Where to beat the heat this summer

Want an overseas family holiday this August but scared you’ll burn to a crisp?

I raise the temperature on a few destinations where you and the kids can avoid the scorching heat

It’s no secret that the past few European summers have been belters. We’re talking full-blown heatwaves across Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey and Cyprus. 

While the idea of basking in the Med sun might sound dreamy, temperatures nudging 40°C (and higher) have left many holidaymakers longing for a shady escape – and not just under a beach umbrella.

With little ones in tow and midday outings feeling more like survival missions than sightseeing, it’s no wonder savvy travellers are rethinking their summer getaway plans. 

We’ve seen a shift in travel patterns: families are increasingly booking earlier, opting for that sweet spot during May half term, or later in the year with October half term gaining traction. Some are skipping summer altogether and going all-in on Easter or winter sun escapes instead.

BUT what if you have to travel during the traditional school summer holidays in July and August? 
And, if simply the thought of not getting away during the summer makes you hot under the collar, don’t worry – you can still have sun without melting. 

In fact, there’s a long list of destinations that offer a comfortable climate during the traditional summer period, with plenty of sunshine and tonnes of family-friendly activities. 

So let’s explore the cool crowd of summer getaways.

Scandinavia

Think Scandinavia is all snow and saunas? Think again. 

Summer in Norway, Sweden and Denmark is surprisingly sunny, with daytime highs typically between 20°C and 25°C, making it perfect for active families who love the outdoors but want to avoid overheating.

In Norway, fjord adventures and glacier hikes are on the menu, along with long, golden days (hello, midnight sun!). 

A fjord cruise in Geiranger or Flåm is a great way to take in the jaw-droppingly beautiful scenery. Kids love the boat rides. 

The Flåm Railway is another must-do: it’s one of the world’s steepest standard-gauge railway lines and the waterfalls along the way will wow little ones. 

In Oslo, families will enjoy a day at Norsk Folkemuseum, Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, an open-air historical park with costumed actors and traditional buildings.

Meanwhile, Sweden offers endless forests, sparkling lakes and the chance to stay in wooden countryside cabins – or stugas as they are known. 

Stockholm’s Junibacken is a hit with young kids around eight to 10 years old. This museum is themed around Astrid Lindgren’s beloved stories, like Pippi Longstocking, and has a magical story-train ride.

There’s also Skansen, another open-air museum with Nordic animals and heritage buildings. 

Outside the cities, you’ll find pristine lakes, sandy beaches and cabins perfect for unplugged family time.

And in Denmark, you’ll find gorgeous beaches along the Jutland coast and the fairytale charm of its capital, Copenhagen. In the centre of the city is Tivoli Gardens, a one-of-a-kind amusement park combining vintage rides, pretty gardens and nighttime illuminations.

Topping the list for families with children obsessed with those famous coloured bricks should be Legoland in Billund (a two-and-a-half-hour drive from central Copenhagen). 

Denmark is all very child-friendly and easy to explore on bike thanks to being so flat. Many bike rental companies offer the option of attaching child seats to their bikes.

Book it:

Why not visit all three Nordic capitals – Oslo, Copenhagen and Stockholm - in this a 10-day holiday. You’ll venture into the Unesco Norwegian fjords and ride the famous Flam Railway. The package includes all your accommodation, most meals and all your transfers and guides. 

Switzerland

Switzerland may be famous for its snow-capped peaks, but in the summer, it transforms into a lush, green playground. 

Temperatures in July and August tend to hover between 18°C and 28°C depending on altitude, making it a refreshing change from the Mediterranean swelter.

Families flock to the mountains for walking trails, cable car rides and high-altitude adventures. 

Zermatt, home to the Matterhorn, offers a mix of mountain fun and chocolate-box charm. From here you can take gondola rides to glacier viewpoints and even try a spot of summer skiing. In fact, Zermatt offers one of the largest summer skiing areas in Europe, located on the Theodul Glacier at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. 

Meanwhile, Interlaken and the Jungfrau region are packed with mountain adventures. Why not take a train to Europe’s highest station or go tobogganing in summer at Mount Pilatus or Mount Titlis?

Adventures await at Lake Lucerne too, popular for lake swimming and trips on the lake’s old-fashioned paddle steamer.

All in all, getting around is easy. The Swiss transport system is famously efficient and family-friendly – even with a pushchair and backpacks in tow. Get a Swiss Family Card – children under 16 travel free with a paying adult on trains, buses and boats. This is a big money-saver when you’re hopping between alpine towns.

Families should also check out the themed hiking trails, like the Muggestutz dwarf trail in the Bernese Oberland. Along the route, little ones engage with interactive boards and are given challenges and told stories. All of a sudden your children will enjoy hiking! 

Book it:

Base yourself in the ski resort of Zermatt staying in Hotel Restaurant Derby right in the centre of town. It’s got all the charm of a ski lodge – because it is! Perfectly placed for hiking and biking and easy to hop on a cable car or mountain railway. The hotel has family rooms sleeping up to four. 

Mauritius

Wait – Mauritius in July? Absolutely. 

While this Indian Ocean gem is known for tropical luxury, its winter months (June to August) are actually ideal for a family holiday. Daytime highs average a pleasant 23°C to 26°C, with plenty of sunshine and low humidity.

You’ll find endless white-sand beaches, warm but not too-warm waters and incredible snorkelling. 

Many resorts are actually incredibly family-focused, offering kids’ clubs and shallow lagoons. Think glass-bottom boat rides, paddle boarding, water skiing, banana boat rides and dolphin spotting trips. 

If you happen to be visiting Mauritius between July and November then you’re likely to catch a glimpse of a humpback whale as they make their way towards the equator. Meanwhile, sperm whales and dolphins are year-round residents. The west coast is their favourite playground and you can see both bottlenose and spinner dolphins here, often travelling in pods of 20. 

Beyond the hotel walls, there’s loads to explore: take a boat trip to Île aux Cerfs for snorkelling in shallow waters, or visit Casela Nature Parks where you can walk with lions (older kids only), zip-line or feed giraffes.

Big kids particularly enjoy a zip through La Vallee Des Couleurs Nature Park. You won’t find a more exhilarating way to travel one mile through the lush tropical canopy than on a zip wire. Alternatively, tiptoe across the skywalk that hangs 350m over a deep ravine to get the adrenaline pumping. 

Book it:

Victoria Beachcomber Resort & Spa is a sure-fired family favourite because of its generous room sizes as well as two-bedroom and two-bathroom apartments. Its location on the protected northwest coast, means that the waters tend to be calm, making it safe for swimming and water sports. It also boasts a wide range of activities for children, including a kids' club and various sports and water sports, as well as a spa for adults to relax.

Madeira

Often overlooked in favour of the Algarve, the island of Madeira is Portugal’s subtropical secret. It’s situated southwest of mainland Portugal, west of Morocco and north of the Canary Islands. And it’s thanks to its remote Atlantic location and mountainous landscape that make it a perfect summer escape. July and August temperatures sit at a balmy 24°C to 26°C – sunny enough to swim, hike and sightsee without breaking a sweat.

The scenery is dramatic, with volcanic peaks, botanical gardens and walking trails that are manageable even for little legs. There’s a strong focus on nature and outdoor adventure – think whale watching, wild swimming and cable cars with panoramic views over Funchal, the island’s capital. Plus, its compact size makes getting around a breeze.

Explore the famous levada walks – flat, scenic irrigation trails perfect for gentle hiking that snake across the island. 

Madeira is particularly renown for the Monte Toboggan Ride in Funchal. Take your seat in what is little more than a wicker basket and whizz down the steep slopes from the village of Monte to the streets below. The ride takes 10 minutes and you’ll reach 30 km/h. It’s a wild ride and the kids will love it. 

As for beaches: yes, Madeira has beaches. Expect more black, volcanic sand beaches (unless the sand has been imported, such as in Praia de Machico). However, what the island does have is natural lava rock swimming pools at Porto Moniz, in the northwest of the island. Filled by the rising tide, these pools are warm and safe for swimming – but we suggest you go early in the day to avoid the crowds and catch the pools at their clearest.

The coast line of Madeira is dramatic and one of the best ways to admire it is from a kayak or boat. Be sure to visit Porto Santo, Madeira’s sandy sister island. It’s a two-and-a-half-hour ferry ride, but in our opinion, it’s worth the trip for the golden beach alone. 

Book it:

The Enotel Lido Resort is a perfect pick for a family. Located in central Funchal close to the bars and restaurants, but also the Lido pools on the edge of the Atlantic, this hotel has large family-sized rooms, a separate children’s pool, a kids’ clubs, a spa, plus a buffet and three themed restaurants. 

Slovenia

Slovenia is one of Europe’s most underrated and little-known gems. It’s compact, affordable and downright beautiful. 

In summer, temperatures hover comfortably between 24°C and 28°C, making it ideal for nature-loving families who want to explore without overheating.

The star of the show is Lake Bled, with its picture-perfect island church, castle on a cliff and waters dotted with swans. 

You can rent a rowing boat, take a swim or stroll around the lake with an ice cream in hand. But be sure to take the traditional pletna boat to the island, then ring the wishing bell at the church – it’s a hit with kids. 

Bled Castle is also a brilliant half-day adventure with armour displays and unbeatable views.

While in Bled you must try the Bled Cream Cake at the lakeside cafés – it’s practically a rite of passage.

Nearby, Lake Bohinj offers a wilder, quieter vibe and fantastic outdoor activities like paddle boarding, canyoning and cable-car rides into the Julian Alps where endless hiking trails await. 

The capital, Ljubljana, is small but bursting with charm. Spend time exploring the markets and getting lost in the medieval streets. Admire the grand townhouses, Italianate churches and art nouveau architecture. 

The castle funicular is a must-do and the riverside cafes are perfect for people watching. The city also has a fantastic zoo, set in a forest with great walking paths and animal talks.

Another great family day out is a trip to Postojna Cave. It’s less that an hour drive from the capital. Once there a train takes you deep into one of Europe’s largest cave systems, with underground halls and even baby dragons that live there!

Book it:

Hotel Astoria is located just a few minutes from the shore of Lake Bled. Its suites sleep two adults and two children so are ideal for young families.  

Coastal Northern Spain

While temperatures in the south of Spain can hit unbearable highs, northern Spain is a different story. It’s the perfect antidote to the baking-hot costas. 

Regions like Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque Country enjoy milder summers, with highs typically around 22°C to 27°C in July and August.

San Sebastián is a particular favourite for food-loving families. Kids can feast on pintxos (bite-sized Basque tapas) while grown-ups sip txakoli (a light local white wine). 

The city has one of Europe’s best urban beaches, La Concha, and a charming old town perfect for lazy wanders. There’s even a family-friendly aquarium at the harbour with a shark tunnel.

The Basque Country’s biggest city is Bilbao. It’s home to the Guggenheim Museum, Santiago gothic cathedral and the medieval-preserved old centre. The ultra-modern San Mamés stadium is home of football team Athletic Club Bilbao.

Further west, Asturias offers rugged coastline, green hills and hidden beaches, like Playa de Gulpiyuri, a tiny inland beach that’s 100m away from the sea. Connected by tunnels, you can actually hear the sea water gushing through the tunnels. There’s also plenty of outdoor action, from canoeing on the Sella River to hiking in the Picos de Europa mountains. 

Even further west you’ll hit Playa de las Catedrales in Galicia. The impressive rock formations, including enormous arches, give this beach its name: Cathedral Beach. In the summer you’ll need to pre-book as it’s a protected site.

The whole of this area is great for families willing to explore. Life is laid back. On that note, a word of warning to parents: Spanish mealtimes are late, so look for ‘menu del día’ lunch deals and always carry snacks for little ones who might not want to wait until 9pm for dinner.

Book it:

Catalonia Gran Via Bilbao makes a sleek and contemporary base from which to explore. It’s smack bang on Bilbao’s vibrant Gran Via, which is lined with shops, restaurants and bars.

Montenegro

If you’re after dramatic scenery, sun-soaked days and family-friendly adventures without the chaos of high-season crowds, Montenegro might just be your best-kept secret. 

Nestled between Croatia, Albania and the Adriatic Sea, this compact gem offers sparkling beaches and medieval towns, towering mountains and lush national parks. 

Summer temperatures are warm, typically around 28°C to 32°C in coastal areas. However, the sea breeze and mountainous backdrop help keep things feeling fresher than southern Spain or inland Italy.

For beach-loving families, head to the Bay of Kotor. It’s like a southern fjord with calm waters, small pebble beaches and charming towns like Perast and Kotor that are straight out of a storybook. The bay is great for kids: the water is shallow in places, perfect for paddling, kayaking or taking a boat tour to Our Lady of the Rocks islet.

You'll love exploring the medieval streets here, but I really recommend you skip the big cruise days in Kotor when it gets horribly crowded.

Further down the coast, Budva has sandy beaches and a walled old town that’s fun to explore, while Petrovac is a peaceful seaside town popular with local families. Its gently sloping beach is ideal for younger children.

If you’re a nature lover then head inland to Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you’ll find hiking trails, alpine lakes and zip-lining over the Tara River Canyon, Europe’s deepest gorge. Be warned: you’ll reach speeds of up to 120km/h on this adrenaline-fuelled zipline – the kids will love it! The region also offers white-water rafting, biking trails and fresh mountain air that feels like a total reset from the heat.

Montenegro is incredibly affordable compared to western Europe. Eating out, excursions and accommodation all stretch your budget further, which is perfect when travelling with kids.

Book it:

The Montenegro Beach Resort has got a prime postcode if you’re after a seafront spot and swathes of private beach. The charming old town of Budva is a five-minute car journey away or a half-hour stroll along the promenade.

The hotel comes with a kids’ club and a programme of daily entertainment and activities.

Final thoughts

Yes, summer holidays might look a little different now – but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. 

Families are discovering that you don’t need 35°C to make brilliant memories. Whether you're hiking past waterfalls in Norway, riding cable cars in Switzerland or snorkelling off a Mauritian reef, there are endless ways to enjoy the sunshine without the scorching heat.

And the best part? These destinations still feel like summer – just the kind you can actually enjoy all day long.

And if you let me do all the research and leg work for you, booking your next holiday will be a breeze.