Keep Cool and Carry On: Readers' Favorite Trips to Escape the Heat

The west coast of Ireland remains one of the best summer destinations if you want to escape the heat. With temperatures rarely (if ever) above 20°C and weather straight from the Atlantic, the inevitable rain will make you appreciate the bursts of sunshine even more. County Sligo is one of the hidden gems of the Wild Atlantic Way, and Strandhill Beach has everything you need for the perfect day: a decent hike to the mysterious and mythical tomb of Queen Maeve (and the views for days if the weather is clear) and Seashells Café for a delicious tea and cake after a freezing swim in the Atlantic. "model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement" class="dcr-10khgmf">

Riga is a brilliant summer destination without the extreme heat. Always around 22°C, the capital has lovely sea breezes blowing in from the Baltic to keep you energized during its long summer days when the sun sets around midnight. The old town is flat and shiny to explore, with car-free streets, wooden houses, medieval churches and trendy cafes for a cold local lager or refreshing tea - and all at prices that won't make you cringe. sweat. Take a short train ride to Jurmala Beach, where the sand and sea are cool enough for comfortable sunbathing and swimming. -spacefinder-role="inline" data-spacefinder-type="model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement" class="dcr-10khgmf">