Europe’s Coolest Summer Escapes For A Beach Vacation Without The Heat

Heatwaves are cooking the beaches along the Mediterranean coast in Europe right now making for a scorching vacation. Anyone seeking a beach vacation in Europe without the heat should try out these coastal destinations, where time can be spent comfortably on the sand this summer.

Escape the heatwaves on a beach vacation in Europe this summer

Extreme heatwaves and humidity are sweeping the popular beach destinations in the Mediterranean and more. However, many beaches in western and northern Europe can offer temperatures of under 30°C (85°F), a much more bearable temperature to spend time on the sand and in the waves.

The following coastal destinations in Europe are currently free from heatwaves and, even better, travelers can reduce their carbon footprint while visiting.

– San Sebastián, Spain

While the southern beaches of Spain are cooking right now, the north of the country is much more comfortable and with the same attractions of sand and great food. San Sebastián lies in the north of the country and currently features temperatures between 23 and 27°C (74 and 80°F). Here, travelers can enjoy the fine white sands of La Concha before taking a delicious pintxos (tapas) tour of the city.

This Basque city is also close to some of the best surfing spots in Spain, including Zurriola and Zarautz beaches. It is easy to reach San Sebastián by train in around five-and-a-half hours from Madrid and Paris, thus reducing travelers’ carbon footprint.

– Biarritz, France

Only an hour’s drive north of San Sebastián, Biarritz nestles on the French side of Basque Country. This beautiful city in southwest France is a cooler alternative to Mediterranean beaches. Here, the highs are currently between 23 and 29°C (74 and 84°F).

Moreover, the coast here draws surfers to its long sandy beaches and varied waves. For those wanting to stand on dry land, horse riding tours are available along the coast. Meanwhile, delicious meals can be enjoyed in Marché aux Halles de Biarritz, with its selection of seafood, charcuterie and cheese in a market setting.

For travelers wanting to reduce their carbon footprint, direct trains are available from Gare Montparnasse in Paris to Biarritz and takes around four hours to get there.

– Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve might be in the south of Portugal, but this doesn’t mean the temperatures are cooking here. Yes, there is endless sunshine and delightful beaches backed by craggy cliffs, but most locations are currently experiencing comfortable temperatures of between 24 and 30°C (74 and 86°F)

When not on the beach, Lagos is a wonderful place to explore with its walled old town and the area offers plenty of adventures to enjoy. Whether surfing, mountain biking, or hiking the Ponta da Piedade Trail, this is a great place for a summer vacation. Meanwhile, Lagos is a comfortable, four-hour train ride from Lisbon with only one change in Albufeira.

– Penzance, Cornwall in the UK

While most wouldn’t think of the UK for a beach vacation, Cornwall is on the country’s southwest peninsula and is comfortably warm in summer. Surfers will appreciate famed surf spots like Perranporth and Newquay on the unspoiled coastline.

Meanwhile, if highs of 18°C (64°F) are a bit low for comfort, travelers can warm up in the 30°C (86°F) waters of Penzance’s Jubilee Pool. This Art Deco saltwater lido is ideal for a relaxing soak. Those seeking a hike in nature can head to the Castle of St. Michael’s Mount, a tidal island in nearby Marazion.

Travelers can take the eight-hour Night Riviera sleeper train from London to Penzance, awakening to sunrise views over the English Channel.