Planning your 2026 summer holiday? As a travel journalist, I have explored continents and compiled a list of top destinations, many just a short flight from Cardiff Airport. From sunny Spanish beaches to cultural gems in Eastern Europe, these spots offer something for every traveller.
Benalmadena, Costa del Sol
Sunny Benalmadena on the Costa del Sol is a popular choice, with TUI holidays available from Cardiff. The town offers three distinct areas: the hilltop Pueblo, central Arroyo de la Miel, and seaside Costa. Enjoy a 10-kilometre stretch of sandy beaches, the palm-lined promenade, and the Puerto Marina with its shopping and Sea Life aquarium. Don't miss the 33-metre Buddhist Stupa, Colomares Castle, and the cable car to Mount Calamorro.
Paphos, Cyprus
Paphos, on Cyprus's southwest coast, is a lively coastal city with a temperate climate. Fly from Cardiff with TUI. The city is divided into Kato Pafos (tourist-oriented) and Ktima (upper town). Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, mosaics, and beaches. Embrace the contrasts for a memorable trip.
Alicante, Spain
Alicante, on Spain's southeastern coast, offers over 300 days of sunshine. Flights from Cardiff start at £29.99 one-way. Visit Santa Bárbara Castle, the Explanada de España with its wave-like tile pattern, and beaches like Postiguet and San Juan. Explore the Archaeological Museum and enjoy tapas. Book an evening tapas tour for authentic local cuisine.
Faro, the Algarve
Faro is the gateway to the Algarve, offering history, culture, and peaceful exploration away from crowds. Wander cobbled streets, visit neoclassical architecture, and enjoy seafood restaurants. Take a bus to Praia de Faro for sunbathing. Faro is an excellent base for day trips across the Algarve.
Baltic Coast, Poland
Poland's Baltic coast offers golden beaches, cliffs, and spa towns. Sopot features Europe's longest wooden pier, the Sopot Pier, stretching 511.5 metres into the Bay of Gdańsk. Enjoy soft sands, leafy parks, and a lively seaside atmosphere. The coast is known for amber collecting, with world championships held here.
Letojanni, Sicily
Letojanni is a charming seaside town on Sicily's coast, offering a quieter escape than Taormina. Enjoy long beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a palm-lined promenade. Dine on fresh seafood, pasta alla Norma, and cannoli. Use it as a base to visit Taormina's ancient Greek theatre or hike Mount Etna.
Braga, Portugal
Swap Lisbon for Braga, Portugal's oldest city and a spiritual hub. Visit Bom Jesus do Monte, a UNESCO-listed sanctuary with grand staircases and the world's oldest water-powered funicular. Enjoy upscale dining at Cozinha da Se or budget eats at Frigideiras do Cantinho, where a glass floor reveals ancient Roman ruins beneath your feet.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, Hungary's affordable capital, offers thermal spas, ruin bars, and a vibrant nightlife. The Danube divides Buda and Pest. Visit Széchenyi Baths for relaxation. Explore ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter for cheap drinks. Római Part provides a riverside escape with boating, beer, and burgers.
Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor is a 'destination dupe' for Dubrovnik, offering similar scenery without the crowds. This UNESCO-listed town features cobbled streets, Venetian palaces, and a fjord-like bay perfect for boat trips. Explore nearby Perast for its churches and palaces.
Epic Universe, Orlando
Universal's Epic Universe, a £5.7 billion theme park, is fully open in 2026. Explore five themed worlds: Celestial Park, Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, Super Nintendo World, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. Highlights include the Stardust Racers roller coaster and the Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry ride. Purchase single-day or park-to-park tickets.
Essaouira, Morocco
Essaouira offers over 300 days of sunshine, cheap spas, and flights from £29. Explore the UNESCO-listed medina, Skala de la Ville ramparts, and Game of Thrones filming locations. Enjoy surfing lessons at Loving Surf Kite & Surf School for just 15 euros. The town is a budget wellness spot with hammams and surfing schools.
Tampere, Finland
Tampere, the sauna capital, offers a steamy summer break. Visit Rajaportin, Finland's oldest working public sauna (built 1906). Explore the Vapriikki Museum Centre, housing multiple museums including the Natural History Museum and Finnish Hockey Hall of Fame. Tampere combines natural beauty with industrial heritage.
Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina
Sarajevo boasts an east-meets-west vibe with Austro-Hungarian architecture and intriguing museums. Visit Baščaršija old bazaar and try cevapi. The Sarajevo Tunnel Museum offers insights into the Bosnian war. The city's rich history and resilience make it a fascinating destination.
Eindhoven, Netherlands
Swap Amsterdam for Eindhoven, known for its design prowess. Explore the Strijp-S district, a former Philips industrial area turned creative hub. Stay at the stylish Kazerne Hotel, housed in a former military barracks. Eindhoven offers contemporary art, cutting-edge design, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Waterford, Ireland
Waterford, Ireland's oldest city, founded by Vikings, is a hidden gem. Explore the Viking Triangle with Reginald's Tower and award-winning museums. Visit Waterford Distillery for whiskey tours. The city offers medieval streets, craft workshops, and a vibrant culinary scene.
Dalaman, Turkey
Dalaman features the stunning Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz, one of Turkey's most photographed beaches. Jet2 operates direct flights from Bristol from £48. Enjoy affordable hotels and cheap beer (£1.50). The region offers sun-soaked paradise with crystal-clear waters.
