Where to escape the European heat?
Each successive summer in Europe brings new temperature records. In July and August many popular tourist destinations regularly struggle with heatwaves that not only make sightseeing difficult, but can even be dangerous to health. Cities such as Rome, Paris or Barcelona increasingly often experience temperatures exceeding 35°C in the shade, and resting in such conditions becomes a challenge instead of a pleasure.
Not everyone, however, is looking for a summer marked by hot beaches and the heated concrete of big cities. More and more people consciously choose cooler regions of Europe, where you can rest from the heat, enjoy fresh air, a pleasant climate and a calmer pace of life. Such places offer not only relief from the high temperatures, but also plenty of attractions: wild nature, lakes, mountains, cliffs, as well as cities that don't drown in crowds of tourists in summer.
In this round-up you'll find 12 proven proposals for a holiday in Europe that combine a pleasant climate, beautiful landscapes, interesting attractions and comfortable conditions for resting without the heat pouring down from the sky. These are islands, mountains and northern regions alike, which even at the peak of the season offer pleasant temperatures, most often in the range of 12–24°C. We also give practical information: average temperatures, attractions, travel options and the price level in each place.
If you dream of escaping the stuffy air, asphalt heated red-hot and sleepless nights because of the heat in summer – these destinations will be an ideal choice for you.
The Faroe Islands (Denmark) – a cool summer in the middle of the Atlantic
If you're looking for a place where summer resembles spring rather, and nature delights with raw beauty, the Faroe Islands will be a bullseye. This small archipelago belonging to Denmark, located between Iceland and Scotland, offers a stably cool climate even in the middle of the European holiday season. In July and August temperatures rarely exceed 14°C, and frequent rainfall and wind mean the landscape here is lush green all year round.
Average summer temperature:
11–14°C, frequent cloud cover and passing rain, stronger winds.
The most interesting attractions:
- The Vestmanna cliffs – impressive, steep precipices, best admired during a boat cruise.
- Hikes around the islands – picturesque trekking trails, including Sørvágsvatn (the famous "levitating" lake) or Mount Slættaratindur, the highest peak of the archipelago.
- Birdwatching – especially puffins, which readily nest on the cliffs.
- Tórshavn – the smallest capital in Europe, charming wooden houses with grass roofs, great cuisine based on fish and lamb.
Travel options:
- Direct flights from Copenhagen (around 2 hours, the Atlantic Airways line).
- A ferry from Denmark (Hirtshals) to the port in Tórshavn, around 36 hours' cruise.
Price level:
- Accommodation: 80–150 EUR a night (hotels, cottages, guesthouses).
- Food: more expensive than in much of mainland Europe, European standard (dinner from 20–30 EUR).
- Transport: well-developed bus and ferry connections between the islands.
The Faroe Islands are a place for those who value calm, wild nature and a moderate, brisk climate. You won't find crowds, lying on the beach or heat here, but if you dream of a rest in the rhythm of nature, among cliffs and sheep, it's one of the best options in Europe.
Bergen (Norway) – the cool breath of the fjords
Bergen is one of those places in Europe that effectively resist the summer heat. Located on the western coast of Norway, surrounded by mountains and picturesque fjords, the city even in July and August rarely exceeds 18°C. Frequent rainfall and the sea breeze mean the air here is fresh and brisk, and the landscapes full of greenery and dramatic contrasts.
Average summer temperature:
15–18°C, frequent rainfall, a humid and moderate climate.
The most interesting attractions:
- Bryggen – a historic Hanseatic district inscribed on the UNESCO list, colourful wooden houses from the turn of the century.
- The Fløibanen funicular – a quick ride up Mount Fløyen, from where a panoramic view of all of Bergen and the surrounding fjords spreads out.
- Fjord cruises – the nearest fjords are the Sognefjord and the Hardangerfjord, offering spectacular views and a pleasant cooling during the hot European summer.
- Parks and hills around the city – great conditions for trekking, also for less experienced walkers.
Travel options:
- Direct flights from many European cities serve Bergen all year round, with one-transfer connections widely available too.
- Ferries from Denmark (Hirtshals) and Germany (Kiel) – an option for those travelling by car.
- Rail connections from Oslo – the picturesque Bergen Railway route.
Price level:
- Accommodation: 90–160 EUR a night (hotels, guesthouses, Airbnb apartments).
- Food: Norway is among the most expensive countries in Europe (dinner from 20–40 EUR, coffee around 4–5 EUR).
- Transport: public transport well developed, but expensive (bus, ferry and rail tickets at Norwegian prices).
Bergen is an ideal place for people who want to escape the heat in summer and value the closeness of nature, fjord landscapes and Nordic culture. It's a city full of history, with beautiful architecture, wonderful scenic routes and a safe, calm climate. Even in the middle of summer you may need a rain jacket here instead of SPF 50 sunscreen.
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The Isle of Skye (Scotland) – raw nature and pleasant cool
If you dream of spectacular landscapes, wild nature and a holiday away from the heat, the Scottish Isle of Skye is one of the best choices in Europe. Summer here is short, cool and often rainy, and temperatures rarely exceed 17°C. For lovers of trekking, photography, nature and quiet it's a real paradise, where instead of the bustle of beaches and resorts the rush of wind, sheep in the meadows and views that stay in the memory for a lifetime await you.
Average summer temperature:
13–17°C, frequent rainfall, strong winds, a cloudy sky is the norm.
The most interesting attractions:
- Old Man of Storr – the famous, soaring rock formations, the symbol of the island, ideal for a few-hour trek with a view of the sea and hills.
- Fairy Pools – crystalline waterfall pools in the Cuillin mountains, which encourage a brave dip in the icy water.
- Quiraing – an extraordinary, downright fairy-tale geological formation, offering some of the most beautiful walking trails on the island.
- Whisky distilleries – e.g. Talisker, offering tastings and tours of the production facility.
Travel options:
- Flights to Edinburgh or Glasgow, then by car (around 5–6 hours) or bus to Portree – the island's capital.
- The possibility of getting there by train to Mallaig and a ferry crossing to the island.
- The Skye Bridge connects the island with the mainland, which eases car travel.
Price level:
- Accommodation: 60–120 EUR a night (B&B, guesthouses, small hotels).
- Food: moderate prices by British standards (dinner from 15–25 GBP, beer around 4–5 GBP).
- Transport: it's best to get around by rented car, public transport limited, especially outside the season.
The Isle of Skye delights with raw nature, calm and space. Ideal for people who want to escape the hot cities and value contact with nature. Although the weather tends to be capricious, it's precisely the mists, wind and rain that create the unique atmosphere here. It's a place where a rain jacket and comfortable shoes are more useful than sandals and a swimsuit.
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (France) – mountain cool in the heart of summer
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is one of the most famous European mountain towns, located at the foot of the highest peak in Europe – Mont Blanc. In summer, when the south of France struggles with the heat, a pleasant, cool temperature prevails here, and the refreshing Alpine air lets you spend time actively without being tired by the heat. Chamonix is an ideal place for those who are looking for respite in the mountains, both in the form of lazy walks and more ambitious treks.
Average summer temperature:
14–20°C, cool evenings and nights, above 2500 m above sea level even in July there can be snow.
The most interesting attractions:
- The Aiguille du Midi cable car – a ride up to a height of 3842 m above sea level, a panorama of the Alps, the possibility of admiring Mont Blanc up close.
- Mer de Glace – the largest glacier in France, accessible thanks to the rack railway from Chamonix to Montenvers.
- Trekking trips – popular routes around Mont Blanc, e.g. Le Grand Balcon Nord, trails by Lac Blanc lake.
- Mountain biking, climbing, paragliding – Chamonix is a mecca of outdoor sports.
Travel options:
- A flight to Geneva, then a transfer by bus or train (around 1 hour to Chamonix).
- By car through Germany and Switzerland from much of central Europe (a long but well-served motorway route).
- Well-developed rail connections through Switzerland and France.
Price level:
- Accommodation: 70–140 EUR a night (hotels, apartments, guesthouses).
- Food: restaurants from 20 EUR for dinner, prices similar to French ski resorts.
- Transport: well-functioning local transport (buses, cable cars), free buses for tourists with a hotel guest card.
Chamonix attracts not only mountain enthusiasts, but also those who are looking for a place with class, history and beautiful nature. It's one of the few Alpine resorts that buzzes with life in summer too. The climate lets you take a breath from the summer heat, and the rich range of activities means every day here can be spent actively, surrounded by some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in Europe.
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Zell am See-Kaprun (Austria) – cool lakes and a glacier within reach
The Zell am See-Kaprun region is an excellent proposal for people who want to escape the summer heat, but at the same time like to spend time actively in a mountain landscape with access to cool lakes and glaciers. The altitude of the terrain, the closeness of the Alps and the presence of the Kitzsteinhorn glacier mean that temperatures in summer are very pleasant here, especially compared with the sun-scorched south of Europe. It's an ideal base for a calm, active rest in harmony with nature.
Average summer temperature:
18–22°C, cool evenings, pleasant days without tiring heat, on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier there's snow all year round (around 0–5°C in summer).
The most interesting attractions:
- Lake Zeller See – bathing, water sports, boat cruises on the crystal-clear water.
- The Kitzsteinhorn glacier – a year-round ski station, viewpoints, walks on the snow even in July.
- Hikes and mountain bikes – excellently prepared trekking trails, also around the lake and in the high parts of the Alps.
- Alpine cable cars and viewpoints – including Schmittenhöhe, offering spectacular panoramas.
Travel options:
- A flight to Salzburg, then by train or bus to Zell am See (around 1.5 hours).
- Direct rail connections from Vienna, Munich, Innsbruck.
- Convenient access by car on the motorways through central Europe and Austria.
Price level:
- Accommodation: 50–120 EUR a night (guesthouses, hotels, holiday apartments).
- Food: moderate prices, dinner from 12–20 EUR, regional Alpine cuisine (cheeses, cured meats, dumplings).
- Transport: good rail and bus connections, in the summer season free tourist cards offering discounts on journeys and entries to attractions.
Zell am See-Kaprun is a place that combines Alpine cool, access to a glacier, a refreshing lake and plenty of possibilities for spending time outdoors. The region attracts lovers of nature, water and mountain sports and families who want to spend a holiday at a calm pace, away from noisy resorts and the heat. It's a real Alpine classic for summer.
Lapland (Sweden) – an Arctic summer without the heat
Lapland is a region for those who in summer are looking not only for cool, but also for the closeness of wild nature and empty spaces. The Swedish part of Lapland, especially the areas around Kiruna or Abisko National Park, is a place where even in July you can put on a fleece, and the temperature rarely exceeds 18°C. Here summer means white nights, the gentle light of the sun at midnight, quiet, space and the possibility of a real breather from the everyday rush.
Average summer temperature:
12–18°C, pleasantly cool, dry air, nights practically without darkness (the polar day phenomenon).
The most interesting attractions:
- Abisko National Park – one of the most beautiful protected areas in Europe, known for its exceptionally clear air and spectacular mountain landscapes and trekking trails (e.g. the Kungsleden).
- A view of the Scandinavian Mountains – numerous viewpoints, lakes, waterfalls.
- Fishing, kayaking, walks in the tundra – nature in its purest form.
- Sightseeing Kiruna – a city that is gradually being moved because of the exploitation of the iron-ore mine, an unusual example of modern urban planning.
Travel options:
- A flight to Kiruna with a transfer in Stockholm (around 1.5 hours from Stockholm).
- Night trains from southern Sweden, e.g. from Stockholm (around 17 hours' ride, popular among travellers looking for an ecological option).
- The possibility of getting there by car (requires a long route through Sweden or Finland).
Price level:
- Accommodation: 60–130 EUR a night (cottages, guesthouses, tourist hotels).
- Food: Swedish prices, higher than in much of mainland Europe (dinner from 15–25 EUR, coffee around 3–4 EUR).
- Transport: public transport sparse, it's best to rent a car, good route signage.
Lapland in summer offers unforgettable experiences: walks across the tundra, calm without crowds, the closeness of nature, clean lakes and air that you won't find anywhere else. The absence of heat is the norm here, and nature compensates for every kilometre of the journey. It's a place for those who want to really rest from civilisation and the city bustle.
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The Dolomites (Italy) – a cool haven in the heart of the Alps
The Dolomites are one of the most picturesque mountain ranges in Europe and an excellent place to escape the summer heat. Although Italy is associated mainly with a hot summer, it's precisely the northern part of the country, and especially the area of the Dolomites, that offers pleasant, moderate temperatures and spectacular landscapes in summer. It's a paradise for lovers of walking hikes, bikes, mountain lakes and idyllic Alpine towns.
Average summer temperature:
15–21°C, cooler in the higher parts of the mountains, brisk mornings and evenings.
The most interesting attractions:
- Tre Cime di Lavaredo – one of the most recognisable rock formations in Europe, easily accessible, ideal for a full-day hike with fabulous views.
- Lake Braies (Lago di Braies) – a turquoise, Alpine lake among the mountains, one of the most frequently photographed places in Italy.
- Cycling trails – including the legendary Cortina d'Ampezzo – Dobbiaco route, picturesque and suited to every level of advancement.
- Alpine towns – Cortina d'Ampezzo, Ortisei or Canazei offer a pleasant, local atmosphere and excellent conditions for rest.
Travel options:
- A flight to Venice or Verona, then car rental (around 2–3 hours' drive towards the Dolomites).
- Trains to Bolzano, Bressanone, and onward local bus transport.
- Direct access by car through Austria (convenient motorway access).
Price level:
- Accommodation: 60–120 EUR a night (hotels, guesthouses, agritourism farms).
- Food: cuisine combining Italian and Tyrolean influences, moderate prices (dinner 12–25 EUR, coffee around 2 EUR).
- Transport: it's best to have your own car, but the local bus transport works efficiently in season.
The Dolomites are an ideal choice for those who want to spend time actively among mountain landscapes, but without the need to endure the heat. The climate here is fresh, the air clean, and nature delights at every step. It's also a great alternative to the crowded beaches and stuffy Italian metropolises in summer.
The Wicklow Mountains (Ireland) – a green escape from the heat
Located just a few dozen kilometres from Dublin, the Wicklow Mountains are one of the coolest and most pleasant places for a summer rest in Ireland. This picturesque region delights with gentle hills, moorlands, valleys and lakes, as well as a moderate, cool climate that even in the middle of summer rarely exceeds 18°C. It's an ideal proposal for those who are looking for nature, calm, fresh air and want to rest from the bustle of the city and hot resorts.
Average summer temperature:
14–18°C, frequent weather changes, passing rain, pleasantly cool and humid.
The most interesting attractions:
- Wicklow Mountains National Park – dozens of walking trails, routes for cyclists, viewpoints, vast moorlands and mountain valleys.
- Glendalough – a charming valley with lakes, the ruins of a 6th-century monastery, the beautiful "Spinc Trail" with views of the mountains and lakes.
- Powerscourt – gardens and a waterfall (121 m) in one of the most beautiful regions of Ireland.
- Sally Gap and Military Road – picturesque driving routes leading through the most beautiful fragments of Wicklow.
Travel options:
- A flight to Dublin, then car rental (around 45 min drive to the first mountain routes).
- From Dublin there are buses available to Glendalough and some of the main attractions.
- A car remains the most convenient option for getting around the region.
Price level:
- Accommodation: 50–110 EUR a night (B&B, guesthouses, small hotels, cottages).
- Food: Irish pubs, restaurants, moderate prices (dinner 10–20 EUR, beer around 5–6 EUR).
- Transport: it's best to rent a car, public transport limited mainly to the most popular places.
The Wicklow Mountains are an ideal place for people who want to avoid the heat in summer, walk over green hills, listen to the rush of waterfalls and admire wild Irish nature. The easy access from Dublin means you can plan here both a few-day getaway and a longer, calm stay away from the tourist crowds.
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Asturias (Spain) – green Spain without the heat
If, thinking of Spain, you imagine heat, dust and sun-scorched landscapes, Asturias will pleasantly surprise you. It's a green, Atlantic region in the northern part of the country, which in summer offers moderate, pleasant temperatures and lush, abundant nature. Thanks to the influence of the ocean, even in the hottest months Asturias retains a mild climate, which allows comfortable sightseeing, trekking and lying on the beach without the scorching heat.
Average summer temperature:
18–24°C, pleasantly brisk, refreshing winds from the ocean, sometimes passing rain.
The most interesting attractions:
- The green coast Costa Verde – picturesque beaches, coves, cliffs and traditional fishing towns like Cudillero or Llanes.
- Picos de Europa National Park – mountains, lakes (Enol, Ercina), trekking trails, beautiful passes and viewpoints.
- Oviedo – the charming capital of the region, historic pre-Romanesque churches, a friendly atmosphere, an excellent base.
- The cider tradition – the culture of drinking cider (sidra) is an inseparable part of the local identity, you can visit local sidrerías and try pouring "from a height."
Travel options:
- Flights to Oviedo or Santander (from Madrid, Barcelona or other European cities), then car rental.
- Long-distance buses from Madrid, Seville, Barcelona (around 5–8 hours' ride).
- Renfe trains from Madrid to Oviedo or Gijón.
Price level:
- Accommodation: 40–90 EUR a night (hostels, guesthouses, agritourism, 2–3* hotels).
- Food: very affordable prices for Spain (menu of the day 10–15 EUR, cider around 3 EUR a bottle).
- Transport: it's best to rent a car to sightsee the coast and mountains, public transport developed, but not convenient everywhere.
Asturias is an ideal place for those who dream of a green Spain without crowds and without heat. Mountains, ocean, fresh air and excellent cuisine create conditions here for a rest both active and calm. It's a destination increasingly chosen by those who want to get to know the less obvious, but exceptionally beautiful and authentic side of the Iberian Peninsula.
Bled (Slovenia) – a cooler summer by an Alpine lake
Bled is one of the most beautiful and most recognisable places in Slovenia. Although it's a country lying in the south of Europe, thanks to its location in the Julian Alps, Bled offers moderate and pleasant temperatures in summer. Tourists are attracted here not only by the fresh, cool air and the absence of heat, but also by the fairy-tale landscapes: the lake with an island and a little church, the mountains around and a medieval castle on the rocks.
Average summer temperature:
20–24°C, cool mornings and evenings, very good air quality, a pleasant Alpine microclimate.
The most interesting attractions:
- Lake Bled – the iconic view of Slovenia, the possibility of cruises on a traditional "pletna" boat to the island with its picturesque little church.
- Bled Castle – a castle on a rock with a view of the whole lake, a museum and viewing terraces.
- The Vintgar Gorge – a spectacular trail along the Radovna river through wooden walkways and bridges, numerous cascades and waterfalls.
- Rafting, kayaks, bikes – numerous possibilities for spending time actively among nature.
Travel options:
- Flights to Ljubljana, then a bus or car to Bled (around 30–40 min).
- Direct access by car through Austria, with very good road infrastructure.
- Buses and trains from Ljubljana, local transport very efficient and punctual.
Price level:
- Accommodation: 50–120 EUR a night (hotels, guesthouses, apartments, agritourism).
- Food: moderate prices, dinner from 12–20 EUR, the famous creamy dessert "kremna rezina" – around 4 EUR.
- Transport: well-developed local transport, the possibility of renting bikes, boats.
Bled is an excellent place for a calm, active holiday without tiring heat. Here you can walk around the lake, rest among the mountains, try local cuisine and savour landscapes like from a postcard. It's one of those places where in summer you can really take a breath – of fresh, cool air.
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Brittany (France) – a mild climate and a sea breeze
Brittany is one of those regions of France where even at the peak of the season you don't have to fear the heat. The Atlantic climate, cool sea currents and the closeness of the ocean mean that temperatures here are mild, the air brisk, and the breeze refreshing. It's an ideal destination for those who value picturesque landscapes, intimate beaches, cliffs, castles as well as good cuisine and local traditions. Brittany delights not only with the weather, but also with a unique character that distinguishes it from the rest of France.
Average summer temperature:
18–22°C, pleasantly cool, frequent weather changes, a sea breeze, brisk evenings.
The most interesting attractions:
- Saint-Malo – a charming, walled town with beautiful beaches and a rich history of pirates and sailors.
- Mont Saint-Michel – a spectacular abbey on an island, although officially already outside Brittany, often visited on the same trip.
- Hikes along the cliffs – the Côte de Granit Rose, Cap Fréhel, stunning landscapes, lighthouses, views of the Atlantic.
- Celtic culture – festivals, music, legends, the stone circles in Carnac.
Travel options:
- Flights to Nantes, Rennes or Brest, then car rental.
- Ferries from England to Saint-Malo (for those travelling by car from the British Isles).
- TGV trains from Paris (around 2 hours to Rennes, 3 hours to Saint-Malo).
Price level:
- Accommodation: 60–130 EUR a night (hotels, guesthouses, holiday apartments, campsites).
- Food: affordable prices, dinner from 15–25 EUR, local specialities – "galette" pancakes, oysters, cidre.
- Transport: it's best by car, local transport works well between larger towns, less developed on the coast.
Brittany is an ideal destination for those who want to take a breath from the heat and crowded southern resorts. It combines beautiful, wild coasts, interesting cities and charming villages with moderate temperatures and a refreshing climate. It's also an excellent destination for foodies and lovers of history who in summer are looking for something more than just lying on the beach.
Madeira (Portugal) – eternal spring instead of heat
Madeira is a Portuguese island located in the Atlantic Ocean, known as the "island of eternal spring." Thanks to its location and specific microclimate, it offers mild temperatures all year round. In summer, when continental Europe struggles with heatwaves, on Madeira the thermometers rarely show more than 25°C, and the pleasant sea breeze and lush vegetation mean the climate remains fresh and comfortable. It's an ideal place for people who want to combine relaxation with active sightseeing.
Average summer temperature:
20–25°C, pleasantly warm, low humidity, a light wind from the ocean, brisk nights in the mountains.
The most interesting attractions:
- Levadas – a unique system of irrigation channels with hundreds of kilometres of walking routes through mountains, laurel forests and tunnels.
- Pico do Arieiro – a peak at a height of 1818 m above sea level, from which spectacular views of the island spread out, often above the clouds.
- Funchal – the capital of the island with beautiful gardens, the Mercado dos Lavradores market, the Cristiano Ronaldo museum and a rich culinary offering.
- The natural pools in Porto Moniz – volcanic pools filled with ocean water, excellent for calm bathing.
Travel options:
- Direct flights from larger European cities to the airport in Funchal (in season available from many countries).
- Connecting flights through Lisbon or Porto.
- On the spot, car rental eases sightseeing the island.
Price level:
- Accommodation: 50–120 EUR a night (hotels, guesthouses, apartments, quinta – traditional villas).
- Food: very good prices, dinner 10–20 EUR, seafood, espetada (beef on a skewer), bolo do caco (garlic bread).
- Transport: cheap fuel by EU standards, public transport limited, your own car the most convenient.
Madeira is a place for people who are looking for an active rest in moderate temperatures. Mountains, cliffs, banana plantations and vineyards, the absence of heat and a friendly climate mean the island attracts both walking-hike enthusiasts and those who simply want to rest in comfortable conditions, away from the crowded and heated resorts of the continent.
Summary – 12 places in Europe where you'll take a breath from the heat
Europe offers plenty of possibilities for a holiday that doesn't have to mean tiring heat and merciless sun. More and more travellers consciously choose cooler destinations, going for comfort, an active rest, the closeness of nature and fresh air. From the sea breeze of Brittany, through the glacier in Zell am See, to Alpine lakes, Nordic cliffs and Scottish moorlands – the choice is really wide.
The round-up included both less obvious regions, like Asturias or the Wicklow Mountains, and proven classics of cool holidays, such as the Faroe Islands, Bergen or Lapland. Each of these places offers something more than just an escape from the temperature: beautiful landscapes, outdoor attractions, local cuisine and culture, and above all the calm that's so often lacking in the crowded, hot resorts of southern Europe.
If you're looking for an alternative to hot beaches and want to spend the summer in more moderate conditions, these places will work excellently. They're destinations where an airy rain jacket will be more needed than SPF 50 sunscreen, and in the evening you'll appreciate the cool of fresh air instead of looking for air conditioning.
Why is it worth going for cooler destinations in summer?
- Greater comfort of travel and active sightseeing.
- Fewer crowds than in the classic resorts of the south.
- Better sleep and regeneration thanks to the brisk air.
- More space, nature and authentic experiences.
- An alternative for people who cope badly with high temperatures.
Regardless of whether you choose the fjords of Norway, the mountains of Austria, cool Madeira or the Scottish islands, one thing is certain – you'll come back rested, safe from the heat and full of new, inspiring memories.
