Escape the August heatwave: Chill out in these cool holiday spots

Europe is officially the fastest-warming continent, with temperatures rising at around twice the global average. That's changing the landscape of our favourite holiday destinations, particularly in the southern Mediterranean. So where else should you go for your summer holiday?

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Where's heating up this August?

Summer in Greece this year is already breaking temperature records. June and July were the hottest months ever recorded and 2024 is expected to be the hottest Greek summer ever, breaking the record set only last year. This is not only annoying to excited tourists, as major attractions like the Acropolis often shut during major heatwaves, but also deadly. The combination of 40°C heat and strong winds are once again creating the perfect conditions for wildfires, which have just blazed through the outskirts of Athens.

Italy has been hit by several heatwaves since the start of June, with temperatures set to reach 40°C in August. Many popular tourist spots have been placed on red alert thanks to dangerous heat leading to a sharp increase in people seeking medical help. People heading to Rome, Naples, Milan, Venice, Florence and other major cities have been warned to avoid direct sunlight between 11am and 6pm, making life difficult for residents and tourists alike.

Heat warnings have also been issued at other major European holiday destinations, with Spain announcing restrictions on water use and wildfires spreading through parts of Portugal and Bulgaria.

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Where to go to avoid the heat

With many popular European tourist spots experiencing unpleasant and often dangerous conditions, people in need of some last-minute sun might be wondering where's safe to travel. We've rounded up the best places to head for an August break, where the sea's warm enough for a swim but not so hot you can't dine al fresco.

A sommarstuga in Sweden

Sweden is third in the Good Trip Index for 2024, our guide for travelling ethically, sustainably and well. It scores top for sustainability and well for animal rights, making it a great choice for mindful travellers. And with temperatures usually reaching the low 20s this time of year, you can be sure of a comfortably warm getaway that's as perfect for exploring cities like Stockholm as it is for relaxing by the lake.

One of our favourite things to do in summer is to take a sommarstuga – that's a Swedish summer house by a lake, where most Swedes go for their summer breaks. About 50% of Swedes have either their own summer house or easy access to one through family, so if you're lucky enough to be invited to one by Swedish friends that's the perfect way to do it. If not, there are plenty on Airbnb that you can simply book yourself.

You'll love the outdoor cafe culture, and wild swimming at the beaches and lakes is popular. Yes, we know no one thinks of Sweden for a beach holiday, but the beaches here are great. Pretty much everyone speaks excellent English, the food and hospitality are brilliant and whether you start off with a city break or head straight for a lakeside retreat, Sweden's lakeside summer houses are the ideal place to get away from it all.

Fiji for a tropical beach escape

August is usually when Fiji is at its coldest, but thankfully Fiji at its coldest is much nicer than the UK at its warmest. The country is right in the middle of high season, with average highs of 26°C and relatively little rain. If you're happy flying long-haul for perfect beach weather, you'll love this tropical paradise.

And as a bonus, Fiji is one of the top risers on our Good Trip Index for 2024, climbing 12 places from last year to 67th place. Scores improved for press freedom, human freedom and women's rights, so now's as good a time as ever to visit.

Given it's dry season, hotels will be fairly expensive and the archipelago will be at its busiest. But look beyond Denarau Island, Fiji's most popular spot, and you'll likely find somewhere peaceful to lay out your beach towel.

This is the best time to hit the water. Catch a wave at popular surf spots like Cloudbreak, or leave it to the pros. Cloudbreak is hosting the World Surf League Championship Tour from 20th to 29th August, making the 20-minute boat trip worth it either way. Speaking of boats, it's Fiji Regatta Week from 11th to 15th September if you fancy a bit of sailing.

Reykjavik's as cool as it is beautiful

June to August is high season in Iceland, when the days are at their longest and the weather at its warmest. We say warm – it rarely gets hotter than 14°C, so you don't need to worry about overheating on your Icelandic adventure.

Why's August high season? That'll be the midnight sun, a phenomenon when the sun never drops below the horizon. While this peaks in June and July, and most of Iceland lies just outside the Arctic Circle so doesn't experience true midnight sun, the nights around this time will only last a few hours. That means it doesn't get dark, making it a great time to go whale watching, cycling, horse riding and road-tripping through the beautiful wilderness.

Start off with a city break in Reykjavik, sampling delights from its fabulous restaurants and taking a leisurely dip in the famous Blue Lagoon. Then, head out and explore. All the roads will be open and conditions are great for hiring a car. Iceland's famous Ring Road (Route 1) encircles the island, passing scenic attractions like Skógafoss and Jökulsárlón plus most of the country's major towns.

Explore the Canadian Rockies from Vancouver

Summer is always a popular time to visit Vancouver thanks to the promise of warm weather, fun outdoor activities and special events like Bard on the Beach. Average highs of 22°C in August are cool enough for a city break but warm enough to get out and see its gorgeous mountainous surroundings.

Between three and four days will be perfect for exploring the city. Check out Gastown for its Victorian architecture and iconic steam clock, Granville Island Public Market for shops, street food and breweries, and Stanley Park to walk, run or cycle through 5.5 miles of forest. After that, hire a car and drive the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler. It's one of the world's most stunning drives, and from Whistler you can carry on to Wells Gray, Jasper, Banff and eventually Calgary to see the best of the Canadian Rockies.

A beach break in Poland?

You probably haven't considered Poland for a beach break, but hear us out. There's a trio of cities on Poland's Baltic Sea coast – Sopot, Gdynia and Gdansk – that between them make up the Polish Riviera. In August the weather's anything but Baltic, with average highs of 22°C, so it's perfectly possible to top up your tan while exploring Poland's charming coast.

Sopot, Gdynia and Gdansk all offer something a bit different. Whether it's the charming gabled streets and 17th-century architecture of Gdansk, the modern charm of Gdynia or the endless sandy beach of Sopot, you'll be spoilt for choice in Poland this summer.

Sozopol, the perfect alternative to Greece

While wildfires have been spreading through inland parts of eastern Bulgaria, the beaches along the Black Sea coast are unaffected and enjoying glorious 30°C heat. For the Mediterranean vibe of Greece without the unbearable weather, Sozopol in Bulgaria might just be your best bet.

You can now fly there with Jet2, taking just under 4 hours from the UK to Bourgas, and from there Sozopol is just half an hour down the road. The city dates back to ancient times, when it was part of the region of Thrace, and you can see this reflected in the achingly beautiful old town with its cobbled lanes, old fortifications and cute churches. It's also got the best beaches on the Black Sea coast, with soft sand and vibrant blue water you'll have to hold yourself back from diving straight in.

Plan a puffin party in the Faroe Islands

This remote archipelago between Scotland, Iceland and Norway is becoming less and less remote by the day. New direct flights opened up from London Gatwick to this self-governing nation in the Kingdom of Denmark, making it easier than ever to discover the Faroe Islands. And judging by TikTok, plenty of savvy tourists are catching on to its breathtaking scenery and excellent food scene.

August is an excellent time to go. The weather is sure to be unpredictable no matter what time you visit, but it'll be as warm as the islands get (highs of around 13°C), less rainy than usual, and daylight hours are long.

You'll want a window seat when you fly into Vágar Airport, as you'll be met by the luscious green mountains towering over Sørvágsvatn Lake. We'd recommend basing yourself in the capital Tórshavn – it's less than an hour's drive from the airport and has the best choice of hotels, restaurants, shops and excursions. There are plenty of cute boutique shops to explore during the day, and the bars will be open long into the night.

If you love getting out in nature you're in luck. There are plenty of excellent hikes, with Klaksvík perhaps boasting the most dramatic views. It's also peak season for spotting puffins – the best place to see them is Mykines, an island reachable by boat. Make sure to book your puffin trip in advance, as tickets sell out quickly.

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