Where To Escape the Summer Heat in Europe

It's that time of year again. 

Heatwaves are rearing their ugly head across Europe. 

After a relatively calm & comfortable start to the summer, the so-called "Cerebus" heatwave has descended on the continent, sending temperatures soaring towards triple digits in parts of Italy, Spain, Greece, Croatia, Turkey and many other locales. 

Named after the mythical three-headed "hound of Hades" from Greek mythology, Cerbeus is turning some sections of the continent into a living, well, you know what. 

How hot is it? The Acropolis was shut down to visitors, there are reports of tourists fainting outside the Colosseum and heat warnings are being issued all over the place.   

It's even been reported that parts of Italy could see temperatures reach 118°, which if it happened, would potentially be the highest temperatures ever recorded in Europe. 

And the worst part? After this heatwave passes, there is another one expected to arrive next week. 

The images are ugly: lines of sweaty, sunburned travelers visibly flustered as they attempt to stave off heatstroke while also trying to have "fun" and enjoy an experience they have no doubt looked forward to for a very long time. 

It doesn't have to be this way: Europe is home to lots of destinations that rarely see extremely high temperatures in the summertime. Naturally, some travelers have no choice when they travel, but let this latest heatwave serve as yet another warning that if you must travel in summer, do so in late May and early to mid-June. 

Once the calendar hits mid-June, the following places should be the ones you focus on to increase your odds of having a pleasant experience weather-wise. 

Sweden

Capital Stockholm and cities like Gothenburg and Malmo average daily high temperatures in the low 70s in July and August, but the further you head north, things get even cooler. Spend a few days embracing Swedish city life—including an obligatory swim in a local body of cool water—before heading north to Lapland and stunning Abisko National Park. 

Ireland

The Emerald Isle wouldn't be as lush as it is without a good amount of sunshine, but even when the sun comes out during summer, temperatures stay cool. In both Cork & Dublin, daily high temperatures in July and August are in the high 60s, and even if you do catch a warm spell, the pubs offer a welcome retreat from the heat.  

Netherlands, Belgium & France (Photo Credit: Provided by Collette)

The Netherlands

Cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague experience average high temperatures in the low 70s during the peak of summer, making this small nation a great choice for beating the worst of the heat down south. If the mercury rises when you're there, then simply do some canal cruising or head to the underrated beaches on the Dutch coast, where you'll be caressed by cooling North Sea breezes.  

Scotland

Britain can get balmy, but when the temps rise in England and Wales, Scotland typically stays cool and pleasant. How pleasant? The average daily high in Edinburgh in July and August is a cool 65°.  Explore the capital city before heading for the hills of the Highlands and exploring some of Scotland's many pristine beaches on the mainland and on the islands of the Hebrides.

Estonia

You'll want to pack an extra layer for those evening walks through Tallinn's romantic cobbled streets because while July & August highs are typically in the low 70s, the evenings usually land in the low 50s. And you're going to want to take plenty of strolls as there's seemingly something fetching around every corner there. If an unusually warm spell hits, then head for the coastline—home to many fine beaches—or seek shelter in the cool, shaded atmosphere of Estonia's many local forests.

Iceland: Land of Fire & Ice (Photo Credit: Provided by Collette)

Iceland

The name alone says it all, doesn't it? Home to the coolest climate on the list, you'll typically experience daily high temperatures in the high 50s during summer in Iceland. Explore all over this geothermal wonderland of an island, counting waterfalls, fishing villages and natural wonders along the way. If you get a little chilly, then you've got an excuse to take a dip in one of Iceland's many geothermal pools or do some shopping for a traditional Icelandic wool sweater. 

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