7 Underrated European Gems to Beat the August Heat

Post Published June 14, 2024

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7 Underrated European Gems to Beat the August Heat - Helsinki Serenity - Beat the Heat in Finland's Coastal Capital





7 Underrated European Gems to Beat the August Heat

Helsinki, Finland's coastal capital, offers a refreshing respite from the summer heat.

The city is investing in innovative projects like a seawater-powered district heating system and the creation of man-made islands to store thermal energy.

Visitors can beat the heat by exploring the city's lush green spaces, indulging in water activities in the Baltic Sea, and discovering historical sites like the Helsinki Sea Fortress and Suomenlinna Sea Fortress.

Helsinki's vibrant culinary scene, featuring fresh seafood and traditional Finnish delicacies, provides a delightful way to savor the city's maritime ambiance.

The city is investing in an ambitious "Hot Heart" project, which envisions a series of man-made islands that will store thermal energy and serve as a recreational hub for residents, showcasing Helsinki's forward-thinking approach to urban planning.

What else is in this post?

  1. 7 Underrated European Gems to Beat the August Heat - Helsinki Serenity - Beat the Heat in Finland's Coastal Capital
  2. 7 Underrated European Gems to Beat the August Heat - Graz Grandeur - Explore Austria's Renaissance Gem
  3. 7 Underrated European Gems to Beat the August Heat - Setenil de las Bodegas - A Spanish Cliffside Marvel
  4. 7 Underrated European Gems to Beat the August Heat - Sifnos Sanctuary - Unwind in the Cycladic Idyll
  5. 7 Underrated European Gems to Beat the August Heat - St.Moritz Retreat - Alpine Luxury Meets Mediterranean Warmth
  6. 7 Underrated European Gems to Beat the August Heat - Pristina Awakening - Kosovo's Cultural and Historical Heartbeat

7 Underrated European Gems to Beat the August Heat - Graz Grandeur - Explore Austria's Renaissance Gem





Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is often overlooked in favor of Vienna and Salzburg, but it is a hidden gem worth exploring.

Despite its relatively large size, Graz is known for its walkable nature and low-key ambiance, making it an excellent destination to beat the August heat.

The Schlossberg, a massive hill in the city center, is home to the iconic Graz Clock Tower, which has been standing tall since the 16th century and offers panoramic views of the city.

The Kunsthaus Graz, a futuristic modern art museum designed by British architects, features a unique "friendly alien" design that stands in stark contrast to the city's historic architecture.

Graz is known for its thriving underground music scene, with a growing number of alternative venues and festivals showcasing local and international talent.

The Graz Botanical Garden, established in 1811, is one of the oldest and largest in Austria, boasting an impressive collection of over 8,000 plant species from around the world.


7 Underrated European Gems to Beat the August Heat - Setenil de las Bodegas - A Spanish Cliffside Marvel





7 Underrated European Gems to Beat the August Heat

Setenil de las Bodegas is built within and around a gorge carved by the Rio Guadalporcún, making it one of the most unique and visually striking towns in Spain.

The town's iconic Calle Cuevas del Sol (Street of the Sun Caves) is completely covered by an overhanging rocky outcrop, creating a natural shaded walkway for visitors.

Archaeologists have found evidence of human habitation in the Setenil area dating back to the Paleolithic era, indicating the town has been occupied for thousands of years.

The town's name, "Setenil de las Bodegas," refers to its historical role as a wine-producing region, though the vineyards and bodegas have declined in modern times.

Setenil de las Bodegas was an important strategic location during the Reconquista, the Christian campaign to retake the Iberian Peninsula from Moorish rule, and its castle still remains a prominent feature of the town.

The town's unique architecture, with houses and businesses built directly into the rock face, has led to it being compared to the ancient cliff dwellings of the American Southwest.

Setenil de las Bodegas experiences a microclimate due to its location within the gorge, often being several degrees cooler than the surrounding region, making it a popular escape from the August heat.

The town's Church of Our Lady of the Remedies features a blend of Mudéjar and Gothic architectural styles, reflecting the region's complex history of cultural exchange and influence.


7 Underrated European Gems to Beat the August Heat - Sifnos Sanctuary - Unwind in the Cycladic Idyll





Sifnos, a hidden gem in the Cyclades, offers a tranquil respite from the August heat.

With its picturesque whitewashed villages, over 300 churches, and hiking trails spanning 100 km, the island provides a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The island's unique geology is the result of ancient volcanic activity, which has created a network of hiking trails that offer stunning vistas of the Aegean Sea and the neighboring islands.

Sifnos is home to over 360 churches, more than any other Greek island, with some dating back to the Byzantine era and featuring intricate frescoes and iconography.

Sifnos has a rich maritime history, with evidence of ancient shipwrecks and underwater archaeological sites that offer opportunities for scuba diving and exploring the island's marine heritage.


7 Underrated European Gems to Beat the August Heat - St.

Moritz Retreat - Alpine Luxury Meets Mediterranean Warmth





7 Underrated European Gems to Beat the August Heat

The St.
Moritz Retreat in Switzerland offers a unique wellness experience that blends science and nature in a luxurious alpine setting.

Led by experts, the retreat's bioharmonizing program is tailored to individual DNA, providing a rejuvenating escape.

The town of St.
From the contemporary Carlton Hotel to the historic Suvretta House, these accommodations provide guests with bespoke comforts, gourmet dining, and exclusive spa experiences amidst the pristine natural beauty of the region.

The St.
Moritz Retreat offers a unique bioharmonizing program that blends science and nature, tailored to individual DNA, to promote rejuvenation and longevity.

Alexander Zeuke and Silvena Rowe.

The retreat is located in the luxury alpine resort town of St.
Moritz, Switzerland, known for its stunning landscapes, exceptional air quality, and mineral-rich Mauritius Springs, which provide the perfect backdrop for wellness and rejuvenation.

The Carlton Hotel St.
Moritz, a contemporary and elegant option, and the Suvretta House, perched at 1850 meters above sea level, are two of the luxury hotels in the area that offer unique and exceptional experiences.

St.
The luxury hotels in St.
Moritz redefine opulence, with accommodations ranging from chalets with panoramic views to hotels with rooftop spas boasting stunning vistas of Lake St.
Moritz and the Engadine peaks.

Visitors to St.
Moritz can indulge in bespoke comforts, gourmet dining, and exclusive spa experiences, all while immersed in the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss Alps.

The town's microclimate, caused by its location within a gorge, often results in it being several degrees cooler than the surrounding region, making it a popular escape from the August heat.

St.
Moritz has a rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Paleolithic era, and the town's architecture reflects its complex past, blending traditional Swiss elements with modern design.

The region's strong connection to winter sports is evident, with St.
Moritz having hosted the Winter Olympics twice, in 1928 and 1948, and the town continues to be a hub for elite-level training and competitions.

The St.


7 Underrated European Gems to Beat the August Heat - Pristina Awakening - Kosovo's Cultural and Historical Heartbeat





Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, is a city rich in cultural and historical heritage.

From the iconic Clock Tower and National Library to the Newborn Monument and Kosovo Museum, the city offers a fascinating glimpse into Kosovo's past and its resilience in the face of conflict.

The Clock Tower, or Kulla e Sahatit, in Pristina is a prominent landmark that offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains.

The Clock Tower Museum houses a collection of artifacts, including photographs, paintings, and documents, that provide insights into Pristina's past.

The Kosovo Museum's many empty cabinets suggest that there is still more work to be done in preserving the country's history, with Serbia estimated to have forcibly removed 1,248 artifacts during the 1998-1999 war, having returned only one as of now.

The Newborn Monument is a symbol of Kosovo's resilience, determination, and newfound freedom, unveiled on the day the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Pristina is home to the National Library of Kosovo, a great place to learn about the country's history and culture, as well as the Pristina Zoo, a popular destination for families.

The Mother Teresa Cathedral, inaugurated in 2010, is another notable landmark in Pristina, showcasing the city's diverse religious heritage.

Pristina's skyline is characterized by 18 iconic buildings, and the Clock Tower offers the best views of the city's architectural landscape.

The Museum of Kosovo showcases a collection of weapons used by Albanian warriors during various wars, as well as archaeological finds from the Roman and Byzantine eras.

The National University Library of Kosovo, located in Pristina, is often considered one of the ugliest buildings in the world, despite its important role in preserving the country's intellectual heritage.

Pristina's streets are lined with interesting statues and quirky cafes, reflecting the city's rich cultural and historical legacy.

Kosovo is a country with a low crime rate and friendly locals, making it a safe and welcoming destination for backpackers and travelers.

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