Sun worshipers visiting Europe need look no further than the Iberian Peninsula, characterized by its miles of sandy coastlines and temperatures that range from pleasant to hot. Both Portugal and Spain (and the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar) are darlings among beach lovers, making them hot (literally and figuratively) summer destinations among travelers from farther north. While there are plenty of gorgeous beaches on the mainland, many people prefer island life, summering on Spain’s Balearic Islands of Mallorca and Ibiza, or Madeira and the Azores in Portugal.

Insider tip: The Iberian Peninsula is great in the winter, too. You can even head up to Andorra for a Pyrenees skiing adventure.