Distress calls in Greece, wildfires in Germany, and a sweltering summer in Italy: climate change is ringing a red-hot warning to locals and tourists alike. For those planning to spend the summer in Europe this year, sidestep the cities tackling heatwaves and opt for sun-spared alternatives instead. While heatwaves in Europe’s Cyprus and Greece have claimed several lives, Hungary is struggling with wildfires. We say, pay heed to the climate and plan smart. Our team has done the legwork and put together country-wise swaps for you to enjoy the Europe holiday without melting.
Also, read our story on where to eat, play, and luxuriate in Europe this summer.
Avoid the heatwave in Europe with our guide
Germany: Visit Hamburg instead of Berlin
In the throes of heatwaves, German cities like Berlin, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, and Gelsenkirchen have shut Euro 2024 fan zones to prioritise safety. While Berlin is a popular holiday destination for tourists, owing to its museums, the Berlin Wall Memorial, admirable architecture, and nightlife, we recommend letting it go this year and picking Hamburg instead. With an average temperature of 24 degrees Celsius, Hamburg delights with themed gardens, lakes, charming architecture, and an equally inviting nightlife; all the perks sans the blaring heat.
Key attractions in Hamburg: Logo Club, Port of Hamburg, St. Michael’s Church, Alster Lakes, Kunsthalle Hamburg, International Maritime Museum, Miniatur Wunderland, and Hagenbeck Zoo.
Best restaurants: Fischereihafen, Literaturhauscafé, Entenwerder1, Henssler und Henssler, Marend, and Le Plat du Jour.
Check out our story on the most beautiful places in Germany to elevate your itinerary.
Book your stay at Hamburg Marriott Hotel via Booking.com
Book your stay at Hamburg Marriott Hotel via Agoda.com
Greece: Visit Mykonos instead of Athens
From visitors fainting in queues while waiting to get into the Acropolis to tourists succumbing to heat at islands near Crete and Korfu, Greece is among the major climate-impacted countries in Europe. In Athens, garbage collection was halted for several hours and drones were set in motion to monitor the soaring temperatures. If you’re planning to visit Greece, we recommend considering Mykonos over Athens, where the current temperatures average around 26 degrees Celsius. The gorgeous beaches, post-card-perfect windmills, high-octane nightlife, and shopping streets promise a memorable holiday.
Key attractions in Mykonos: Little Venice, Paraportiani Church, Mykonos Town, the windmills of Mykonos, Ano Mera Village, Kalafati, and Platis Gialos.
Best restaurants: Spilia, Fokos, Rizes, La Cantine du Faubourg, Zuma, and Bagatelle.
Also, read our story on the 10 best cruises in Greece, according to travel experts to elevate your holiday to new heights.
Book your stay at Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort via Booking.com
Book your stay at Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort via Agoda.com
Italy: Visit Milan over Sicily
Regions in Italy are also getting baked this summer as temperatures hover over 40 degrees Celsius. With an excessive heat warning in the popular Italian city of Sicily (among others like Rome and Florence), we recommend visiting Milan instead. Averaging at 23 degrees Celsius, Milan offers plenty for the discerning tourist: Gothic cathedrals, museums, high-heeled shopping boutiques, and buzzing Milanese cafe culture. Also, check out our Milan vacation guide for a wholesome trip!
Key attractions in Milan: Duomo, Chinatown, Cimitero Monumentale, Brera district, Teatro alla Scala, Milan’s canals, and Piazza dei Mercanti.
Best restaurants: Erba Brusca, Ristorante Da Giacomo, Il Kaimano, Gastronomia Yamamoto, and Ratanà.
Book your stay at FOUR SEASONS HOTEL MILAN via Booking.com
Book your stay at FOUR SEASONS HOTEL MILAN via Agoda.com
Cyprus: Visit Paphos over Nicosia
From two elderly people succumbing to heatwaves to hospitals registering a surge in heat exhaustion cases, Cyprus is facing one of its hottest summers ever. According to the country’s meteorological department, 2024 is also the 10th driest year in the last 123 years, owing to a stark decline in rainfall. If you’re planning to travel to Cyprus anyway, pick Paphos over cities like Nicosia, Limassol, and Oroklini for lower temperatures. The coastal city awaits with sprawling beaches, a good dose of history, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and marine adventures.
Key attractions in Paphos: Aphrodite’s Rock, Paphos Mosaics, Paphos Castle, Acropolis and Odeon, Kouklia, St Paul’s Pillar, and Troodos Mountains.
Best restaurants: Viklari The Last Castle, Ocean Basket, Konia Tavern, Baths Of Aphrodite Restaurant, and Minthis Hills Golf Club.
Book your stay at Elysium via Booking.com
Book your stay at Elysium via Agoda.com
Türkiye: Visit Cappadocia over Istanbul
Türkiye, too, is reeling with scorching heat. Avoid cities like Istanbul, Bodrum, Izmir and Bursa, and choose to holiday in Cappadocia instead. From historic sites and open-air museums to hot-air ballooning, there are bucketloads to explore.
Key attractions in Cappadocia: Goreme Open Air Museum, Uchisar Castle, Pasabag Valley, Ortahisar Castle, Guray Museum, and Selime Monastery.
Best restaurants: Revithia, Lila Cappadocia, Old Greek House, and Mithra Terrace at Mithra Cave Hotel.
Also, check out our story on the best time to visit Turkey for pleasant weather and lower prices.
Book your stay at Museum Hotel via Booking.com
Book your stay at Museum Hotel via Agoda.com
Bulgaria: Visit Dobrich over Sofia
With heatwave warnings in Bulgaria, several popular cities like Sofia, Yambol, and Gabrovo are dealing with torrid heat. We recommend hitting up the northeastern city of Dobrich touted for its lovely parks, art galleries, museums, and delectable local cuisine. The average temperature in Dobrich is 26 degrees Celsius currently.
Key attractions in Dobrich: Ethnographic Museum, St George’s Church, Bacardi Club, Dobrich Art Gallery, and Zoo Centre Dobrich.
Best restaurants: The Mussel Farm, Poco Loco Steak House, and Restaurant El Mundo.
Book your stay at Hotel Dobrudja via Booking.com
Book your stay at Hotel Dobrudja via Agoda.com
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(Feature Image Credit: leventina/Shutterstock)
Related: These Are The Most Affordable Ways To Travel Around Europe This Summer
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Question: Which European countries experience extreme hot weather in summer?
Answer: Countries in Europe that dealing heatwaves include Cyprus, Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, Spain, and Malta, among others.
Question: What are some cooler activities or attractions in alternative destinations?
Answer: Some cooler activities and attractions to dodge the heatwave in Europe include exploring the museums, partaking in water sports, indulging in the spas, and enjoying the nightlife.
Question: What are some tips for staying cool if I still want to visit Southern Europe in summer?
Answer: We recommend limiting outdoor activities, going cafe hopping, and enjoying the theatre, art galleries, and museums in the region.
Question: Are there any other European regions known for mild summer climates?
Answer: Explore coastal Norway, Estonia, Ireland, and the UK for milder summer climates.