With summer heatwaves becoming more frequent and intense across Europe, many travelers are looking beyond the Mediterranean for relief. A new ranking from eSIM provider Holafly aims to identify the best destinations for a 'coolcation' — places that offer a break from the heat without sacrificing accessibility, value, or experience.
The Global Cool Escape Index evaluates destinations based on climate relief, airport connectivity, traveler interest, visitor experience, and cost. It deliberately avoids simply picking the coldest spots, instead focusing on overall suitability for a summer escape.
Top of the list: Queenstown, Tromsø, and Bariloche
Queenstown in New Zealand takes the top spot overall. As winter grips the southern hemisphere, the resort town on Lake Wakatipu enjoys daily mean temperatures of just 5.2°C — a stark contrast to the sweltering conditions many Europeans face in July and August.
In second place is Tromsø, Norway, a city north of the Arctic Circle known for its midnight sun from late May to late July. Visitors can enjoy long daylight hours and cool, crisp air, making it an ideal escape from the heat.
Third is Bariloche, Argentina, nestled in the foothills of the Patagonian Andes. A popular destination for skiers, it offers a mix of outdoor adventure and cool mountain climate.
The rest of the top ten includes Helsinki, Anchorage, Reykjavik, San Francisco, Banff, Cape Town, and Zermatt — a mix of northern European cities, North American mountain towns, and southern hemisphere winter destinations.
European travelers get tailored picks
The index also provides specific recommendations for British, German, and Spanish travelers, factoring in direct flight options from their home countries.
For UK travelers, Cape Town ranks first, followed by Chamonix in France, Queenstown, Innsbruck in Austria, and Zermatt in Switzerland. Germans, meanwhile, favor Innsbruck as their top coolcation spot, with Cape Town, Zermatt, Chamonix, and Bariloche completing their top five.
These tailored lists reflect growing demand for alternatives to traditional summer hotspots. As Europe braces for another potentially record-breaking summer, the appeal of cooler destinations is clear.
For those who prefer to stay closer to home, Europe offers plenty of options. Second cities like Innsbruck and Chamonix provide a mix of culture and mountain cool, while hidden canal cities offer a quieter alternative to overcrowded classics.
The index also highlights the growing importance of climate resilience in travel planning. As European cities explore innovative cooling solutions, travelers are increasingly factoring climate comfort into their choices.
Whether you're seeking the midnight sun in Norway, the alpine charm of Austria, or the winter landscapes of New Zealand, the coolcation trend shows no signs of cooling down.
