Where to escape from the summer heat? By going somewhere much fresher and less hot than the bleached asphalt in the city. These are the best summer destinations where the heat wave will not overtake you.
Ugh, summer has barely started, but we're already wondering where to escape from the summer heat. Because they are classic holiday ones destinations - including parts of Italy, southern Spain and Greece - 'victims' of a heat wave every year, it might make sense to choose less conventional places for this summer. Take a look at some ideas that promise a cooler environment, either because of proximity to water or a more northerly location.
Oslo, Norway
Oslo, the capital of Norway, is the perfect summer destination for those looking to escape the heat. Located in the far north, Oslo enjoys mild summer temperatures averaging around 20°C. The city is nestled between the Oslofjord and lush green hills, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Temperatures here rarely exceed 25 °C, so even in summer you can spend a large part of the day outdoors. Enjoy hiking in the nearby forests, swimming in the fjord or kayaking the Oslofjord. Oslo is also known for its many parks and gardens, such as Vigeland Park, which has more than 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland.
Photo: Unsplash/Oliver ColeMadeira, Portugal
Madeira, an archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa, offers a unique blend of subtropical climate and mountainous terrain. The high altitude of the island and the Atlantic breeze maintain pleasant temperatures even in the height of summer. Summer temperatures in Madeira typically range between 22°C and 26°C, perfect for outdoor activities. Madeira it is a paradise for nature lovers, who can enjoy everything from walks in the levada and mountain hikes to whale watching and diving. The island is known for its green landscape, including the Laurisilva Forest, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Photo: Unsplash/Tim RoosjenPalanga, Lithuania
Palanga, a charming resort on the coast of the Baltic Sea in Lithuania, offers cool breezes and refreshing waters. This northern gem is popular with locals and connoisseurs as it provides the perfect retreat from the summer heat. Palanga has a temperate maritime climate with summer temperatures of around 18°C to 22°C, and the town boasts long sandy beaches with crystal clear waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Palanga is also known for spas and wellness facilities that offer treatments using local amber. There is even an amber museum nearby.
Photo: Unsplash/Kub LizDolomites, Italy
The Dolomites, a stunning mountain range in northern Italy, offer a cool and refreshing escape from the summer heat. The region is known for its dramatic peaks, alpine meadows and pristine lakes, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Although many people visit it in winter, it is in the summer months that it attracts the majority of tourists. The high altitude ensures lower temperatures, which average from 15 °C to 20 °C in summer. The Dolomites are also ideal for hiking, climbing, cycling and paragliding in summer. In summer, the ski slopes in the region turn into a real paradise for hiking and mountain biking.
Photo: Unsplash/Guillaume BriardSaas-Fee, Switzerland
Saas-Fee, a car-free village in the Swiss Alps, is the perfect summer retreat with its cool alpine climate and stunning scenery. Saas-Fee, surrounded by thirteen four thousand peaks, is often called the "Pearl of the Alps". Summer temperatures here range from 10°C to 20°C, providing a refreshing escape from the heat. This makes the area perfect for many activities including hiking, glacier skiing, mountain biking and rock climbing. You can enjoy a panoramic view of snow-capped peaks, glaciers and alpine meadows. And don't miss the revolving restaurant in Mittelallalin, which offers a 360-degree view.
Photo: Unsplash/Melanie Celine
