Skip to Content
A special Penguin Books logo in celebration of the company’s 90th birthday
Sign up
Sign up
  • Discover
  • Penguin Classics
The Penguin Podcast is back! Listen now
Penguin Shop: 3 Clothbound Classics for £33
  • Home
  • Discover
  • Summer

The best holiday reads

Looking for your next holiday read? We've rounded up the best page-turners set in top European holiday destinations – because there's nothing better than looking up from your book and seeing the story's setting in real life. 

  • Reading lists

    9 beach reads set in Italy

    From chilling thrillers to sun-soaked rom-coms, here is our list of the best books set in Italy.
  • Reading lists

    9 holiday reads set in Greece

    Whether you’re in the mood for a summer romance, a murder mystery or a retelling of an Ancient Greek myth, these are our favourite books set in Greece.

  • Reading lists

    9 of the best books set in Spain

    Whether you’re packing your bags for a Spanish getaway or simply seeking a literary escape, we’ve got just the book for you.

  • Reading lists

    11 of the best books set in France

    Whether you're going to Paris or Provence, we've got just the book for you to pack in your suitcase.
  • Reading lists

    14 books set in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland

    If you’re planning a staycation this summer, we’ve got just the book to match your destination – and get you in the holiday mood.

About us

  • Our storyOpens in a new tab
  • Publishing housesOpens in a new tab
  • Social impactOpens in a new tab
  • Contact usOpens in a new tab
  • Help and FAQsOpens in a new tab

Work with us

  • CareersWE'RE HIRINGOpens in a new tab
  • Getting publishedOpens in a new tab
  • PartnershipsOpens in a new tab
  • Penguin VenturesOpens in a new tab
  • Rights and permissionsOpens in a new tab
  • Sales and distributionOpens in a new tab

Stay connected

Follow penguin

Follow ladybird

Follow puffin

Sign up to the Penguin newsletter

For the latest books, recommendations, author interviews and more

By signing up, I confirm that I'm over 16. To find out what personal data we collect and how we use it, please visit our Privacy Policy

Penguin Random HousePenguin Books Limited
A Penguin Random House Company.
© 1995 – 2025 Penguin Books Ltd. Registered number: 861590 England. Registered office: One Embassy Gardens, 8 Viaduct Gardens, London, SW11 7BW, UK.
  • Privacy policyOpens in a new tab
  • Cookies policyOpens in a new tab
  • Modern slavery statementOpens in a new tab
  • AccessibilityOpens in a new tab
  • Product recallsOpens in a new tab
  • Terms & conditionsOpens in a new tab
  • Pay gap reportsOpens in a new tab
  • Industry commitment to professional behaviourOpens in a new tab