9 European summer destinations to beat the heat

If you don't love hot weather, you may want to reconsider booking a trip to typical European summer vacation destinations this year.

Greece experienced two of its longest-lasting heat waves in 2023 and 2024. In Athens, the Acropolis was closed to visitors for several afternoons last July as temperatures soared above 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Last August, the Italian government issued red alerts for extreme weather across nearly two dozen cities from Palermo in the south to Trieste in the north. Near Dubrovnik, Croatia, the Adriatic Sea hit a record 86 degrees Fahrenheit in July.

Of course, you don't have to steer clear of Europe entirely if you prefer milder climes.

In TPG's 2025 Travel Trends report, the luxury travel consortium Virtuoso told us demand increased significantly between the summer of 2023 and 2024 for northern European destinations like Iceland (up 62%), Finland (up 150%) and Norway (up 89%). For the same period, interest waned for southern European destinations like Greece (down 17%) and Italy (down 2%).

This "coolcation" trend isn't going away. Virtuoso recently reported a 263% year-over-year increase in travel booked for this summer to European destinations with moderate climates, including Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

For more inspiration to escape the oppressive heat and humidity — or even find snow and sweater weather — consider a trip to any of these nine European destinations this summer.

Lapland, Finland

Average high temperature in July: 71 degrees Fahrenheit (for Rovaniemi)

This northern region in Finland is often thought of as a winter wonderland — particularly the Finnish town of Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus. But Lapland is also a pretty magical place to spend the summer.

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With sunlight lasting up to 24 hours, you shouldn't expect to see the northern lights during a summer visit, but you can hike or bike through the Arctic wilderness here at pretty much any time of day.

TPG tip: Many visitors, including domestic Finnish tourists, stay in cabins, but there are a few hotels in the region. The Arctic Treehouse Hotel near Rovaniemi has a collection of stand-alone stilted "nests" with picture windows. Bookable via Hyatt's Mr & Mrs Smith partnership, rates start at $267 or 20,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Iceland

Average high temperature in July: 58 degrees Fahrenheit (for Reykjavik)

Iceland is certainly not an under-the-radar destination, with big-name hotels — looking at you, The Reykjavik Edition (rates start at $623 or 78,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night in the summer) — and dozens of cruise itineraries. But for a cool-weather summer vacation, the island nation is a pretty ideal spot, with temperatures in the 50s from June to September.

To escape the high-season crowds — and recent volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula — rent a car and make for the Ring Road that circles the country. The farther you get from Reykjavik, the less crowded it'll be. Visit small towns and villages, swim in a local pool or hot spring, and hike along volcanic hills or black-sand beaches. (Reynisfjara is a favorite, but Diamond Beach by the glacial lagoon Jokulsarlon sparkles with ice.)

TPG tip: Are you looking for something even more remote? Head to Iceland's central highlands and stay at the Highland Base Kerlingarfjoll. The property's geothermal baths are a welcome respite after hiking in the wilderness of Asgardur Valley. Rates start at $578 per night this summer.

Edinburgh

Average high temperature in July: 66 degrees Fahrenheit

Scotland's capital makes a great city getaway in the summer. Edinburgh's temperatures usually max out in the 60s in July and August, which is perfect for city strolling. Wander the cobblestone streets, visit Edinburgh Castle or stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

When you've had enough of city life, take day trips into the Scottish countryside or seaside. Linlithgow Palace — the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots — is just 20 minutes from Edinburgh by train, while the oceanfront town of North Berwick is just 30 minutes away by train.

TPG tip: The city has no shortage of luxury hotels, but for something more unusual, consider Fingal Hotel, a converted supply ship docked in the Leith port district (rates start at $484 per night in the summer). Or use your points at The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton. Rates start at $471 or 95,000 Hilton Honors points per night this summer.

Svalbard, Norway

Average high temperature in July: 49 degrees Fahrenheit (for Longyearbyen)

Travelers most commonly visit the icy Arctic archipelago of Svalbard via cruise ship. If you choose to explore it by land, make your home base the main town of Longyearbyen. From here, you can take day trips to see wildlife (polar bears and walruses and seabirds, oh my!), have a beer at the world's northernmost brewery and go glacier hiking.

Related: 8 things you need to know about Arctic cruises

Bring a hat, coat and gloves, as temperatures often sit comfortably in the 40s throughout the summer. And while this is a popular northern lights destination, remember that you won't be able to see the aurora unless there's darkness at night — and there won't be any in Svalbard until the autumn.

TPG tip: In Longyearbyen, stay at the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, Spitsbergen. Rates start at $322 per night in the summer.

Amsterdam

Average high temperature in July: 72 degrees Fahrenheit

You can take advantage of an abundance of outdoor activities each summer in Amsterdam. Head to Vondelpark, the city's largest park, to picnic alongside locals or attend outdoor concerts. The Hortus Botanicus garden was first planted in the 17th century and, to this day, provides a peaceful escape from the city's rattle and hum.

Amsterdam is also celebrating its 750th anniversary with dozens of cultural events this year, making it one of TPG's top destinations in 2025. On June 21, nearly 10 miles of the A10 ring highway surrounding the city will close to vehicle traffic for a solstice street party. From Aug. 20 to 24, more than 800 seafaring vessels will descend on Amsterdam's waterways for Sail, the world's largest sailing event.

TPG tip: The upcoming Rosewood Amsterdam, set in a historic 17th-century building, is accepting reservations starting June 1. Rates start at $1,037 per night this summer. Book through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts to enjoy perks like free breakfast for two, guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout and a $100 property credit to use during your stay.

The French Alps

Average high temperature in July: 70 degrees Fahrenheit

The French Alps may attract the majority of visitors during ski season, but summer is an epic time to visit. Temperatures hover in the high 60s, making it the perfect balmy escape, full of towering peaks, sprawling meadows and crystal-clear lakes.

One of the highlights of visiting in the summer is the network of hiking trails that traverse flower-strewn meadows and rugged peaks. The hike to Lac Blanc is one of the most popular, thanks to its views of the Mont Blanc range. Mountain bikers will also be able to tackle the region's world-class trails and downhill tracks. There is the Aiguille du Midi cable car for those who prefer to take it slow.

Refuel in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, which offers a rich food scene with hearty raclette, fondue, pastries and local wine.

TPG tip: Like hiking but not camping? Check in to the Four Seasons Hotel Megeve, which has a luxurious spa perfect for tired hikers after a long day on the trails. Room rates start at $687 per night in the summer. Book through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts for benefits including free breakfast for two, a $100 property credit to use during your stay and guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout.

Copenhagen

Average high temperature in July: 71 degrees Fahrenheit

In Denmark, a heat wave is defined as three consecutive days where the average high temperature is over 25 degrees Celsius — or just 77 degrees Fahrenheit. And while that did occur a few times last year in Copenhagen, summer weather in the Danish capital tends to hover more in the "pack a sweater in your day bag just in case" range.

Rent a bike to explore the city's charming neighborhoods and parks, and be sure to save one day for Tivoli Gardens — the amusement park in the city center that inspired Walt Disney to create Disneyland.

Or take a dip in the harbor, which is perfectly safe for swimming and popular among locals. There are several designated spots where it's free to hop in. For a full sauna experience, the bathing club Glaecier opens its sauna and floating pool to nonmembers once a week for about $60 for a 90-minute session. The waterfront wine bar La Banchina also has a sauna for rent (from $81 for a session of 1 hour and 45 minutes for up to eight people). There's also plenty of space on its pier to just sip wine, dip your toes in the water and enjoy the sun.

TPG tip: A new property from the sustainable 1 Hotels — part of the newly rebranded Starwood — is set to open in Copenhagen this summer. In the meantime, it is possible to book Villa Copenhagen, a luxury hotel in the renovated 1912 Central Post and Telegraph Head Office, through Choice Hotels and its many transfer partners. Rates start at $418 or 20,000 Choice Privileges points per night this summer.

Faroe Islands

Average high temperature in July: 55 degrees Fahrenheit (for Torshavn)

Set between Scotland and Iceland, the Faroe Islands are a volcanic archipelago of 18 major islands known for their dramatic cliffs. Due to their remote location in the North Atlantic Ocean, you can expect plenty of wind and rain but never heat, with the temperature topping out in the mid-50s in the summer.

Be sure to pack your sweaters and rain gear before you set out on popular hikes to the black-sand beach near the charming village of Saksun or to see the optical illusion at Lake Leitisvatn that makes it appear to be floating over the ocean.

Summer is also puffin season. The seabirds come to nest on land in May and stick around until August, when they head back out to sea with their new pufflings.

As a self-governing region of the Kingdom of Denmark, there are direct flights to the Faroe Islands from Copenhagen on its national airline Atlantic Airways, as well as on Scandinavian Airlines. Or, you can fly on Icelandair from Keflavik Airport (KEF) to Vagar Airport (FAE) directly.

Related: You can now redeem JetBlue TrueBlue points on Icelandair flights

TPG tip: The capital of Torshavn makes a great base for day trips to smaller villages around the islands. Use your Hilton Honors points at the Hilton Garden Inn Faroe Islands, which opened in 2020 and has rates from $263 or 50,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

It's also possible to transfer points to Choice Hotels from multiple programs for a stay at the locally owned Hotel Foroyar, Ascend Hotel Collection (from $188 or 15,000 Choice Privileges points per night). Hotel Foroyar's Ress Spa is opening an outdoor area this summer with both hot and cold pools and a sauna with a view of the city below.

Gota Canal Trail, Sweden

Average high temperature in July: 71 degrees Fahrenheit (for Toreboda)

Built just over 200 years ago, the Gota Canal stretches across a picturesque swath of Swedish countryside from Lake Vanern to the Baltic Sea. With average highs in the low 70s and nearly 18 hours of daylight per day, summer is the best season to experience the region by cycling along the adjacent Gota Canal Trail.

Divided into seven sections spanning nearly 137 miles with plenty of bike rental shops along the way, the canal trail is great for those looking for a short day trip or a longer cycling tour. Plus, just over 54 miles of the trail are along a car-free towpath, making it safe for travelers of all ages to enjoy.

TPG tip: Start in the canal-side town of Toreboda, a three-hour train ride from Stockholm Central Station. From there, join a guided tour through Naar het Noorden, a Dutch cycling holiday company. Its five-day Gota Canal Trail tour includes bike rentals, luggage transport and stays in local inns. Rates start at $1,231 per person.

Related reading:

• Summer travel checklist: 11 things to do now to make your trip great
• Top travel tips to keep your summer trip on track and on budget
• These are the best times to buy an international flight
• The best coastal hotels to visit during your next seaside getaway