Best Mountain Coolcations
What do people want from a beach holiday? According to Beachmeter it's clean water, facilities such as sun loungers, bathrooms and restaurants, lack of crowds and good swimming conditions. People also seek activities and cultural experiences beyond the beach. Climate change has resulted in traditional beach destinations becoming unbearably hot during summer, and so people are turning to the mountains for 'coolcations'. Here's some of the best beaches around the world where there's more to do beyond the water and, thanks to mountains, the temperatures remain entirely pleasant.
Plage d'Angon
Lake Annecy, France
With water in this lake hitting a perfect summer average of 23° Plage d'Angon is one of the highest-rated beaches on which to enjoy it, during warmer months there are lifeguards too. There's a grassy area and plenty of shade, as well as nearby restaurants. This sublime mountain beach is easily reachable from Annecy, either using bus #20 or the excellent lakeside walking/bicycle path.
Playa Pucón
Lake Villarica, Chile
A wide and deep sandy beach dipping into the cool waters of large lake Villarica. At the town end there's plenty of restaurants, shops and activities (including an inflatable water park), at the far end it's delightfully peaceful. Playa Pucón is at the edge of Pucón town and so very easily walkable from the cute downtown.
Shidahama
Lake Inawashiro, Japan
Hop off the train at Jōko Station (3 hours from Tokyo) and walk to the wide sandy beach at Shidahama from where there's excellent views of the Ōu Mountains. There's also the temptation of swimming in that lovely clear water or dining at one of the beachside restaurants.
Lost Lake Park beach
Whistler, Canada
In Lost Lake Park the pine trees open onto a large grassy area which has a narrow strip of sandy beach along one edge. The water is blissfully chilly on a hot summer's day. You'll find here bathrooms, picnic tables and outdoor showers, all free to use. Being just outside of Whistler the beach is a very pleasant walk or cycle through the forest, in summer a free shuttle bus runs from downtown.
Pörtschach am Wörthersee
Lake Wörthersee, Austria
Cool Carinthia is studded with sensational lakes, Lake Wörthersee is its largest and is an absolute jewel. There's a large choice of beaches including right in the town of Pörtschach am Wörthersee (which also has a promenade and small waterpark). Trains run direct to this beachside town from Graz and Vienna, there's also a regular ferry service to destinations around the lake.
Lake Wānaka beach
South Island, Aotearoa
Aotearoa's (New Zealand) South Island contains a wealth of mountain-adjacent beaches, few are as easily accessible as the one beside the town of Wānaka. It's a pebbly beach and stretches long enough for a decent walk. Perfectly swimmable, the lake is also used for a variety of watersports.
Lac Bleu
Morillon, France
Why this lake so incredibly clear and tinted blue? Because it's fed by an underwater river that flows directly from the mountains. It's hard to miss those mountains, which rise to over 3000 metres and surround the lake. The water is invigoratingly cold and there are plenty of spots around the lake on which to lay out a towel. A bus stop beside the lake gives you access to Annemasse which, with just one change, has a 3.5-hour train to Paris.
Spiez beaches
Lake Thun, Switzerland
Along the side of Lake Thun a flat (and accessible) path runs between Faulensee and Spiez. In summer the latter resembles a small Mediterranean town, with its picturesque marina and promenade. Along the path small beaches give pebbly access to that sublime lake, and all with Alpine views. This being Switzerland the public transport options are excellent. (image: Sean Zeng)