Beat the Spanish Heat: Top Tips to Stay Cool This Summer
As the sun climbs high in the sky and temperatures rise, Spain transforms into a land of intense heat during the summer months. Finding ways to stay cool becomes essential for enjoying your time in this beautiful country. This article details both classic and quirky strategies to keep you cool as a cucumber (or, should we say, gazpacho?) this summer in Spain.
How to Stay Cool this Summer: The Basics
Embrace the Siesta Culture: One of the quintessential Spanish traditions during summer is the siesta. Embrace this cultural practice by planning your day around the hottest hours. Typically, from around 2 PM to 5 PM, Spanish people retreat indoors to escape the sun’s intensity. Use this time to relax, take a nap, or enjoy a leisurely meal in the shade.
Dress Appropriately: Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibers like cotton or linen is your best bet for staying cool. Opt for light colors that reflect rather than absorb the sun’s rays. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also essential to protect yourself from the sun.
Stay Hydrated: With the heat and sun, it’s easy to become dehydrated. Always carry a bottle of water with you and drink regularly throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. You can also try Spain‘s refreshing drinks like horchata (a cool, creamy beverage made from tiger nuts) or agua de Valencia (a refreshing cocktail of orange juice, cava, gin, and vodka).
Seek Shade: When exploring outdoor attractions or strolling through cities, make use of shaded areas whenever possible. Seek out parks with ample tree cover, relax under umbrellas at outdoor cafes, or visit museums and galleries to enjoy their air-conditioned interiors.
Plan Outdoor Activities Wisely: If you’re planning outdoor activities such as sightseeing or hiking, aim to do them early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. This not only helps you avoid the peak heat but also allows you to experience Spain’s landscapes in softer, more flattering light.
Take Advantage of Water: Spain has beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. Take advantage of these natural refuges by spending time swimming, snorkeling, or simply lounging by the sea. Coastal breezes often provide relief from inland heat.
AC Awareness: If you’re staying in hotels or accommodations, ensure your lodging has effective air conditioning, especially if you’re sensitive to heat. Many Spanish buildings are designed to stay cool naturally, but during peak summer, air conditioning can be a welcome relief.
Adapt to Local Routines: Spanish people have adapted their lifestyles to cope with the summer heat for centuries. Learn from their example by adjusting your daily routine to fit local customs and practices. This not only enhances your experience but also helps you stay comfortable during your stay. (So don’t plan a BBQ at 3pm but at 8pm, it will be much cooler and there will be less flies!)
Respect Your Body: Lastly, listen to your body. If you start feeling overheated, dizzy, or fatigued, find a cool place to rest and rehydrate immediately. Heat-related illnesses are serious, so it’s crucial to take preventive measures and seek medical attention if needed.
How to Stay Cool this Summer: Intermediate
While traditional methods like siestas and staying hydrated are crucial, there are also some other tactics to keep your cool.
Blackout Blinds: Blocking Out the Heat
Blackout blinds are not just for a great nights sleep; they can significantly reduce indoor temperatures by blocking out sunlight during the hottest parts of the day. By keeping your blinds or curtains closed on windows that receive direct sunlight, especially on south-facing sides of your home, you can prevent solar heat gain and keep interiors cooler. This simple adjustment can make a noticeable difference in maintaining a comfortable indoor environment without over-relying on air conditioning.
Use Awnings for Shade
Awnings are a classic feature in many Spanish homes and buildings, they provide relief from the sun’s rays. Installing awnings over windows, balconies, or patios helps create shaded areas that can significantly reduce the amount of heat that enters your home. Unlike fixed shading solutions, awnings can be adjusted to block out the sun during the hottest hours of the day while allowing for ventilation and natural light when needed. This balance helps maintain a cooler indoor temperature while still enjoying natural daylight.
Cross-Ventilation and Night Cooling
Take advantage of cooler nighttime temperatures in Spain by setting up a cross-ventilation system in your home. Open windows on opposite sides of your living space to allow cool breezes to flow through, effectively flushing out trapped heat and improving indoor air circulation. Using fans strategically to enhance this natural ventilation can amplify its cooling effect. Additionally, consider installing window fans that can be programmed to operate during cooler evening hours, drawing in fresh air while expelling warm indoor air.
How to Stay Cool this Summer: Advanced
As the Spanish summer heats up, it’s time to explore some creative ways to stay cool that go beyond the basics. Here are practical and enjoyable methods to beat the heat:
Hand-Held Fans: Practical and Stylish
Join the locals and invest in a hand-held fan (called an abanico in Spain) to keep cool. Whether you opt for a traditional Spanish fan with decorative designs or a modern version, fanning yourself gently provides instant relief from the heat. If you find yourself waiting in line at the bank, just whip out your fan – trust me, it’s a game changer. (In fact, take a picture and tag us on Instagram if you take our advice, click here)
Chilled Skincare
Enhance your skincare routine by storing products in the fridge. Applying a chilled face mist, jade roller, or eye masks helps soothe sun-exposed skin, reduces puffiness and cools you down. A chilled cucumber moisturizer and after-sun lotion provide hydration and relief, keeping your skin refreshed.
Refreshing Hydration
Create refreshing infused water by adding slices of fruits like citrus, berries, or cucumber to your water pitcher. This simple trick not only keeps you hydrated but also adds a flavorful twist to your water (and you are more likely to keep drinking it!). It’s a healthy and delicious way to beat the heat and stay energized.
How to Stay Cool this Summer: Unconventional
Sleeping on Damp Sheets for Cool Nights
For a refreshing night’s sleep, try sleeping on damp sheets. Before bedtime, lightly dampen your sheets with cool water (not soaking wet) and allow the evaporative cooling effect to keep you comfortable throughout the night. This method can be particularly effective in areas with dry heat, providing a natural and budget-friendly way to beat the summer heat.
Keeping Floors Cool with Frequent Mopping
Keep your living space cool by regularly mopping the floors with cool water. The evaporative cooling from the damp floors can help lower the overall temperature indoors, making your home a more comfortable retreat from the scorching sun outside.
Enhancing Fan Efficiency with Icy Water
Take your fan’s cooling power to the next level by placing it strategically behind a bowl filled with icy water. As the fan blows air over the chilled water, it creates a cool mist effect that can lower the surrounding air temperature. This DIY air conditioning hack is effective in small spaces or rooms where traditional air conditioning is not available, providing instant relief from the heat. (Just be careful using water with an electric appliance!)
How to Stay Cool this Summer: Food and Drink
Spanish people have perfected the art of creating cooling dishes and refreshing drinks to enjoy throughout the summer. Here are some of our favorites:
Gazpacho: Chilled Tomato Goodness
Gazpacho is a classic Spanish cold soup made primarily from ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and bread. This refreshing dish is typically served chilled and provides a burst of flavors that are both hydrating and satisfying. Enjoyed as a starter or light meal, gazpacho is a popular choice for cooling down on sweltering summer days.
Ajo Blanco: The Chilled Almond Soup
Ajo Blanco is another traditional Spanish cold soup, originating from Andalucía. Made with almonds, garlic, bread, olive oil, vinegar, and sometimes grapes, this creamy white soup is served chilled and offers a unique blend of savory and nutty flavors. Ajo Blanco is not only refreshing but also nutritious, making it a perfect choice for a cool summer appetizer or light lunch.
Salmorejo: Creamy Andalucian Delight
Similar to gazpacho, Salmorejo is a cold tomato soup that hails from Andalucía. It’s thicker and creamier than gazpacho, made with tomatoes, bread, olive oil, garlic, and vinegar. Top it off with hard-boiled egg and jamón serrano for an extra burst of flavor.
Ensaladilla Rusa
Ensaladilla Rusa is a beloved Spanish tapa, especially during hot weather. This chilled potato and tuna salad features a mix of vegetables such as peas, carrots, and green beans, dressed in creamy mayonnaise. Its refreshing and creamy texture makes it a perfect accompaniment to a cool beverage on a sunny day. If in Murcia try a ‘Marinera’, ensaladilla and an anchovy on top of a large breadstick, with a caña (chefs kiss!).
Melón con Jamón
Melón con Jamón is a simple yet delightful combination of ripe melon slices and thin slices of cured ham (jamón serrano or ibérico). The sweet juiciness of the melon contrasts beautifully with the savory saltiness of the ham, creating a refreshing and satisfying dish that’s popular throughout Spain during the summer months.
Refreshing Drinks
In Spain, beating the summer heat is as much about what you drink as it is about what you eat. Start your day with a glass of refreshing horchata, made from tiger nuts and served over ice for a cool start. For a midday pick-me-up, indulge in a glass of sangria, a beloved wine infusion mixed with fruits and spices, perfect for sipping under the shade. Later, unwind with a granizado, a semi-frozen slushy drink bursting with fruity flavors that offers instant refreshment. Whether you’re enjoying the creamy sweetness of horchata, the fruity zest of sangria, or the icy coolness of granizados, Spanish drinks provide the perfect complement to a sunny day in Spain!
When it comes to cooling down with coffee in Spain, forget fancy Frappuccino’s—locals opt for a straightforward approach: dumping their regular coffee over ice cubes and voila—iced coffee! It’s a no-fuss way to enjoy a refreshing iced coffee on a hot day, Spanish style!
Staying cool in Spain’s summer heat is all about embracing a combination of traditional wisdom and creative solutions. From siestas and shaded strolls to refreshing gazpacho and sipping on chilled sangria, there are numerous ways to beat the heat and enjoy everything this country has to offer. By combining these strategies, you can make the most of your Spanish summer.
And remember if all else fails a cool shower, a DIY ice pack and an ice-cream works a treat!
Share your secrets to staying cool in the comments below, and if you try any of our tips, tag us on Instagram! We’d love to see how you’re keeping cool this summer.
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