As climate change is increasing temperatures across the globe, holiday makers are considering travelling to cooler destinations in order to beat the heat(waves). A new ranking shows the 20 most popular coolcation destinations for 2026, with Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, at the top.
Traditionally speaking, holidaymakers tend to opt for pleasantly warm destinations, especially during the summer. Relaxing on a sunbed on the beach or strolling through a sunny Italian village has been many a person’s perfect picture of a summer break for a long time. And according to the Association for British Travel Agents, 65% of the (British) holiday-goers still aren’t thinking about changing up their Mediterranean break.
However, climate change is taking its toll, especially in Europe. Data gathered by the World Meteorological Organisation shows Europe to be the fastest-warming continent on Earth, with temperatures increasing at twice the global rate. This means that by 2050, about half of the European population will be at (very high) risk of heat stress.
With heatwaves becoming ever more frequent, some travellers have already started to shake up their holidays in order to seek cooler destinations. So-called coolcations have become a growing travel trend, and according to tour operator Inghams Walking, searches for coolcations have risen by 3,500% since early 2024.
Top 20 coolcation destinations for 2026
In order to provide travellers with some coolcation inspiration, Inghams Walking thus put together a list of those cool destinations that are currently the most popular amongst their customers.
- Nuuk, Greenland (+48.39%)
- Les Contamines-Montjoie, France (+39.79%)
- Beara Peninsula, Ireland (+23.11%)
- Jotunheimen National Park, Norway (+22.33%)
- Tasiilaq, Greenland (+22.24%)
- Voss, Norway (+21.12%)
- Lake Bohinj, Slovenia (+20.66%)
- Lech, Austria (+19.63%)
- Dolomites, Italy (+18.40%)
- Arinsal, Andorra (+17.91%)
- Tröllaskagi Peninsula, Iceland (+15.87%)
- Wilderswil, Switzerland (+15.67%)
- Kandersteg, Switzerland (+14.18%)
- Balestrand, Norway (+10.92%)
- Mürren, Switzerland (+10.61%)
- Fiordland, New Zealand (+10.20%)
- Sils Maria, Switzerland (+9.40%)
- Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, Iceland (+6.36%)
- Torridon, Scotland (+5.49%)
- Cape Breton Highlands, Canada (+4.87%)
According to the ranking, Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, is the most-loved of the coolcation destinations in 2026. Temperatures in the Arctic city tend to reach a maximum of 11°C in July, while travellers can enjoy approximately 20 hours of daylight during their summer break. Perfect weather for those who like to go on a hike, kayak ride, or a cultural adventure in the city.
France’s Les Contamines-Montjoie, located in the Haute-Savoie department at a stone’s throw from both Italy and Switzerland, was able to take home the second spot in the top 20. With an average temperature of 16.6°C in July, travellers clearly have to pack fewer layers compared to Nuuk, but the mountainous region is the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable summer break.
The top three is completed by the Beara Peninsula, located on Ireland’s south-west coast. The peninsula counts no less than two mountain ranges, the Caha Mountains and the Slieve Miskish Mountains, making it a great option for travellers who enjoy to marvel at the sea while climbing their next summit.
As temperatures rise, increasing the risk of droughts, wildfires, and heatwaves, coolcations are likely to become even more popular in the future.
