By Sarah Marshall
While sunshine is – arguably – crucial for a successful summer holiday, its intensity is now reaching critical limits.
Over recent years, temperatures have steadily climbed to unbearable levels, rendering many traditional beach destinations ‘no-go zones’ throughout July and August.
Summer 2024 was Europe’s hottest on record, with land temperatures a stark 1.54掳C above the 1991-2020 average.
Already this year, Spain and Portugal have registered unprecedented highs of 46掳C for June.
For those who鈥檇 prefer not to burn like a sausage on a grill, finding an alternative holiday option is a priority. According to a recent report from the European Travel Commission, holidaymakers are now seeking milder destinations.
Europe鈥檚 mountains are an obvious choice.
Heidi is one of several ski companies now offering summer breaks at higher altitudes at 20 resorts across Austria, Slovenia, Poland, Italy and France.
鈥淲e genuinely believe people are happier and healthier from spending time in the mountains, come winter or summer. While mountain resorts have cooler temperatures than the most popular hot spots in the Med, they still offer plenty of summer sunshine and swimming opportunities,鈥 says the company鈥檚 co-founder, Marcus Blunt.
Here are a few of the refreshing above-sea-level breaks where it鈥檚 possible to soak up sunshine and swim in freshwater lakes.
Lake Bohinj, Slovenia
Average summer temperature: 25掳C
Celebrated by Lonely Planet as one of the best wild swimming spots in Europe, Lake Bohinj promises refreshingly clear waters and mighty mountain views of the Julian Alps. Located in a glacial valley 500metres above sea level in the Triglav National Park, it鈥檚 a relaxing base for hikes reached by a cable car. Explore the rapids, waterfalls and imagination-bending rock formations of the Mostnica Canyon and look out for signs of lynx, bears and wolves. Wind down at Hotel Bohinj, close to the lake, where a wellness centre features a Finnish and Turkish sauna.
How: A four-night B&B stay costs from at 拢1,195 per person sharing, including three evening meals, flights to Ljubljana and transfers.
Visit regent-holidays.co.uk.
Alta Badia, Italy
Average summer temperature: 18掳C
There are more than 400km of signposted trails in this area of the Dolomites, at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,250 metres, accessible by more cable cars than ever this summer. An Alta Badia Summer Card (鈧90/拢77 per adult, 鈧63/拢54 for those aged 8-16, and free of charge for under eights) gives access to the lifts and it鈥檚 also possible to sign up for guided hikes at the tourist board. A 40-minute hike from the Gardenacia cable car, the Gardenacia refuge offers bargain stays from 鈧65/拢56pp per room, with an onsite sauna available for an additional cost. Spend any saved pennies on gourmet meals and one of the region鈥檚 famous dining huts.
How: Visit altabadia.org.
Carinthia, Austria
Average summer temperature: 28掳C
For several centuries, travellers have retreated to the shores of Lake W枚rthersee in Carinthia to cool off during the heat of summer. A grand dame of the Austrian Riviera, former 17th century castle Schloss Velden now operates as a luxury hotel surrounded by elegant, landscaped gardens. A private beach gives access to the lake and motorboat rides depart from the hotel鈥檚 own marina. From the lake鈥檚 midpoint, it鈥檚 possible to see the mountain borders with Italy to the west and Slovenia to the south. Find even more respite from the heat with a visit to Kranzelbinder gem store and fossil museum in nearby Portschach, which has an underground sensory crystal room.
How: Stays at Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden start from 拢330 per night (two sharing), including breakfast.
Visit falkensteiner.com/en/schlosshotel-velden.
Durmitor National Park, Montenegro
Average summer temperature: 18-22掳C
Montenegro鈥檚 UNESCO-listed Durmitor National Park presents a pristine alpine sanctuary near 沤abljak, the Balkans鈥 highest town. Glacier-carved lakes, dramatic limestone peaks, and dense pine forests offer cool refuge from the Mediterranean heat. Adventure seekers can swim in the Black Lake, or experience world-class white-water rafting through the Tara River Canyon 鈥 Europe鈥檚 deepest gorge. The park鈥檚 18 glittering glacial lakes, known as 鈥榤ountain eyes鈥 are a magnet for photographers.
How: Stays at Hotel Ravnjak cost from 拢59 per night, including breakfast.
Visit taracanyon.me.
Engadine, Switzerland
Average summer temperature: 18掳C
Discover the Upper Engadine Valley鈥檚 botanical treasures on an alpine adventure among fragrant Arolla pine and larch forests. Based in Pontresina, 1,800 meters above sea level, join expert botanist guides for hikes through wildflower meadows bursting with endemic alpine species like edelweiss and gentian. This sun-splashed south-west-facing terrace at Val Bernina鈥檚 foot offers perfect conditions for diverse flora. There are also chances to encounter Alpine marmots and ibex along the way. Take a ride on the UNESCO-listed Albula Bernina Railway, one of the world鈥檚 most scenic train routes, to soak it all in.
How: Naturetrek offers a seven-night escorted tour from 拢2,595pp, including flights and transfers. Visit naturetrek.co.uk.