Sun, fun and festivals: four dreamy destinations to explore this summer

Bologna

Bologna is a great pick if you want to combine your love of events, food and outdoor living. For any culture lovers, summer in Bologna is packed with things to do. If you like popular music, check out the Porretta Soul Festival offering a great selection of soul, funk, and rhythm & blues. For movie aficionados, the Il Cinema Ritrovato film festival held annually features classic titles and cinematic masterpieces of all genres.

Bologna is one of the food capitals of Europe. The Italian Food Theme Park Fico hosts many food-related events from pasta courses to wine tastings throughout the year. And of course, there is no summer in Italy without a scoop, or ten, of gelato. Try Cremeria Santo Stefano or Gelateria Gianni.

Even though Bologna isn't on the coast, you can still dip your toes in cooling waters. The locals flock to the Piscina Sterlino or Free Beach pools. You can also make the most of summer weather in beautiful parks such as Giardini Margherita or Villa Spada.

Nice

For summer music festivals and events, Nice is a great destination. The season is kicked off by The Fête de la Musique all around France. In July, there is the Nice Jazz Festival, one of the top music events in Europe. In August you can dance the night away at the Crossover Music Festival.

When you reach your party limit, consider spicing up your holiday with an unforgettable sailing experience. You can charter a boat with or without the crew; boats are available from the very simple to the utterly luxurious. Certain guided boat tours include visits to secluded coves and beaches.

After soaking up the sun, reward yourself with authentic Salad Niçoise, served right where it originated. Try the classic at Chez Acchiardo. The one at Le Tchitchou is great too, with plenty of sun-ripened tomatoes and anchovies. Remember to choose some ice-cold local rosé to wash your salad down with.

Kraków

The combination of warm temperatures and abundant daylight makes summer an ideal time to explore Kraków also beyond its historical significance. The second-largest city in Poland offers a myriad of cultural events, culinary delights and exhilarating nightlife making it an irresistible destination during the summer months.

As thousands of students and many tourists flock to the city to enjoy the lively atmosphere, Kraków’s nightlife takes the crown as the most vibrant in all of Poland. Choose between the Old Town bustling with global crowds or the Jewish Quarter, each corner infused with its own special ambience.

Don’t limit your exploration to just nighttime – the Old Town and the Jewish Quarter, Kazimierz, offer plenty to see and do during daylight hours. To maximise your time and energy, consider renting a bicycle or a scooter to enjoy the city on two wheels. There are apps like Bolt that you can download beforehand – you just need to create an account and you’re good to go.

If you want to combine sightseeing with light activity, the Vistula River has wide, calm flows that make kayaking a pleasant and easy experience even for the very beginners. Enjoy the green nature and stunning landmarks like the Wawel Castle as you paddle your way through Kraków.

Venice

Venice is a classic for a reason. What could be a better way to spend your summer days than a romantic gondola ride through the narrow channels of the Renaissance city followed by delicious cicchetti and a spritz? There’s so much to see in Venice you could easily spend numerous days just wandering around the iconic streets and admiring all the sights and art the city has to offer.

If you’re a Venice regular, consider leaving the city and heading to the seashore or the other islands like Burano and Torcello often dismissed by visitors enchanted by the architecture and art of central Venice. You can still stay in Venice and take advantage of the huge selection of accommodation and restaurant options while having your off-site adventures during the busiest times of the day.

The weather can get too hot in July and August, so try to visit before or after the highest seasons for more comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. If you decide to brave the steamy weather, learn from the locals and try to stay indoors or have a siesta during the hottest hours of the day.