Latvia’s Sun-Kissed Retreat: Saulkrasti Just an hour’s journey from Latvia’s vibrant capital, Riga, the coastal town of Saulkrasti lives up to its name, which translates to "Sun Coast." This serene escape is easily accessible via frequent local trains, making it an ideal day trip or a peaceful longer stay for those seeking to immerse themselves in nature. Saulkrasti is defined by its seemingly endless stretches of pristine sandy beaches, where the scent of ancient pine forests mingles with the salty sea air. These dense forests, a characteristic feature of the Baltic coastline, grow right down to the edge of the shore, creating a unique ecological landscape and providing ample shade for leisurely picnics. A highlight of a visit here is the well-marked 4-kilometre trail that meanders from Saulkrasti station through these fragrant woods, culminating at the spectacular Balta Kapa, or White Dune. This impressive natural formation offers panoramic views of the Gulf of Riga and the surrounding landscape, where a tranquil blue river gracefully meets the sea. Visitors like Bruce, who enjoyed a July picnic, often marvel at the surprisingly warm waters of the Baltic Sea during peak summer months. Thanks to its relatively shallow depth and the influence of prevailing winds, the Baltic can indeed reach "Mediterranean-warm" temperatures, particularly in July and August, offering delightful conditions for swimming and paddling. Beyond sunbathing and dips, the area is perfect for long walks, cycling along coastal paths, and birdwatching, providing a calming antidote to urban life before a happy return to Riga. Brittany’s Elegant Emerald Coast Venturing west to France, the Côte d’Émeraude in Brittany offers a distinct coastal experience, far removed from the scorching heat of the south. Last August, Gaia and her family discovered the charms of this "Emerald Coast," named for the striking colour of its waters, enjoying perfect weather in the low twenties—ideal for exploration without discomfort. Their base was a comfortable Airbnb in Dinard, an elegant resort town renowned for its Belle Époque villas and sophisticated promenade. Dinard proved to be an excellent starting point for day trips across this captivating region. While directly opposite the historic walled city of St Malo, Dinard maintains a more relaxed and less overtly touristy atmosphere, appealing especially to families with its amazing, safe beaches. The culinary delights are quintessential Breton: delicious crêpes and crisp cidre are ubiquitous, providing a taste of local tradition. The summer months also bring lively street parties, adding to the festive ambience. Beyond the cool sandy beaches, Dinard boasts a vibrant arts scene with several excellent galleries and bustling markets offering local produce and crafts. For those arriving from Paris, St Malo is easily reachable by high-speed TGV train, with local connections or even a short ferry ride making Dinard readily accessible. This blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and temperate climate makes Brittany a compelling choice for a family-friendly coastal escape. Finland’s Active Beach Life at Yyteri In the south-west of Finland, Yyteri beach presents a unique Nordic coastal experience, combining vast natural beauty with a distinctively Finnish social culture. Pete, cycling through the region last summer, stumbled upon Yyteri and found its relaxing and uplifting atmosphere so captivating that he extended his stay to a full week. Stretching approximately 3 kilometres, Yyteri is one of Finland’s longest and most famous beaches, renowned for its expansive, uncrowded sands. The area is particularly famous for its spectacular sand dunes, which are part of the protected Yyteri nature trail, offering diverse ecosystems for exploration, birdwatching, and hiking. Finnish beach life here is an active and communal affair. Pete was invited to join a local beach volleyball team, a testament to the friendly local spirit. This invitation quickly led to a memorable "sardine, song, and sauna evening," highlighting the integral role of the sauna in Finnish culture—a place for relaxation, socialising, and rejuvenation. During the summer, the phenomenon of the midnight sun means that daylight extends late into the night, often sparking spontaneous "swim and song parties" around midnight. Visitors are encouraged to shed inhibitions and join in, embracing the joyful, inclusive atmosphere. Yyteri is not just for relaxation; its consistent winds also make it a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing, further solidifying its reputation as a dynamic coastal destination. Located near the city of Pori, Yyteri remains a testament to Finland’s understated yet profoundly engaging natural and cultural offerings. Arctic Wilderness and History in North-East Norway Far above the Arctic Circle, the Varangerfjord region in north-east Norway offers an unparalleled journey into a rugged, remote, and historically rich landscape. Natalie Keene and her friends spent a week here in June, experiencing the dramatic beauty of this frontier land, close to the Russian border. A highlight was a 10-minute boat trip to Hornøya, a vital island bird sanctuary. Accessible by booking with operators like Explore 70 Degrees or Skua Nature (from £95 per person), Hornøya is a birdwatcher’s paradise, teeming with thousands of puffins, gannets, kittiwakes, and guillemots nesting on its dramatic cliffs. The sheer scale and noise of the birdlife are breathtaking. Another captivating day trip led them north to Hamningberg, an abandoned fishing village whose pristine timber homes remarkably survived the German scorched-earth retreat in 1945, a fate that befell most other settlements in Finnmark. The village, deserted in the 1960s as small-scale fishing became unviable, stands as a poignant time capsule. The scenic road to Hamningberg itself is an adventure, winding through a lunar-like landscape where free-roaming reindeer often graze alongside the roadside, a common sight in this Sami heartland. In Vardø, Norway’s easternmost town, stands the powerful Steilneset Memorial. Designed by artist Louise Bourgeois and architect Peter Zumthor, this profound structure commemorates the 91 people, predominantly women, who were tragically burned at the stake for witchcraft in 1621. Its stark beauty and chilling narrative provide a deep historical resonance to this remote corner of the world, all under the endless daylight of the Arctic midnight sun in June. Poland’s Baltic Riviera: Sopot For a family-friendly beach holiday that combines charming seaside leisure with rich urban history and excellent value, Sopot on Poland’s Baltic coast is an outstanding choice. Kate and her children enjoyed a glorious week there last August, revelling in the fine white sand beaches that have earned Sopot the moniker of the "Polish Riviera." This elegant spa town is conveniently located just a 20-minute train or taxi ride from the magnificent Hanseatic city of Gdansk, allowing for easy exploration of both coastal relaxation and cultural immersion. A central feature of Sopot is its iconic pier, the longest wooden pier in Europe, stretching an impressive 511.5 metres into the Bay of Gdansk. Strolling along its length offers refreshing sea breezes and panoramic views of the coastline. The town’s main pedestrian street, Monte Cassino, is a lively hub, famous for its distinctive "Crooked House" (Krzywy Domek), an architectural marvel that seems to melt and sway. Here, visitors can indulge in quintessential Polish pierogi, alongside a variety of cafes, shops, and street entertainment. While Kate noted the Baltic Sea was "a bit refreshing," its cooler temperatures in August are perfect for invigorating swims and a welcome contrast to the intense heat of southern Europe, making it enjoyable for active families. Beyond the beaches, Sopot offers a vibrant nightlife, excellent seafood restaurants, and a charming, walkable town centre, all at a cost significantly lower than many Western European equivalents, confirming its status as a fun and good-value beach break. Donegal’s Wild Atlantic Way: Fanad Peninsula Ireland’s County Donegal, a jewel on the Wild Atlantic Way, promises spectacular vistas and quiet, unspoiled beaches for those seeking raw natural beauty and a sense of escape. Brendan, whose father grew up in the area, champions the Fanad peninsula as an unrivalled destination. The peninsula is home to the stunning Rathmullan and Ballymastocker beaches on Lough Swilly, famed for their long strands of pale, pristine sand. Ballymastocker, in particular, has previously been lauded as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, a testament to its breathtaking scenery. The road connecting these beaches offers continually dramatic vistas as the lough transitions into the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. A visit to the iconic Fanad Head Lighthouse is a must. Perched dramatically on the peninsula’s northern tip, this operational lighthouse offers guided tours and serves as a striking landmark against the wild Atlantic backdrop. For ultimate peace, the Atlantic beaches of Ballyhiernan offer a serene escape, often frequented by surfers drawn to the powerful ocean swells. A little further west, the village of Downings provides a slightly livelier atmosphere. As a Gaeltacht village, Downings offers a unique cultural immersion where the Irish language is spoken daily, alongside welcoming pubs and excellent seafood. Throughout the Fanad Peninsula, visitors are treated to a continuously evolving mountainous landscape, providing panoramic views across the Mulroy and Lough Swilly estuaries and the majestic Atlantic, making every journey a visual feast. Iceland’s Northern Charm: Geothermal Akureyri While Iceland is renowned for its otherworldly landscapes, it often comes with a hefty price tag. However, the northern town of Akureyri, often dubbed the "Capital of North Iceland," offers a more accessible and equally enchanting experience. Hannah Angle found that many attractions here provided excellent value. Staying at the Saeluhus hotel in one of its charming bungalows, they enjoyed spectacular views across the Eyjafjörður fjord, a magnificent waterway teeming with whales during the summer months, making it a prime spot for whale-watching excursions. Akureyri is remarkably walkable, and its city buses are free, making local exploration effortless. A true highlight is the Forest Lagoon, a relatively new geothermal spa that presents a serene alternative to the more famous and often crowded Blue Lagoon. Nestled among trees, it offers blissful pools, invigorating saunas, and convenient swim-up bars, providing a peaceful retreat. For an even more budget-friendly geothermal experience, the municipal geothermal pool is a vibrant hub of activity, popular with locals and visitors alike, featuring various pools, slides, and hot tubs. Beyond its geothermal offerings, Akureyri is a friendly city dotted with cool restaurants and cafes, a beautiful botanical garden, and a distinctive church, all contributing to its unique charm and making it a fantastic base for exploring North Iceland’s wonders. Northern Spain’s Temperate Escape: Gijón For those seeking respite from the sweltering European summers, Gijón on Spain’s north coast, within the lush region of Asturias, offers a delightful escape with its temperate climate and vibrant cultural scene. Eve’s experience in July, following a workmate’s blissful June holiday report of constant rain, underscored the region’s cooler appeal. Although her trip only saw three days of rain, it coincided perfectly with the Semana Negra literary festival, a unique event focusing on crime fiction, comics, and science fiction. This provided a captivating way to spend the wetter days, including an interview with renowned author John Banville, who famously detailed his "hatred of summer"—a sentiment many escaping the heat could relate to. Gijón’s climate rarely gets truly cold in July, but the occasional warm spell can push temperatures higher, leading to the cancellation of some outdoor events due to "extreme heat," a rarity for this part of Spain. The city itself is a charming blend of ancient and modern, with the historic Cimavilla fishing quarter, the expansive San Lorenzo beach, and a lively promenade. Asturian gastronomy is a highlight, particularly its famous sidra (cider), poured from a height to aerate it, and hearty dishes like fabada asturiana. The Silken Ciudad hotel, where Eve stayed (doubles from £300 for two nights), offers a comfortable base for exploring this unique Spanish coastal city, where the promise of blissful rain is as much an attraction as the sunshine. Germany’s Baltic Gem: Hanseatic Greifswald Along Germany’s Baltic coast lies the beautiful Hanseatic town of Greifswald, a historic university city on the River Ryck that seamlessly blends medieval charm with natural beauty. Just a few miles from the Baltic Sea, accessible via a well-maintained path, its nearby village of Wieck offers a quiet, extensive beach. Wieck is also home to both ancient and modern marvels: a state-of-the-art flood barrier system showcasing contemporary engineering, and the evocative ruins of the 12th-century Eldena Abbey. These romantic ruins were famously immortalised in many landscapes by the local Romantic artist Caspar David Friedrich, regardless of their actual geographical setting, making them a pilgrimage site for art lovers. From Greifswald, the local train line runs parallel to the coast, providing picturesque views and easy access to other significant destinations. A short journey leads to the bustling port city of Stralsund, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its majestic Gothic brick churches and well-preserved Old Town. From Stralsund, ferries depart for the island of Rügen, Germany’s largest island and a popular destination in its own right, known for its dramatic chalk cliffs (such as those in Jasmund National Park) and charming seaside resorts like Binz and Sellin. This region offers a rich tapestry of history, art, and natural splendor, inviting visitors to explore its unique Baltic character. Southern Sweden’s Pristine Sands: Sandhammaren The southernmost tip of Sweden’s Skåne province harbours a true coastal treasure: Sandhammaren beach. Nicholas’s winning tip describes its soft white sand and clear aqua marine waters as reminiscent of a Greek island, but without the "stifling heat," making it an ideal summer retreat for those who prefer milder temperatures. This expansive beach, consistently ranked among Sweden’s finest, stretches seemingly forever along the coast, offering ample space even during peak season. Behind the beach lies the Sandhammaren Nature Reserve, a protected area of unique dune landscapes, home to diverse flora and fauna including elk and a wide range of birdlife, offering excellent opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting. Nicholas and his companions even shared some mornings with stray elks and deer near their base at Löderups Strandbad, a peaceful seaside location dotted with charming white wooden cottages. The 19th-century Sandhammaren lighthouse, an iconic landmark, is open for guided tours, providing historical insight and panoramic views. For a quick bite, a pop-up kiosk offers delicious and affordable snacks, such as traditional sardine rye bread and sandwiches, all for under £5. The combination of pristine natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere makes Sandhammaren and the surrounding Skåne coast a truly blissful and unique European beach destination. Post navigation My slow Swedish summer on the tranquil islands of Östergötland
