Where the olive team are booking their summer holidays this year

If you’re still deciding where to escape to this summer, consider this your ultimate dose of travel inspiration. From laid-back Mediterranean islands and buzzy European cities to far-flung foodie adventures and countryside retreats, the olive team’s holiday plans are packed with dream destinations, standout restaurants and seriously tempting places to stay.

Whether we’re chasing sunshine, seeking out the best local markets or planning entire itineraries around what we’re going to eat (most likely), these are the trips our editors are most excited about this year — and the places we think should be firmly on your radar, too.

For more travel inspiration, check out our guide to where to travel in June, 10 of the prettiest Provence villages to visit this summer or 10 coolcations ideas to escape the heat.

Helsinki, Finland

My cousin lives in Helsinki with his Finnish wife, and I’m planning a late summer visit. It’s one of my favourite summer destinations, particularly for soaking up waterside convivial feels. Kahvila Sinisen Huvilan is a blue hut set back from Töölönlahti Bay, an ideal spot for Finnish blueberry ice cream beneath the birch trees, while a five-minute boat ride off Helsinki’s southern shore is Skiffer, serving huge pizzas topped with the likes of rainbow trout, crayfish and dill. Striking Loyly is a go-to for elevated sauna sessions accompanied by champagne and cinnamon buns.

Hotel Lilla Roberts makes an elegant base in the design district, not far from the Old Market Hall for fresh produce and herby Lohikeitto salmon soup. If you want to swot up on Finnish foods to try while you’re there, one of my cousin’s local restaurateur friends shared this handy guide including some local spots to try. Alex Crossley

Kahvila Sinisen Huvilan, Helsinki, Finland

Marseille, France

I'm off to Marseille in late July with a close group of friends, and I cannot wait. It will be my first time visiting the Provençal capital, and it feels slightly overdue, due to the endlessly positive things I hear about it, from the rugged beaches and turquoise waters to the cool Mediterranean bistros.

A few foodie spots on my list are Café de l’Abbaye for Pastis (an aniseed-flavoured spirit), La Boîte à Sardine for local seafood and Vanille Noire to get my hands on mythical black ice cream made with vanilla and sea salt. Our olive guide to the best restaurants in Marseille has lots more recommendations too.

I'm also looking forward to the simple things: aperitivos on the balcony at golden hour, DIY baguettes on the beach (loaded with cheese, olives, parma ham and artichokes) and wandering along the sun-drenched promenades.

We've decided to book an Airbnb within walking distance of the beach for ease, as we plan to spend most of our time swimming, reading and enjoying apéritifs with a view of the sunset. Helen Salter

The Vallon des Auffes - fishing haven with small old houses, Marseilles, Provence, France

Porto, Portugal

I first visited Porto in 2022 and completely fell in love with the city so I’m really looking forward a return visit this June. It’s Lisbon’s smaller, artier (and I think, cooler) sister. Last time we stayed down by the river in the Riberia district and there’s tons of little cafes and bars to explore – we loved the charming atmosphere and super-fresh seafood rice at Terrerio.

Walk over the top of the Dom Luis Bridge and you can catch a cable car down to the Vila Nova de Gaia side of the river where the port cellars sit – you can book a full tour but my top tip is to just visit the beautiful walled rose garden at Taylor's where you can order a flight of ports and a charcuterie or cheeseboard to linger over. It’s very walkable city and you can cover a lot of experiences in one day – from grabbing a traditional Portuguese snack (like a franceshina, pastel de nata or the bifana) to the more modern drinking and dining scene. Our guide to the best restaurants in Porto has lots of great recommendations for casual spots. Janine Ratcliffe

Porto, Portugal old town skyline from across the Douro River.

Vancouver, Canada

I’m going to Vancouver in July. I went to New York last summer and loved it, so was looking for a similar vibe but didn’t want to go back to America, so looked a bit further north (this olive guide to Vancouver cuisine also heavily inspired me!). I’m looking forward to it being a blend of buzzy city break combined with plenty of stunning scenery to explore along the coast and in the mountains. I'll be exploring the beachy Kitsilano neighbourhood, going on hopeful whale-watching boat trips and summoning up the bravery to do this treetop walk.

I’ve already started saving brunch spots (Jam Cafe and Yolks both have indulgent-sounding pancake stacks) and know I need to get a doughnut from Lee’s at Granville Island Public Market. Vancouver also has Canada’s largest Chinatown so I want to explore Richmond Night Market and go on a dumpling trail. Lucy Roxburgh

Málaga, Spain

I’m heading to Málaga in June for the umpteenth time, but it’s honestly a place I never tire of. We stay at a family member’s flat and I just think it delivers everything you need for a city break: compact and walkable, beautiful old quarter and well-preserved historical sites like the Moorish castle and Roman amphitheatre, plus beaches and a lively gastronomic scene.

Of the latter, the superb seafood and stunning seaside views at El Balneario are a must, as are chilled copas of fino sherry at La Tranca, superb-value tapas at local hidden gem Ancà Er Mejillón and grilled sardines at the beachside chiringuitos. Our local insider's guide to the best restaurants in Malaga has some new places for me to try too. Hannah Guinness

Malaga Cathedral from Plaza Del Obispo at Sunrise with Blue Sky, Malaga, Andalusia, Spain

Colombia

This year I’m skipping my summer holiday in favour of a month-long sabbatical in Colombia in October. With diverse landscapes ranging from cascading waterfalls to verdant coffee plantations and crystalline Caribbean waters, not to mention street food delights and a vibrant music scene to boot, it feels like Colombia has a little bit of everything.

One spot that’s been on my list for a while is El Rio Hostel Buritaca. A jungle paradise on the Caribbean coast, it attracts a wealth of electronic artists both local and international alike for weekly events that’s earned it second place on Hostelworld’s best hostels in South America in 2025.

Before heading to El Rio I’ll be hiking for four days to the ‘Lost City’ – an ancient archaeological site that predates Machu Picchu by 650 years. The end of my trip coincides with Cartagena Independence Festival so I’ll be squeezing in some last-minute street food eats and fiestas to round off my month away. Emily Marten