Destinations

Desire a beach holiday but can’t stand the warmth? These are Europe’s coolest summer escapes

July 17, 2024

Travel by train, bus or ferry to be sure you’re not contributing to global warming.

Desire a summer beach holiday but apprehensive concerning the heatwaves in Europe?

With extreme heat sweeping popular seaside destinations within the Mediterranean and beyond, their appeal is beginning to dwindle.

But don’t unpack your swimsuit just yet. Many beaches in northern and western Europe still have sub-30°C temperatures that can keep your dreams of bearable sun, sea and sand alive.

Listed here are a few of one of the best beach destinations in Europe that aren’t currently hit by heatwaves.

Hike dramatic limestone cliffs in Lagos, Portugal

The sun is shining on Portugal’s Algarve – but most places are only seeing highs of between 24 and 30°C.

With its walled old town, striking cliffs and delightful beaches, Lagos is the proper place for a soothing seaside holiday.

It’s also got plenty for more energetic vacationers – from browsing and mountain biking to mountaineering the Ponta da Piedade Trail. Its wood walkways will lead you to snorkelling off Dona Ana Beach, magical limestone grottos and secluded bays which might be perfect for bird-watching.

As you avoid the high temperatures hitting the Med, make certain you’re not contributing to them: Lagos is reachable from Lisbon in under 4 hours by train with one change in Albufeira.

For even cooler temperatures – reaching highs of 24°C – the northern Portuguese city of Porto offers an ideal mix of urban culture and sandy beaches.

Catch surf and tapas in San Sebastián, Spain

While southern Spain is hit by excessive heat warnings, the north of the country has escaped more calmly. The resort town of San Sebastián currently has highs of between 23 and 27°C, making it an awesome coastal escape from the warmth.

From lounging on the advantageous white sands of La Concha to taking a tummy-rumbling pintxos tour, this Basque city has every thing you might ask of an urban beach holiday.

It’s also the jumping off point for a few of one of the best surf spots in Spain, from Zarautz to Zurriola Beach.

San Sebastián is reachable by train in around five-and-a-half hours from Madrid and Paris.

Ride a horse along the beach in Biarritz, France

Just an hour north of San Sebastián, Biarritz sits on the French side of Basque Country.

With current highs of between 23 and 29°C, this seaside town in southwest France offers a cooler alternative to the country’s Mediterranean beaches.

Similarly to its neighbour to the south, it draws surfers with its long sandy beaches and varied waves. Prefer to remain on dry land? Join a horse riding tour along the coast.

When you’ve built up an appetite, head to Marché aux Halles de Biarritz to take pleasure in fresh seafood, cheese and charcuterie in a energetic market setting.

Direct trains run from Gare Montparnasse in Paris to Biarritz and take just over 4 hours.

Bathe in a geothermal lido in Penzance, UK

The UK isn’t the primary place that involves mind when considering of beach holidays in Europe – but Cornwall on the country’s southwest peninsula hits in a different way.

From famed surf spots like Newquay and Perranporth to the unspoilt coastline of Penzance, this English county draws beach lovers in.

If highs of 18°C still provide you with the shivers, you may warm up within the 30°C+ waters of Penzance’s Jubilee Pool, an Art Deco saltwater lido supplied by a geothermal well.

Climbing to the castle of St Michael’s Mount – a tidal island in nearby Marazion – may even assist you to acclimatise.

Take the eight-hour Night Riviera sleeper train from London to Penzance, waking to sunrise views over the Channel en route.

Explore bogs and pine forests within the resort city of Jurmala, Latvia

One other left-fielder with regards to beach suggestions, Latvia boasts a 500 km coastline dotted with white sands and pine forests.

Head to nature-filled Jūrmala for a large beach graced by highs of 23 to 29°C. Stay in considered one of the town’s iconic Art Nouveau wood seaside villas within the Bulduri neighbourhood – a few of which have been converted into hotels.

Away from the buzzing shops and restaurants of the town centre, Kemeri National Park offers a therapeutic escape with a bathroom boardwalk and sunset views.

Closer to the important beach, Dzintari Forest Park enables you to enterprise into the pine grove’s treetops on 33-metre viewing platforms.

Jūrmala is just 35 minutes by train from the Latvian capital, Riga.