Is the Med too hot for you now? Our favourite sunny European holiday destinations with temperatures under 30C in summer

Scottish Sun

11-07-2025

Plus, nine cheap and free hacks to stay cool in hot weather including bedtime habit to avoid having fan on overnight
COOL OFF Is the Med too hot for you now? Our favourite sunny European holiday destinations with temperatures under 30C in summer
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WHILE some sunseekers love basking in 30C and over heat, for some it is just too much.
So, where should you head instead of the usual Costas?
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If you love the Algarve in Portugal then the Costa Verde will be right up your street
Credit: Alamy
The Sun's Sophie Swietochowski shares her pick of top coolcations for this summer where you can find some beautiful alternatives to your favourite holiday destinations, but the temperature is under 30C.
Swap Algarve for Costa Verde, Portugal
If you love the Algarve in Portugal then the Costa Verde will be right up your street.
It's at the northern end of the country where the climate is cooler and with a higher rainfall that makes the landscapes feel somewhat lush and tropical.
You can take the whole family to the eight-person Casa do Alto which is carved into the mountainside and offers epic views of the tumbling landscape and sea in the distance.
If you're not content enough lounging by the large swimming pool, a sandy beach sits a fifteen minute drive away while the boozy city of Porto is a short train ride from the villa.
Seven nights' self-catering costs from £237.25pp, based on eight sharing and for arrival on August 29 with vintagetravel.co.uk.
Flights from London to Porto cost from £52 return with Ryanair.
Swap Cannes for The Alps, France
Travelling with energetic little 'uns that need a little more than just a book on the beach?
The French Alps during summer time make for an excellent escape where you can burn off endless steam.
Once the snow melts, the mountains are littered with cyclists and adrenaline-junkies hurling themselves off the cliff-edge on a paraglider or navigating down a canyon.
The Irish cable car that's only one that crosses open sea in Europe with incredible views, stone walls & €10 tickets
Better still, temperatures peak in the mid 20Cs in this region meaning you'll have more energy to get stuck in.
Although if it does heat up, there's plenty of watersports at the nearby lake.
The easiest way to book is through Responsible Travel which rolls your accommodation and activities into one - although flights cost extra.
You can pick from camping accommodation, self-catered apartments, traditional B&Bs and hotels.
A seven-night trip costs from £447pp.
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Once the snow melts in The Alps, the mountains are littered with cyclists and adrenaline-junkies
Credit: Alamy
Swap Spain's Madrid for the Netherlands
The Netherlands offers a different kind of getaway to a beachside fly and flop in Spain – but it's no less fun, especially when you're staying at one of Eurocamp's top holiday parks: Marvilla Parks Kaatsheuvel.
The weather tends to be mild in the region of North-Brabant during summer, but temperatures can hit 23C in August, so there'll still be opportunity to flop by the pool which has a play area for kids, along with some twisty slides.
If you're up for adventure, the sand dunes of Loon National Park border the resort.
But kids and teens will likely prefer a visit to Efteling, a fairytale-inspired theme park just a ten-minute drive away.
Seven nights' self-catering is from £146.18pp, based on six sharing a Premium three bedroom holiday home and arriving on July 4.
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The Netherlands offers a different kind of getaway to a beachside fly and flop in Spain - especially when you're staying at one of Eurocamp's top holiday parks
Credit: Roan
Swap Budapest for Zemplen Mountains, Hungary
It's not just France and Italy that boast glorious mountain regions, Hungary is home to the striking Zemplén Mountains, a rugged stretch of landscape that's part of the inner volcanic belt of the Carpathian Mountains.
The area may have once been home to a lava-spilling volcano, but things are much cooler nowadays - around 21C in summer to be exact.
With very little signal, travellers can take the opportunity to switch off from the outside world with a digital detox.
There's ancient oaks to stroll among, boating on silent lakes, and cycle routes along quiet mountain trails.
To ensure you're truly immersed in nature, check into the Kőkapu Vadászkastély és Hotel & Apartments, which is several kilometres from the nearest village.
One night's room-only is from £65. See kokapu.hu.
Wizz Air flies from Luton to Budapest from £25.09 each way with Wizz Air.
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Hungary is home to the striking Zemplén Mountains, a rugged stretch of landscape that's part of the inner volcanic belt of the Carpathian Mountains
Credit: Alamy
Swap the Costa del Sol for Costa Verde, Spain
Things are heating up in southern Spain already, but the tranquil Costa Verde, on the northern coast, stays at around 25C in summer, which means you can still take advantage of those gorgeous sandy beaches.
Eurocamp's Playa Joyel has direct access to the shores where holidaymakers can get stuck into paddleboarding, kayaking or even surfing.
Don't worry if you're a novice, that's what the Ris Surf School is for.
On site there's a family pool, children's pool and a jacuzzi as well as a free kids club for those aged five to 12 (during high season).
Plus, there's tennis, football, badminton and boules, all available to guests.
Refuel afterwards with some cracking local grub at the on site restaurant – you won't regret it.
Seven nights' self-catering is from around £268pp, based on a family of four sharing a Comfort XL two bedroom holiday home, for arrival on August 20.
See eurocamp.co.uk.
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Costa Verde, on the northern coast, stays at around 25C in summer, which means you can still take advantage of those gorgeous sandy beaches
Credit: Alamy
Swap the Rhine for the Baltic Sea, Germany
Not just sandy beaches await on Germany's northern coast.
The region is flooded with charming historic towns, backed by lush trees and dotted with colourful houses.
This includes Travemünde, a former fishing town turned port that attracts a number of wellness enthusiasts who come for yoga on the beach and natural swimming pools.
Kids, on the other hand, will love Beach Bay Adventure Promenade, home to a water playground, adventure golf, climbing wall and sailing school.
Check into the Landal Travemünde which has modern and airy apartments and bungalows overlooking the harbour.
They come with kitchens, but if you don't fancy cooking, head to Ahoi by Steffen Henssler, up the road, which does a cracking fish and chips as well as a classic schnitzel and a currywurst.
A seven-night break costs from £321.25pp with landal.com.
Nine cheap and free hacks to stay cool
WITH temperatures soaring to 30C across parts of the UK this weekend, here are nine simple, budget-friendly tips to help you stay cool, reports The Sun's Summer Maerason. Keep blinds and curtains closed: Drawing your curtains, especially lighter-colored ones, from 9am to 9pm can significantly prevent sunlight from heating your home.
Drawing your curtains, especially lighter-colored ones, from 9am to 9pm can significantly prevent sunlight from heating your home. Employ the tin foil hack: Placing tin foil on windows (inside or out) or car windscreens can reflect sunlight and stop heat absorption.
Placing tin foil on windows (inside or out) or car windscreens can reflect sunlight and stop heat absorption. Optimise ceiling fan direction: Ensure your ceiling fan blades rotate counter-clockwise to push cool air down and create a refreshing breeze.
Ensure your ceiling fan blades rotate counter-clockwise to push cool air down and create a refreshing breeze. Use night-time ventilation: Open windows on opposite sides of your home in the evening to create a 'night-flush ventilation' cross-breeze, allowing cooler air in and trapped heat out.
Open windows on opposite sides of your home in the evening to create a 'night-flush ventilation' cross-breeze, allowing cooler air in and trapped heat out. Create a DIY 'Ice Fan': Position a bowl of ice cubes in front of a fan to generate a cool, misty breeze, especially effective in smaller rooms.
Position a bowl of ice cubes in front of a fan to generate a cool, misty breeze, especially effective in smaller rooms. Minimise heat-generating appliances: Avoid using ovens, dishwashers, and washing machines during peak heat. Opt for outdoor cooking, cold meals, or line-drying laundry.
Avoid using ovens, dishwashers, and washing machines during peak heat. Opt for outdoor cooking, cold meals, or line-drying laundry. Hang damp sheets: Drape damp sheets or towels in front of open windows or a fan. As the water evaporates, it draws heat from the air, creating a cooling effect.
Drape damp sheets or towels in front of open windows or a fan. As the water evaporates, it draws heat from the air, creating a cooling effect. Seal gaps and cracks: Block draughts around windows and doors with weather stripping, caulk, or even a rolled-up towel to keep hot air out and cool air in.
Block draughts around windows and doors with weather stripping, caulk, or even a rolled-up towel to keep hot air out and cool air in. Stay low: Hot air rises, so spend time on lower floors of your home. For a cooler night's sleep, consider placing your mattress directly on the floor.
There are also seven top 'holiday destinations to watch' this year including little known Spanish city and quiet islands.
Plus, pick your dream destination from our 2025 travel hot list.