With summer holidays approaching, many people are evacuating the holidays for sun-filled coastal resorts or for beachfront stays in their UK homes. But not everyone heads to a warm place. There have been recent changes in recent holiday habits, and as the heat reaches the UK, people are watching towards cooler destinations.
Over the past few years, European vacationers have increasingly selected destinations that are less attractive and have less temperatures than regular beach spots. Google searches have increased by 624% this year. With this in mind, Inghams Walking conducted a detailed analysis of destinations near Europe to determine the new “colocation” hotspots for 2025.
Laura Mason, head of walking at Inghams Walking, said: “While countries like Greece and Spain offer holiday makers the opportunity to absorb the sun and get much needed vitamin D, the heat waves that have rippled through Europe over the past few years have undoubtedly moved to travelers to alternative travelers for summer holidays.
“Comfort calm allows holidaymakers to promote deeper connections with nature, often prioritizing exploring outdoors and personal happiness. We hope that our findings will inspire those who are trying to confuse typical trips this summer.”
The topping on the list as the most popular “cool cation” spot was Akureyri, the second largest city in Iceland, and was known as the “capital capital” of the city.
Inghams experts note that interest in visiting Akureyi has risen by 264.13% among those looking for a summer vacation.
With temperatures of 10-12°C in the summer, this picturesque city is home to the world's northernmost botanical gardens, an impressive church designed by the same architect behind Reykjavik's iconic Hallgrímskirkja, and an impressive church designed by some of Iceland's best whale watching tours.
Next on the list is Tisvilde, a beautiful town on the north coast of Denmark. This is often referred to as “Danish Riviera.”
Singing Tisvilde's praises, the expert said: “Tisvilde is rich in culture and offers fresh catches from several palaces and castles, charming colorful beach homes, miles of sandy beaches and surrounding seas.”
In summer months, Tisvald averages between 19-21°C. This means it's warm enough to enjoy a day on the beach, but it's far from the slow temperatures of normal European hot spots.
From the seaside towns on Iceland's “Arctic Coast Road” to the sturdy landscapes reaching out in the Scottish highlands, there are plenty of options for those looking for a completely cool getaway.
Popular “Cool Cation” destinations:
Akureyri, Icelandtisvilde, Denmarknuuk, GreenlandCortina D'Ampezzo, Italylahemaa National Park, Estonalmern, Switzerland, Arlberg, Sweden, Austrian Riviera, Belgium Ghent, Belgium tribe, Italomite, Italomite, Italomite, Switzerlandkranjska Gora, Sloveniagalway, Irelandbern, Switzerlandschaan, Liechtensteinalpach, Austriagdańsk, Poland
