Five summer holiday destinations to escape the heat
Fancy staying away from the heat this summer? Not everyone craves a holiday under the scorching sun and that’s perfectly fine. Suncream, sweat and sand might not be your idea of heaven.
Instead, some people prefer a gentle walking holiday with stunning scenery or a cultural tour of fascinating cities. Here are some of the best destinations to consider if you want to escape somewhere a little cooler this summer.
Salzburg, Austria
While it can get warm in the summer months, Austria’s alpine destinations allow for somewhere extraordinary to cool off. Salzburg is a city near the German border, situated elegantly on the northern boundaries of the Alps.
It offers everything from cultural attractions, including the birthplace and home of Mozart and the Salzburg Festival, to some of the finest walking in Austria through the surrounding mountains. You can cool off in its many fabulous lakes on hotter days.
Inverness, Scotland
With an average temperature of 19° Celsius in summer, Inverness is a great option to enjoy life on the cooler side. It’s the gateway to the Highlands which are an area of spectacular natural beauty and heritage.
Walk along the River Ness through the city and take in the sights of the beautiful Inverness Castle. You can’t visit the city without taking a trip to Loch Ness to do some monster hunting – maybe you’ll be the one to find new evidence of Nessie!
Patagonia, Argentina
If you’re looking to venture a little further afield, Patagonia is a breathtaking region of Argentina. It’s one of the most popular hiking spots in the world with a diverse range of landscapes from staggering mountains and glaciers to vast forests and natural reserves.
It’s a less densely populated because of its size, so it could be perfect if you’re looking to truly get away. For extreme adventurers, head to Ushuaia to board a cruise to Antarctica. Wildlife lovers can lay eyes on all kinds of animals from whales to penguins and other fascinating wildlife.
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France
The French Alps offer a stunning backdrop to Chamonix. At the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps, this commune is a popular skiing resort in the winter but offers just as much during the summer.
It’s a climber’s paradise with 27 peaks above 4,000 meters and plenty more a little lower if you’re just getting started. Walking trails offer superb views of the mountain ranges and water sports enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as white water rafting, canyoning, kayaking and paddle boarding.
Oslo, Norway
Few places offer such a unique summer experience as Scandinavia. Norway’s capital, Oslo, is a place of great culture and heritage. Explore the Viking Ship Museum to see some boats from the 9th century up close and get a taste of life as a marauder.
Immerse yourself in the stunning fjords surrounding Oslo and venture through trails in the forested areas just north of the city. Norway’s fjords are some of the most awe-inspiring natural formations in the world, some more than 1km deep.
Why not explore some of these places if you’re looking to avoid scorching summer sun on your holidays this year?