If the thought of scorching beaches and sweaty crowds is enough to put you off booking a holiday altogether this summer, a "coolcation" could be exactly what you need.
As heatwaves intensify and wildfires blaze, shade seekers are eschewing Europe's sunniest spots for breezier alternatives. According to a new survey from the European Travel Commission reported in The Guardian, 76% of European travellers are adapting their behaviour to the climate crisis, and 17.3% are avoiding destinations with extreme temperatures.
But escaping the heat doesn't have to be dull. From windswept archipelagos to secluded beaches, these are the very best cooler, quieter destinations in Europe for a memorable summer break.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Edinburgh, Scotland
"Scots may grumble about the cold, wet weather over winter," said Amelia Stout in Time Out, but come summer, Scotland is the "perfect oasis" for those seeking a cooler holiday destination. Head to Edinburgh in August and "you won't get too sweaty legging it from one show to the next" during the world-renowned Fringe festival. From the capital, "outdoorsier types" could consider heading north for a weekend of hiking in the Highlands.
Haarlem, Netherlands
Amsterdam's quieter neighbour serves "a slice of Dutch cool without the sweaty shoulder brushes of strangers", said Natalie Wilson in The Independent. Known for its hofjes (enclosed courtyard gardens) and pretty cobblestone streets, there are plenty of shady spots to escape the midday sun – and temperatures in August rarely go above 19C anyway. Haarlem is also famed for its beautiful tulip fields (visit between late March and mid-May for peak bloom).
Sylt, Germany
A favoured spot among the "German elite", this affluent island in the Frisian archipelago lures travellers with its "pristine pale sands", pinstriped strandkorbs (hooded wicker seats) and "mild microclimate", said The Independent. Add to the mix its "lighthouse scattered peninsulas" and burgeoning collection of gourmet restaurants, and it becomes clear why this "balmy under-the-radar beach break" should be added to your list.
Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius has been "cool for a while now", said Laura Chubb in Conde Nast Traveller, but the addition of its MO modern art museum six years ago really "etched it on the map for design nerds". Despite its burgeoning cultural and foodie scene, Lithuania's capital is still "mercifully off radar" – and doesn't get too hot over summer, either.
Stockholm, Sweden
"Why have you never thought of this before?" asked Conde Nast Traveller. Stockholm is a "hip" European city that's "neither too hot nor crowded come August" – and has plenty of beaches to explore. While temperatures rarely climb above 22C, the light-filled days bring out the locals, who are "picnicking and boating en masse". The cooler summer temperatures are also ideal for cycling, which, "in true Scandi-style, is the best way to get around town".
Oslo, Norway
"No Norway coolcation is complete without exploring Oslo, the home of Scandi-cool," said Time Out. From outdoor saunas to open-air sculpture parks, there is plenty to keep you busy. Combine a visit to the capital with a trip to the Norwegian fjords, where you can hike, fish and kayak among the long sea inlets "scattered along Norway's northwest coast".
Aland, Finland
This Swedish-speaking autonomous region of Finland has "long been established" as a favourite destination among Swedish and Finnish holiday makers, said Miranda Bryant in The Guardian. But in recent years increasing numbers of tourists from further afield are starting to arrive as they seek to avoid the sweltering temperatures of southern Europe. Visitors can go island hopping by boat or kayak, and explore the charming towns by bike.
-
England’s ‘dysfunctional’ children’s care systemIn the Spotlight A new report reveals that protection of youngsters in care in England is failing in a profit-chasing sector
-
Cider farms to visit this autumnThe Week Recommends With harvest season fast approaching, spend an afternoon at one of these idyllic orchards
-
Endangered shark meat is being mislabeled and sold in the USUnder the radar It could cause both health and ecological problems
-
Video games to curl up with this fall, including Ghost of Yotei and LEGO PartyThe Week Recommends Several highly anticipated video games are coming this fall
-
10 upcoming albums to stream during spooky seasonThe Week Recommends As fall arrives, check out new albums from Taylor Swift, Jeff Tweedy, the Lemonheads and more
-
A Spinal Tap reunion, Thomas Pynchon by way of Paul Thomas Anderson and a harrowing Stephen King adaptation in September moviesthe week recommends This month’s new releases include ‘Spinal Tap II,’ ‘One Battle After Another’ and ‘The Long Walk’
-
Don't fly by the seat of your pants. Do it the healthy way with these airborne tips.The Week Recommends Yes to stretching. Even more yesses to hydration.
-
'The Office' spinoff, a 'Mare of Easttown' follow-up and the Guinness family royalty in September TVthe week recommends This month's new television releases include 'The Paper,' 'Task' and 'House of Guinness'
-
One great cookbook: 'Jam Bakes'The Week Recommends A guide to pristine jam-making, plus the baked goods that love them
-
September's books tell of friendship in middle age, teachers versus fascists, and Covid psychosisthe week recommends September books include Angela Flournoy's 'The Wilderness,' Randi Weingarten's 'Why Fascists Fear Teachers' and Patricia Lockwood's 'Will There Ever Be Another You'
-
6 products and apps to help fight jet lagThe Week Recommends Don't let travel fatigue drag you down
