For summer breaks combining temperatures that don’t tip the mercury too high with wild landscapes and thrilling dining scenes, Europe does remarkably well. From high-altitude mountain holidays in the Alps to coastal getaways with a sea breeze backdropped by a glittering ocean to untamed landscapes ripe for hiking and wildlife-spotting, these food-focused European locations deliver.
Here are seven of Europe’s best destinations where cool temperatures meet sizzling culinary scenes — plus the MICHELIN Guide-approved places to stay and dine while you’re there.
The view of the volcanic surroundings around the Blue Lagoon in Iceland from a hotel room. © The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon
1. For a City Break: Reykjavík (and Beyond), Iceland
Bubbling hot springs, mossy lava fields and smoldering volcanoes: When it comes to dramatic landscapes Iceland doesn’t mess around. Summertime’s lengthy, light-filled days and temperatures that hover around the 55 F (13 C) mark — plus a thrumming-with-energy urban food scene — make exploring capital Reykjavík a dream.Top of the list should be ÓX, helmed by Chef Thrainn Freyr Vigfusson, which scooped Iceland’s only Green Star at the 2025 Nordics MICHELIN Guide ceremony this month, as well as a stay at The Reykjavík EDITION on the old harborside. The five-star hotel pairs bedrooms with cozy copper lighting and rainbow-hued woolen throws with thousand-day-aged feykir cheese and lemon ravioli and masterfully Josper-grilled dishes at TIDES restaurant.
On-the-doorstep wild pursuits include hiking Mount Esja and puffin-spotting at Viðey Island. While it’s easy to explore the wider rugged Reykjanes Peninsula from here, it’s worth adding on a stay at The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon for an uncrowded way to enjoy the famed steamy, electric-blue geothermal waters. It’s also a chance for a flavorful romp through produce spanning Iceland’s mountains, rivers and seas at its MICHELIN-Starred Moss restaurant.
2. For a Fjord-to-Fjord Journey: Oslo and Bergen, Norway
With fjord cities Oslo and Bergen both blessed by refreshing breezes and stellar dining, why pick just one? Starting in Oslo, where parks burst into bloom with lilacs, check into the Sommerro hotel for bedrooms with art deco allure (bird-adorned carpets, etched mirrors) and visit the likes of Three-Star Maaemo, meaning Mother Earth — it’s about as good as locavore dining gets — and rooftop fin-to-gill favorite Eero.Drive west to Bergen, a stunning seven-hour trip via Hardangervidda that’s full of jaw-dropping mountain peaks, lush forests and rushing waterfalls, including the impressive Vøringsfossen. The train ride is equally scenic. Bergen, surrounded by seven mountains that are perfect for walking and cycling, is the gateway to some of Norway’s prettiest fjords, such as Sognefjord. Meanwhile, a wave of innovative restaurants has ramped up Bergen’s culinary appeal.
Check into Bergen Børs Hotel, home of Bare, a wine bar and restaurant by talented duo Øystein Ellingsen and Kristan Bretten Vangen. It was Bergen’s first MICHELIN Star in 2022. The pair then headed to their newest restaurant, the just-starred Gaptrast. Expect a dark, sultry open kitchen with a charcoal fire and clever dry-aged ingredients. Also don’t miss fellow One-Star newcomer 10-seat Omakase by Sergey Pak. Buckle up for 14- and 20-course affairs featuring knife wizardry and delicacies like reindeer sashimi topped with gold leaf.
One of the private chalets at L'Alpaga Hotel in Megève, a great spot for a cooler summer vacation in Europe. © L’Alpaga
3. For a Tasty Twist on Alpine Getaways: Megève, France
While heart-of-the-mountains Megève might be best known as a winter ski resort destination, come summer this Alpine destination bursts into life. Expect the same epic Mont Blanc views but framed by wildflower-sprinkled meadows and rushing streams.As well as more outdoor activities than you can shake a stick at — including cycling, climbing and paragliding — there’s much more to the Haute-Savoie region’s dining scene than the admittedly excellent classic cheese fondue and raclette dishes. Head to One-Starred Vous for the likes of langoustine with Savoie saffron, or if a gyoza mood strikes, upstairs there’s Anata, a wooden counter setup with spectacular sushi and Japanese bites.
As for slumbering, ultra-decadent One Michelin Key slopeside resort Zannier Le Chalet with its moodily-lit pool, L’Alpaga, with its private chalets and contemporary rooms, both do Alpine luxe with aplomb.
4. For Top-Tier Hikes and Garden-to-Table Bites: Mayrhofen, Austria
Austria’s Zillertal Alps offer mountainous scenery and comfortable summer temperatures, with the valleys maxing out around 79 F (26 C), plus invigorating breezes as you climb above 5,000 feet (1,500 meters).The area’s perfect for active types, with 870 miles (1,400 km) of hiking trails and 745 miles (1,200 km) of cycling routes, as well as watersports on offer. High-drama Mayrhofen, surrounded by 9,800-foot (3,000-meter) peaks, serves up easily accessible walking trails, Ziller River rafting adventures and canyoning trips in the Mayrhofen-Hippach gorges.
In the Zillertal Alps High Mountain Nature Park, treks will be rewarded with grassland, glacier and gorge vistas — and if you’re lucky, marmot and ibex sightings. Stay at ZillergrundRock Luxury Mountain Resort, a MICHELIN Key property on Mayrhofen’s outskirts with a top-notch spa and award-winning wine cellar.
Don’t miss dining at Restaurant Guat’z Essen, in nearby Stumm, where Peter Fankhauser’s permaculture-to-table concept sees a rainbow array of produce from his 15,000-square-foot garden transformed into nine- and 13-course vegetarian set menus. They feature elegant dishes named simply, reflecting hero ingredients — think tomatoes, shiso leaves, lemon verbena — and presented with beautiful whimsy.
The jaw-dropping views surrounding Kinloch Lodge in the Isle of Skype, Scotland. © Kinloch Lodge
5. For Atmospheric Feasting: Isle of Skye, Scotland
Fog unfurling on a shoreline of white sand, sharp pinnacles and ethereal fairy pools: The Isle of Skye’s scenery is pure poetry. Sitting at a latitude of 57 degrees off Scotland’s west coast, the largest of the Inner Hebrides islands pairs remote allure with mild summer temperatures — around 68 F (17 C), with occasional bursts of rain. It also boasts a storied history of whisky distilling as the birthplace of Talisker.Lengthy daylight hours extend exploring time and prevailing southwesterly winds offer a welcome breeze. Stay at Kinloch Lodge, a 17th-century hunting lodge turned luxuriously restful place to stay. Bookended by serene Loch na Dal and Beinn na Caillich, a 2,400-foot mountain, on the verdant Sleat Peninsula, activities on offer include mushroom foraging and trips to spot otters and seals led by a local gillie, or wilderness guide.
Foodie pilgrimages to northern Skye are well worth it: Head to The Three Chimneys at the shore of Loch Dunvegan for dishes that celebrate the island’s natural larder, and to Loch Bay, a six-table restaurant in a crofter’s cottage, which holds the island’s only MICHELIN Star, for an abundance of skillfully prepared seafood.
The sprawling Castlemartyr Resort in the glorious Ardmore, Ireland. © Castlemartyr Resort
6. For Cliffside and Culinary Thrills: Ardmore, Ireland
Seaside resort Ardmore in County Waterford might be small, but it packs in pristine beaches, clifftop walking, rich history — it’s believed to be Ireland’s oldest Christian settlement — and culinary clout. Add in mild temperatures (around 66 F or 19 C, and yes, the occasional rain shower, so bring waterproofs), a sea breeze, sea dips at Blue Flag-rated Ardmore beach, a medieval cathedral, plus kayaking and rock climbing, and its summer allure is clear.Tick off a MICHELIN-Key stay and Two-Starred dining combination about half an hour’s drive inland at 17th-century manor house Castlemartyr Resort and its Terre restaurant, known for clever Irish-meets-Asian flavors. House Restaurant, inside Cliff House Hotel, is another winner: Sweeping views of Ardmore Bay complement the restaurant’s classical French cuisine perfectly.
The pine-forested mountains of Crans-Montana, Switzerland, offers cooler climes for European summer vacations. © LeCrans Hotel & Spa
7. Vineyard-Focused Escape: Crans-Montana, Switzerland
In summertime, when the snow’s melted, revealing vineyards, lush prairies, forests and almost 200 miles of signposted walking trails, Crans-Montana comes into its own. This Swiss Alpine destination, sitting 5,000 feet (1,500 meters) above sea level, has temperatures around 75 F (24 C), and plenty of adrenaline too.There are mountain bike trails, a downhill cycling park with Rhone Valley views, two tee-off options — including the famed Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club — and pick-your-pace lake activities, from high-octane wakeboarding to leisurely lake swims (the region has five to choose from). A favorite is Étang Long, a buzzy beach club that pops up during the summer with lakeside boules and beach volleyball.
As for foodie pursuits, plump for a stay at LeCrans Hotel and Spa, a Two MICHELIN Key hotel where chalet-chic rooms have pinewood paneling and jacuzzi baths. It’s home to LeMontBlanc, a Yannick Crepaux-helmed MICHELIN-Starred fine dining restaurant. Other not-to-be-missed spots within an hour’s drive include Franck Reynaud’s L’OURS for spectacular seasonal fare and Valais wine selection to match, and Gilles Varone, known for its signature fillet of perch, in charming Saint-Germain.
Words by Ianthe Butt.
Hero Image: The open-air pool at moutain hotel L'Alpaga in Megève, in the French Alps, which has perfect temperatures for a summer vacation in Europe.
Related Articles:
