After a series of heatwaves, some Brits may be looking to escape the sweltering temperatures this summer instead
Sweltering heatwaves have already swept across Europe this summer, leaving many struggling to cope with soaring temperatures. For Brits planning their getaways, summer sunshine has traditionally been the main draw.
However, the relentlessly high temperatures have proved challenging for holidaymakers in Europe so far. France and Spain have experienced the worst of the recent heatwave, with hundreds of fatalities already confirmed.
France recorded its hottest day ever last week, while Spain saw its highest daily average temperature since 1950, as a heat dome brought dangerous conditions to vast areas of the continent. Both countries are favourites amongst British tourists, but for those unwilling to brave the extreme heat, there are plenty of underrated alternatives.
Travel expert Simon Calder has pinpointed three European destinations that are “guaranteed” to provide refuge from heatwaves and offer a “coolcation”, reports the Express.
Scottish islands
When asked where people should head to escape the heat, Simon said on his weekly podcast, The Travel Expert with Simon Calder: “Well, it is very straightforward, just head north. Scotland, obviously being closer to the North Pole, has a lot more cool options. If you go all the way to Shetland, the northern most group of islands than you are two thirds of the way to the North Pole. You are on the same latitude as Oslo, Stockholm and Helsinki.”
He added: “You are going to be guaranteed not to be too warm. I would suggest everybody should explore these beautiful islands in midsummer is the time to be here as it is almost the midnight sun.”
Tarifa, Southern Spain
Not everyone fancies venturing closer to the North Pole for their summer holiday, so Simon’s Travel Expert podcast co-host Greg Dickinson suggested Tarifa in southern Spain.
While it’s located in one of Spain’s warmest areas, the town sits on the Strait of Gibraltar and enjoys Atlantic winds. Greg explained: “As a result, it is four or five degrees cooler than places like Malaga and Almeria. My tip for a little microclimate in the South of Spain is Tarifa.”
Simon: added: “I am so fascinated that you could be so close to the so-called ‘frying pan of Europe’, Seville, and yet still be cool.”
The Pyrenees
For those still wanting to visit France and Spain but wishing to dodge the scorching temperatures, Simon recommends the Pyrenees, which mark the frontier between the two countries. He described the area as “incredibly easy to reach” by flying into Lourdes airport before catching trains or buses into the mountains.
Simon suggested basing yourself in spa towns and exploring “to your heart’s content”. He explained: “Fantastic food, lovely places to stay and you are guaranteed to be away from the excessive heat.”
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