Paradise Destinations for a Summer Holiday: 5 Islands for 2027

Which paradise destinations are best for a summer holiday from Europe? For July and August, the paradise destinations that work best are the ones in their dry season at exactly that time: São Tomé and Príncipe, Sal Island in Cape Verde and Zanzibar. They have light-sand beaches, warm water and heat without rain. In this guide we compare each paradise island: flight time, what to expect from the beaches, how much it costs and who each one suits.

How to choose a paradise destination for summer

Not all paradise beaches are at their best in August. In the Caribbean and South-East Asia, the European summer coincides with the rainy and hurricane season. Before booking, check three things:

• Dry season: the destination should be in its dry season between June and September.
• Flight time: with 8 or 9 days of holiday, a direct flight makes a big difference.
• Type of holiday: resort and sun lounger, or beach with nature, a guide and discovery.

1. São Tomé: deserted beaches and forest

From June to September, São Tomé is in the gravana, the dry season: less humidity, clear skies and temperatures around 25 °C. It is the closest paradise destination on the Equator to Europe, with a direct flight from Lisbon in about 6h30, and there are no crowded beaches.

• Beaches: Praia Inhame, Praia Piscina, the Blue Lagoon and the beaches of Rolas Islet, home to the Equator Monument.
• Beyond the beach: cocoa plantations, waterfalls, Pico Cão Grande and the forest of Obô Natural Park.
• Who it suits: couples, families and anyone who wants a beach with more than a resort.

Our summer holidays in São Tomé and Príncipe last 9 days, with direct flights from Lisbon, 3 nights at Roça Santa Luzia, 3 nights by the sea at Inhame, half board and a guide, from €2,350 per person. There are fortnightly departures from June to September 2027. See all the beaches in beaches of São Tomé and Príncipe.

2. Príncipe Island: the wildest paradise

Príncipe Island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and has some of the most beautiful beaches in Africa, such as Praia Banana. There are hardly any roads and no mass tourism: you get there on a short domestic flight from São Tomé.

• Beaches: Praia Banana, Praia Macaco and bays reachable only by boat.
• Who it suits: honeymoon, and anyone looking for total seclusion.

You can combine both islands on the tour São Tomé and Príncipe Island in 9 days, from €2,950.

3. Sal Island: beach 4 hours from Lisbon

Sal Island is the quickest beach destination for guaranteed heat: about 4 hours' flight, no significant time difference and all-inclusive hotels on Santa Maria beach.

• Beaches: Santa Maria and Ponta Preta, with turquoise water and constant wind, great for kitesurfing.
• Who it suits: families with children, restful weeks and tighter budgets.

See the Sal Island, Cape Verde programme, from €850.

4. Zanzibar: all-inclusive on the Indian Ocean

From June to October, Zanzibar is in its dry season and the Indian Ocean is calm and clear. The flight is longer, with a stopover, but the reward is very white sand beaches and famous sunsets.