July 9th, 2026
Where to go on vacation to stay safe from the heat Some travel tips ahead of the next heatwave
A new wave of exceptional and prolonged heat is expected to hit Europe, particularly affecting Italy, Spain, and Portugal, where maximum temperatures could exceed 40°C. The continent's last period of extreme heat lasted around ten days.
For years, science has been studying the effects of heat on people, both from a physiological and a psychological perspective. Essentially, when temperatures become very high, the human body must expend more energy to keep its physiological processes in balance. This effort places the body under stress and can contribute to making people feel more fatigued and easily irritable.
Faced with such intense heatwaves, tourists are also changing their travel habits. As a result, more and more people are choosing to spend their holidays in places where the climate remains pleasant and cool even during the hottest months.
Mountain holidays
@cesa_del_louf slower days, fresh air, lush greens, and golden light #italiansummer #travel #mountain #summer #view Without leaving Italy, it is possible to find destinations that offer relief from the heat to cool down—from the Alps to the Apennines, as well as lakes and seaside destinations known for their steady breezes. Thanks to its geography, the country offers plenty of alternatives for those who want to avoid extreme heat without giving up their holidays.
Among the best destinations for escaping the heat are mountain areas. Around 35% of Italy's territory is covered by mountains, making them an easy choice for a holiday. During the summer months, once the snow at lower elevations has melted, visitors can enjoy hiking and cycling along specially designed trails, among many other activities. Accommodation options are also becoming increasingly numerous and well equipped.
Alternatives to the mountains
According to a survey conducted last year by Confcommercio, the country's leading business association, Italian tourists continue to favour beach holidays. However, mountain holidays are the second most popular type of vacation.
For those who are not fond of the mountains and usually prefer the sea, lakes can be an excellent alternative. For example, Lake Castel San Vincenzo, in the Molise region, is well known for combining crystal-clear waters with wooded surroundings. Meanwhile, Lake Garda, which stretches across Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino-Alto Adige, is home to destinations such as San Zeno di Montagna, where the location benefits from a constant breeze thanks to its unique position.
Those who simply cannot give up the sea can instead opt for the windiest coastal destinations. For example, Porto Pollo, in northern Sardinia, is famous for its constant breeze, making it a favourite destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts.
