Jaw-dropping European town that's become 'the best' destination to escape hot weather

Europe sees hotter and hotter temperatures every summer. Holiday hotspots such as Greece, Spain and Portugal now flirt with 40C, and for many travellers that is simply too much. So it is no surprise that so-called "coolcations" are booming.

New research from Inghams Walking says online searches for the term have rocketed by 624% in the past year. And one place topping the charts is Akureyri in north-east Iceland, where interest has surged by 264%. With summer highs of just 10-12C, the town offers natural air-conditioning while the rest of the continent swelters.

Much smaller than Reykjavík, Akureyri is nicknamed the "Capital of the North" and is Iceland's second-largest settlement, though it has a population of only about 20,000.

Holiday Weather lists August as its warmest month at a mild 12C, while July enjoys up to 20 hours of daylight.

This means that even at the height of summer visitors will probably want a jumper.

But the cooler climate is a big part of the draw.

One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: "Akureyri was an absolute breath of fresh air, literally! It's the perfect escape for anyone looking to avoid the scorching summer heat that sweeps across much of Europe."

Another added: "Forget sweating through your vacation; Akureyri offers a wonderfully refreshing climate even in summer."

There is plenty to do besides soaking up the crisp air.

According to Guide to Iceland, the town dates back to Viking times and has grown into a cultural hub packed with museums and galleries.

The Akureyri Art Museum shows cutting-edge Icelandic work, while the local museum traces more than 1,100 years of history.

Akureyri also claims the world's most northerly botanical garden, home to more than 7,000 plant species.

A short walk away stands Akureyrarkirkja church, designed by the architect behind Reykjavík's famed Hallgrímskirkja and offering sweeping views over Eyjafjörður fjord.

Nature lovers can head out on popular whale-watching tours from the harbour during the summer season, and day trips reach the thunderous Goðafoss waterfall and the volcanic landscapes of Lake Mývatn.

In winter the surrounding hills turn into a ski area, but when the snow melts, the same slopes are criss-crossed with stunning hiking trails.

Add cosy cafés, fresh-fish restaurants and long evenings under the midnight sun, and it is easy to see why Akureyri is now billed as Europe's best place to keep cool while everyone else bakes.