‘Who needs the scorching Med?’ Readers’ tips for cooler European coastal holidays | Travel

The German Baltic is a land of white sand, but it has a dark history.

Spend some time on Rügen, Germany’s largest island, on its Baltic coast. You will find white sandy beaches as well as a darker history. Visit Lauterbach by the sea. Then, you can take the coastal ferry into the fishing village of Baabe. After a three-mile walk/cycling through rolling countryside, you will reach the “Raging Roland” steam train back again. You can also walk along the cliffs which inspired Caspar D. Friedrich. Visit Prora, a massive concrete apartment complex built on the beach, which was originally intended as a Nazi vacation complex. It later became a Soviet barracks and is now part ruin and part commercial and residential redevelopment.
Richard

The Danish Riviera: deserted beaches

The Danish Riviera is a great alternative to the hot Med. The water is refreshing and clean. No wetsuits allowed – you’ll be laughed off the beach. Danish summer holidays are in July, so you can enjoy the beach all to yourself in August. You can rent a cottage in Gilleleje, an attractive fishing village located about one hour from Copenhagen. Denmark is very expensive so it is best to self-catering. Hansens Ice cream. Lunch at Gilleleje Harbour. Culture at Louisiana modern art museum The following are some examples of how to get started: Hamlet’s Castle in Helsingør. Copenhagen is also a day trip away.
Christina

Hel in Poland and back

Hel is a tiny spit of land north of Gdańsk. You will be met by guys selling hot smoked sardines as you leave the ferry. Getting there is an adventure in itself, as the ferry takes you past the colossal cranes of Gdańsk’s shipyards. Hel is a great place to spend some time. It has long sandy beaches, pine forest and a picturesque village. The town is famous for its seaside and seals. It’s the exact opposite of its fiery counterpart.
Lucy Moore

Sweden: Swimming and seafood

We’ve just returned from a Scandi road trip and had four fantastic, chilled nights on Björkö. The central Gothenburg area is only 30 minutes away by (free!) public transport. Car ferry and regular busses are available. Great swimming and beaches; micro breweries and fresh fish; sunsets and sunrises to die for; days out in Gothenburg, including the excellent Liseberg theme park, with no queues for proper scary rides – highly recommended.
James

Rowing in Finland Åland archipelago

Fuelled by our kids’ love of flags and a craving for quiet, we chose Åland, thousands of islands scattered between Sweden and Finland like granite gods wept there. While cycling between clouds and old boats sheds, we stopped for cardamom and smoked herring pancakes and stewed prunes. By the time Ivar lent us ancient alder oars to row to the next island, knowing they’d be returned by a friend, we’d learned that Åland doesn’t welcome visitors – it absorbs them.
Eliza Ainley

Dramatic cliff-edge scenes in North-West Spain

Based in Oviedo (the ideal compact city), in Asturias, we would explore the coast one day, mountains the next, finding unexpected Gaudí buildings, gingerbread houses in Ribadesella, amazing cemeteries on cliff edges, enjoyable easy driving on perfect roads, gorgeous unspoilt beaches and great weather! We saw few tourists and thousands of Camino-pilgrims. (Very weak) Cider was also available! We can’t wait to go back and we would love to live in Spain.
Annie Hargreaves

A beautiful island in Brittany, France

Camping Panorama du Rohou, near Paimpol in northern Brittany, has excellent views over to the beautiful Île de Bréhat. The campsite is located behind a forest. From there, you can take the ferry to the island. You can explore the quaint villages and rocky coves by renting a bicycle or walking. The lighthouse on the other end of the island offers great views, and it’s a nice spot to picnic or have a Breton crepe or galette. Paradise Rose. Les Scènes de Bréhat It is an annual music festival that takes place at the beginning July.
Stella

You can also find out more about the A-Team here.Norwegian rctic beaches for a beach holiday

When we booked a trip to northern Norway’s stunning Lofoten Islands and Andøya we didn’t expect a beach holiday, but blessed with August temperatures in the high 20s we spent days swimming in the Arctic Ocean. Bleik beach on Andøya is one of the longest in Norway – “bleikThe white sand and refreshing sea, along with the towering cliffs that surround the beach, were the perfect way to end a long day of hiking. The area is awash with puffins and you can go whale watching from Andenes just a few mile to the north.
Rachel

Hanko, Finland – Seafood and sailing

HankoThe southernmost gem of Finland, sits on the edge of a sand dune stretching out to the Baltic Sea. Hanko Regatta is a sailing event that attracts around 200 yachts. It takes place in early July. To reach Hanko from Helsinki, take the VR train from Helsinki Central for about €15. Once you’ve arrived, rent a bicycle to explore the sandy beachfronted by a pine forest and historic villas. Enjoy fresh seafood and Baltic views while enjoying a pint Lonkero in the evening. The spa scene is a must, as well as wild swimming.
Liina

North Holland: A winning tip for cyclists: Ride to the beach on a bike

Aan Noordzee This campsite is located on the North Holland Coast and has a tranquil, quiet atmosphere. There are no entertainment options. You can cycle along the coast up to Den Helder, and beyond, using separate cycleways. by ferryTexel Island (sandy beach, beautiful towns, and robust Texel lamb) A pristine beach is just a short walk from the campsite. Dune footpaths lead to restaurants on stilts. The sunsets on the North Sea are spectacular. Alkmaar’s regular bus service is available.
Nicola Hull