7 travel experts reveal their top European ‘coolcations’

It’s not just the UK that’s sweating through a heatwave this summer – several countries in Europe are experiencing even hotter weather than us right now.

While England recorded its warmest-ever June this year (with temperatures reaching a maximum of 37.7°C in Norfolk), places like France, Spain and Portugal have also endured extreme heat spikes, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in some areas.

The planet’s oceans were hotter than scientists had ever seen them.

The climate news is heavy reading, and the weather sweeping the continent does not make for ideal holiday conditions.

So, we asked a few travel experts to share their favourite destinations for escaping the heat.

From a little-known Lithuanian resort to a tiny Alpine state, these are the places you can visit without fear of getting frazzled.

Zeeland, the Netherlands’ best-kept secret

Chris Oberman (author of Moving Jack travel blog who has visited 60 countries): ‘My choice for a cooler European summer escape is where I grew up: my home country’s best-kept secret, Zeeland, the Netherlands’ southwestern coastal province.’

‘While southern Europe can be incredibly hot at 35-40°C, Zeeland always stays a bit cooler, around 25°C in July and August, thanks to the cooler winds from the North Sea.

‘It has the longest coastline in the Netherlands, with wide sandy beaches at Domburg and Renesse that rarely feel too crowded.

You can cycle on the dikes, eat fresh Zeeland mussels (world famous!) and oysters straight from the sea, and walk around on the medieval streets of Veere and Middelburg.’

Lithuania’s white sand coast

Lucy Daltroff (travel writer with 18 years of experience): ‘I have travelled to 28 European countries, and I’m not sure I have been rewarded with such inviting beaches, beautiful nature and consistently good food as on my recent visit to the Baltic coast of Lithuania.

‘A most wonderfully underrated place, with regular direct flights from the UK to Palanga from £88 return. 

‘Summer temperatures of a pleasant 23°C attracts local crowds, though even at the height of the season I am told it is easy to find quiet spots on the sand.’

Normandy’s historic beaches

Brandon Shaw (COO and co-founder of The Tour Guy): ‘Normandy’s D-Day Beaches are just a short drive from Paris, but while the capital smoulders, summer temperatures here typically peak around 24°C.’

‘The sites where the liberation of France began after World War II welcome travellers together with natural wonders including the iconic chalk arches and dramatic white cliffs at Étretat, as well as belle-époque boardwalks.

‘Alternatively, Chamonix sees pleasant highs of around 19°C. It’s easily reachable from Geneva or Milan. Set beneath Mont Blanc, it offers cool mountain air, hiking, and cable cars up to glacier views.

‘It’s a genuine break from the heat rather than a milder version of it.’

Adorable Andorra

Alex Andreichuk (CEO of Altezza Travel): ‘Andorra is my absolute favourite European country to visit during summer heat. It’s situated high in the Pyrenees, and the whole country sits well above sea level.’

‘This creates a natural cooling effect, so you get to experience Alpine summer at its best. In July and August, you can expect day temperatures between 24-28°C, while nighttime temperatures usually go as low as 14°C.

‘It’s the perfect weather and landscape combination for hiking, cycling, and outdoor adventure holidays. And compared to hotspots in the Alps, it is much less crowded and more affordable.

‘To get a good taste of the country, you should visit smaller mountain villages and high-altitude nature areas.

‘Combined with signature attractions such as Mirador Roc del Quer (suspended viewpoint), a hike around the Tristaina Lakes, and the exploration of old streets and cafés of Andorra la Vella, you’d be in for a real European summer treat.’

Norway’s southern shores

Davide Guzzardi (founder of expedition travel company Exped Tribe): ‘Escape the scorching European heat by exploring southern Norway, a forgotten gem often overlooked by travellers heading further north to the Lofoten islands.’

‘The route between Oslo, Stavanger, and Bergen blends stunning mountain and sea landscapes.

‘Road trips offer perfect views of the Folgefonna National Park and its glacier, and the pristine beaches of Åkrasanden.

‘Drive through majestic fjords, take a refreshing dip in the Nordic Sea, and for the bravest, camp under the midnight sun.’

The Faroe Islands, an Atlantic jigsaw

Alice Murphy (Metro’s Travel Editor): ‘The Faroe Islands are only a short flight from the UK, yet they’re miles off most travellers’ radars.

‘Adrift in the North Atlantic, this 18-piece jigsaw of islands erupts from the ocean about 200 miles north of Scotland and 300 miles southeast of Iceland.

‘It’s wild and windswept, and even in summer, temperatures rarely rise above 13°C.

‘Dwarfed by fjords and mountains that stretch into the clouds, the scenery is breathtaking.

‘There’s also a top-notch food scene. After a day of exploring, head to Tórshavn and have dinner at Roks. 10/10.’

Iceland’s top wilderness trek

Oliver Browne (mountaineer, Atlantic rower, and founder of True Summit Adventures): ‘The Laugavegur Trail in Iceland is definitely one of Europe’s best ‘cooler’ destinations.

‘It’s also one of the best multi-day hikes in the world.

‘Glaciers, hot springs and volcanoes provide the backdrop of this otherworldly landscape.

‘Fly to Reykjavik then drive or take the bus to Landmannalaugar, the trail’s northern start point.’

This article was originally published on July 13, 2026.

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