Cruising during summer: Five unmissable destinations

Summertime is perfect for beach bathing and blue-sky gazing, with warmer climes and longer days to enjoy during your cruise. Each destination becomes a melting pot of sunny vistas, but which are worth taking a trip to in 2018?

Whether they are great for wildlife spotting or coastal relaxation, here are our favourite destinations you can’t miss out on this summer.

Sardinia

Boasting vibrant vistas and sandy shores, Sardinia is a prime destination to seek out during the summer months. The island is situated off the west coast of Italy; perfectly placed in the centre of the Mediterranean for snorkelling and exploring the landscapes both above and below the surface.

During summer 2018 cruises you can spend your morning sampling the local delicacy of bottarga (cured, air-dried fish roe), before relaxing on the beaches of Costa Smeralda or Aruttas throughout the afternoon. Summer cruising here also offers a window into the history of Italy, with the Bronze Age complexes of nuraghe added to the UNESCO World Heritage list, and found at the archaeological site of Su Nuraxi di Barumini.

Nova Scotia

The summer months bring warm weather and bright sunshine to Canada. Visitors flock to the country’s remote regions, exploring vast lakes, valleys and rainforests where you can hike, cycle and even camp – fully experiencing the Canadian wilderness for yourself.

Many cruises to Alaska will include Canadian ports, especially those within Nova Scotia where you can explore the Cabot Trail under the summer sun. This is one of the region’s most popular recreational activities and winds along roads which pass impressive cliffs views and soaring eagles. Or you can enjoy deep sea fishing and visit Peggy’s Cove in Halifax, for adventures both on the ocean and in quaint local fishing villages.

Galapagos

The Galapagos is perfect for summertime cruising as the warmer months bring the islands’ mammals and marine life out into the open. During the summer months, the Humboldt Current brings cooler waters along with humpback whales and penguins, who migrate for the season – with the highest concentration of whales seen in June.

The islands are the reason behind Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, with famous wildlife such as marine iguanas, the Galapagos tortoise and Darwin’s finches presented within the theorist’s ‘Origin of Species’. The islands are located at the confluence of ocean currents which bring together an ecosystem like no other – perfect for lovers of nature and wildlife.

Northern Europe

Regions throughout Northern Europe offer sublime cities and natural wonder aplenty, from fairy-tale Baltic towns to the Norwegian fjords. Outdoor activities are popular across Northern Europe, with much of the landscape suitable for gentle bike rides and hiking. Walk among the wildflowers and peer between the pine forests as you explore these adventurous northern delights during the warm summer months.

Visiting Finland over summer is perfect for following the sun, with Helsinki reaching over 18 hours of sun per day between June and July. Estonia’s capital city of Tallinn is another top choice for a charming coastal holiday, with temperatures rising higher than the UK’s south coast – great for a quick city break during the school holidays. For an alternative sun-fuelled cruise, set sail to the coast of Norway where you can experience the midnight sun from May to July, when a golden glow settles across the landscapes of this beautiful country.

Cape Verde

Beatrice Tiberi / Flickr.com, CC BY-ND 2.0

A hidden gem off the coast of west Africa, Cape Verde is a prime summertime destination offering its own paradise on a plate. Also known as Cabo Verde, this region is home to cobbled streets leading to luscious landscapes, surrounded by soft white beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Spend your summer months shark spotting on the island of Sal at Shark Bay, where lemon sharks gather in large numbers. Explore the fishing village of Santa Maria, where an 8km stretch of white sands provides the perfect sanctuary to relax or venture into the craft shops and pastel-coloured buildings.

During the summer, countries come alive with adventure and entice you in with their cultures and cuisines. Experience life in stunning cities and towns under the illuminating sun, as you voyage to bright vistas and beyond – exploring fascinating ruins, roads and red-hot beaches on your journey to these unmissable summertime destinations.

Have you ticked any of these off your summer cruise checklist? Where is your favourite summer destination? Let us know in the comment box below.