Chill destinations for a pleasant summer getaway

The big holiday is already at its peak and with it came unbearable heat and humidity. It is not surprising that during this period we either stick to air conditioners or run to water sources. This year, the water sources were reduced due to the war, so the options for trips in the country are quite limited. 

Assuming you've exhausted the beaches and pools, with the help of Siman Ovadia, CEO of the organized tour company Cruise Tour, we found cooler destinations abroad to spend the summer in. So pack a jacket or at least a top, and hit the road.

The Canary Islands 

The group of islands consists of 7 spectacularly beautiful islands, located in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Morocco and several other small islands that are partially inhabited. An unusual combination of exotic-looking gardens, containing ancient dragon trees, a wide variety of cacti, bird-of-paradise flowerbeds, tangled forests of noble aspen, laurel and canary pines.

The islands are characterized by nature reserves located in the navels of huge craters created as a result of extinct volcanic mountains and volcanic rocks. Together, these create many formations, as imagination allows, authentic fishing villages standing on cliffs jutting out into the ocean, beaches with black sand and arid "white landscapes".

The Canarian experiential texture, which combines at the same time with the local residents who are known for being warm and cordial, a legacy of colorful celebrations at different times and subtropical weather that is ideal for visits to the region in all seasons of the year, but if you are looking for a much cooler destination than Israel, the average temperatures for July-August are between 19-24 degrees. All these make the visit to the Canary Islands an unforgettable memory. A combination of a comfortable climate combined with a unique landscape and nature.

The island of Madeira - is located in the northern part of the Atlantic Ocean, and is an autonomous province of Portugal. It is actually a volcanic island whose last eruption occurred 400 years ago. The island showcases a beautiful mix of the purity of nature in its fullest embodiment, and includes, among other things, huge rocks leading to the sea, magical bays, impressive agricultural lands, wild mountains and bays along with a selection of tropical fruits. The island has a large natural reserve with valleys and high mountains, and to the famous vineyards of Madeira, where the island's most prominent symbol is produced, the fine wines that characterize it.

British Isles

An archipelago located in Western Europe. You can take an organized cruise to the British Isles and in the months of July-August the islands are characterized by cool weather with an average temperature of 19 degrees, along with the pleasant weather the islands contain spectacularly beautiful landscapes like those of Scotland, which combine wonderful spaces and lakes in blue tones.

The city of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is not without reason considered the most beautiful city among the islands. Some even believe that this is the most beautiful city among the cities of the entire world. The history in the area is also exciting, this is the place where the "Normandy Invasion" took place, which was an element of utmost importance during World War II, near the Channel Islands, in the town of Arroumanche in northern France. The peace, the culture, the landscapes and the history - all these together create a unique experience.

The Isle of Portland - the small island that is 6 km long and 2.5 km wide, is the southernmost point of the coastal strip of Dorset located in the Lamanash Canal area. The island became famous due to the naval battle "The Battle of the Three Days" held in 1653 between England and the Netherlands for control of the English Channel. Picturesque landscapes and magical tranquility characterize Dorset in the south of England. The important city of Bournemouth has piers, beautiful gardens, and a pleasant atmosphere. The spectacular Compton Gardens, a series of botanical gardens that bloom all year round and express the great love of the British aristocracy for horticulture and the pleasures of life.

Christchurch, a small town with a monastery and a fortress from the Norman period that is so important in the annals of England. One of the mysterious sites in England, Cerne Abbas, a legendary figure of a naked giant perched on a huge slope and raising fascinating questions, in the town of Dorchester, which was built in the Roman period and for years attracted affluent residents. Houses and alleys from the 17th and 18th centuries. 

The city of Greater Dublin: The capital of the Irish Republic known as the "Green Island". The Georgian squares, in one of them, Marion Square, you will come across the statue of Oscar Wilde. Take a close look at the Post Office, where the Easter Rising took place in 1916, as well as St. Patrick's Cathedral and Dublin Castle. You will pass the Liffey River where you will notice its bridges, with an emphasis on the "Half Penny" bridge. In the large Phoenix Park you can visit the President's residence located in the area. Also the interesting display of the Book of Kells and the oldest and most special library in Ireland.

Edinburgh: Considered the most beautiful city in the British Isles and even in the whole world. The city stretches between seven hills and is divided into an old city and a new city.  A visit to the Holyrood Palace (Holyrood), the residence of the Kings of Scotland, Princes Street with shops on one side and manicured gardens on the other with a flower clock in the center. The architecture, from the bridges, from the beautiful buildings and we will commemorate them through special photography angles.

Iceland 

Far to the north, north of 60 degrees latitude, lie two islands: Iceland and Greenland. In winter they get very little sun, but in summer the sun never sets. The average temperature in the summer is between 22 degrees during the day and 14 at night. 2 of the most fascinating islands in the world, with a meeting of cultures and landscapes. The names are a bit confusing, Iceland is called "the land of ice", 11% of its surface is covered by permanent ice, and it has a lot of the green color. Greenland, the "green country" is actually white. 80% of its surface is covered by permanent ice.

Iceland - wild nature known by its name as "land of ice and fire" is a small and quiet European country in Scandinavian style; Greenland, the largest island in the world, is a huge block of ice near the North Pole where if we scream - no one will hear. In both, nature celebrates: picturesque fjords and valleys carved by huge glaciers that slid from the mountain tops to the Atlantic Ocean, beside the glaciers there are also spectacular natural phenomena created by the volcanoes: geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, lakes and basalt fields, diverse animals also feel at home there, the whales , the seals, the puffins and the sea parrot (the colorful puffin) are just a part of this respectable list.

In Iceland, live the descendants of the Vikings who settled there more than 1000 years ago and lived in solitude and in harsh conditions with little contact with the world, along the mostly deserted coasts of Greenland, nature provides a spectacular show of colors, shapes, smells and experiences that you will never forget.

Reykjavik: The capital of Iceland where the famous rock Thingvellir is located, the meeting place of the Viking tribes and the lava cliff next to the vertical walls of the fault. The Gulfus waterfall is also one of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland. The waters of the Gulf descend down beautiful rock steps until they strike with a mighty sound at the bottom of a canyon.

Reykjavík is recommended to visit the geyser, one of Iceland's popular sites

Isafjordur': A town located in the northwest of Iceland (the West Fjord) and about three thousand people live there. It is located on the shores of a breathtaking bay, surrounded by high mountains that are covered with snow even during the summer. In the south of the town, between glacial valleys and volcanoes, you will reach the beautiful waterfall Dynjandi, the waters of which flow 100 m down in a gradual manner and create thin trickles of water. In practice, this waterfall consists of a series of seven waterfalls that create a wide and fascinating waterfall opening, the largest of the Western Fjords waterfalls.

Greenland

Nanortalik: A small picturesque town located on an island of the same name in southern Greenland. It is the southernmost city in Greenland and is surrounded by an extraordinary landscape of high cliffs and snowy peaks rising to a height of over 2000 meters above sea level! The inhabitants of Greenland say that "once you have arrived at Nanortalik it is as if you have returned to the realms of your childhood".

The place is so beautiful and loved by all the local residents and is used as a resort for the locals. It was founded in 1797 and about 1400 residents live there. It is the tenth largest on the island and around it there are five small villages that raise mainly sheep for their livelihood. In the summer season, various festivals are held there, such as a traditional food festival and a music festival where local bands host music bands from the various Scandinavian countries. 

Paamiut: A small town with about 1600 inhabitants in the southwestern part of Greenland. Upon arrival, we will discover a magical town with an abundance of brightly colored buildings standing side by side. Since Paamiut is not a major tourist center we will get to see traditional Greenland at its best. Sights such as seal meat and skins drying under dedicated racks are not an unusual sight, people have lived here since 1500 BC and maintained a thriving community through the trade in furs, whale products and soap carvings. The uniqueness of Faamiut is that the coastal waters do not freeze in winter, so from the 18th century until today the inhabitants make a living from fishing. The white-tailed eagle known as Nattoralik is abundant in the area and the locals believe that good luck will befall anyone who sees it. 

Nuuk: The wonderful capital city of Greenland, which is also considered the northernmost capital in the world, is Nuuk. The city was founded by the Norwegian missionary, Hans Agda, in 1728 and currently has about 18 thousand residents. The city is considered an attractive focus, especially for Danish citizens, who are trying to find employment opportunities with higher salaries. In Noak is the only university in Greenland, which was founded in 1987 and where about 200 students study, together with a teaching staff that includes 14 lecturers in the Danish and Greenlandic languages. 

Nuuk is one of the smallest capital cities in the world, yet it is a modern city full of culture, a thriving music and art scene, exceptional gastronomic experiences, and museums that tell the story of Greenland's history from its Inuit origins to the present day.

The Norwegian fjords

Norway, also known by its name as the land of the fjords, is not without reason considered one of the most spectacular countries in the world. You will find an extraordinary variety of breathtaking landscapes, countless open spaces and extraordinary spectacles the like of which cannot be seen anywhere else: dense and deep fjords, mountain edges covered in snow together with gorges that are resolute in their content, waterfalls and flowing glaciers that are among the most powerful on the continent. Surrounded by the sparkling turquoise colors of the fjord, on either side huge granite cliffs slide down partly covered in green, while a multitude of roaring waterfalls cascade from their peaks. Add to that pale snow puddles and the tip of a glacier and you have an amazing show that is a once in a lifetime experience. Summer temperatures reach 16 degrees during the day and 10 degrees at night.

Brixdal Glacier Reserve: The gliding site of the largest of Europe's glaciers. You can go up on ATVs for a view of the glacier and the turquoise-blue caves that are gaping in it. Along the reserve there is a river, lakes and breathtaking mountain views surrounded by waterfalls melting from the glacier.

Plum – Stegstein Lookout – Stalheim: The famous lookout point, 'Stegstein Lookout'. The area of the observation post is made of steel and wood, and its design allows for an increased viewing experience of the panoramic view of the fjord, this is due to a platform that stands out in the air, at a height of about 600 m above the fjord. We will land and another observation will be possible from the "Stelheim" hotel.

A luxurious hotel from the 19th century, which was used by the Germans in the Second World War in a bunker whose remains still exist today. Then we will go to the Twinda Falls and from there to the town of Voss, which lies on the banks of a special lake.