The best Baltic Sea destinations for an alternative summer holiday in 2024

It’s the annual great debate between friends and family – where to go on holiday – and in our experience, destinations on the Baltic Sea aren’t usually thrown in the ring.

However, as wildfires and overtourism protests rage come peak season in Greece and Spain, many British holidaymakers are looking for quieter and more moderate climates to spend their summers.

Featuring just as appealing customs and cuisines as holiday big hitters in southern Europe – where most Brits travel to seek the sun – the quieter sea north east of the UK has unsung destinations that are well worth a visit.

There are historic cities steeped in folklore and vibrant cafe culture, often with more favourable pricing, and thousands of islands that meet the criteria for sun, swimming and seafood.

The windmill-studded and retro-feeling summer playgrounds for both locals and aristocrats don’t sweat with the same heat and crowds.

Here are the lesser-trodden lands with longer daylight hours in Estonia, Lithuania, Denmark and more to swap the Mediterranean Sea for the Baltic Sea on your next summer holiday.

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Åland Islands

This autonomous archipelago between Finland and Sweden is a string of isolated villages, sandy beaches and miles of cycle paths. The Åland Islands, with their own parliament and flag, are dotted with colourful wood cabins, quiet cafes and green landscapes. Visit charming capital Mariehamn, one of only 60 inhabited isles, to head out on bike tours, visit 13th-century Kastelholm Castle and island hop to flea market stalls and disc golf courses.

Where to stay

HavsVidden Resort tucked within red granite cliffs in northern Åland is a summer hotspot with a seasonal restaurant, jetty for docking, and airy self-catering villas boasting views across the Gulf of Bothnia.