THE mercury is rising as the UK and Europe sizzle through a second June heatwave, with temperatures soaring to over 40C.
The increasingly fierce heat has prompted a new trend and, of course, an obligatory trendy moniker – the COOL-CATION.
Increasingly, those of us who suffer in the heat are seeking out holidays where the sun shines but the degrees stay sensible.
Here, Lisa Minot, suggests six of the best holiday destinations abroad that escape the heat but still score highly in summer . . .
FOR beach breaks, Portugal’s Costa Verde, in the north of the country, is an ideal choice.
While there’s still plenty of sunshine, the Atlantic breezes mean cooler temperatures than the Algarve.
It’s also a green haven — think verdant forests and vineyards producing the popular Vinho Verde wine.
Solmar Villas has 30 villas in the region including Casa do Casal.
Sleeping four, this chic, modern villa includes a private pool.
Seven nights’ self-catering is from £697pp, based on four sharing, including flights from Gatwick on July 12.
See solmarvillas.com.
CLOSE to the Julian Alps, Lake Bled is the cooler alternative to Lake Como, offering watersports and hiking accompanied by a refreshing Alpine breeze.
Newmarket Holidays has a great tour that includes excursions around the lake, combined with Croatia’s Istrian Riviera and the glorious Plitvice National Park.
With expert guides, visit Rovinj on the coast and the remarkable Lim Fjord.
The eight-day trip includes flights, four excursions and 14 meals.
Prices start from £1,324pp.
For further details, visit newmarketholidays.co.uk.
GET the best of all worlds with a visit to this gorgeous little Swedish city.
With summer temperatures typically from 20C to 23C, it has a laid-back coastal feel with sandy beaches, waterfront dining and easy links to Danish capital Copenhagen, via the Oresund Bridge.
There’s sea-swimming and saunas, of course, plus pretty streets with traditional architecture.
The UNITY Malmo hotel is a ten-minute walk from the city centre and a great base.
Three nights’ B&B is from £391pp including flights from Gatwick on July 5.
SESTRIERE, ITALY
SPORTY types need not break a sweat this summer with a stay at Club Med Pragelato-Sestriere in Italy’s Piedmont region.
With its refreshing Alpine climate — it was built for the 2006 Winter Olympics — there’s plenty to keep fitness fans busy in summer with 19 different activities including biking, hiking and golf, plus two pools.
And with everything included, you can sit back and relax.
Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £1,827pp including flights from Heathrow on July 11 and transfers.
See clubmed.co.uk/r/pragelato-sestriere/w or call 03453 676767.
THIS capital city offers the chance to combine a cultural break with beach fun.
There are 15 public beaches within the city’s limits, three of which hold Blue Flag awards — Balsys and Valakampiai I and II.
With cooler, Nordic summers, temperatures rarely rise above 23C but there are still plenty of places to enjoy some sunshine with many of the city’s beaches having changing cabins, barbecue zones and sports courts.
Explore the Old Town with a three-night stay at the 3* Panorama Hotel from £239pp including flights from Stansted on July 1.
See loveholidays.com.
THERE’S no problem cooling off in Finland — the country has some 188,000 lakes, the majority in its stunning Lakeland region.
Explore a few on a self-drive holiday with with Best Served Scandinavia, taking in lakes, rivers, canals and forests.
The trip starts with two nights in Helsinki before heading into Lakeland to make the most of the long summer days with time for swimming, fishing and canoeing.
Eight nights is from £1,950pp including return flights, B&B accommodation, seven days’ car hire, two lunches, excursions and a sightseeing cruise.
See best-served.co.uk.