2026 is the year to trade Euro Summer for Alpine Summer with Heidi's cooler destination swaps

As record-breaking heat continues to grip Europe, Google Trends shows UK search interest for "alpine summer" is up 82% year-on-year. Mountain holiday specialist Heidi is meeting demand by doubling its line-up of cooler walking destinations to 46 resorts across France, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Poland, and Andorra.  

Swapping crowded, sweltering beaches for an “alpine summer” – with milder mountain air, scenic hiking trails, and refreshing swimming lakes – is an increasingly attractive holiday prospect for heatwave-weary Brits.

This trend tallies with the European Travel Commission's latest spring/summer 2026 report findings – nearly 6,000 respondents ranked ‘pleasant, stable weather’ as the second most important factor when choosing a destination (15%), behind only ‘safety’ (22%) and ahead of ‘good deals’ (14%).

Over the summer months, Europe’s high-altitude mountain resorts escape the extreme 38°C+ heat increasingly experienced by their coastal Mediterranean counterparts. Typically, the higher the elevation, the cooler the air.

Heidi’s expansion of walking holiday destinations adds Andorra and Switzerland for the first time. And in response to increasing demand, customers can now choose from five new Dolomites destinations – Cortina d'Ampezzo, Kronplatz, Ortisei, Santa Cristina, and Madonna di Campiglio – which join Canazei, Alta Badia, Corvara, and Selva di Val Gardena.

Marcus Blunt, Co-Founder of Heidi, says: "High-altitude mountain resorts still get summer sunshine but run cooler than the Med's beach hotspots, offering a refreshing escape. You can walk, hike, swim, and explore without the oppressive heat. Our self-guided walking holidays are flexible, faff-free, and perfect for recharging in the mountains.”

Three cooler destination swaps to book now

• Swap Spain’s Costa del Sol for Arinsal in the Pyrenees, Andorra.  Escape southern Spain’s 30°C+ summer highs for a relaxing Arinsal mountain break. Set in the Pyrenees at 1,550m, enjoy mild low-20s, ideal for exploring Comapedrosa Nature Park.  From £878pp – includes 7 nights at Hotel Princesa Parc Excellence, return London Stansted-Barcelona flights, and private transfers. Departing Saturday 15 August 2026.

• Swap the Amalfi Coast for Selva di Val Gardena in the Dolomites, Italy.  The Dolomites are having a summer moment – and fast becoming the choice for travellers looking to avoid southern Italy’s 29–30°C heat. Head higher to Selva di Val Gardena at 1,563m for 18-21°C and a stunning alpine playground for walkers, hikers and foodies alike.  From £1,149pp – includes 4 nights with breakfast at Hotel Acadia, return London Stansted-Venice flights (departing Thurs 30 July 2026), private transfers, and a FREE Val Gardena summer card, which offers free or discounted guided walks and other perks.

• Swap Vasiliki, Greece, for Pertisau on Lake Achensee, Austria. Love watersports? Then you’ll love Pertisau. In contrast to the 30°C+ summer heat of Greece’s watersports hub, Pertisau stays in the low-to-mid 20s. Its refreshing lake is one of Austria's best spots for sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and paddleboarding. From £994pp – includes 5 nights with breakfast at Hotel Auszeit, return London Gatwick-Munich flights (departing Tuesday 18 August 2026), transfers, and a FREE summer AchenseeCard offering free regional bus rides, guided walks, cable car discounts and more.

What makes Heidi’s walking holidays different

Heidi’s self-guided walking holidays offer flexible durations (2–14 nights), a Price Match Guarantee, and the option to lock in your trip with an initial £99 payment.

Return flights, accommodation, airport transfers, ATOL protection and 24/7 customer support are included as standard. Many partner hotels also offer guests a complimentary regional summer card, providing free local transport, cable-car access, attractions and more.