Forbes España has compiled a list of the ten great destinations considered natural climate refuges in Europe.
These enclaves maintain milder summer temperatures thanks to the combination of ocean, mountain, vegetation and environmental humidity.
The analysis highlights that 60% of the chosen destinations are linked to the Atlantic coast, reinforcing the value of the Picos de Europa as Spain's representative.
Forbes España has created a list of the ten great destinations considered natural climate refuges in Europe, enclaves that maintain milder summer temperatures thanks to the combination of ocean, mountain, abundant vegetation and environmental humidity. The publication places in this selection, in alphabetical order: Azores (Portugal), Brittany (France), Cap Corse (Corsica), Dartmoor and Exmoor (United Kingdom), La Rhune (French Basque Country), Madeira (Portugal), Monte Baldo (near Lake Garda, Italy), the Picos de Europa (Spain), the Black Forest (Germany) and Sintra (Portugal).
LISTA DE FORBES: REFUGIOS CLIMÁTICOS EN EUROPA
› Destinos en la lista: 10 en total.
› Vínculo atlántico: 60% (6 de 10) están en la fachada atlántica.
› Países con más destinos: Portugal (3), Francia (3).
› Representante de España: Picos de Europa.
› Criterios clave: Océano, altitud, masas forestales, humedad y vientos.
EL NUEVO LUJO: CONFORT CLIMÁTICO
The list, titled "The ten climate refuges of Europe: the new luxury of the 21st century", analyses how rising temperatures and the greater frequency and intensity of heat waves are beginning to modify tourist and residential preferences on the continent. Forbes argues that the ability to offer a comfortable summer is beginning to be incorporated as a new variable in the appeal of certain territories. The analysis highlights that 60% of the chosen destinations are linked to the European Atlantic coast, where the influence of the Atlantic continues to function as one of the great thermal regulators of Europe. By country, Portugal and France each concentrate three destinations, while Spain, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom contribute one each.
IMPLICACIONES PARA EL MERCADO INMOBILIARIO
› Atractivo turístico: Aumento del interés por destinos con climas suaves.
› Compradores internacionales: Buscan segundas residencias en refugios climáticos.
› Perfiles: Jubilados europeos y profesionales con teletrabajo.
› Factores valorados: Noches frescas, calidad del aire y acceso a la naturaleza.
› Nuevo lujo: Poder abrir la ventana en verano.
LOS PICOS DE EUROPA: EL REFUGIO ESPAÑOL
The report concludes that thermal comfort could become, over the coming decades, a differentiating attribute of certain residential markets, alongside traditional elements such as location, connectivity, services or urban planning regulations. The inclusion of the Picos de Europa on this list reaffirms the value of Asturias as a privileged destination, not only for its natural beauty, but also for its ability to offer a respite from extreme heat. This recognition from Forbes could translate into increased interest from international buyers seeking a property in a climate refuge environment, a factor that InasTour has been highlighting to its clients for years.
FACTORES CLAVE PARA UN REFUGIO CLIMÁTICO
› Proximidad al océano o lagos: Regulación térmica natural.
› Altitud: Climas más frescos en zonas elevadas.
› Masas forestales: Sombra y humedad que moderan las temperaturas.
› Circulación de vientos y nieblas: Ayudan a refrescar el ambiente.
› Resiliencia: No son inmunes al cambio climático, pero amortiguan los extremos.
For InasTour, the inclusion of the Picos de Europa on this list by Forbes is a powerful validation of the advantages we offer to our international clients: a combination of exceptional natural environment, quality of life, and now also recognised climate comfort. This positioning reinforces the value of properties in the region and attracts a new profile of buyers seeking a refuge from the heat and a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.
The new luxury of the 21st century may consist of something as simple as being able to open the window during the summer.
Forbes' list of the ten climate refuges in Europe places the Picos de Europa at the centre of a new trend in residential and tourist preferences. The recognition of the ability of these enclaves to offer milder summers is a clear indicator of how climate change is redefining the value of territories. For Asturias, being included alongside destinations such as the Azores or Brittany reinforces its attractiveness as a safe and comfortable place to live, invest and enjoy. The "new luxury" is not in excess, but in quality of life, and Asturias, with its natural heritage and temperate climate, is already positioned as one of the great refuges of the 21st century.
ORIGINAL REPORT
This article was originally published by El Independiente. You can read the original version here: El Independiente — Forbes creates the list of the 10 climate refuge destinations in Europe