Travel experts have shared their favourite cooler European destinations for those looking to escape the scorching summer heatwave affecting much of the continent. While countries like France, Spain, and Portugal have seen temperatures exceeding 40°C, and England recorded its warmest-ever June with a maximum of 37.7°C in Norfolk, these spots offer a refreshing alternative.
Zeeland, Netherlands: A coastal retreat
Chris Oberman, author of the Moving Jack travel blog who has visited 60 countries, recommends Zeeland, the southwestern coastal province of the Netherlands. '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,' he said. '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 and oysters straight from the sea, and walk around on the medieval streets of Veere and Middelburg.'
Lithuania's Baltic coast
Lucy Daltroff, a travel writer with 18 years of experience, recommends the Baltic coast of Lithuania. '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,' she said. Summer temperatures of a pleasant 23°C attract local crowds, though even at the height of the season it is easy to find quiet spots on the sand. Regular direct flights from the UK to Palanga start from £88 return.
Normandy and Chamonix, France
Brandon Shaw, COO and co-founder of The Tour Guy, suggests Normandy's D-Day Beaches, which are a short drive from Paris. 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,' he said. Alternatively, Chamonix sees pleasant highs of around 19°C, set beneath Mont Blanc, offering 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,' Shaw added.
Andorra: Alpine summer in the Pyrenees
Alex Andreichuk, CEO of Altezza Travel, recommends Andorra. '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,' he said. In July and August, day temperatures range between 24-28°C, while nighttime temperatures can 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,' he added. Must-visits include the Mirador Roc del Quer suspended viewpoint, a hike around the Tristaina Lakes, and exploring the old streets and cafés of Andorra la Vella.
Southern Norway: Fjords and midnight sun
Davide Guzzardi, founder of expedition travel company Exped Tribe, suggests southern Norway. 'Escape the scorching European heat by exploring southern Norway, a forgotten gem often overlooked by travellers heading further north to the Lofoten islands,' he said. The route between Oslo, Stavanger, and Bergen blends stunning mountain and sea landscapes. Highlights include Folgefonna National Park and its glacier, the pristine beaches of Åkrasanden, majestic fjords, and the opportunity to camp under the midnight sun.
Faroe Islands: Wild and windswept
Alice Murphy, Metro's Travel Editor, recommends the Faroe Islands. 'The Faroe Islands are only a short flight from the UK, yet they're miles off most travellers' radars,' she said. '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.' After a day of exploring, she recommends dinner at Roks in Tórshavn, rating it 10/10.
Iceland's Laugavegur Trail
Oliver Browne, mountaineer, Atlantic rower, and founder of True Summit Adventures, recommends the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland. '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,' he said. 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.
