Where to escape the heat

It’s no surprise that our yearning for a traditional beach break is waning. Last year was officially the world’s hottest on record, marking another summer of droughts and wildfires across Europe. 

Soaring temperatures could render some parts of the world inhospitable. Natural disasters, such as monsoon floods and earthquakes, are also on the rise. 

So are holidays as we know them on the brink of extinction? If you’re thinking of jetting off this summer, it’s time to get creative – whether it’s a lazy time in the Polish Lake District or a Lithuanian city break.

This is our pick of places to visit without risk of the mercury climbing to the high 30°Cs and beyond.

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Lofoten, Norway

Summer high: 17°C

Max daily sunshine: 7 hours

Why go? The Arctic isn’t an obvious choice for a summer holiday, but the remote white sandy beaches of Norway’s Lofoten Islands (north of the Arctic Circle) might change your mind. With summer highs of 17°C, it’s a bit chilly for sunbathing, but you can hike through mountain landscapes and explore fishing villages. 

When to go Most people are lured here by the Northern Lights, but summer brings its own natural phenomenon – the midnight sun. 

For several weeks between May and July, it never gets dark because of how the earth rotates on a tilted axis. To enjoy an experience like no other, take a midnight kayak when the sky is bathed in a deep red-orange glow. Your guide will recount stories of the Vikings and point out seabirds along the way. 

For an extra dose of sunshine, the island of Skovra is known as the ‘Hawaii of Lofoten’ because of its low rainfall and many hours of sunshine. Trollfjord, one of Norway’s most beautiful fjords, is just a boat ride away – its narrow entrance flanked by steep mountain sides.

Looking for more inspiration? These are the best city breaks in Europe as rated by visitors

Lake Bled, Slovenia

Summer high: 21°C

Max daily sunshine: 8 hours

Why go? This tiny but enchanting country wedged between the Alps and the Adriatic is growing in popularity and Lake Bled is its showpiece. This blue-green glacial lake, a short hop from Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, is steeped in folklore. 

Tear-shaped Bled Island sits majestically at its centre, home to the 17th-century baroque Church of the Assumption. Take a pletna (a traditional, wooden gondola) to the island, then climb the 99 stone steps at its foot. 

Legend has it you will be granted one wish if you ring the bell in its Gothic tower three times (and you believe in God). Another Bled must-see is the medieval castle clinging precariously to a cliff edge, where you can sample local wines in its cellar. 

Just be sure to work up an appetite for the local delicacy kremna rezina – a baked cream cake on a buttery, crisp base, which dates back to the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. 

When to go Highs are a pleasant 21°C in July and August, when the lake, which is fed by thermal springs, is warm enough for a dip.

San Sebastian, Spain

Summer high: 24°C

Max daily sunshine: 7 hours

Why go? The weather continues to hot up in the south of Spain, but you can find more temperate climes along with rugged landscapes in the less-explored north. The secret is out with San Sebastian already as it has more Michelin stars per square metre than anywhere else in Europe. 

You’ll find the countertops of its lively bars and restaurants piled high with pinchos, the Basque answer to tapas, with everything from foie gras to fried goat’s cheese skewered on crusty bread. But there’s more to this coastal city than great food. The golden crescent of Playa de la Concha curves towards the old town; its belle époque buildings backed by forested hills. 

Trundle to the top of Monte Igeldo on the funicular for a retro fairground and panoramas of the city. Lesser-known destinations in northern Spain include the Cantabrian coast and the jagged peaks of the Picos de Europa. 

When to go June and September are the best times to visit to avoid the summer crowds, but still enjoy around seven hours of sunshine a day.

Listen to Which? Travel’s journey through nearby Bilbao – also famous for its food scene

Kühlungsborn, Germany

Summer high: 21°C

Max daily sunshine: 8 hours

Why go? Germany isn’t known for its beaches and Kühlungsborn – dubbed the pearl of the German Riviera – is one of its best-kept secrets. Located on the Baltic Coast in the state of Mecklenburg, it’s one of the country’s oldest seaside spa resorts with oodles of old fashioned charm. 

Art Deco buildings and dunes back the wide sandy beach, best explored from the 4km-long promenade that runs parallel and is the longest in Germany. 

Or, cycle to the tiny 100-year-old Bastorf lighthouse for beautiful views of the coast as well as densely forested hinterlands. The Molli, a steam-operated railway, connects the town’s attractions. 

These include a marina where you can browse boutiques and galleries. For a unique culinary pairing, try the currywurst with champagne at one of Edel und Scharf’s bistros, which is famous for its spicy sauce, a closely guarded recipe with 21 different ingredients. 

When to go With highs of just 21°C in summer, there’s little danger of overheating. 

Vilnius, Lithuania

Summer high: 22°C

Max daily sunshine: 8 hours

Why go? The baroque old town in Vilnius, a Unesco World Heritage Site, has high-walled monasteries as well as winding cobblestone streets filled with amber jewellers, craft markets and cheese shops. 

Close to the cathedral, you’ll find the Stebuklas (miracle) tile. According to local legend, it marks the endpoint of the longest, unbroken human chain in history and was formed by two million people in 1989 across Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia to protest against Soviet occupation. 

The Baltic states gained independence soon after. Climb the stairwell to the top of the freestanding belfry for views over the rooftops, with church spires punctuating the skyline. Unlike most capitals, Vilnius is compact, making it very walkable and surprisingly inexpensive. To top it off, there’s also an impressive food scene. 

When to go While Rome and Madrid swelter, Vilnius enjoys pleasant highs in the low 20°Cs. Go now before everybody else catches on.

Azores, Portugal

Summer high: 25°C

Max daily sunshine: 7 hours

Why go? The Azores is a spectacular nine-isle archipelago shaped by volcanoes over thousands of years. The climate is mild in general, but its mid-Atlantic location (800 miles west of mainland Portugal) means you can experience four seasons in a day, so a rain jacket is a must. 

Don’t let that put you off, though. Its landscapes are breathtaking; domed volcanoes, crater lakes and black-sand beaches meet lush green pastures flecked with hydrangeas. After hiking spectacular trails, soak your aching muscles in the iron-rich thermal springs. 

The same volcanic steam cooks the region’s traditional dish, the Cozido dos Açores (Azorean stew), buried in the ground for six to eight hours for a smoky flavour. You can also sample the brews at Europe’s only tea plantation, which has been producing tea since 1883. 

When to go Whale watching is a must between April and August, when humpback, fin and even blue whales fill up on plankton before migrating to the Arctic. Flights to Ponta Delgada on São Miguel take around four hours from London. 

Masuria, Poland

Summer high: 24°C

Max daily sunshine: 8 hours

Why go? Which? members love Krakow, but Poland has plenty more to offer. The Polish Lake District of Masuria is relatively unknown outside of Poland, but is rich in natural beauty. Just a two-hour fast train from Warsaw, the area has more than 2,000 lakes – many of which are connected by navigable rivers and canals – so it’s easy to find your own little corner of paradise. 

And you don’t have to be a sailing enthusiast to appreciate its beauty; Masuria is also celebrated for its lush forests, organic farms and rich birdlife. Familiar with your Polish A-list? Celebrity spot at upmarket Mikołajki, which hosts summertime regattas and an annual sea shanty festival. 

You could also visit Wolf’s Lair, close to the hamlet of Gierłoż – the remains of Hitler’s former military HQ. The now-crumbling concrete bunkers, hidden in a forest, offer a unique glimpse into history. 

When to go September is a great month to visit, when the weather is drier and the summer crowds have thinned and highs usually hover around 19°C.

Dolomites, Italy

Summer high: 21°C

Max daily sunshine: 7 hours

Why go? When temperatures soar, those in the know head for the hills. The Dolomites, in the north Italian Alps, have plenty to offer besides temperate climes. Here, Austrian and Italian influences mingle with that of Ladin – an ancient farming population who settled in the valleys and whose language is still spoken. 

You’ll see the mix of all three cultures in the local cuisine: from Italian pasta and Austrian strudels to the hearty, simple fare favoured by the Ladins – think barley soup rich with pork stock. 

You’ll need those calories to explore the mountainous terrain, from short hikes to multi-day hut to hut adventures. Lago di Braies is a highlight; an emerald lake almost 1,500 metres above sea level and backed by the Seekofel massif. Brave a dip if you dare. 

When to go Cortina d’Ampezzo makes the perfect base and is best known as an alpine ski town. But in summer, the green meadows are filled with wildflowers. Just avoid going in August when you’ll struggle to get a restaurant table and the price of accommodation soars. 

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