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Jo is an award-winning travel journalist and hiking holiday enthusiast. Her specialisms include sustainable travel and money-saving advice.
It’s no surprise that our yearning for a traditional summer beach break is waning. Last summer was Europe’s fourth hottest on record, with temperatures soaring above 40°C in Spain, Portugal and France.
Natural disasters and extreme weather events, such as monsoon floods, earthquakes, droughts and wildfires are also on the rise.
More than 80% of Europeans say that concerns over climate change have caused them to adjust their holiday plans, according to the European Travel Commission (ETC).
Wondering where you can enjoy a more temperate climate on the continent? Discover the beauty of hiking in the Polish Lake district or bathe in hot springs on a volcanic Portuguese island.
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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Why go? This part of the world is best known as Dracula territory: Transylvania’s Bran Castle was supposedly the inspiration for the blood-thirsty count’s lair, despite Bram Stoker never having stepped foot in Romania. The legend stuck and the enigmatic castle, founded by Teutonic knights in the 13th century, remains a tourist hotspot. Built on a clifftop and backed by the forested Carpathian mountains, the stone fortress - with its imposing turrets and towers - certainly looks the part.
But there are countless other reasons to visit this wild region of central Romania. The medieval city of Brașov is the ideal base; its main square Piata Sfatului lined with ornate Baroque townhouses. The nearby gothic Black Church got its names after its exterior walls were scorched by fire in 1689.
Temperatures are likely to hover around the low 20s in summer; ideal conditions to hike among the steep limestone ridges and dense spruce forests of the Piatra Craiului National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for its resident brown bears, wolves and lynx. There are also 270 species of butterfly.
When to go The summer months are ideal for hiking in the Carpathians, but you can enjoy fewer crowds in September.
Why go? Apart from the many new, direct flight routes to Georgia launched in recent years,the completion of a new paved road in 2024 has made travel into the Caucasus mountains a lot less arduous. And yet this region at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, between the Black and Caspian Seas, is still largely unknown.
The wildflower filled Alpine meadows of ancient Upper Svaneti are spectacular, backed by craggy snow-capped peaks and glaciers.
Then there are the otherworldly Svan towers, defensive stone dwellings built between the 9th and 12th centuries to protect against invasion and neighbouring blood feuds. The best-preserved are found at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ushguli, clustered eerily on the hillsides. Visit the Georgian Orthodox Mother of God church while you’re there and marvel at the fading frescoes on its vaulted ceilings.
While the Georgian capital Tbilisi can sizzle in summer, the mountains stay pleasantly mild. Fuel your hikes with Georgia’s famous cuisine; cheese-filled khachapuri bread and khinkali stuffed with meat, potatoes, mushrooms or cheese.
The country is also one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world. Its orange wines are particularly celebrated: the skin-contact fermentation in clay pots giving it its distinctive amber colour.
When to go July to early September is the best time to enjoy the high-altitude trails and explore the ancient villages of this remote region.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| Daily high °C | Daily hours of sunshine | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Tasmania, Australia | 20 | 8 |
| February | Bahamas | 25 | 8 |
| March | Madagascar | 25 | 6 |
| April | Buenos Aires, Argentina | 22 | 7 |
| May | Essaouira, Morocco | 20 | 9 |
| June | Madeira, Portugal | 20 | 6 |
| July | Nova Scotia, Canada | 22 | 7 |
| August | Gran Canaria, Spain | 26 | 9 |
| September | San Francisco, USA | 22 | 9 |
| October | Shimla, India | 21 | 8 |
| November | Cape Town, South Africa | 22 | 10 |
| December | Bay of Islands, New Zealand | 22 | 7 |