to beaches like Cala Brandinchi and Spiaggia del Principe, famous for their fine sand and transparent waters.
Sicily is an island full of history, spectacular beaches, and unique cuisine. Palermo, its capital, is a vibrant destination with traditional markets like Ballarò, baroque churches, and nearby beaches like Mondello, with turquoise waters and white sand. For history lovers, the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is a must-see.
For travelers looking for something different, the Azores are an amazing destination. Ponta Delgada, on the island of São Miguel, is the ideal starting point to explore volcanic lakes like Sete Cidades, natural hot springs in Furnas, and wild beaches like Santa Bárbara, perfect for surfers. Additionally, this is one of the best places in Europe for whale and dolphin watching.
Southern Portugal is one of the best places for a summer vacation, and Faro is the gateway to the Algarve, a region of spectacular beaches and stunning cliffs. Among its natural treasures, the Benagil Cave stands out, one of the most impressive rock formations in the world, accessible only by boat or kayak. Beaches like Praia da Marinha and Ilha Deserta are perfect for those looking for crystal-clear waters and golden sand. Additionally, Faro's historic center is charming, with cobblestone streets and medieval walls that tell the story of this picturesque town.
10. Tenerife, the volcanic paradise of the Canary Islands
Tenerife is one of the most versatile islands to enjoy the summer. Its diverse landscapes make it an ideal destination for both those seeking relaxation and adventure lovers. In the south of the island, you'll find golden sand beaches like Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos, while in the north, the impressive Playa de Benijo will captivate you with its volcanic and wild surroundings. But what makes Tenerife truly special is the Teide National Park, home to the highest peak in Spain. Climbing Teide at sunset or stargazing in one of the best skies in the world are essential experiences on your trip to Tenerife.
Mallorca, the largest island of the Balearics, is a destination that has it all: crystal-clear beaches, mountainous landscapes, and a rich cultural offer. If you're looking for sun and sea, you can't miss Cala Varques, Caló des Moro, or Playa de Formentor, true paradises with white sand and turquoise waters. For nature lovers, the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers impressive hiking trails and viewpoints with spectacular views. In Palma, the capital, the imposing Catedral de La Seu and the historic old town are must-visit attractions. And, of course, the local cuisine is a delight: try the ensaimada and fresh seafood tapas at the coastal markets.
If what you're looking for is a summer of paradisiacal beaches, crystal-clear waters, and absolute relaxation, Punta Cana is the perfect destination. Located on the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic, this region is famous for its kilometers of white sandy beaches and turquoise sea, ideal for disconnecting from the world and enjoying the Caribbean sun. Places like Playa Bávaro, Macao, or Juanillo offer an idyllic setting with calm waters, perfect for swimming or snorkeling among coral reefs. But Punta Cana isn't just about the beach: the more adventurous can explore the Los Haitises National Park, with its stunning landscape of mangroves and caves with Taino art, or take a dip in Hoyo Azul, a cenote of crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush vegetation.
For 2026 we have prepared a selection of destinations that are ideal for your summer holidays.
If you're looking for sun and sand, this summer we recommend Faro, Madeira and Azores in Portugal; Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu and Crete (Greece); Bari, Cagliari y Olbia in Italy; Dubrovnik and Split, in Croatia; Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil, and Puerto Rico (US).
Do you want to enjoy an authentic American summer? Hop on a direct flight to San Francisco, Washington and Los Angeles.
Bogotá (Colombia), Sao Paulo (Brazil), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Quito and Guayaquil (Ecuador) are the places to be this summer in Latin America.
If you prefer to get away from the heat, how about spending summer in Northern Europe? Stockholm, Oslo, Bergen, Edinburgh and Reykjavik are waiting for you.
Urbanites will be fascinated by the summer light in Porto and Lisbon (Portugal), where there are tons of things to do this time of year; by the charming central European cities like Budapest (Hungary), Prague (Czech Republic) and Vienna (Austria), which are not at all crowded in summer; and by the charm of the small Balkan capitals like Zagreb (Croatia), Ljubljana (Slovenia) and Tirana (Albania).
If you want to enjoy a summer full of art, history and culture, don't miss our destinations in Italy: Rome,Venice, Florence, Turin, Venice, Palermo or Catania.
And one last recommendation for this summer: exoticism, culture and gastronomy at our Moroccan destinations: Marrakech, Casablanca and Tangier.
If you want to make the most of the advantages of booking your trip in advance for this summer, but with the peace of mind of knowing that you can change your flights if something comes up over the next few months, choose our Optima or Flexible fares, which include at least the first date change for free.
Travelling as a family in 2026 is very easy with Iberia. As well as a range of options to make your flights more comfortable when travelling with children, we offer you destinations where the little ones can enjoy the beach and the great outdoors, and cities with a wide range of family leisure options or that are perfect for getting children interested in art and history! Filter the map by the "Family" category and discover our recommendations for your summer holidays.
If you want to enjoy special discounts, flight upgrades and other advantages, sign up for Iberia Club, the Iberia loyalty programme. It's free, and just for signing up you'll have access to exclusive tickets, priority on waiting lists and other benefits.
