The cooler Mediterranean alternatives to know this summer
Europe is seriously heating up – and temperatures north of 40°C certainly aren’t for everyone. Here are the cooler destinations in Spain, France and Portugal to book instead
At the time of writing, the Met Office has issued not only a heatwave warning for the UK, but for the entirety of Europe. Temperatures in parts of Spain, France and Portugal are set to hit 40°C this weekend – a reality that, over the past five years, has sadly become the norm due to the increasing effects of climate change.
While Brits have historically been renowned for lapping up the balmy temperatures on the continent, a recent study by InsureandGo found that three in four think parts of Europe will soon be too hot for holidays. This has sparked a rise in ‘coolcations’ – a trend that sees travellers swap hot holidays for more temperate conditions. That said, not all sun-starved Brits want a chilly holiday, which is why we’ve rounded up an array of cooler Mediterranean alternatives that offer plenty of sunshine but clock in below 30°C. From an under-the-radar destination in northern Greece to a breezy Portuguese island in the Atlantic, here’s where to holiday without the serious heat – and the best luxury hotels to book while you’re there.
Swap the Algarve for Madeira, Portugal
Images: Shutterstock
Average summer temperatures in the Algarve: 28-32°C
Average summer temperatures in Madeira: 24-27°C
The Atlantic may be cold, but the southernmost Portuguese coastal region it laps certainly isn’t during summer. The Algarve, famous for its golf courses, golden beaches and reliable sunshine, has fallen victim to unbearable heatwaves in recent years. Which is why we recommend swapping it for Madeira: an autonomous region of Portugal is a volcanic archipelago comprising four islands off the north coast of Africa. Famous for its namesake wine and cake, and a year-round subtropical climate that rarely reaches more than 27°C, the island is a sight to behold, dotted with soaring cliffs, black sand beaches and lush green forests. With a collection of easy hiking trails, saltwater pools and delectable local food markets, it really is something of a hidden gem.
Where to stay: Dreams Madeira Resort
Located in the picturesque region of Caniçal and just 30 minutes from the island’s capital, Dreams Madeira Resort offers 366 rooms and utmost Portuguese sophistication on the shores of the Atlantic. Inside, interiors are reminiscent of a picturesque coastal villa, while four pools, a private marina and seven gourmet restaurants easily keep the whole family entertained. Don’t miss the 900 square metre Dreams Spa, which is kitted out with a heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, hammam, sauna, cold water plunge pool, diathermic showers, and kick back at one of the four pools, including one with saltwater in typical Madeiran fashion.
From £200 per night.
Swap St Tropez for Champagne, France
Average summer temperatures in St Tropez: 28-30°C
Average summer temperatures in Champagne: 22-25°C
The Côte d’Azur has long been synonymous with the rich and famous – and, during the summer, serious heat. Nestled along the Mediterranean Sea, and sheltered by the Alps, the French Riviera is quite literally a hotspot and can see temperatures of more than 30°C in August. Those looking for a destination that offers the same glamour and sophistication, but without the oppressive sunshine, should look no further than Champagne. Situated in northeastern France, about 100 miles from Paris, this is the legally protected birthplace of the world’s most famous tipple.
Two must-visit destinations include Reims – the unofficial capital of Champagne, which is steeped in history and home to the 800-year-old Notre-Dame Cathedral, site of every coronation from 816 until the French Revolution – and Épernay, which fringes the Marne River and is home to famous estates such as Moët & Chandon and Perrier-Jouët. There are also plenty of smaller, boutique vineyards which offer a glass of fizz at a fraction of the price you’d find in London. Chin-chin, indeed.
Where to stay: Royal Champagne Hotel and Spa
Images: Royal Champagne Hotel and Spa
Embracing the lush bounty of the surrounding UNESCO World Heritage Site, Royal Champagne Hotel and Spa is the region’s first contemporary luxury hotel, located in the middle of the vineyards that stripe the hills of Epernay and the historic city of Reims. Reimagining a wine-country retreat for all seasons, a local Reims-based architect designed the property in the style of a contemporary amphitheatre, incorporating the original 19th century Post House where it is said that King Charles X of France spent the night before heading to Reims for his coronation.
So, what to do? Unwind in one of the gorgeous 47 rooms which offer sweeping views onto the vineyards beyond, dine at chic brasserie Le Bellevue Restaurant and Terrace or indulge in fine dining at the Michelin-starred Le Royal Etape Gastronomique, enjoy vineyard tours or retreat to the destination spa featuring a eucalyptus-infused sauna, mosaic tiled hammam and two temperature-controlled, chaise-longue-lined indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
From £900 per night.
Swap Seville for San Sebastián, Spain
Average summer temperatures in Seville: 35-40°C
Average summer temperatures in San Sebastián: 20-26°C
Seville has long been a scorcher – in fact, many wouldn’t even consider a holiday in the Spanish city past May because, due to its inland position, it often sees temperatures of up to 40°C. No wonder, then, that it’s earned the nickname ‘the frying pan of Europe’. We recommend jumping out of the frying pan and into the gastronomic heart of Spain's Basque Country: San Sebastián. Thanks to its location on the northern Cantabrian coast, it escapes the scorching heat of the south courtesy of sea breezes sweeping in from the Atlantic. This is an ideal escape for foodies, boasting the highest concentration of Michelin stars per capita in the world – 19 stars within a 25-kilometre radius, to be precise – and, for those not into fine dining, an array of vibrant pintxo bars serving the best Spanish fare.
Where to stay: Nobu Hotel San Sebastián
Nestled along La Concha Bay, Nobu Hotel San Sebastián is housed in the beautifully restored Vista Eder Palace, blending Japanese minimalism with local Belle Époque flair across just 20 elegantly appointed rooms and suites. It wouldn’t be a Nobu hotel without delectable sushi, and there are few better places to enjoy it than from the second-floor terrace which overlooks the bay. Don’t miss the exclusive rooftop infinity pool, and head into the lively Old Town, which is just a short stroll away, to discover the Basque Country in all its culinary glory.
From £340 per night.
Swap Mykonos for Metsovo, Greece
Image: Shutterstock/Kostasgr
Image: Shutterstock
Average summer temperatures in Mykonos: 26-30°C
Average summer temperatures in Metsovo: 23-25°C
Not only is Mykonos privy to many Cycladic heatwaves during the summer months, but it also faces extreme seasonality, meaning if you go during peak summer you could be rubbing shoulders with upwards of 50,000 day trippers on an island that spans just 85 square kilometres. It’s a no-brainer, then, for the travel savvy to eschew Greece's popular islands for its under-the-radar northern territories. Case in point is Metsovo; a small but lively town in Epirus within the mountain range of Pindus. Live like a local and visit the town’s tavernas, hike the mountains and enjoy visits to local vineyards to discover Greece’s very best high-altitude wines.
Where to stay: Grand Forest Metsovo
A hidden luxury retreat perched 1,350 metres above sea level in the Pindus Mountains, the 62-key Grand Forest Metsovo offers a cooler escape – both literally and metaphorically – than overdone Mykonos. The gastronomy at Metsovo’s only five-star hotel is a defining feature of the property; helmed by executive chef Gikas Xenakis, the menu showcases contemporary local cuisine paired with exceptional wines from the highest altitude vineyards in Greece.
The concierge team can curate a personalised itinerary off-site with highlights including wine tasting at the Katogi Averoff Winery, year-round truffle hunting and exploring the nearby town of Metsovo, which blends Greek and Aromanian (Vlach) traditions. Back at the hotel, you can retreat to one of the beautifully appointed suites and make the most of the state-of-the-art Aspen Spa, with a sauna, jacuzzi, hammam, fully-equipped gym and conservatory-style indoor pool, as well as an outdoor infinity pool in the summer.
From £190 per night.
Swap Sicily for the Dolomites, Italy
Average summer temperatures in Sicily: 28-35°C
Average summer temperatures in the Dolomites: 20-25°C
The Dolomites are increasingly becoming a top choice for those looking to escape the scorching temperatures on Italy’s southern coast and islands, leaning into the ‘alpine summer’ trend that is set to dominate how we travel in 2026. Travelling north will not mean sacrificing substance and or either, with many of the Dolomites’ five-star hotels offering luxury, wellness and outdoor excursions to boot. An alpine playground suited to hikers and bikers, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers plenty to entertain, with popular peaks including Tre Cime di Lavaredo – famous for its three climbable mountains – and Cinque Torri, otherwise known as the ‘five towers’. Plus, with SkyAlps upping their weekly routes from London Gatwick to Bolzano this summer, it’s never been easier to escape to the mountains.
Where to stay: Aki Family Resort Plose
Images: Alex Filz
Ideal for those with little ones in tow, Aki Family Resort Plose has been designed entirely around the needs of modern families, removing the usual stress of travelling with children by coming equipped with everything you’d need for a stand-out stay. The hotel’s 70 suites, which overlook the mountains and forests of Plose, offer baby bathtubs, highchairs, backpack carriers, monitors, prams, and buggies, as well as a 24-hour baby bar stocked with organic baby porridge, milk powder, a microwave, kettle and bottle warmers, all on a complimentary basis.
While there’s everything you’d need to keep you and your baby content and comfortable, the whole family will be thoroughly entertained at the Aki Water World, featuring four heated pools and a water slide. There’s also an adults-only Forest Spa complete with a yoga pavilion, Finnish and herb saunas, and outdoor plunge pool; and a programme of local experiences such as visiting a honey farm, making ice cream, and a fishing experience at the hotel's pond, before paying a visit to the nearby historic cities of Brixen, Bressanone, and Bolzano.
From £680 per night.
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