If the crowded beaches of Antalya are not for you, it’s time to explore the incredibly picturesque mountain routes in the Alps.
In the Alps you can not always count on warm sunny days, but they do not claim to be famous beach resorts. But this most famous mountain range in Europe offers incredible landscapes and mountain sports, which are better to do in moderate temperatures.
Experts from National Geographic have named 9 picturesque towns in the Alps that are worth visiting in the summer for an unforgettable experience.
Chamonix, France
A city where you can see mountain peaks everywhere you look. The highest mountain in Western Europe, Mont Blanc, is located here, but only experienced climbers are allowed to climb it. For beginners, Compagnie des Guides offers five-day courses where you can learn the basics of safe climbing, spend a night in a mountain hut, and test your skills on rock climbs. The Langley Hotel Gustavia is conveniently located and offers a cozy atmosphere.
St. Anton, Austria
In winter, this resort is known for its extreme skiing and lively parties, but in summer, it transforms into a yoga center. Every year in September, the resort hosts a four-day yoga festival, and during the summer, daily yoga classes are available at the Arflow center. In addition to yoga, the resort offers scenic hiking trails along the Adlerweg. The resort is also known for its eco-friendly practices, as all the electricity is generated from the water in the Kartell reservoir. The Arlmont Hotel, with its rooftop pool, provides an extra dose of tranquility and mountain-top views.
Bourg-Saint-Maurice, France
The Isère River, with its turbulent rapids, remains suitable for rafting even in the summer, thanks to the daily release of water from the reservoir. Rafting activities are organized on a 18-kilometer stretch below the city. Visitors can stay at the Base Camp Lodge near the starting point. After rafting, it is recommended to take a cable car to the Les Arcs resort, which may not be the most beautiful, but offers stunning views and a wide range of activities, from children’s circus classes to tandem paragliding.
Morzine, France
The northern massifs of the Haute Savoie are lower than the southern ones, but this is an advantage for cyclists. In the summer, the Portes du Soleil ski areas offer 5 cycle parks, 600 km of trails, and 22 ski lifts. Morzine is a lively center with an alpine flair, where you can also enjoy hiking or trail running. The picturesque Lake Montrion is nearby, perfect for relaxing after an active day. For beginners in mountain biking, schools like Ride Ability can provide assistance. Hotel Champs Fleuris is conveniently located near the Pleney ski lift and rental shops.
Selden, Austria
The resort in the Eztal valley is known as a center for mountain biking, but you can also get your adrenaline fix on the water. Area 47 features water slides, a bouldering wall over the lake, and even a water cannon. For a more relaxing experience, you can swim in the mountain lake of Piberger See or relax in the Aqua Dome thermal complex with its hanging “bowls” pools. In Sölden itself, you can stay at the modern Sportlers Lodge hotel.
In addition to the above-mentioned towns, National Geographic experts also recommend visiting Laax in Switzerland (best for skateboarding), the Altauzz lake region in Austria, the climbing center in Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy, and Kitzbühel in Austria, where you can play tennis or golf.
