Cool summer getaways across Europe as heat waves peak

Travel writers note a growing "coolcation" trend as Europeans seek vacation spots where July temperatures stay moderate. Destinations that benefit from maritime influence, altitude or northern latitude are being promoted as alternatives to the traditional sun‑bathing hotspots.

The Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey offer mild summer weather, rugged coastlines and outdoor activities such as surfing and hiking. Western Sweden's Bohuslän archipelago, with its colourful fishing villages, also remains cooler than the Mediterranean. In France, Brittany's coast – especially Morbihan, the Pink Granite Coast and Lorient – benefits from Atlantic breezes, providing comfortable beach and coastal trail conditions.

Mountain resorts provide another refuge: Innsbruck in the Austrian Alps and the Andorran town of Canillo in the Pyrenees deliver cooler air and alpine lakes. Further afield, Italy's Alta Badia in the Dolomites, Portugal's green Minho region, Spain's Rioja wine area, and Greece's Pelion peninsula are highlighted for their pleasant summer climates, scenic landscapes and culinary attractions.