While a summer heatwave is sweeping over South and Central Europe, many travelers rethink their destination: instead of sunshine and 40 degrees in the shade, the focus this summer is on deliberately chosen, pleasantly temperate destinations. Whether it’s a summer vacation in Sweden, sustainable hotels on the Polish Baltic coast or a break in the Alps – Coolcations stand for stylish relaxation away from the heat. We have selected special places in Europe where fresh air, cultural depth and sustainability come together. For all those who would rather take a deep breath than sweat it out this summer.
Northern Europe – Countryside, Coast & Cool
Southern Sweden – Wanås Restaurant Hotel
Climate in July–August: Southern Sweden averages 15–25 °C, with midsummer highs around 22–25 °C, cool nights, and long daylight hours
Set within a historic manor and surrounded by sculpture gardens and an organic farm, Wanås Restaurant Hotel blends farm-to-table dining with design-forward guestrooms. Sustainability underpins its ethos—local sourcing, green energy, and culture-led tourism.
Summer Activities:
- Art walks in the sculpture park
- Harvest tours & cooking workshops
- Cycling through gentle landscapes
- Canoeing on calm waters
Why we love it in summer:
Because it combines the best of Swedish summer: clear air, wide fields, delicious food and daylight well into the night – and a place where everything slows down.
Poland – Baltic Sea Coast – SKARPA Resort
Climate in July–August: Polish Baltic summer highs hover around 18–25 °C; sea water temperature averages 16–21 °C .
Just a walk away from the sea, this cabin resort offers clean architecture, eco-friendly practices, and a lot of privacy.
Summer Activities:
• Forest bathing and Nordic walking
• Coastal bike tours
• Beach visits with brisk sea dips
• Local seafood
Why we love it in summer: It’s a breath of fresh air—literally. Long walks, and refreshing swims while keeping temperatures effortlessly pleasant. Plus there are multiple bike trails close by.
Mountain Escapes – Alpine Cool with Plenty of Outdoor Activities
Dolomites, Italy – Green Luxury Hotel Pfösl
Climate in July–August: Valley highs around 21–25 °C, nights drop to 10 °C; summers are mild, often breezy
A green luxury retreat in the Dolomites. Hotel Pfösl offers a spa, inventive farm-to-table dining, and wellness.
Summer Activities:
• High-altitude hiking and via ferrata
• Yoga and forest bathing
• Mountain biking across ridge trails
• Farm tours with cheese and cider tasting
Why we love it in summer: At Pfösl, the Alps are a setting for hiking, biking wellness, and nightly temperatures
Dolomites – Karersee-Region – Karerhof
Climate in July-August: 20-25 °C during the day, 10-12 °C at night – clear mountain air and many hours of sunshine
Between Rosengarten and Latemar lies the Karerhof – a historic farm in South Tyrol that has been renovated with a keen sense of design, craftsmanship and sustainability. The spacious apartments combine Alpine materials with contemporary style and offer unobstructed views of the Dolomites.
Summer Activities:
- Excursions to Bolzano, mountain lakes and farms in the surrounding area
- Hiking and mountaineering around Lake Carezza
- Sunrise tours and picnics on the alpine pasture
Why we love it in summer:
The Karerhof combines retreat and experience – barefoot through the vegetable garden in the morning, out and about on mountain trails during the day, accompanying farm owner and farmer Bernd at work, relaxing in the panoramic sauna in the evening. And a highlight for overnight stays: the hay barn.
Arosa, Switzerland – Valsana Resort
Climate in July–August: Highs reach 17–21 °C, lows dip to 6–7 °C; cool, crisp mountain air with beautiful sunshine.
About Valsana Resort: A wellness-focused mountain hotel with timber-clad architecture, panoramic spa, and alpine cuisine. Sustainability is built in—from locally sourced food to energy efficiency.
Summer Activities:
- Lakeside swimming and paddle boarding
- Hiking trails
- Alpine wellness: saunas, restorative yoga
- Electric-bike excursions
Why we love it in summer:
Arosa is alpine, but relaxed. Hiking by day and relaxing in the evening. The Moving Mountains program offers fitness and yoga in the great outdoors in summer.
Spain – Asturian Mountains – Solo Palacio
Climate in July–August: Highlands average 18 °C, with highs up to 25 °C and nightly temperature lows around 13 °C.
About Solo Palacio: A renovated boutique hotel & spa in a historic palace, offering elegant rooms, a pool with mountain views, and strong ties to local gastronomy and heritage.
Summer Activities:
• Mountain biking and hiking on forest trails
• Spa, sauna, and outdoor pool in green surroundings
• Local cooking classes & Asturias wine tastings
• Day trips to wild Atlantic beaches
Why we love it in summer: Solo Palacio delivers serene mountain charm with a coastal twist—cool breeze, forest trails, and a little luxury in award-winning wabi sabi design. Wildlife is exceptional: brown bears roam free in the mountains.
In the Middle of the Atlantic – Island Life, Naturally Temperate
Azores, São Miguel – Santa Bárbara Eco Resort
This volcanic archipelago is a nature-lover’s paradise: lush pastures, geothermal hot springs, crater lakes, and hydrangea-carpeted roads. Eco tourism is intrinsic—much of the island life spins around renewable energy, organic farming, and conservation.
Climate in July–August: Air temps around 22–25 °C, lows 18–19 °C; ocean temps 23 °C, with around 233 sunshine hours in July.
The Santa Barbara Eco Beach Resort offers a stunning coastline, sea views from all rooms, homegrown food, renewable energy, and respectful tourism.
Summer Activities:
- Visiting tea factories & cheese tasting
- Whale watching & dolphin tours
- Hiking along crater lakes
- Bathing in thermal springs (e.g. Poça da Dona Beija)
- Surfing, snorkeling & kayaking
Why we love it in summer: The Azores are the epitome of “coolcation.” With balmy temperatures, ocean breezes, and volcanic beauty, these islands offer an immersive escape without the sweat—just serenity.
Why Coolcations Matter for People and Planet
• Climate-smart travel: Staying cooler reduces dependency on AC, lessens energy consumption, and mitigates traveler heat-stress.
• Engaged exploration: Lower temperatures invite to active exploration of ones surroundings, think longer hikes, cultured evenings, and mindful immersion in nature.
• Conscious comfort: These destinations are greener – quite literally, embedded in nature and a green ethos
Coolcations are emblematic of a new travel mindset. This selection of hotels exemplifies how sustainability, design, and cool climate caters to an active mindset…
Still not sure where to head this summer?
Imagine sipping cold apple cider in a Scandinavian sculpture park at midnight sun. Or soaking in a mountain spa while clouds drift through Alpine peaks. Picture volcanic lagoons framed by hydrangeas and Atlantic breezes on Portugal’s islands. That’s the promise of a Coolcation: travel that refreshes body and soul. This is summer, redefined—with calm, cool, and conscientious escapes leading the way.
