europe best places to visit in august

22 Best Places To Visit In Europe In August (2024)

Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Nicole

August is one of the best times to visit Europe if you know where to go. You want excellent weather without crushing heat, explore interesting and beautiful places without being overwhelmed by tourists, or opportunities to relax and enjoy stunning beaches and nature without spending your retirement savings. But, where should you go for a August holiday in Europe? Here are 22 fantastic European destinations in August that include exciting big and small cities, spectacular beaches, breathtaking mountains and nature escapes, and charming small towns.

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Other Options

After reviewing this article, you may be curious about other destinations in Europe in summer. If you are, here are some other fantastic summer spots to consider.

If you are looking to travel in Europe during other summer months, please see:

•   25 Best Places To Visit in June In Europe ;
• 27 Best Beaches To Visit In Europe In June ; and
• 28 Best Places To Visit In UK In June .
• 24 Best Places To Visit In Europe In July ; and
• 23 Best Places To Visit In The UK In July .
• 22 Best Places To Visit In The UK in August .

For those who wish to avoid extreme summer heat, check out  24 Best Places To Visit In Europe For Mild Summer Weather .

There are lots of inexpensive destinations in Europe for those on a tight budget. If curious, please see:

• 28 Cheap Places In Europe For Best Summer Vacations ;
• 27 Best Cheap Cities In Europe For A Fantastic Vacation ; and
• 22 Best Cheap Countries To Visit In Europe .

You may only have a few days to spare for a summer getaway. For the best European destinations for a short summer break, check out  26 Amazing Summer Weekend Getaways In Europe .

Best August Vacations In Europe

Here are the best European destinations for an August getaway. They include cities, towns, mountain ranges, and beaches all over Europe. Whether you wish to explore historic city centers, lounge on beaches, discover beautiful natural beauty, or stay active on outdoor adventures, there is something for everyone.

In the following article, the best things to do in each destination are described, as well as how best to get there. In addition, the expected weather is set out so you can properly pack.

If we know of a fantastic hotel or other  accommodation for this August escape, that recommendation is included as well. Finally, special annual events or festivals may be provided in case you want to organize your trip around them.

Cassis, France

If you’re looking to discover a hidden gem on the French Riviera in August, Cassis is a great option. This small fishing village is situated between the bustling city of Marseille and the lush vineyards of Bandol. Its charm lies in its slow rhythm of life, distinct from the tourist-ridden areas of the Côte d’Azur.

The Calanques are one of the  best things to do in Cassis . They are a series of limestone inlets along the coast and you can reach them by boat, kayaking, or hiking. Take time to marvel at the three must-see Calanques – Calanque de Port Miou, Calanque de Port Pin, and Calanque d’en Veau. Each of these Calanques offers unique vistas.

When you’ve had your fill of the Calanques, head to Cassis’ beaches. Plage de la Grande Mer, right in the heart of the village, offers a place to relax and soak up the sun. Plage du Bestouan, with its small pebbles and crystal clear waters, provides a more secluded experience.

No visit to a French village is complete without exploring its markets. The weekly market in Cassis takes place on Wednesday and Friday mornings around Place Baragnon. The colorful stalls sell everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Shopping here not only supports local businesses but also provides a true flavor of the Côte d’Azur lifestyle.

Cassis is one of the best places in Europe in August. It is a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Its charming beaches and the Calanques, the vibrant markets and sunny weather, all combine to create a relaxing and exciting destination.

Cassis in August is sunny with average lows and highs ranging from 64 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit with little to no rain. It’s perfect weather for swimming and outdoor activities, making it a great time to enjoy the village’s natural beauty and Mediterranean charm.

Best Way To Reach Destination

To reach Cassis, you will need to fly into Marseille Provence Airport, 31 miles away. From there, you can take a regular train from Marseille to Cassis which takes about 40 minutes. Once at the Gare de Cassis, the village center is a short bus ride or a pleasant half-hour walk.

Alternatively, there are local buses that run directly from Marseille to Cassis, taking around an hour.

Best Place To Stay

Jo from World Wild Schooling says, “ Hotel de la Plage Mahogany is a three-star hotel on Plage du Bestouan with sea views. Aside from its prime location, the hotel also offers a pool, spa with a sauna, and restaurant.”

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm is the perfect August city break in Europe. It’s far from the dangerously hot temperatures in Southern Europe, and its combination of culture and nature is perfect for sunny summer days. 

Start by stepping back in time in Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s old town, with its charming alleys and medieval architecture. Stortorget is the square where you will find the iconic red and yellow cookie-cutter houses and the Royal Palace is located nearby.

Waldemarsudde, an exquisite art museum on Djurgården island, is a stunning hidden gem. Once the private residence of Prince Eugen, it’s one of the best art museums in Stockholm . Bask in the sparkling waterfront views and explore diverse artworks amidst lush gardens. Make sure to visit the charming farm and cafe nearby at Rosendals Trädgård. 

A visit to Stockholm in the summer is not complete without an island adventure in the archipelago. Visit Vaxholm, a charming island village, via ferry one hour away from the city. Stroll through beautiful streets with colourful wooden houses, take a dip in the sea, and soak up the Scandinavian summer vibes.

Vaxholms Hembygdsgårds Café is a favourite among locals with its waterfront location and rustic charm. The tables full of Swedish cakes topped with fresh cream and berries is the perfect summertime treat.

With cultural outings, island adventures, and mild temperatures, Stockholm is a perfect European city for an August escape.

August brings mild weather , with an average highs and lows of 69°F to 53°F. You can expect around 2.2 inches of rain over 8 days. This is a perfect temperature for exploring the city and enjoying sunny days without oppressive summer heat.

Arrive at Stockholm-Arlanda Airport, located about 25 miles north of the city center. The express train or airport buses offer smooth connections to the heart of Stockholm in 20-30 minutes.

In Stockholm, there are many forms of public transportation, including the metro, trams, buses, and ferries. You do not need your own vehicle.

Hannah from Art Distance says, “For a luxurious stay at a reasonable price, choose Hotel Kung Carl , a centrally located hotel offering modern comfort and historic charm. Its located in the shopping district of Stockholm in a beautiful 19th century building and offers free and generous breakfast.”

Lagos, Portugal

Lagos, Portugal is a unique European destination perfect for an August beach vacation. One of the top destinations along Portugal’s stunning Algarve coast, August is a great time to visit Lagos thanks to its incredible beaches and fun summer festivities. 

One of the most incredible things to do in Lagos is to explore the jaw-dropping headland, Ponta da Piedade. Here you’ll find a scenic coastal boardwalk as well as kayaking excursions and boat tours where you can explore the area’s dramatic cliffs, unique rock formations, and enchanting sea caves.

Another mesmerizing must-see is Praia Dona Ana, hailed as one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches thanks to its golden sand, turquoise waters, and striking rock formations, perfect for sunbathing and water activities. Don’t forget to book a boat tour of Benagil Caves, one of the most famous sea caves in the world.

Visiting Lagos in August is ideal thanks to the fun Portuguese tradition of  “Arraiais,” lively street parties that unite communities through music, food, and dance. They also give visitors a chance to experience the warmth of local hospitality.

One of the most anticipated festivals is the “Feira de São Tiago,” a centuries-old fair held annually in honor of Saint James. This lively event features colorful parades, traditional music and dance performances, and mouthwatering local delicacies, like grilled sardines and pastel de nata, that showcase the essence of Portuguese culture. 

Enjoy Lagos’ Mediterranean climate and 300+ days of sunshine per year. Expect warm temperatures ranging from average lows in the evening of 66°F to average highs in the daytime of 78°F. There is practically no rain.

Faro Airport (FAO) is easily reached from Lagos within 1.5-2 hours You can drive, book private transport, or opt to use the reliable train and bus services.

Sydney from Sydney to Anywhere says, “For couples and families seeking a comfortable stay, head to Tivoli Lagos . This hotel offers modern amenities without breaking the bank. It features a central location making it easy access to the city’s main attractions.

For anyone on an Algarve solo travel adventure, Bura Suf Hostel and Rising Cock Party Hostel are great places to meet other travelers.”

Dublin, Ireland

Ireland’s capital city of Dublin is one of the best August holiday destinations in Europe. While it will be busy, there is also great energy in the air and outside activities can be well enjoyed. The weather tends to be favourable during this month and it provides a great opportunity to enjoy the sites, live music, and patios while the city is liveliest.

The Irish are very social people and enjoy their beer – specifically Guinness beer. A top highlight in Dublin is the Guinness Storehouse. Plan to see this iconic spot with a self-guided tour through the storehouse to learn about the history and the making of this famous beverage.

It is interesting to learn about what makes it unique and compare it to other northern European cities that also have a thriving beer scene, like Belgium . Be sure to take advantage of your free pint while enjoying amazing views from the stunning Gravity Bar on the top floor!

Another iconic location in Dublin is Trinity College. The grounds of the campus are beautiful to stroll around and of course, this is the home to the Book of Kells – a 1200-year-old manuscript that is sure to delight history buffs.

But the real highlight here is the Old Library which houses 200,000 books in floor-to-ceiling bookcases. It is an incredible place to see.

When travelling in August one can expect pleasant temperatures ranging between 53 – 68 degrees Fahrenheit. You can expect 2.2 inches of rain over 8 days.

Most international travellers will fly into Dublin airport. The airport is only 6 miles from the city centre. It is recommended to take the shuttle bus or taxi as having a car in the city is unnecessary.

Kim from Explore Your Bucket List says, “The Camden Court Hotel is a centrally located property. This provides easy access to Trinity College, St Stephen’s Green, and Grafton Street for shopping. The rooms are decorated in a contemporary style and are quite spacious. The hotel offers an extensive breakfast option as well.”

Bernese Oberland, Switzerland

The Bernese Oberland is a stunning mountain area in the Canton of Bern, a region in Switzerland, and one of the best outdoor adventure destinations in August in Europe. Known as the highlands of the Swiss Alps, the province is a prime destination for visitors from all over the world. Charming towns, such as Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, should be on every traveler’s must see list.

Grindelwald, with its vibrant green meadows and traditional wooden chalets, is situated at the base of the Eiger mountain. From here, you can get to the Grindelwald First Cliff Walk, an easily accessible platform with a view of the majestic Eiger mountain.

A ride up the mountains with the iconic cogwheel train is an experience that you shouldn’t skip. Pristine views and eternal glaciers await you at the Jungfraujoch. With Europe’s highest railway station, it is also known as the top of Europe.

Traveling across the Bernese highlands is simplified with a well structured train network, and it’s definitely an adventure worth taking. Travel from Grindelwald to the Jungfraujoch summit, and back down over the mountains, via the Kleine Scheidegg to the Lauterbrunnen valley.

Your first stop will be Wengen an upscale mountain resort, or you can continue your journey to the Lauterbrunnen village to view the memorable Trümmelbach falls. Perched on the cliffs, high above Lauterbrunnen, sits the  car-free village Mürren . Many wonderful hiking trails lead grown-ups and children alike to more breathtaking views and corners.

You can expect average highs of 74 degrees during the day in August. The weather can be unpredictable in the mountains with rain clouds sweeping in without much warning, so take along an alpine raincoat. On average, there is 3.4 inches of rain over 11 days in August.

Fly into Zürich international airport and take the train to Interlaken where you can get a connection to either Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen.

Marina and Paul from PaulMarina say, “We visited in August during peak season, and found that the area wasn’t all too busy, all thanks to being expensive relative to other places in Europe. Yet, a room with a view in the Hotel Silberhorn in Wengen, will make it all worth the money spent!

Kalamata, Greece

Kalamata is a coastal city located in the south of the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece. It is mainly known for the Kalamata olives and olive oil, but it has so much more to offer such as amazing beaches, history and nature. It is one of the best destinations for August vacations in Europe.

There are many  things you can do in Kalamata . Explore Kalamata’s Old Town and discover its’ history. There are narrow cobblestone streets, picturesque alleys, and plenty of restaurants to try the local cuisine. You’ll find historic landmarks such as the Church of Ypapanti and the Square of 23rd March from where the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire began.

Visit the Kalamata Archaeological Museum of Messenia. The museum houses a collection of artefacts from the ancient Messinian civilization, showcasing pottery, sculptures, and objects that date back thousands of years. Every first Sunday of the month, the museums in Greece are free.

Relax on Kalamata’s Beaches. August is the perfect time to enjoy the beaches and soak up the sun. There are plenty of beaches to enjoy a relaxing day such as Almyros Beach and the quieter Mikri Mantinia Beach. 

Some of the most important events during this month are the Ascension of the Virgin Mary on the 15th of August with festivals, colorful street processions, and fireworks. In addition, ‘panygiria’ – Greek folk festivals- are held in villages throughout the summer. 

Kalamata experiences a Mediterranean climate with warm and sunny days. The average lows and highs temperature this month ranges from 66°F to 88°F, providing perfect conditions for outdoor activities and beach excursions. Rainfall is generally scarce.

To reach Kalamata, fly into the Kalamata International Airport (KLX). The airport has both domestic and international flights, making it convenient for visitors from various locations. Once you arrive at the airport, you can reach Kalamata city centre by car, taxi, or bus.

Simina from Travel with Simina says, “Kalamata offers a wide range of accommodation options. Depending on your means of transportation, you can choose from very centrally located hotels to more secluded ones. One great option in the centre is the sustainable hotel called BlueBlood – The Rooms .”

Cotswolds, England

The Cotswolds are classed as an area of outstanding natural beauty in the United Kingdom. It’s a destination that is certainly deserving of a spot on this list of best European places to visit in August.  

In between the rolling countryside and charming villages filled with cobbled streets and honey-stone houses, there are plenty of excellent things to do, unique places to stay and delicious places to eat and drink.

You’ll be able to enjoy one of the many  walks in the Cotswolds , whilst hopping between the villages and visiting the attractions on offer, without too many crowds.

One of the most popular villages to visit is Broadway, where you’ll find Broadway Castle situated atop a hill. You’re welcome to explore inside the castle, however, admiring some of the best views in the Cotswolds from here is also extremely popular – particularly at sunset.

Nearby, you’ll find Mickleton – yet another quaint village that’s filled with excellent pubs – including the Pudding Club – a unique dining experience that you’re sure to remember. You’ll start off by being served a light main course, before moving onto a series of traditional English deserts that are competing for your vote with a lot of spoon-banging and cheering.

Perhaps the most popular village in the Cotswolds to visit is Bourton-on-the-Water – nicknamed ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ – due to the River Windrush that runs through the centre. In between wandering the quintessentially English streets and admiring the beautiful buildings, there are plenty of things to do here – particularly for children. The Model Village, Birdland and the Motoring Museum are popular paid attractions, however, swimming in the shallow waters of the river is equally as fun and free.

With average high temperatures around 69 degrees Fahrenheit and most days filled with gorgeous clear blue skies and sunshine, August is undoubtedly one of the best months to visit this area.

You can expect around 1.5 inches of rain over 7 days.

The quickest way to reach the Cotswolds from locations outside of the UK is by flying into Bristol Airport and then driving between 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the town.

Millie from Stay Wild Travels says, “If you’re looking for a good hotel recommendation, The Broadway Hotel  is an excellent choice.”

Helsinki, Finland

For those looking to beat the heat while traveling around Europe, one place that’s fabulous to visit is Helsinki. During the month of August, the Nordic region offers a pleasant reprieve from the summer heat waves. This weather is not only much cooler than other areas around Europe but also the perfect weather for exploring the city and all that the city has to offer. It is one of the best August getaways in Europe. For starters, visitors can check out Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage site located on an archipelago just off the coast of Helsinki. Visitors will find an 18th-century fortress, several museums, and quaint parks scattered across the island.

Afterward, visitors can explore some of the historic landmarks that are nestled within downtown Helsinki. One landmark worth visiting is the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. This church is located in Helsinki’s main square and is a symbol of the city.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a change of pace or scenery, you can  do an easy excursion to Tallinn . The trip gives visitors a chance to both cross another country off their list as well as see all the fairytale architecture that’s scattered across this Estonian city.

In terms of events, the month of August is when Helsinki hosts its annual Helsinki Festival. This is the largest art festival held in the Nordic region and offers a variety of film, music, theater, and dance shows.

Visitors can expect average high temperatures of 68°F and average low temperatures of 56°F, with an average of 2.5 inches of rain over 8 days.

You can fly directly into the Helsinki International Airport and take a 40-minute train from the airport to Helsinki’s Central Station.

Kristin from Global Travel Escapades says, “Consider Scandic Grand Central Helsinki , a 4-star hotel situated right in the heart of downtown Helsinki.”

Piran, Slovenia

Nestled along the Slovenian coastline of the Adriatic Sea, Piran is a picturesque and enchanting town that captures the hearts of travellers seeking a perfect August escape in Europe. This quaint fishing town boasts a rich history, medieval architecture, and breathtaking views, making it an ideal spot to explore during the month of August.

Piran offers a myriad of wonderful activities . First, discover its Venetian Influence. Piran’s architecture reflects the town’s Venetian heritage, and a must-visit attraction is the Tartini Square.

Named after the famous violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini, this charming square is the heart of the town, surrounded by colourful buildings and lively cafes. It’s a wonderful place to enjoy an evening stroll, absorb the vibrant atmosphere, and if you’re lucky, catch an open-air concert or local festivities.

Second, climb the town walls for panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and the picturesque rooftops of Piran. The historic walls offer a stunning vantage point to capture the beauty of the town and its surrounding landscape. Then, walk along the walls for a delightful experience, allowing visitors to relish the sea breeze and immerse themselves in Piran’s fascinating history.

Lastly, indulge in delicious seafood. Being a coastal town, Piran is renowned for its seafood. No trip to Piran would be complete without a stroll along the waterfront promenade and savouring a variety of freshly caught seafood dishes, from grilled fish to succulent calamari.

August holds a special treat for visitors, as it marks the arrival of the much-anticipated Tartini Festival, a cultural extravaganza that shouldn’t be missed! Tartini Festival is a renowned music event that takes place annually in honour of Giuseppe Tartini.

This festival celebrates classical and chamber music, attracting world-class musicians to perform in various historical venues around the town. The festival’s cultural richness adds a unique charm to Piran during August, making it a perfect time for music enthusiasts to experience the magic of music in a captivating setting.

Whether you are drawn to its rich history, love for the sea, or the enchantment of classical music, Piran promises to be a delightful addition to your European summer adventure.

August in Piran offers a delightful climate for travellers seeking a sun-soaked vacation. The average temperature hovers around 78 to 83 degrees Fahrenheit, providing the perfect weather for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts.

You can expect 2.3 inches of rain over 7 days.

To reach Piran, travellers typically fly into Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport, the main international airport in Slovenia . From there, Piran is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours away by car or bus.

The scenic drive takes you through Slovenia’s charming countryside and coastal views, making the journey part of the adventure itself.

For those who prefer public transportation, there are bus and train options available from Ljubljana to Piran.

Goya from Goya Galeotta says, “For a comfortable and convenient stay, Piran offers a variety of hotels that cater to different budgets. The town boasts numerous boutique hotels with sea views and cosy guesthouses that capture the essence of the Mediterranean lifestyle, including Benecanka , the most famous Venetian-Gothic house of Piran.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is an amazing city rich in history, green parks, museums, theaters, tasty beer, and much more. Prague, located in central Europe, is visited by millions of tourists throughout the whole year. However, one of the best times to visit Prague is in August as the weather is nice and you can do a lot of outside activities.

There are lots of Prague tours that you can book. Take a boat cruise on the Vltava River. You have the option of sightseeing during the day or a nice romantic evening cruise with dinner and music.

As the weather is hot, it is nice to refresh with delicious Italian ice cream. There are a few great ice cream places in Prague, such as Creme de la Creme. They have 5 branches in Prague and many kinds of flavors and different kinds of treats. This includes creamy ice creams, fruity sorbets, healthy ice creams, and vegan offerings as well.

Take a walk through the historical part of Prague . Prague is a very walkable city and the best time is in the evening when the temperatures are lower, the air is cooler and the lights are on.

You can start on Wenceslas Square, going to the Old Town where the Astronomical clock is. Continue through the narrow aisles with souvenir shops and restaurants, and buy traditional Trdelnik (cinnamon chimney cake) with ice cream and Nutella on your way toward the Charles Bridge.

From the Charles Bridge, the stunning view of Prague Castle, the Vltava River, the National Theater, and Charles Bridge await you. Sunset from the bridge is spectacular as well.

August is a great time to visit Prague. During the summer, a lot of concerts and festivals happen. In addition, farm markets are held in several places throughout the city.

There are food festivals. Many of them on Smichovska Naplavka, offering American street food, Latino street food, Italian, and many more. Entrance is free – you only have to buy your food.

The best event is the Letni Letna festival which is held every year in August and includes theater and acrobatic performances from Czech and international performers. It is held in Letna Park, outside or inside a circus tent.  Tickets can be bought from their website here. 

Also, Prague Pride Festival happens every year in August which attracts many Czech and international participants.

The weather in Prague in August is nice and warm (sometimes hot). The average daily temperatures are between 68 to 82 Fahrenheit. Evenings and nights are colder and the temperature can go down to 59 or even 50 Fahrenheit.

The days in August are mostly sunny, partially with clouds. Great days for swimming pools. Sometimes in the afternoon or at night, you can expect thunder and rain (2.2 inches of rain over 9 days). The beginning of the month is usually warmer than the end.

To come to Prague by plane, you need to fly to Prague Airport, called Vaclav Havel Airport. You can also arrive by train from neighboring countries like Germany, Slovakia, or Hungary.

From the airport to the city center, you can either take a taxi or you can use public transportation which is very cheap and easy to use. The journey will take you 35 minutes during the weekdays and about 40 minutes on the weekends.

Natalia from Nats Travel says, “ Hotel Golden Crown  is located in the center of the city close to important sights like Wenceslas Square, Old Town, National Theater, and Vltava River, but not in the noisy street. The hotel is modern and clean, and breakfast is included.”

Azores, Portugal

An unknown gem is  the Azores Islands , a paradise in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. There are 9 islands in the Azorean archipelago, all different from each other and perfect for spending holidays surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. It is one of the best August trips in Europe.

It is a destination perfect for adventurous travelers who seek to do some trekking, diving, or whale-watching. The Azores is also a fantastic spot for relaxed travelers who want to swim in the most amazing natural pools, or for foodies who wish to try some very typical (and different) dishes and sweets. 

The main island, São Miguel is the perfect gateway if it’s your first time on the islands. It is most famous for its volcanic lagoons to explore, steaming hot springs in which to relax, and enjoying a cup of tea in some of the most unique tea plantations in Europe.

Also in the eastern group, there is Santa Maria, one of the smallest islands that hides the best sand beaches of the archipelago. It is also one of the best diving spots in August where, if you’re lucky, you will be able to enjoy some manta ray and shark whale interactions.

The central group has 5 islands. They include Terceira, one of the most famous and also most festive. Graciosa is a small island with some of the best natural pools. Pico is perfect if you feel like climbing the highest point in Portugal. São Jorge is full of natural hidden gems. Finally, Faial is the meeting point for sailors and, therefore, the most international of them all.

Finally, Flores and Corvo will surprise you with the two most overwhelming landscapes – Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro in Flores and Caldeirão in Corvo.

Despite the fact that August is high season in Europe, the Azores are still a lesser-known destination, especially the central and western islands. What’s more, during summer there are many music and food festivals across all islands so, no matter which of them you choose to visit, the party is pretty much guaranteed.

However, it is essential that you book your trip as far in advance as possible since it is precisely in summer when there is more demand for the few rental cars and accommodation most of the islands offer. So, as soon as you have your flights, book everything else. 

Although the Azores are known for having four seasons in one day, the best time to go is undoubtedly during the summer months. The temperature is around 77ºF/25ºC (high) and 66ºF/19ºC (low) in August.

During the summer months, there is very little rain and the sea water is more tempting for enjoying the beach and its natural pools.

There are several flights from Portugal and also some options from other European countries, the US and Canada to the main island’s airport Ponta Delgada (São Miguel). There would also be some flights to other island airports – Lajes (Terceira), to Pico or to Horta (Faial).

If you fly to the main island, the local Azorean airline Sata has connecting flights between the 9 islands. There are also boat connections with Atlantic Lines between the 5 islands of the central group and between Flores and Corvo. 

Inês from Random Trip says, “If you visit São Miguel (the biggest and main island), we recommend you stay at  Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort , which is located in front of the beach of Santa Barbara. It is near Ribeira Grande (where there are several restaurants) and also centrally located to visit any corner of the island.”

Montpellier, France

When you think of the South of France you probably think of jet-setters and the usual Cannes and Monaco that’s flooded with tourists. But have you heard of Montpellier- a unique and charming town in the South of France just 6 miles (10 kilometers) from the Mediterranean Sea?

It’s a gem as it offers rich culture and also because of the stunning beaches nearby. How many places can go from charming cobblestone historic streets to a gorgeous beach just a 30-minute bus ride later? It is one of the best European holidays in August.

The Promenade de Peyrou also known as the royal square is a MUST. You can see the St. Clement Aqueduct as well as scenic views that are absolutely spectacular. On Sundays, there is also a flea market which makes it super motivating to get out of bed.

Another cool place to visit is the quartier  Écusson   or old town. Getting lost in the paved cobblestones is one of the  best things to do in Montpellier . Along your journey, you can find iconic hotel particuliers (historic grand mansions owned by a single family), awesome vintage and thrift stores to spruce up your wardrobe, and souvenirs.  

Visiting in August can be great way to see all of the South of France and enjoy the beaches and French Riviera. The average high temperature in August is 83 degrees Fahrenheit with very little rain.

The Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport is just 6.5 miles (11 kilometers) or 20 minutes by taxi from the city center.

Latifah from Gimme Confetti says, “The Appart’City Montpellier Saint Roch is a great modern hotel that’s well-priced and close to the city center. The rooms are also spacious compared to other hotels in the city which are older.”

Isle of Skye, Scotland

Scotland’s Isle of Skye is the perfect European vacation in August for nature lovers. The largest island of the Inner Hebrides, the Isle of Skye is known for its rugged beauty, waterfalls, fairy pools, and walks.

When visiting the Isle of Skye, getting outdoors, and hitting the trails is a must. First, visit the famous Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye’s iconic landmark. The Old Man of Storr walk is a 4.5 km loop trail that is rated as moderate. But visitors beware! It is quite a steep hike to get to the base of this iconic landmark.

Another must-see place on the Isle of Skye is Fairy Glen. This miniature landslip is home to lush green landscapes and stunning rock formations. The area is fun, easy to explore, and you might find some friendly Scottish sheep grazing along the paths.

You can’t visit the Isle of Skye without making a stop to take in the beauty of Mealt Falls. This stunning waterfall on the eastern part of the island drops 180 feet or 55 meters from Loch Mealt to the Atlantic Ocean below.

In addition to the weather, August is a perfect time to visit because that is when two Scottish festivals are held. The Isle of Skye Highland Games is a three-day festival that includes sailing and rowing, piping, track and field, and dance competitions.

The Skye Live Festival is a two-day traditional Scottish music festival taking place in Portree. Portree, the Isle of Skye’s capital and largest town, has many accommodation options including hotels and B&Bs. Make sure to make reservations far in advance as hotels do sell out.

August is a perfect month to visit the Isle of Skye, with average temperatures ranging between 51-60°F. You can expect 3.5 inches of rain over 14 days.

The best way to get to the Isle of Skye is by car. It is a 5–6-hour drive from Edinburgh and a 5-hour drive from Glasgow. Visitors traveling from outside of Scotland can  rent a car in Edinburgh  or Glasgow and drive.

Yvonne from MPA Travel Projects says, “Portree, the Isle of Skye’s capital and largest town, has many accommodation options including hotels and B&Bs . Make sure to make reservations far in advance as hotels do sell out.”

West Fjords, Iceland

If you’re looking for one of the best European getaways in August then you cannot beat the Westfjords of Iceland. 

After all, the Westfjords are the least populated part of the country and lie along the Denmark Strait in the northwest. You’ll pass a few quaint fishing villages and large numbers of Icelandic sheep as you drive here. Be on the look out for stunning cliffs and incredible ocean-front drives in one of the most rugged parts of the country. 

This part of the country is known for its incredible natural scenery. Be sure to visit Dynjandi waterfall while you’re here. Not only will you enjoy the impressive panoramas of Arnarfjörður and Dynjandisvogur Bay, but the waterfall is 100 feet wide and 300 feet tall. 

Take a dip in the Krosslaug hot springs since this is one of the best things to do in the Westfjords . Just choose between bathing in a 13 by 43 feet concrete pool or a smaller natural pool overlooking the coast.

Enjoy a wide array of festivals in August like the International Westfjords Piano Festival and the Act Alone Solo Performance Festival in Sudureyri. 

In terms of the weather, August is a fairly dry month with only around 3 inches of rain over 11 days. The average daily highs are around 57°F while the average daily lows are around 47°F. 

Upon arrival at Keflavík International Airport in Reykjavik, grab a rental car and drive around 3.5 hours to the Westfjords area.

Victoria from Iceland Trippers says, “Book a room at Hotel Djúpavík . It’s a chill little guesthouse on the coast where breakfast, tea, and coffee are all included in the price of your room. So, all you need to do is select one of eight rustic rooms for your serene stay.”

Marbella, Spain

If you are looking for a European escape in August, Marbella is a fantastic option. This coastal town near Malaga, Spain, is a popular destination for many reasons, from its beautiful and accessible beaches and lively atmosphere to top-notch Michelin-star restaurants and luxury vibes.

Whether you visit  Marbella for a weekend  or longer, there are a few things you don’t want to miss. One of them is the historic centre of Marbella, the prettiest location in the city.

In the old town of Marbella, you can visit historical buildings, such as Marbella Castle, and interesting museums, like the Spanish Engraving Museum. During your time in the old town, spend some time in Plaza de los Naranjos (Orange Square). Nothing is better than enjoying your favourite drink while people watch and soak up the vibrant atmosphere in this beautiful square.

Also, if you love photography, you have many opportunities to take photos in the old town. Calle Carmen is the most instagrammable street in Marbella.

If you love a touch of luxury, head to Puerto Banús. It is one of the most luxurious ports in Spain . You can see impressive yachts as well as window-shop or maybe treat yourself to the finest jewellery and luxury clothes.

August is a good time to visit Marbella if you love traditional events like Malaga’s Fair.

In addition to these fantastic things to see in Marbella, it is a destination for sun-seekers. August is the hottest month but slightly cooler than in Malaga City and inland towns. The average high temperature is 84 F with practically no rain.

The nearest airport is Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport which is a 45-minute drive. You can either rent a car or take the AVANZA bus that leaves you at Marbella coach station at the top of the town.

Cristina from My Little World of Travelling says, “ Linda Boutique Hotel is a good choice if you are looking for accommodation. It is in the heart of Marbella and offers modern and beautiful rooms and delicious breakfast. Also, it has a fantastic rooftop terrace where you can enjoy the sunset.”

Caucasus, Georgia

One of the best European outdoor adventure destinations in August is Georgia, especially the Caucasus region. The reason is simple. Most of the Caucasus is only accessible during the peak summer months. The Caucasus experiences severe winter weather, with heavy snowfall and extreme low temperatures, especially in the higher elevations. Because snow can accumulate quickly, roads and trails become impassable from October to May.

August is ideal for visiting the Caucasus. All the snow from the winter has disappeared by then and the hiking conditions are excellent. The weather is also great.

Hiking is the main thing to do in the Caucasus. The best areas to visit in Georgia are the mountains around the town of  Kazbegi  and the region around Mestia. From Kazbegi, you can explore beautiful places like the Gergeti Trinity Church, The Pansheti mineral pool, the mountain trails in Juta, and the Dariala Gorge. You can also explore the Gveleti Waterfalls and Gveleti Lake.

The most popular thing to do around Mestia is a multi-day trek from Mestia to the town of Ushguli. Even though it’s peak season in Georgia, don’t expect to encounter a lot of tourists here. Georgia is still a relatively off-the-beaten-path destination.

Be sure to enjoy the delicious Georgian cuisine, with Pkhali, Lobio, and Khinkali being the best dishes to try.

Temperatures hover around a pleasant 71 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius) during the day, and becoming cool at night.

To reach the Caucasus in Georgia you will first have to fly into the country to the capital city, Tbilisi, or the smaller city of Kutaisi. Flying to Tbilisi is convenient if you want to visit the area around Kazbegi, while Kutaisi is closer to the area around Mestia.

It is however, very easy to explore both areas since both cities are well connected by bus and train. It takes about three hours to reach Kazbegi from Tbilisi. Mestia is six hours away from Kutaisi by bus.

If you want to visit both destinations, it takes around four hours to travel between Tbilisi and Kutaisi by bus or train.

Annelies from Travelers & Dreamers says, “Guesthouses are the main type of accommodation in the Caucasus mountains although you can also find some decent hotels. Tiny House Kazbegi is a great place to stay in Kazbegi while Winterfell Mestia is a fantastic place to base yourself to explore Svaneti.”

Vienna, Austria

Vienna is one of the best European cities to visit in August. The Austrian capital city is famous for its beautiful baroque castles, impressive architecture, stunning cathedrals, interesting museums, lots of art, and vibrant city life.

One of the best things to do in  Vienna in summer  is visit Schönbrunn Palace. The former palace of Empress Sisi was turned into a museum that houses all of her things and other interesting artifacts. The gardens behind the palace are simply magical. You can wander throuogh them and enjoy the view over the city. 

Another great place to spend summer in Vienna is the Belvedere Castle. The Belvedere consists of three different locations, each of which houses important pieces of art. The gardens around the Belvedere castle are also stunning and great for a walk. 

If you are looking for some refreshments, head over to the Danube island for water sports, swimming, and some ice cream. 

August is the best time to go to Vienna. In summer, there are many open-air concerts and movie theaters set up in the city. The arts scene in Vienna is thriving, and the many rooftop bars offer cool drinks and a great view. 

August brings temperatures from 64 to 82 Fahrenheit and lots of sunshine. You can expect 2.3 inches of rain over 8 days. The nights will be cooler so bring a light jacket. 

When traveling to Vienna, you have to fly to Vienna International Airport. The airport is about half an hour outside of the city. From the airport, you can take the CAT Train or the cheaper OEBB trains to the city center. 

Sabrina from Shades of Summr says, “A great place to stay in Vienna is the Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof . It is nicely located on one of Vienna’s most important streets, the Herrengasse. From the impressive hotel, you can walk to any sight in the Inner City in just minutes.”

Skelling Island, Ireland

One of the most amazing European trips in August is Skelling Island from Portmagee, in Kerry County Ireland . The weather is normally warm and sunny, even if it changes quite frequently and abruptly into showers.

Skelling Island is an uninhabited island reachable with a boat trip from the charming village of Portmagee. It’s a tiny island worth visiting both for its historical heritage and the natural environment. It was, in fact, home to an abandoned monastery that is now open to the public for visits. 

It’s important to know that to do this tour you need to book at least 4 or 5 months in advance because they only accept a limited number of people.

Also, the tour is not 100% guaranteed. If the ocean conditions are unsafe, the tour will be canceled. The tour guides, based on the island, will inform the boat captain the morning of your departure whether the weather conditions are acceptable.  

The alternative is booking last minute, if the weather is favorable, but in this case, you would only see the island from a boat tour. If you suffer from seasickness, be advised that it can be rough. 

If you manage to reach the island, you will be welcomed by local guides and taken around the ancient ruins. Mind that there are 600 steps to climb to reach the highest point to view the remains of the monastery and get the best views. Also, you will be able to spot the cute Puffins birds from here. 

Portmagee offers many other things to do, besides the boat trip to Skelling Island. If your tour to Skelling Island gets canceled for bad weather, you can always drive around Valencia Island, enjoy some short hikes and visit the old lighthouse. The views are incredible and then, you can grab a bite in one of the cute cafes’ in Knight’s Town

Expect average highs to be 66 °F and average lows of 54 °F. There will be around 2.2 inches of rain over 9 days.

To get to Skelling Island you must fly into Dublin, rent a car , and get to Portmagee, a cute fishing village just outside of Kerry’s famous ring.

Since Portmagee is about 5 hours from Dublin, it’s impossible to do a day trip from the Irish capital city to Skelling Island. On the contrary, you will need at least a few days to explore this part of the world.

Isabella from Boundless Roads says, “I would suggest spending the night in Portmagee where you can find cozy Airbnbs and Bed and Breakfast places. The most central one is the Mooring Guest House and seafood restaurant, which is the popular Bridge View, offering great food and live music. Make sure you reserve a table in advance.”

Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with a rich history dating back thousands of years. It is a fantastic vacations spot in August in Europe.

There are many  things to do in Belgrade , the most popular being a visit to the famous Belgrade Fortress (Kalemegdan). This ancient fortress is a must-visit landmark and offers stunning panoramic views of the Danube and Sava rivers and the cityscape. Inside the fortress, you’ll find beautiful parks, historical monuments, and the Military Museum.

Head to the Skadarlija Bohemian Quarter in the evening to experience true Serbian hospitality and cuisine. Skadarlija is a charming cobbled street filled with traditional restaurants, art galleries, and live music venues. The street comes alive in the evenings with street performers and artists, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

In August, Belgrade experiences warm and sunny weather so it is really pleasant to visit at this time of year. The average temperatures during this month range from 65°F to 86°F (18°C to 30°C).

Rainfall is relatively low in August (1.7 inches over 7 days), making it a great time to explore the city comfortably and enjoy the city’s lively summer atmosphere.

The nearest airport to Belgrade is Nikola Tesla International Airport (BEG) – 11 miles (18 kilometres) from the centre of Belgrade. Several European and International airlines operate flights to Belgrade.

A taxi from the airport to the city center typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes. There are also airport shuttles and public buses that can take you into town.

Catrina from 24 Hours Layover says, “For a comfortable stay in Belgrade close to all the attractions, head to The Belgrade Art Hotel – a stunning stylish hotel situated in the ideal location to explore Belgrade by foot.”

Nice, France

August is one of the best months to visit Nice due to its fantastic weather and beach town vibe. The temperatures soar, and the sun graces the city with its full warmth, perfect for sunseekers and beach lovers.

Take a summer evening stroll along the world-famous Promenade des Anglais, a picturesque seafront promenade that stretches for 4 miles (7 kilometers). While walking, you will be right along the Mediterranean Sea and the iconic pebble beaches. 

Bikes and rollerblade rentals are available to explore the entire promenade. Pack your swimsuit because no trip to Nice is complete without taking a dip into the ocean. 

Next, Lose yourself in the narrow winding streets of Old Town, an enchanting neighborhood bursting with history and character. Explore the colorful buildings and visit the famous Flower market. Don’t forget to try some traditional Niçoise dishes at one of the many cozy cafes and restaurants that line the streets.

For panoramic views of Nice and its surroundings, hike up to Castle Hill or take the elevator to the top. The breathtaking views make this spot an Instagram-worthy destination. 

In August, Nice is blessed with warm and sunny days. Temperatures typically range between 68°F to 84°F with little to no rain. The ocean is perfect for swimming as the water temperatures of the Mediterranean Sea reach 72°F  this time of year. 

Nice is easily accessible by air, and Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) serves as the primary gateway. It offers direct flights from major cities around the world.

From the airport, you can take a taxi, Uber, or use the fantastic tram service that runs from the airport to the city center. Nice is also a hub to reach other areas of the French Riviera by train including Cannes,  Antibes , and Monaco. 

Haley from Gleason Family Travels says, “If looking to stay on the beach, look no further than Hotel West End . This charming seaside retreat offers a prime location along the iconic Promenade des Anglais, providing breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Enjoy the convenience of having a restaurant and bar on the property, where you can savor Mediterranean cuisine and unwind with refreshing cocktails. Centrally located, you can easily walk to Old Town to enjoy the Flower Market.

With its perfect blend of elegance and affordability, Hotel West End is the ideal choice for travelers seeking a memorable experience amidst the beauty of Nice’s coastline.”

Viana do Castelo, Portugal

Viana do Castelo is a very delightful Portuguese coastal city. It’s located in the far north of the country, in close proximity to the Spanish border, as well as to Portugal’s only National Park – Peneda-Geres National Park. It is one of the best places to visit in Europe in August.

A charming old town, peaceful green surroundings perfect for spending time in nature, many tourist attractions, a world-famous hilltop sanctuary, and mild climate makes Viana do Castelo a place worth visiting in August. The city is also part of Camino Portugues, one of the spiritual routes leading to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. 

There are quite a lot of things to do in Viana do Castelo , but if you want to soak in the city vibe, you should explore its old town. Slowly wander among the streets and squares, relax in one of many cafes with a cup of good Portuguese coffee and just watch people going on with their lives. 

Once you are ready to explore more, be sure to direct your steps to the Praça da Republica, a picturesque square in the heart of the city full of historic buildings and with a beautiful 16th-century Renaissance fountain. You’ll also find a Costume Museum where you’ll be able to discover exhibitions of traditional costumes from the Alto Minho region. 

Another great thing to do in Viana do Castelo is visit Gil Eannes, a former Portuguese hospital ship that supported the Portuguese cod fishing fleet in the 1950s in the seas of Newfoundland in Canada and Greenland. The ship was restored, is docked in the port and serves as a really interesting museum. 

For great views over the city and its surroundings, visit the hilltop Santa Luzia Sanctuary. The church itself is one of the most famous monuments in Portugal, and was built on the model of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Paris. 

The weather in Viana do Castelo in August is ideal for those who dislike the heat. The average temperature is 75.2°F with very little rain. 

The closest airport to Viana do Castelo is located in Porto about 40 miles (65km) away. The airport offers quick bus connections to the city.

Sonia from Happy Little Traveler says, “For a pleasant stay, you can choose Hotel Laranjeira located in the heart of the city, just a few steps from all the main attractions.”

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Old City of Dubrovnik is among the most beautiful European coastal cities and a great European destination in August. It is nicknamed ‘the Pearl of the Adriatic’ for its stunning beauty. 

Dubrovnik is a top history and cultural destination for its rich cultural and historical heritage. The walled Old City of Dubrovnik is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the world. Besides its history and culture, Dubrovnik is a popular beach destination.

August is a top month to enjoy the sea and beaches in Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik beaches like Buža Beach, Danče Beach, Šulići Beach, Bellevue Beach, and Copacabana Beach please even the most demanding beach enthusiasts.

The pebble Banje Beach, within walking distance of the Old City, is the trendiest Dubrovnik beach. However, locals love the rocky and quiet St Jakob beach, which has gorgeous views of the Old City and Lokrum Island.

Dubrovnik in summer is not only about swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The Dubrovnik area is also a top sailing destination in Europe. A full-day sailing trip to Elaphiti islands is an amazing experience as is sea kayaking tours from Dubrovnik .

Of course, if you are a Game of Thrones fan, touring the filming sites in Dubrovnik is another unmissable thing to do in the city. 

Dubrovnik in August has a daily average high temperature of 78 F (25 C), with daily highs of 86 F (30 C) and daily lows of 72 F ( 22 C). There will be very little rain during August.

Dubrovnik international airport, located about 9 mi (15 km) from the city center, serves Dubrovnik. The shuttle buses run frequently from the airport to the city center. 

Milijana from World Travel Connector says, “Consider staying in the 5-star Hotel Dubrovnik Palace with a beach and a scuba diving center for a world-class stay in Dubrovnik.”

There are many wonderful places to visit in Europe in August. From beach destinations, city escapes, mountain retreats, and cultural hot spots, you will have your choice of amazing August holiday getaways.

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15 Best Places in Europe to Visit in August

07/26/2023 by Kristin Addis Leave a Comment

How to make the best of this summer month in Europe , with some of the finest weather, longest daylight, and most amazing festivals? Here are 15 fantastic places in Europe to help you plan the perfect end-of-summer holiday:

Table of Contents

1. The Dolomites, Italy

Located in northern Italy, the Dolomites is an impressive mountain range that spans over 140,000 hectares. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is arguably one of the most dramatic alpine destinations in the world, ideal for outdoor lovers. The public transport system is not all that reliable, though, so your best bet is to rent a car and go on a road trip. There are many gorgeous mountain passes worth stopping at, so if you are a big fan of sunrise or sunset hike, a car is the way to go.

August in the Dolomites gets busy, due to the excellent weather and holidays in the country. To avoid big crowds, hike the lesser-known trails such as Val di Funes, Alta Pusteria, or Alta Badia. Be sure to book your accommodations ahead of time, too! There are several spa resorts that are just right for relaxing after a long day out hiking, such as Hotel Ansitz Steinbock , Lagació Hotel Mountain Residence , and Santre dolomythic home .

2. The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

The Wild Atlantic Way is a coastal drive that wraps around much of Ireland, the longest defined coastal driving route on earth. However, the road can be narrow, with many sharp turns. Take your time, as you will want to pull off every five minutes to see the many gorgeous vistas! You will need at least two weeks to properly enjoy the drive without rushing.

While the tourism site recommends driving from north to south, I suggest doing the opposite way, so you will have the Atlantic Ocean to your left. This makes it easier to take photos and get to stops without crossing the highway (since traffic flows on the left in Ireland).

The weather in Ireland is generally unpredictable. However, August promises the most sunshine and the best conditions for camping and hiking. There are plenty of lovely places to stay, restaurants with great food, and amazing Irish hospitality and humor. The Wild Atlantic Way is way too easy to fall in love with!

3. São Miguel, Azores, Portugal

There’s a good reason why São Miguel was the rumored lost island of Atlantis or sometimes called the Hawaii of Europe. It’s dreamy, full of majestic waterfalls, hot springs, and some of the lushest jungles that make one wonder if it’s all a movie set. Cows seem to outnumber people on the island, and the residents are very friendly. I was also very impressed by how baby-friendly the island was, especially at all of the accommodations we stayed in.

The most wonderful thing about the Azores is that even if you visit during peak season, it never gets as busy as the big cities of mainland Europe. If you are planning a European summer holiday and want to avoid the crowd, São Miguel and the rest of the Azores are perfect for you.

4. London, England

London is fantastic year-round , with world-famous restaurants, endless events, and a plethora of festivals. Summer is the best time to catch open-air live music, opera, and theatre shows. The incredible food scene in London is also more fun when the sun is out! From street food vendors to markets, some extending their hours in the summertime, you will never go hungry in London. Finally, given the over 3,000 parks and green spaces, take the opportunity to go on a picnic and enjoy people-watching.

Like the rest of Europe, August is a busy month for tourism in London.

5. Hiking Trips in Iceland

August makes a wonderful time to visit Iceland , because the country is lush and relatively warm, perfect for hiking and other outdoor adventures. Some regions in Iceland are not accessible during winter, due to the snow and ice, but it’s not a problem during summertime. If you go to Iceland in early August, you will experience the highly anticipated midnight sun, though that also means minimal chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Hiking enthusiasts will love Iceland at this time of the year. From a two-day adventure on the Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail to the epic four-day hike on the Laugavegur Trail  (ranked in the top 20 by National Geographic!), you’re in for a beautiful adventure, with all shades of green, sweeping glacier views, and majestic waterfalls that look like they’re from the Shire.

6. Helsinki, Finland

When you think of Helsinki, Finland, you’ll most likely picture frozen landscapes. Winters are brutal here, which is why Helsinki is one of the best places in Europe to visit in August when the temperatures are warm yet comfortable. Since summer is on its way to winding down by August, there are fewer tourists and locals out and about. That means you can soak up the last bits of warm sunshine without facing crowds.

Enjoy a refreshing lake swim, explore the city by bike, or attend a festival. You can catch the Flow Festival if you’re into electronic and house music, the SAMPO festival for quirky puppets, or the largest multi-arts event of all, the Helsinki Festival . Whichever you choose, you’re bound to have a blast in the Finnish capital this August.

7. Baden-Württemberg, Germany

If you’re looking for the fairest castles in all the land this summer, you will love this recommendation. Base yourself in Stuttgart, rent a car, and take day trips to Lichtenstein and Hohenzollern Castles, two of the dreamiest I’ve ever seen.

Keeping with the fairy tale theme, you should also explore Tübingen, a lovely university town less than an hour’s drive from Stuttgart with colorful, Old World buildings surrounded by forests and vineyards.

I have visited Baden-Württemberg in the summer, fall, and winter, and it’s really hard to pick a favorite — each season offers dramatically different atmospheres. Witnessing the lush forest and colorful flowers in the summertime is a reason enough to go.

8. Lavertezzo, Switzerland

There’s nothing quite like Switzerland in the summer. The Alps are alive with greenery, the crystal-clear rivers and lakes are begging you to take a dip, and the warm weather rarely reaches dramatic temperatures. If you want to make the most of Switzerland’s beauty, Lavertezzo is the place to be this August.

Most visitors come in the summertime to cool off in the river that runs through town. On any given day, you’ll see plenty of people chilling on the smooth boulders on the river’s edge and jumping into the water from the bridge or a rock ledge. Find out more about visiting Lavertezzo here!

9. Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm comes alive in the summer but can get crowded in June and July. That’s why an August sojourn is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy a bit of peace and quiet. There’s so much to do in Stockholm that you could spend weeks and weeks exploring the city. Dip in and out of museums, check out one of the many street festivals happening in August , or take a boat tour to see the city from its famous waterways.

10. The French Alps

Like many nations in Europe, France nearly shuts down for vacation during the entirety of August. That means most of the country is quiet, and many businesses may be closed. However, it also means that it’s the best time to explore the vibrant nature of the French Alps!

This part of France spans hundreds of square miles, so there’s a lot of ground to cover. Some of the best destinations are Europe’s highest cable car in Aiguille du Midi, Lake Leman, the charming village of Annecy, and the gorgeous mountaineering city of Chamonix.

11. Copenhagen, Denmark

Tourism in Copenhagen peaks in July and August, so you’ll be sharing the streets with plenty of other travelers during this time. If you don’t mind the crowds, it’s the time to visit this vibrant city, because of the exciting festivals and stunning weather. Check out the Tivoli Gardens amusement park for an adrenaline-filled day, or take it easy and admire Copenhagen’s famous architecture by floating down the canals on a boat tour .

If fist pumping at a festival is more your speed, you’re in luck this August. This month you can catch the Copenhagen Summer Festival , the Vanguard Music Festival , Stella Polaris , and many more!

12. Salzburg, Austria

Experience the peak of summer weather in Salzburg this August. This enchanting city is the most lively during this time of year, with excitement around every corner. Town squares become festival venues filled with music and dancing, and green spaces like Mirabell Gardens are alive with locals and visitors alike, relaxing on the pristine green lawns.

If you’re ready to dive head-first into Austrian culture, August is a fantastic time to catch the best festivals. One of them is the famous Salzburg Festival , which highlights the city’s rich history and customs. Get ready to celebrate!

13. Sailing in Greece

It’s no secret that Greece is spilling over with tourists in the summertime. One way to enjoy the beauty and heat of this Mediterranean gem is to take to the seas and sail around the islands . Island-hopping is the best way to get a taste of postcard-worthy places like Santorini and Mykonos without breaking the bank. That’s because renting a boat and sailing kills two birds with one stone: transportation and accommodation. Considering that August is still high season in the Greek Islands, hotels are pricey, and you’ll save plenty of coin by sailing instead. Plus, who doesn’t want to wake up to bright blue seas and stunning coastal views?

14. Istanbul, Turkey

As one of the only cities that sits on both the Asian and European continents, Istanbul is a delight for adventurous travelers who value culturally rich destinations. August temperatures here are quite hot, so taking breaks from the sun by popping into quaint cafés is a must. However, it’s still a stellar time to explore the city on foot, because it is the driest, and there’s little chance the rain will put a damper on your trip.

Some can’t-miss places to visit in Istanbul are the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, and the Hagia Sophia, which are all indoors. If you’re ready to embrace the sunshine, the beach in Agva is just an hour away and offers beautiful turquoise waters and golden sand.

Since it’s peak tourist season, expect to see plenty of people out and about in Istanbul, especially at night, when the twinkling lights draw them onto the streets.

15. Prague, Czech Republic

With gorgeous architecture and fascinating history, Prague is one of the most romantic and intriguing cities in Europe. Most visitors wait until the warmer months to descend on Prague, due to its harsh winters. August is the tail end of peak tourist season, so you’ll see plenty of other travelers exploring the city.

Although most theaters and concert halls are closed for the summer, there are plenty of cultural events in August to keep you busy. Catch a Shakespeare play on the Vyšehrad Castle grounds or a comedy under the Žižkov Tower. This is also the best time to get the most out of Prague’s many parks, which host pop-up events throughout the summer.

Europe truly is the place to be in the summertime, and August offers travelers the opportunity to explore new cities, witness beautiful swaths of nature, and attend some of the best festivals on earth.

So, which of these destinations will you be heading to this August?

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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The 14 Best Places to Visit in Europe in August

School’s out for summer, you’ve set your out-of-office message at work, and you’ve freed up your schedule – it’s time to go on an adventure! Europe is an amazing place to visit in August, whatever type of vacation you’re seeking. Temperatures are pretty mild in the northern parts of the continent, while the shores of the south enjoy blissfully high temperatures and oodles of sunshine that will make you feel like you’re in the Caribbean.

But, unless you’ve got a few years to spare, there’s no way you can explore all of Europe at once. So how do you choose where to go? If you’re eager to embrace nature, the Dolomites in Italy are an excellent place to hike at this time of year. Or, if you’d prefer something a little livelier, the Tivoli Gardens theme park in Copenhagen, Denmark, is absolutely buzzing in August.

Greece’s dreamy islands are ideal if you’re looking for a sun-kissed beach break, while Iceland is a fantastic choice if you want to enjoy the stunning scenery without having to wrap up in layers upon layers of clothes. 

Whether you want to immerse yourself in a contrasting culture, get lost in streets teeming with history, surround yourself with rugged beauty, or dive into a delicious foodie scene, Europe has got you covered! 

To help you plan the perfect summer escape and have the vacation of a lifetime, we’ve put together a list of the 14 best places to visit in Europe in August.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

The 14 Best Places to Travel in Europe in August

1. stay up all night with the festivals in stockholm, sweden.

Stockholm is one of the most incredible places in Europe for festivals in the summer. While the high-octane events begin in June, the biggest and best are kept until the end and take place throughout August. 

The month begins with Stockholm Pride , which boasts a massive program packed with everything from art exhibitions and talks about sexual health to movie screenings and even pop-up wedding booths where you can get married. Don’t miss the pride parade, which takes place on Saturday each year of the festival.

Stockholm Pride is followed by the Stockholm Culture Festival a couple of weeks later. This all-encompassing event brings together workshops, dance classes, live music, and all kinds of fun activities for the whole family.

The Baltic Sea Festival is one of the most popular festivals, which takes place at the very end of August. A little more cultural than you may expect, this festival is held in the Swedish Radio concert hall Berwaldhallen and features top-level conductors, ensembles, and artists in the classical music genre. 

2. Go Hiking in the Dolomites, Italy

Tucked away in a beautiful part of northern Italy , the Dolomites is the name of a spectacular mountain range that covers over 346,000 acres. One of the most impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country, this awe-inspiring alpine destination is a natural playground for hikers.

Because it’s fairly remote, the Dolomites can be tricky to get to with public transport. It’s much easier to rent a car and travel there yourself as part of a road trip. The journey itself is more than worth it – there are countless stunning mountain passes where you can stop and enjoy the view. 

The Dolomites enjoy superb weather in August, making it one of the busiest times of year to go. To avoid the crowds, we suggest hiking early in the morning or late in the evening. Alternatively, you can follow some of the lesser-known trails that attract fewer people. Alta Badia, Alta Pusteria, and Val di Funes are all great choices. 

Get Back to Nature in the Dolomites

3. Ride the Highest Cable Car in Europe in the French Alps

France practically shuts down in the summer, leaving you with much fewer options than if you traveled at any other time of year. But that shouldn’t put you off. While many businesses are closed in August, this warm and sunny month is the best time to enjoy the phenomenal beauty of the French Alps.

While they’re covered in a thick layer of ski-ready snow in winter, the French Alps are lush, green, and sun-dappled in the summer. This region of the country stretches on for hundreds of miles, giving you more than enough ground to explore.

For an incredible experience, we suggest taking a ride on the highest cable car in Europe in Aiguille du Midi. It takes you from 3,400 feet above sea level up to 7,600 feet above sea level in just 10 minutes. The views are absolutely sensational, so make sure you’ve got enough memory in your phone. 

Other parts of the French Alps worth visiting include the enchanting village of Annecy, the magnificent mountain city of Chamonix, and shimmering Lake Leman. 

4. Drive the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland

If you’re in the mood for a road trip, head to Dublin in Ireland and follow the epic Wild Atlantic Way. Stretching on for a colossal 1,553 miles along the country’s western seaboard, this king-size journey is the longest coastal touring route on the planet. It wraps all around the western side of the country, from the north to the south.

You’ve got to be a confident driver because the route is filled with sharp, unexpected turns. But as long as you’ve got your wits about you, you’ll have an incredible time and see all sorts of fascinating sites you’ll be telling people about for years to come. 

Because there’s so much to see, the Wild Atlantic Way takes around two weeks to complete. Lighthouses, castles, surfing spots, glistening lakes, whale-watching points, kayaking bays, towering cliffs, and fishing holes are just some of the fantastic places you’ll drive by.

There are plenty of opportunities to get out and stretch your legs, too, with loads of hiking, walking, and cycling routes along the way. 

See the Best Spots on Wild Atlantic Way

5. Have an Amazing Day Out at Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark

There’s no getting around it – August is one of the busiest times of the year for Copenhagen , which means you’ll be sharing the buzzing city with plenty of other visitors. But the reason it’s so busy is that there’s so much going on! The weather is reliably warm, sunny, and dry in August, making it an excellent time to visit Tivoli Gardens .

This theme park is located in the beating heart of the city and features the perfect balance of retro fairground-inspired rides and modern theme park-style rides. Here you’ll find a Ferris wheel, a classic carousel, and mini bumper cars next to loop-de-loop roller coasters, drop towers, and scramblers.

If that’s a bit much for you, there are more relaxed parts of the park, too, including an aquarium, hanging gardens, orangery, bamboo forests, and loads of pretty lawns. 

August is also an amazing time for festivals in Copenhagen. Stella Polaris , the Vanguard Music Festival , and the Copenhagen Summer Festival are just three that take place during this month. 

Get a Tivoli Gardens Admissions Ticket

6. Stand Under Icy Waterfalls in São Miguel

Want an idyllic beach vacation but don’t want to be surrounded by crowds? Spend your summer in São Miguel. This Portuguese island is located in the Azores, far off the western coast of mainland Portugal, and never gets as busy as the rest of Europe – even in the middle of summer.

As one of the best places to visit in Europe in August, this stunning island enjoys long sunny days with high temperatures and no rainfall, making it the perfect choice for a summer vacation. Once rumored to be the lost Island of Atlantis, São Miguel is a nature lover’s paradise. Here you’ll find tumbling waterfalls, bubbling hot springs, and lush, humid jungles you’d never expect to find in Europe. 

At 131 feet, the Salto da Farinha Waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls on the island. But our favorite is the Poço Azul waterfalls, which cascade into crystal-clear pools that are perfect for swimming.

One quirky piece of info about the island is that it’s absolutely teeming with cows. These gentle giants live a wonderful life in São Miguel, drinking from the natural springs and grazing on green meadows. 

7. Learn About Austria’s Culture at the Salzburg Festival

Salzburg is a gorgeous city to visit at any time of year, but it’s at its most beautiful in August. During this month, this captivating city is known for its clear blue skies, thick green trees, shimmering blue river, and the colorful wildflowers that line it. 

This picture-perfect paradise is also at its liveliest in August, when the ancient city’s squares burst to life with all kinds of intriguing festivals. The Salzburg Festival is, without a doubt, one of the best. Highlighting the city’s fascinating history, heritage, and culture, the festival encompasses opera performances, theatrical shows, and classical music concerts.

Shows regularly sell out – but don’t worry. There are usually several showings of the most popular performances, so you should always have a chance to see your favorites. 

When you need a break from all the action, head to one of the city’s laid-back parks. Mirabell Gardens is a wonderful place to relax. In summer, it’s filled with a mix of locals and visitors, all reclining on well-manicured green lawns and enjoying the sunshine while recharging. 

8. Be Blown Away by the Scenery in Iceland

Iceland is at the top of many travelers’ bucket lists, but the icy-cold temperatures are enough to put off even some of the most dedicated adventurers. If you’ve always wanted to visit the “Land of Fire and Ice,” make plans to do so in August.

Iceland is transformed from a snow-covered wonderland in winter into a magnificent, lush country in summer. At this time of year, you can admire the mesmerizing beauty of the Highlands (they’re only accessible June-September), hike around lava fields in Snæfellsjökull National Park, and go whale watching (the best time is April-September).

August is also a wonderful time for watching baby puffins take their first flight, going hiking over impressive glaciers, and visiting the relatively new Fagradalsfjall Volcano.

The Midnight Sun is another reason you should visit Iceland at this time of year. Although your chances of spotting the Northern Lights are almost zero in summer, the opportunity to witness daylight in the middle of the night is something that’s hard to turn down.

Experience the Best of Iceland

9. Unleash Your Cultural Side in Edinburgh, UK

Don’t handle the heat too well? Then Edinburgh is one of the best places to travel in Europe in August. This enchanting city enjoys mostly sunny weather with a mild average temperature of 59°F (15°C) and the odd rain shower in August. This weather is perfect for exploring the city’s ancient cobblestone streets and world-famous attractions.

From Edinburgh Castle , the National Museum of Scotland , and Calton Hill to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art , Lauriston Castle and Gardens , and the Edinburgh Dungeon , there’s absolutely loads to visit here. You can even swing by Johnnie Walker Princes Street and enjoy a whisky-tasting experience!

Scotland also boasts one of the most jam-packed August events programs we’ve ever seen. The Edinburgh International Book Festival , the Edinburgh Fringe Festival , the Edinburgh International Festival , the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Festival , and the Edinburgh Art Festival are just a small number of exciting things going on at this time of year.

Explore Edinburgh

10. Party Until Dawn at the Helsinki Festival in Finland

Picture Helsinki and you probably think of a freezing cold place covered in ice and snow. Winters can be incredibly harsh here, which is why summer is a marvelous time to experience the city. At this time of year, the average temperature is 59°F (15°C), but there’s plenty of sunshine, so it can often feel a little warmer.

As summer is on its way out, most tourists will have already gone, leaving you with plenty of space to explore the city streets without fighting through crowds. If you’re brave enough, go swimming in the Allas Sea Pool or, for something a little warmer, spend a couple of hours at the Löyly Helsinki Sauna . 

Whatever you do, you’ve absolutely got to check out at least one festival while you’re in Helsinki. Flow Festival is one of the biggest and best. This weekend-long event focuses on house and electronic music, with big-name and up-and-coming artists from all over Europe showing up to wow huge crowds with their incredible music.

Explore the Highlights of Helsinki

11. Sail Around Enchanting Islands in Greece

Greece is one of the most popular summer vacation destinations in the world. Instead of spending all your time in mainland Greece or on a single island, make the most of your time off by island-hopping between as many Greek islands as you can fit in. Not only is this a great way to see as much as possible, but it’s also a fantastic method of keeping cool, since the sea breeze will make temperatures feel much lower than on land. 

Renting a boat and a captain to help you navigate around the islands comes with loads of benefits. Your transport and accommodation are covered at the same time, plus your captain does all the work while you soak up the sun, sip cocktails, and nibble on Greek mezze. Whenever the sun gets to be too much for you, you can ask your captain to stop while you jump into the sea and cool down!

There are loads of different itineraries available. So whether you want to visit Mykonos , Paros, Santorini , Kos, Naxos, or somewhere else, you’re sure to find a schedule that matches your plan.

12. Make Your Fairytale Dreams Come True at Baden-Württemberg in Germany

Europe is dotted with magical castles that look like they belong in a fairytale, and you’ll find some of the best in Baden-Württemberg in Germany . Rent a car, hit the road, and get ready to feel like royalty as you stand before the imposing Hohenzollern Castle .

This landmark is easily one of the most unique places to visit in Europe in August when you can snap an amazing picture while the castle is surrounded by lush greenery. Heidelberg Palace is another one that’s definitely worth visiting. Although it’s technically a ruin, it’s in excellent shape and still has a magical feel to it.

There are loads of other must-visit sites within this sprawling state, too. Lake Constance is a wonderful place for water sports and hiking, while the university city of Tübingen is a charming place to simply wander and see where you end up. The famous Black Forest is an excellent spot for foodies (the region is home to 17 Michelin-starred restaurants!), and the riverside city of Ulm boasts some spectacular historic architecture.

13. Pamper Yourself with a Spa Session in Andorra

Andorra is probably best known for its snowy slopes that provide the ideal environment for skiing and snowboarding. But visit during August, and you’ll find the place looks completely different in the summer. This undulating mountain range tucked in between France and Spain boasts cool temperatures between 62°F (17°C) and 53°F (12°C), making it one of the best places to travel in Europe in August if you want to avoid the heat. 

When you need a bit of a boost, make plans to visit Caldea Spa . This amazing spa is divided into two – a family-friendly spa and an adults-only spa.

The family-friendly Thermoludic boasts a panoramic rooftop pool, a huge indoor lagoon, Indo-Roman baths, an aqua massage space, and an Icelandic bath. The adults-only Inúu offers an outdoor lagoon and jacuzzi, a giant interior lagoon, and a relaxation space with deck chairs and soft music. 

When you’ve had enough time to relax, there are still plenty of things to do here. The quaint town of Encamp is definitely worth a visit. This stunning destination boasts a gorgeous mountain backdrop along with historic architecture and so many cafes, bars, and restaurants that you’ll be spoiled for choice. 

14. Cool Off in the River in Lavertezzo in Switzerland

Switzerland is another one of those places that many people think of as a cold country, with towering mountains generously covered in thick, white snow. While that’s true in winter, it’s the complete opposite in the summer. Lavertezzo is a remarkable place to visit in August. At this time of year, the average temperature is 70°F (21°C), compared to winter when it’s a bleak 33°F (1°C).

This picture-perfect destination is known for the glistening river that runs through the town. In August, you’ll see loads of visitors and families lounging on the smooth boulders that line the river and jumping in for a dip. It’s the best way to cool down in summer if the heat ever gets to be too much for you. 

As well as enjoying a refreshing swim, there are loads of other fun things to do in Lavertezzo in August. There are historic castles and churches to explore, countless pretty gardens to discover, and even a tiny pair of islands surrounded by the vast Lake Maggiore.  

There you have it! The 14 best places to visit in Europe in August. What’s your favorite European destination to travel to in August?

Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out our favorite travel books!

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About the Author:

Nicola is a freelance writer with an insatiable hunger for travel. She swapped her home in the UK for the sunny Canary Islands when she was just 11 and she has been based there ever since. From crawling on her hands and knees inside pyramids in Egypt to swimming with baby sharks in Bali and searching (fruitlessly!) for the Northern Lights in Iceland, Nicola takes every chance she gets to explore new places. The incredible experiences she has around the world fuels her writing and inspires her to plan even more adventures for the future.

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22 Best Europe destinations in August for 2023

The month of August in 2023 is looking like it’s going to be a blockbuster all over Europe with by far the largest crowds since 2019. The data says that pent-up demand from all of the recent COVID years is finally ready to give way and people will be flocking to all of the major destinations in numbers not scene in a decade or more.

You may know that most office and government workers in countries like France, Italy, and Germany have the entire month of August off work. It’s true and as many of them as possible will head to the beaches, often leaving continental Europe altogether. This means that the capitals and other big cities can feel somewhat empty, and the smaller crowds can make a visit more enjoyable.

Below you’ll find most of the famous cities, but you’ll also find some lesser known cities on the list, and hopefully you can  put together a great Europe itinerary  of your own. Generally speaking it’s better to avoid Europe’s beaches in August because nearly all of them are at maximum crowds and prices this month.

Looking to avoid the hot places? Check out our  best cool places around the world to escape the summer heat

Important August 2023 Holidays in Europe

• August 15 – Assumption Day in France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain etc. (major public holiday)
• August 28 – Summer bank holiday in the UK (except Scotland, which is on August 7)

It’s important to note that huge numbers of Europeans have all of August off work, and they mostly leave the cities and head to beaches (in Europe and beyond) and the countrysides. The middle of August is the peak of this, when cities like Paris can literally feel mostly empty, so it’s a good time to visit.

22 Best destinations in Europe in August

London, england.

• August avg high: 71F/22C
• August avg low: 56F/13C
• August avg precip: 2.1″/5.3cm

While London will be very crowded in August, if you get outside of the main tourist spots it really won’t feel too bad. This city is also filled with many excellent public parks and open spaces, so it’s really not too difficult to escape the masses when you want to. This is also a good month to explore elsewhere in Britain. Here are some of the best England, Scotland, and Wales itinerary ideas . Room rates in 2023 are looking lower than in some recent years so it could be a good time to come if you’ve ever worried that London wasn’t affordable.

• Good 3-star hotels in August from £83 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in August from £85 for two people
• Hostel dorm beds in August from £19 per person

>>> Check hotel deals for London >>> London prices and travel tips

Edinburgh, Scotland

• August avg high: 66F/19C
• August avg low: 51F/11C
• August avg precip: 2.1″/5.8cm

If you aren’t fond of crowds then give Edinburgh a miss in August and come any other month. But those festivals are crowded for a good reason, and tens of thousands make a pilgrimage to Edinburgh every August to be a part of it all. As long as you are aware of the situation, the answer for you should be obvious.

It’s worth noting that Edinburgh is so far north that the days last well into the evening in summer, so coming early in August is a good way to experience that. Hotels are more expensive than London in August, even though they are generally cheaper the rest of the year.

• Good 3-star hotels in August from £124 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in August from £159 for two people
• Hostel dorm beds in August from £22 per person

>>> Check hotel deals for Edinburgh >>> Edinburgh prices and travel tips

Amsterdam, Netherlands

• August avg high: 70F/21C
• August avg low: 55F/13C
• August avg precip: 2.4″/6.0cm

One of Amsterdam’s claims to fame is that there are only a few major streets in the entire city center. This makes it the bicycle capital of the world by some measures, and also means that strolling around the historic 17th Century center is more pleasant than most other cities of this size.

The crowds in Amsterdam in summer of 2022 were really large, with most visitors coming from within Europe, and we expect the same in 2023. Amsterdam is usually crowded, but still some might consider finding another place to go, such as Paris, where crowds in August are smaller.

• Good 3-star hotels in August from €114 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in August from €121 for two people
• Hostel dorm beds in August from €27 per person

>>> Check hotel deals for Amsterdam >>> Amsterdam prices and travel tips

Rome, Italy

• August avg high: 84F/29C
• August avg low: 65F/18C
• August avg precip: 1.3″/3.3cm

If you have more time you might also consider visiting Sorrento , which is a bit south of Naples, and the perfect base to visit that city as well as Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. Most visitors will instead head north to Florence on their way to Venice. All of this is explained in much greater detail on our article about the best Italy itineraries .

We are expecting Italy to be very crowded in summer of 2023, so it’s probably wise to book flights and hotels as early as possible.

• Good 3-star hotels in August from €66 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in August from €73 for two people
• Hostel dorm beds in August from €21 per person

>>> Check hotel deals for Rome >>> Rome prices and travel tips

Florence, Italy

• August avg high: 87F/31C
• August avg low: 63F/17C
• August avg precip: 3.0″/7.5cm

You can obviously expect it to be quite warm in Florence in August. Most hotels will have air conditioning, but some of the cheapest places may not. Florence has a dense city center, which means that at least you’ll be able to walk in some shade most of the day. You might also consider a day trip to Pisa, Siena, or the Cinque Terre from here.

• Good 3-star hotels in August from €70 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in August from €84 for two people
• Hostel dorm beds in August from €14 per person

>>> Check hotel deals for Florence >>> Florence prices and travel tips

Venice, Italy

• August avg high: 81F/27C
• August avg precip: 3.3″/8.3cm

The best way to visit Venice is to book a hotel on the main island for only one or two nights, as you’ll get fed up with the crowds after that. The main island is pleasantly empty in the early mornings and in the evenings when the day-trip crowds aren’t here, so those are the best times for sightseeing. You can save money by booking a hotel on the (comparatively dull) mainland, but you’ll also spend an hour or more each way as well as not having a place to relax in the middle of the day when crowds feel overwhelming.

• Good 3-star hotels in August from €87 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in August from €141 for two people
• Hostel dorm beds in August from €36 per person

>>> Check hotel deals for Venice >>> Venice prices and travel tips

Paris, France

• August avg high: 77F/25C
• August avg low: 62F/17C
• August avg precip: 1.8″/4.5cm

All of the main attractions are open in August in Paris, so it’s actually a very good time to come. This city is so far north that it rarely gets very warm, so the weather is usually good as well. Hotel room rates are lower than the rest of the summer, so you might be able to afford more than you are expecting. All indications are that August of 2023 will be very popular in Paris, but again, the city tends to be very quiet as locals head to beaches and the country, so it’s still a great time to visit.

• Good 3-star hotels in August from €67 for two people
• Hostel dorm beds in August from €17 per person

>>> Check hotel deals for Paris >>> Paris prices and travel tips

Interlaken, Switzerland

• August avg high: 74F/23C
• August avg precip: 5.7″/14.3cm

The top attractions here are the cable car up to the Schilthorn observation deck and the train up to Jungfraujoch, which is the highest train station in Europe. There is snow in both places all year round, which can be fun in August. If you want to visit a second place in Switzerland to admire the unusual beauty, Lucerne is your best bet.

August of 2023 is looking like it’s going to be very busy after the last few years. Hotel rates are higher than in recent years and booking early is probably wise under these conditions.

• Good 3-star hotels in August from €151 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in August from €254 for two people
• Hostel dorm beds in August from €32 per person

>>> Check hotel deals for Interlaken >>> Interlaken prices and travel tips

Dublin, Ireland

• August avg high: 65F/18C
• August avg low: 52F/11C
• August avg precip: 2.8″/7.0cm

Give yourself at least a week and choose at least 3 different places to stay, if not more. Dublin is a good transit hub and place to spend a day or two, but it will be the little country pubs and castles that you’ll remember most after your Ireland tour.

Dublin and Ireland in general are very popular in summer and in 2023 they should be booming. Again, I recommend not spending a lot of time in Dublin itself and focusing more on smaller towns. This strategy should help keep your budget down as well.

• Good 3-star hotels in August from €109 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in August from €134 for two people
• Hostel dorm beds in August from €26 per person

>>> Check hotel deals for Dublin >>> Dublin prices and travel tips

Lisbon, Portugal

• August avg high: 82F/28C
• August avg precip: 0.3″/0.8cm

If you want to mix some beach in with your city visit, you’ll find half of Britain packed into the hotels and flats in the Algarve , which is the southern coast of Portugal. The beaches are nice for Europe, but a disappointment for people from other areas. It’s probably more interesting to head north to Porto instead.

Lisbon is an unusual bargain in Europe as it’s very nice and yet strangely affordable. The weather is arguably the best of any large city in Europe as well, so you might as well take advantage of the situation while you can.

• Good 3-star hotels in August from €51 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in August from €88 for two people
• Hostel dorm beds in August from €16 per person

>>> Check hotel deals for Lisbon >>> Lisbon prices and travel tips

Prague, Czechia

• August avg high: 76F/24C
• August avg low: 57F/14C

Most people who visit Czechia just go straight to Prague and then leave the country again, but there is more to see here. With 2 or 3 more days in you should consider a side trip to the wonderful small town of Cesky Krumlov , which is 3 hours away on a scenic bus ride or train. It’s gorgeous, and quite a bit cheaper than Prague.

Prague is sure to be very busy in 2023, just like the other top destinations within Europe, so booking early is wise.

• Good 3-star hotels in August from €43 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in August from €46 for two people

>>> Check hotel deals for Prague >>> Prague prices and travel tips

Berlin, Germany

• August avg precip: 2.3″/5.8cm

A cruise on the River Spree is a fine way to get oriented to Berlin, since so much of the city was founded along the river. The hotels in the former East are still cheaper than those in the former West, and the area is generally more interesting as well. Berlin should be relatively crowded in August of 2023, but it’s still a good bargain and the main sights are spread out quite a bit so it shouldn’t feel overwhelming.

• Good 3-star hotels in August from €78 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in August from €89 for two people

>>> Check hotel deals for Berlin >>> Berlin prices and travel tips

Salzburg, Austria

• August avg precip: 5.9″/14.8cm

Since Salzburg is at the base of the Alps, it will get some rainfall in the summer months, although it usually doesn’t last long. Most of all you are going to want to spend some time in the lovely historic center, and also get out of town to enjoy the Sound of Music scenery, not to mention the castle on the top of the hill overlooking the town. The historic town center of Salzburg is quite small so it’s best to book early if you’d like to stay in the center of it all.

• Good 3-star hotels in August from €107 for two people

>>> Check hotel deals for Salzburg >>> Salzburg prices and travel tips

Vienna, Austria

• August avg high: 78F/26C
• August avg low: 60F/16C

The warm weather will make sitting in Vienna’s sidewalk cafes even nicer than during the rest of the year. The two main palaces are also something to see for yourself at least once, and the huge grounds of the Schönbrunn Palace on the edge of town are especially nice in summer. Many local office workers have all of August off, so central Vienna isn’t as crowded this month as you might otherwise expect.

• Good 3-star hotels in August from €71 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in August from €80 for two people
• Hostel dorm beds in August from €18 per person

>>> Check hotel deals for Vienna >>> Vienna prices and travel tips

Bruges, Belgium

• August avg high: 68F/20C
• August avg low: 59F/15C
• August avg precip: 1.5″/3.8cm

Bruges, on the other hand, is much smaller and even mellower than Amsterdam, so it’s a good place to relax for a few days on a long and hectic tour around Europe. Hotel rates are actually cheaper here than in Brussels and Amsterdam as well, so you can afford more than you might expect, even in August. If you are looking for something similar with even smaller crowds you might go to Ghent instead. It’s halfway between Brussels and Bruges, so it’s fast to reach as well.

• Good 3-star hotels in August from €95 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in August from €111 for two people
• Hostel dorm beds in August from €22 per person

>>> Check hotel deals for Bruges >>> Bruges prices and travel tips

Copenhagen, Denmark

• August avg precip: 2.2″/5.5cm

Hotel prices in Copenhagen are quite expensive, but quality is high so it’s worth a bit of a splurge. The prices of food and drinks are also famously high, but you can keep costs down by doing a bit of self-catering and buying some alcohol to drink on the street, like the locals do.

Hotel rates in 2023 look pretty reasonable by recent standards so it should not be overly expensive. Booking early is usually wise in any case.

• Good 3-star hotels in August from €118 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in August from €151 for two people

>>> Check hotel deals for Copenhagen >>> Copenhagen prices and travel tips

Stockholm, Sweden

• August avg high: 69F/21C
• August avg precip: 2.6″/6.5cm

Also similar to Copenhagen, things here are expensive, but there are now pretty cheap flights to get here, whether you start in North America or from somewhere else in Europe. Be prepared to gasp when you notice how good looking most of the locals are. It’s another reason to enjoy summer days and evenings here, and people watching is free.

• Good 3-star hotels in August from €80 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in August from €102 for two people

>>> Check hotel deals for Stockholm >>> Stockholm prices and travel tips

Bergen, Norway

• August avg low: 54F/12C
• August avg precip: 4.1″/10.3cm

Bergen is Norway’s second city, but it’s the gateway to the fjords and it’s more interesting than Oslo in general. You can take any number of bus or boat tours to the nearby fjord areas, or if you have time you can do the Hurtigruten, which is a cross between a ferry, a mail ship, and a cruise liner.

• Good 4-star hotels in August from €174 for two people
• Hostel dorm beds in August from €53 per person

>>> Check hotel deals for Bergen >>> Bergen prices and travel tips

Krakow, Poland

• August avg high: 75F/24C
• August avg precip: 3.2″/8.0cm

The August weather will make the visit even nicer, especially as Krakow has a huge park that surrounds what is left of the historic center. Hotels and food prices here are so low that this is an ideal place to linger on a longer trip, as you prepare yourself for more expensive cities where you’ll have to move quick.

Krakow is sure to be busy in August of 2023, but there are plenty of hotels. If you want a good place in or near the historic center, which is ideal, it’s best to book early.

• Good 3-star hotels in August from €40 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in August from €51 for two people
• Hostel dorm beds in August from €11 per person

>>> Check hotel deals for Krakow >>> Krakow prices and travel tips

Budapest, Hungary

• August avg high: 79F/26C
• August avg precip: 1.9″/4.8cm

Budapest is another grand capital that is extremely impressive in person. Most of the high-end tourism industry is found on both sides along the river, so savvy travelers book a hotel and eat at restaurants a bit inland on the Pest side in order to get the best value. Check out at least one of the famous ‘ruin pubs’ for something you won’t see anywhere else.

The public transportation system in Budapest is very good and cheap as well, so you can book a nice hotel for cheap in the Pest side of town and still be near some of the best ruin-bar nightlife.

• Good 4-star hotels in August from €63 for two people

>>> Check hotel deals for Budapest >>> Budapest prices and travel tips

Reykjavik, Iceland

• August avg high: 55F/13C
• August avg low: 46F/8C

If you have a week it’s best to rent a car and drive it all the way around the Ring Road, which is still mostly empty even in August. Iceland has become quite expensive again, so planning ahead is critical. You can still visit Iceland on a reasonable budget with these tips . Food and accommodation are on the pricey side, but it’s worth it. Most of the cheapest hotel rooms in Reykjavik and all over Iceland come with a bathroom down the hall. It’s best to get used to that unless you want to pay a small fortune each night. They don’t have enough available labor to clean a bathroom for each guest every day, so it’s kind of how things work in Iceland.

• Good 3-star hotels in August from €130 for two people
• Good 4-star hotels in August from €213 for two people
• Hostel dorm beds in August from €45 per person

>>> Check hotel deals for Reykjavik >>> Reykjavik prices and travel tips

Istanbul, Turkey

• August avg high: 83F/28C
• August avg low: 66F/19C
• August avg precip: 0.9″/2.3cm

This huge city is very good value, but it’s worth knowing that everywhere else in Turkey is even cheaper. If you have at least a week to spend in Turkey, head to Cappadocia after a few days in Istanbul, and then to Antalya for a couple days after that. It’s all very exotic and very good value at the moment.

• Good 4-star hotels in August from €45 for two people
• Hostel dorm beds in August from €9 per person

>>> Check hotel deals for Istanbul >>> Istanbul prices and travel tips

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August In Europe – 15 Gorgeous Places To Visit In 2024

Categories Destinations , Europe

August in Europe is a remarkable time. The weather has started to cool down a bit and yet it isn’t too cold either. It is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor and indoor activities.

In fact, if you head down south you will find that the weather is still warm enough to enjoy the gorgeous European beaches. Greece is one of the countries that gets loads of tourists at this time of the year. France, Spain and Portugal are not far off on the list.

There are a lot of activities that can capture your attention during August in Europe. Fine dining, hiking, water sports, museums, history tours, food tours and so much more draw tourists from all over the world. The gorgeous weather makes everything accessible.

Along with the great weather come the crowds. So it is always important to plan in advance when you are headed to the popular tourist spots. That way you get good accommodation for a decent price.

You can also choose to go off the beaten path. This would allow you to get the best of August in Europe in relatively crowd free zones!

Want to know the best places to spend August in Europe? Here are the top locations as recommended by travel experts and locals.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Read my disclaimer for further information.

August In Europe: Table Of Contents

• Cork, Ireland
• Bavaria, Germany
• Budapest, Hungary
• Cabo de Gata, Spain
• Malaga, Spain
• Valencia, Spain
• Dubrovnik, Croatia 
• Zadar, Croatia
• Nice, France
• Paris, France
• Lake Bled, Slovenia
• Zall am See, Austria
• Zermatt, Switzerland
• Milos, Greece

1. Cork, Ireland

Cork is an epic place to spend August in Europe.

Location: Cork, Ireland

Temperatures in Cork, Ireland in August:

Low: 12°C / 53.6°F

High: 20°C/ 68°F

Getting There: You can fly directly into the Cork International Airport. Alternatively, Cork is accessible by car or by bus and train if visiting from Dublin. 

Where To Stay: Stay in the city center or the Victorian Quarter

August in Europe is a fabulous time to visit Cork, the unofficial Food Capital of Ireland. Cork is known as the Rebel City, a name the city earned from its always-punching-up spirit and the many historical battles the locals fought for independence.

One of the many wonderful things to do in Cork is to listen to traditional music at Sin é, a local pub with live music. 

On a warm summer day, you can soak in the sun at Fitzgerald Park, complete with a tree whose trunk is elegantly curved to accommodate visitors who’d like to read under its shade. 

Plan a stop at the English Market, too, where you can find cheap and tasty pre-made sandwiches for lunch from the Sandwich Stall. 

Don’t miss breakfast or brunch at the Good Day Deli, a fabulous restaurant with options for most dietary needs. GDD is tucked away in the Nano Nagle, a restored convent and museum, and the sitting area overlooks a small manicured lawn and garden. A reservation is recommended, especially on the weekends. 

If you’ll be in Cork for a few days, dedicate half a day of your itinerary to visiting nearby Blarney Castle. 

Home of the legendary Blarney Stone, legend has it that those who kiss the Blarney Stone will be blessed with the gift of the gab for the rest of their lives. 

Back in Cork, you can also make your way to the locally popular Marina Market, a covered market full of stalls from local restaurants and shops.

By Amber from Amber Everywhere

Tours In Cork, Ireland That You Should Consider: If you are in Cork and have time, you really should consider some of the epic day tours into the dramatic countryside. My top picks include the Cliffs of Moher day tour, the Ring of Kerry guided tour and the Blarney Castle full day tour

2. Bavaria, Germany

Another gorgeous location to spend August in Europe is Bavaria!

Location: Bavaria, Germany

Temperatures in Bavaria, Germany in August:

Low: 14.5°C / 58.1°F

High: 24°C/ 75.2°F

Getting There: Munich International Airport is only a short drive from the city and well-connected by public transportation. During summer, one can find cheap flights to and from Munich and other cities in Europe. Additionally, there are a number of trains connecting Munich to the rest of Europe.

Where To Stay: The ideal way to see Bavaria would be to set up a base in Munich and then take day trips to various locations across the state. Premier Inn Munich is located in the heart of the city, with lots of public transport options nearby and is close to the tourist places to visit in Munich.

As the most popular, scenic and exciting state in Germany that is also home to the popular Oktoberfest, Bavaria is an underrated yet beautiful place to visit in the month of August. 

Not only does this southernmost region of Germany have fairytale castles, picture-perfect lakes, and charming towns but its proximity to Switzerland, Austria and Italy make it the perfect base to visit this part of Europe.

If you base yourself in Munich – the largest city in Bavaria then you can easily take day trips to all the exciting nearby locations. 

Spare a day to visit the region of Garmisch Partenkirchen that houses the Partnachklamm gorge, have lunch in the charming town of Mittenwald and then head over to Eibsee – the most beautiful lake in Germany . Right next to Eibsee is Zugspitze – the tallest mountain in Germany.

The next day, take  a day trip to Neuschwanstein castle which is rumored to have inspired Disney’s Cinderella castle. Walking up to the castle and its viewpoints will take up most of the day.

On other days, head over to Rothenburg ob der Tauber – a lovely town with half-timber houses that give you a glimpse into old-world Germany. 

The Berchtesgaden region is also worth checking out. It has the mystical Königsee lake, the Eagle’s Nest – Hitler’s former base and just beautiful scenery all-around. This is why it is one of the best places to spend August in Europe.

By Soujanya from The Spicy Journey

3. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is a lovely place to spend August in Europe.

Location: Budapest, Hungary

Temperatures in Budapest, Hungary in August:

Low: 15°C / 59°F

High: 26°C/ 79°F

Getting There: Budapest is served by Budapest Franz Liszt International Airport (BUD) which receives flights from across the world. It’s a big low-cost carriers’ hub so if you are already in Europe, you’ll be paying really low fares to get to Hungary’s capital. 

If you prefer to travel by land, the capital is served by three main train stations: Keleti pályaudvar (Eastern Railway Station), Déli pályaudvar (Southern Railway Station) and Nyugati pályaudvar (Western Railway Station). 

Or you can get here by bus and arrive at one of the five bus stations. Prefer the waterways? In summer, you can even catch a hydrofoil from Vienna.

Where To Stay: Dominik Panzió , located close to Keleti train station, is a great budget option. 

But if you prefer a more upscale experience, Central Hotel 21 and Apartments , located closer to the Danube embankment, offers a really nice 3-star experience. 

If you plan to visit Budapest for its National Day celebrations (August 20), make sure to book in advance.

In the middle of summer, Budapest is a great place to visit whether you love to party all night, explore historical places, check out the sites, soak up the sun, or see some fireworks.

While it can be scorching hot during the day, nights can be cooler, and thunderstorms are also common, complete with downpours, so pack the waterproof jacket and shoes. And always have a back up plan to visit some museums.

There are two main reasons tourists flock here in August: Sziget Festival and Hungary’s National Day. Sziget Festival is the most famous music festival in the country, which also attracts visitors from abroad. 

It’s held on Óbudai-sziget (Old Buda Island) and offers the chance to sing along with some of the most famous bands and singers in the world. Day tickets are available if you feel like you just want to dip your toes in the atmosphere.

One of Hungary’s National Days is on August 20 th . Expect fireworks, loads of festivals taking place in the city, road closures, and a lot of people on the streets! Head to Buda Castle for the best views of fireworks on the Danube.

This is just one of the reasons why it is one of the best places to spend August in Europe.

Want to relax? There are plenty of outdoor pools to relax and beat the heat. Or plan a day trip to Lake Balaton. Balatonfured is a very cute (although expensive) city resort on its banks. 

Another option is to head to the hills and explore Budapest’s off the beaten path gems . Take the Children’s Railway or hike the trails surrounding the capital.

By Cris from LooknWalk

Tours In Budapest To Consider: The Hop-On-Hop-Off bus tour will help you get from spot to spot without tiring yourself out. It is perfect if you are in the city for a short time. Alternatively, you can book a luxury tour of Budapest if you don’t want to take the bus.

If you want something luxurious, then consider a candlelight dinner cruise on the Danube river. You can also book the Széchenyi Spa & Guided Palinka Experience where you can pamper yourself.

4. Cabo de Gata, Spain

Cabo de Gata Natural Park is a lovely place to spend August in Europe.

Location: Cabo de Gata Natural Park, Almeria, Spain

Temperatures in Cabo de Gata, Spain in August:

Low: 22°C / 71.6°F

High: 31°C/ 88.88°F

Getting There: Fly into Almeria international airport and rent a car. It is20-30 minutes to drive from the airport to the natural park.

Where To Stay: San Jose is the best village to stay in, check in at Santuario San Jose.

One of the best places to go for a beach vacation in Europe in August is the secluded natural park on Spain’s Almeria coast, Cabo de Gata. 

While the rest of Spain’s coastline gets jam-packed with holidaymakers in August (mainly because it is the month that the entire country takes off work to vacation on the beach), Cabo de Gata keeps its calm and laid-back vibe. 

Of course, there are more people around than normal, but you can still get a spot on some of the most beautiful beaches in Andalucia like Monsul Beach, Genoveses Beach, and Los Muertos Beach without sharing your towel space with five other people. 

In fact, you might find that there are several meters from the next person on the beach. On top of that, Cabo de Gata boasts a wealth of secluded beaches where there are even fewer people due to the hike you must take on to get there.

Late in August, you can also see flamingos in Cabo de Gata. Among the most charming villages in the volcanic natural park, you find San Jose, Cabo de Gata, and Las Negras.

All of which have spectacular beaches and natural sights around them. It is a really great destination to spend August in Europe.

Around the natural park, you find several filming locations for old Western films and a Mini Hollywood is one of the main attractions. 

Just note that any attraction that does not include swimming might be too hot in August – so if you choose to go for it, wear a hat, slap on loads of sunscreen, and bring enough water.

By Linn From Amused By Andalucia

Tours In Cabo De Gata, Spain To Consider: If you are in Cabo de Gata, you definitely should consider heading out on a swimming and kayaking excursion.

5. Malaga, Spain

If you are looking for a beach destination for August in Europe, you can’t go wrong with Malaga.

Location: Malaga is in the region of Andalusia in Southern Spain

Temperatures in Malaga, Spain in August:

Low: 21°C / 69.8°F

High: 31°C/ 87.8°F

Getting There: The nearest airport to Malaga is Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP). Many airlines from around the world fly to Malaga Airport. You can take the train or bus to go from the airport to the city. They often don’t take more than 20 minutes.

Where To Stay: One of the best hotels to stay in Malaga is Room Mate Valeria . It is in the heart of the city and offers beautifully decorated rooms (some of these rooms overlook the port of Malaga).

Malaga tends to be busy during the summer months, especially in August. However, it is worth visiting Malaga in August because Feria de Agosto (Malaga’s Fair) takes place in the middle of the month.

This fair lasts between 7 and 9 days, and you can expect a lively atmosphere in the city center as well as in the fairground near the Trade Fair and Congress Center of Malaga. 

Locals dance malagueñas (a type of flamenco), have a glass or two of Carvajal wine and take children to the evening fair, home to many fun attractions.

Another reason to visit Malaga is its beaches. Not only are there beautiful beaches next to the city center, such as La Malagueta, but outside the city too. Many of them are accessible and have fantastic facilities. On top of this, you can do water activities like paddle surfing or snorkeling.

Apart from the fair and beaches, there are amazing day trips from Malaga . Whether you want to explore the whitewashed towns and go to a winery or spend a full day on one of the best beaches in Costa del Sol, there is something to do for everyone.

If you travel with kids, this is also the perfect time to enjoy the waterparks like Aqualand. You can see why it is such a great place to spend August in Europe.

By Cristina from My Little World of Travelling

Tours In Malaga To Consider: Like most Spanish cities, you will find loads of tours in Malaga that take you through some of the cities iconic spots. From Caminito del Rey to Alhambra , there are loads of great day trips to embark on too! Don’t forget to try out the iconic Tapa tours in the city.

6. Valencia, Spain

Another great location to spend August in Europe is Valencia!

Location: Valencia, Spain

Temperatures in Valencia, Spain in August :

Low: 21°C /70°F

High: 34°C/ 93°F

Getting There: You can reach Valencia by train, plane or bus. However, for international travelers, arriving at the Manises airport is the most comfortable option.

Where To Stay: Valencia has accommodation for any budget. If you’d like to spend time on the beach, booking a hotel or renting an apartment in the Cabanyal area makes the most sense.

Valencia is a beautiful city located on the east coast of Spain, known for its stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and vibrant culture. August is a great time to visit Valencia, as the weather is warm and sunny, making it perfect for relaxing on the beach or dancing the night away.

One of the must-see attractions in Valencia is the City of Arts and Sciences. This complex of buildings, designed by the famous Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and is a true architectural wonder.

Valencia also has a wide range of bars, clubs and cafes, which come alive at night. The streets are busy with locals and tourists alike, and it’s a great way to experience the city’s energy and lively atmosphere.

If you want to spend time on the beach, you are spoiled for choice as well. There are three urban beaches in Valencia and many others in the nearby vicinity. They all have fine golden sand and good facilities.

By Valencia Revealed

Tours In Valencia That You Should Consider: If you love Spanish food then you definitely should try the Valencian Paella cooking class, Tapas and Market Visit . The Old town tour is another great way to discover the local cuisine and it comes with some epic wine tasting.

You can explore all the sights of Valencia via a bike tour , a tuk-tuk tour , hop-on hop-off tour or a segway tour .

7. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is a lovely place to wander in and spend August in Europe.

Location: Dubrovnik, Croatia

Temperatures in Dubrovnik, Croatia in August:

Low: 23°C / 73.4°F

High: 30°C/ 86°F

Getting There: Fly into Dubrovnik International Airport. Once you’ve landed, a brief drive of about 25 minutes will take you into Dubrovnik Old Town. 

However, since keeping a car can be pricey in summer, you should ideally arrange a private transfer into town. Fortunately, Dubrovnik is quite easy to navigate on foot or via the public bus system.

Where To Stay: There is no shortage of lovely boutique hotels in Dubrovnik . Whether you prefer to stay in the historic old town or on the outskirts of town in Lapad, there’s something to suit every need and budget.

Made famous by the hit series Game of Thrones , Dubrovnik is incredibly popular in August. With long, sunny days and plenty of places to eat outdoors, the city is at its most vibrant in summer.

Speaking of good eats, be sure to add a visit to Stara Loza Restaurant to your itinerary. Set atop Prijeko Palace Boutique Hotel, this intimate rooftop restaurant offers exquisite dining and an unbelievable view over Dubrovnik’s famous rooftops. 

Make a reservation for sunset, as spots are limited and tend to fill up quickly in August.

Beyond delicious dining, no trip to Dubrovnik would be complete without walking the City Walls. From here, you can enjoy unrivaled panoramic views over Dubrovnik’s postcard-perfect port as well as the Stari Grad Roof Sea. 

As this paid activity is popular during the summer, arrive around opening for the most enjoyable experience. Alternatively, you can also enjoy a beautiful sunset excursion later in the day.

By Elena from Carry On Chronicles

Tours In Dubrovnik That You Should Consider: If you want to explore the city, try the Dubrovnik Super Saver package which includes the Cable Car Ride and Old Town Walking Tour plus City Walls. You can even take a Game of Thrones tour .

There are a lot of cool tours that you can take from Dubrovnik. You could take the Full-Day Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands Cruise with Lunch or Blue Cave Small-Group Boat Tour which both leave from Dubrovnik.

Other day trips from Dubrovnik include tours to Montenegro or to the Mostar and Kravice Waterfalls .

8. Zadar, Croatia

If you are looking for an amazing place to spend August in Europe, consider Zadar in Croatia.

Location: Zadar, Croatia

Temperatures in Zadar, Croatia in August:

High: 29°C/ 84.2°F

Getting There: Zadar has its own international airport (code: ZAD) that is just a 20-minute drive from the Old Town. Many people also get to Zadar via bus- it is on the bus route that runs from Zagreb in the north, through Zadar, to Split in the South. There are also direct buses from some major cities in Europe.

Where To Stay: Plan to stay in the picturesque historic center. The Teatro Verdi Boutique Hotel has clean, modern rooms, includes a delicious breakfast, and has a great location right in the middle of Old Town. 

When the summer crowds are descending on the more popular tourist towns of Split and Dubrovnik, Zadar welcomes you to come, enjoy its famous sunsets, and take a dip (or two) into the ocean right off the Riva promenade. 

The ocean is a part of the town here- ladders are built into the seawall, and kids do flips off the stones into the ocean while the sunsets play out across the sky. You really can’t beat the sunsets here- it feels like the whole town stops to watch each evening. 

There are lots of things to do in Zadar – don’t miss the Sea Organ, an art installation where the waves of the ocean play the tunes. Right next to it is the Greeting to the Sun, another art piece built of more than 300 solar panels which light up when the sun goes down. 

You’ll also find plenty of history in Zadar- stroll through the Roman Forum, check out the Square of 5 Wells, then climb the bell tower of the Cathedral of St. Anastasia for views over the city and the harbor. 

Once you’ve had your fill of sites for the day, choose a café and relax with an Aperol Spritz in your hand, or sit with a famous ice cream sundae from Slasticarna Donat. This is a city for doing and seeing, but also for relaxing and just watching the crowds pass by.

You can see why it is such a great location to spend August in Europe.

By Cynthia from Sharing The Wander

Tours In Zadar That You Should Consider: If you are looking for an independent experience, try the Plitvice lakes excursion. Note that there is no group or guide. Its however simple and cheap and you can explore the UNESCO sites on your own and enjoy the peace of the area.

You could also choose to Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting tour from Zadar which also includes a boat Ride. Alternatively, explore the islands in a traditional wooden boat tour . It is an incredible experience.

9. Nice, France 

Nice has a certain charm to it and it makes a gorgeous place to spend August in Europe.

Location:   Nice, France

Temperatures in Nice, France in August:

High: 27°C/ 80.6°F

Getting There:   Most visitors arrive in Nice via the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport.   The airport is only a few kilometers from Nice’s main attractions and there are several public transit options.

Where To Stay:   The Hôtel Nice Beau Rivage is a great choice for your stay in Nice.  It’s close to Vieux Nice, the beach, and the Promenade des Anglais.

August in Europe can get rather toasty, so do as the locals do and head to the beach!  Nice is one of the best cities of the French Riviera, with miles of beautiful beaches lining the shimmering blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

There are many public and private beaches to choose from. Of course, the private beaches will come with nicer amenities for your day at the shore. 

Climb Colline du Château (Castle Hill) for spectacular panoramic views of the coastline and to get a selfie with the #ILoveNice sign.

Alongside the beaches stretches Nice’s famous Promenade des Anglais.  This iconic boulevard stretches 7 kilometers along the coast, with beaches on one side and glittering cafés, bars, casinos, and hotels lining the other.  There are many reasons why it is one of the best spots to spend August in Europe.

Strolling along the Promenade des Anglais is one of the essential things to do in Nice .

And don’t forget to explore Nice’s other great attractions!  Nice has many amazing museums to enjoy. 

Visit the Marc Chagall National Museum and be sure to see the incredible stained-glass windows.  And the Matisse Museum is home to one of the largest collections of Matisse’s artworks in the world.

Nice is filled with stunning architecture.  You’ll want to see the Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice, a stunning Byzantine-style Russian Orthodox church.  

 The Notre-Dame Basilica is a gorgeous church with quintessentially French Gothic architecture, complete with two towers and vibrant stained-glass windows.

By Lisa from  Waves and Cobblestones

Tours In Nice To Consider: You can choose one of the many Mediterranean coastal sightseeing cruises that start from Nice. It will give you a different perspective of the coast and it is loads of fun. If you are big foodie then definitely try a local food tour.

Nice is also a great place to explore other cities and countries in the area. You can book trips to Antibes, Cannes & Saint Paul de Vence from Nice . Yo can also take a tour to Eze and Monaco . If you are looking for a tour with a difference, take a look at the Provence Countryside with Grasse Perfumery Visit from Nice.

10. Paris, France

You can’t go wrong with Paris when it comes to August in Europe.

Location: Paris, France

Temperatures in Paris, France in August:

Low: 16°C / 60.8°F

High: 25°C/ 77°F

Getting There: The two major airports are Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY). To get to the center of Paris from CDG, take RER B and from ORY, take the OrlyVal shuttle train to RER B train.

Where To Stay: Paris is broken up into arrondissements, or districts. The best arrondissement to stay in is the 4 th (Le Marais) because the accommodation is reasonable in price, there is great food, and the location is central to many of the best things to do in Paris.

In August, Paris is a great destination to visit even though the French go on a month-long holiday in August. That means that some attractions and restaurants may be closed for the holiday month, but are less crowded because of it.

However, Paris is still one of the best places to spend August in Europe. The weather can be hot, but temperatures average in the mid-70s and it rarely rains at an average of only 6 days in the month (the lowest all year)! That makes August the perfect month for walking the city and exploring on outdoor tours.

Another perk of warm, dry weather is that the night weather is pleasant. Paris is after all the City of Lights, so you’ll want to see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre pyramid, and other sights lit up at night. 

This is a fun activity when you can stay warm and dry. If you’re taking a solo trip to Paris , consider a guided night tour for increased safety.

Also in August, you’ll enjoy unique events like the Paris Music Festival and the Fête des Tuileries, an outdoor carnival in the Jardin de Tuileries with rides, games, and snacks.

Finally, if you ever get too hot, Paris is home to some of the top museums in the world so you can take a break in some air conditioning. 

Some of the best indoor spots to visit include the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, and even the Catacombs and Galeries Lafayette, a lavish indoor department store with a stunning stained-glass dome. Paris is definitely one of the best spots to spend August in Europe.

By Alanna from Periodic Adventures

Tours In Paris That You Should Consider: There is a lot to do in the city and by default a lot of tours in Paris . Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise is one of the epic tours that are popular.

The romantic atmosphere is something that people really love with the backdrop of the lights in the distance. The hop on and hop off bus tours help you traverse the city.

11. Lake Bled, Slovenia

Lake Bled in Slovenia is such a gorgeous place to spend August in Europe.

Location: Lake Bled, Slovenia

Temperatures in Lake Bled, Slovenia in August:

High: 28°C/ 82.4°F

Getting There: If you’re not planning to arrive in Slovenia with your own car, it’s best to fly to the international airport in Ljubljana. From here, you can either take the train or the Ljubljana-Bled bus. Both options take around 90 minutes.

Where To Stay: The Garni Hotel Jadran is one of the best mid-range accommodations near Lake Bled. The three-star hotel is right on the shore of the lake and offers a fair price for the main season of August.

Is there a more beautiful postcard motif for Slovenia than Lake Bled? 

This magical place is the perfect destination for a both relaxing and active trip in the great outdoors of Eastern Europe. There are numerous things to do at Lake Bled for every kind of budget. 

One of the must-do activities is rowing in a wooden boat to Blejski Otok, the small island in the middle of the lake. 

Other things that should be on your Lake Bled bucket-list include strolling around the pretty town center or visiting the romantic castle that is located at a height of over 130 meters.

If you want to be active in sports, Lake Bled has a lot to offer. You can either hike to one of the viewpoints and enjoy the stunning view over the lake or rent a bike with which you can go around the lake. 

And in the nearby area around the lake, other sports activities are waiting for you. For example, you can try canoeing, mountain biking or even a tandem jump. 

August is also the perfect time to take a refreshing swim in the lake or do some stand-up paddleboarding. No matter what activities you choose, you definitely won’t get bored on an August vacation at Lake Bled!

You can see why Lake Bled is such a lovely place to spend August in Europe.

By Carolin from Happy When Abroad

Tours In Lake Bled, Slovenia You Should Consider: If you are looking for adventure in Lake Bled then you cannot go wrong with Canyoning in the Bohinj valley! It is such an adrenaline rush!

You can also try paragliding over Lake Bled for some spectacular views. Don’t forget to take a boat ride on Lake Bled and visit the iconic island in the center!

12. Zell Am See, Austria 

Zell Am See is a lovely spot in Austria that will definitely tempt you spend your August in Europe here!

Location: Zell Am See, Austria

Temperatures in Zell Am See, Austria in August:

High: 23°C/ 73.4°F

Getting There: Salzburg has the nearest international airport. From there, the easiest way to get to Zell am See is via car rental, bus, or rail. It takes roughly 1:15 hours to go there by driving. 

Where To Stay: Highly recommended is the Grand Hotel Zell am See , a superb historic hotel right on the lake!

A truly beautiful solo destination for August in Europe is definitely Zell am See in Austria ! 

This magical natural gem is absolutely worth seeing! Here you can expect an almost kitschy idyll, surrounded by high mountains, green meadows and with the turquoise blue Zeller See.

In Zell am See and in the immediate vicinity there is so much to experience. Whether sightseeing, sports, gondola rides to glaciers, gorges, lakeside resorts, you certainly won’t get bored alone in this diverse region.

Zell am See is especially beautiful in summer. At this time, you can count on great weather, everything is green, the sun is shining and the atmosphere is incredibly relaxed. 

Also you can go for a swim in the cool Lake Zellersee. If you like, you can take a boat trip from there and discover the highlights of the region from the boat.

Beautiful and a real highlight for nature lovers is a trip to the Kitzsteinhorn, a 3,200-meter-high glacier, which you can reach in no time by gondola.

Another highlight is the Kaprun reservoirs, which offer plenty of photo opportunities. This alone is one of the top reasons why people head to Zell Am See to spend August in Europe.

Sporty people, on the other hand, visit one of the numerous gorges, such as the Sigmund Thun Gorge, one of the most beautiful gorges in the country.

On top of that, the offer of the Zell am See Sommercard is really amazing. If you stay overnight in Zell am See, then you receive this free of charge from most accommodations.

With it you can ride the gondolas for free, visit the gorges or use the public transport.

By Martina from Places Of Juma

13. Zermatt, Switzerland

If you want to visit the mountains and spend your August in Europe then consider Zermatt in Switzerland.

Location: Zermatt, Valais, Switzerland 

Temperatures in Ticino, Switzerland in August : 

Low: 9°C / 48.2°F (on the mountains surrounding Zermatt) 

High: 20°C/ 68°F (in the valley) 

Getting There: Fly into Basel or Zurich and take the train. Riding time will be around 3,5hrs. Zermatt is car-free. Anyone who is driving will have to leave the car in a parking lot 5km out of the village and continue by train. 

Where To Stay: Zermatt is a small mountain village which offers lots of accommodations for types of budgets. Wherever you decide to stay, the next cable car of the electro bus station will never be far. 

August in Europe is a great time to visit Zermatt. The small mountain village in the south of Switzerland is a popular summer destination for hikers, mountain bikers and all other fans of outdoor sports.   

Zermatt is located at 1600m.a.s.l. and is surrounded by several 4000m peaks. Various cable cars and gondolas take their guests to the mountains from where the outdoor adventures can start.   

Popular are for example the fantastic 5-lakes hike or the Matterhorn Glacier Trail, which leads directly under the world-famous mountain. If you want to take it more leisurely, visit one of the many outstanding Matterhorn lookout points such as Gornergrat or Rothorn to admire the scenery.  

In August, usually even the last snow has melted. The exception is perhaps the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the highest and largest summer ski area in Europe. 

On the platform of the mountain station, at 3883m.a.s.l., you can also marvel at 38 four-thousand-meter peaks and 14 glaciers in Switzerland and Italy, a unique experience when it comes to August in Europe.  

By Linda from Hiking The Alps

Tours In Zermatt, Switzerland To Consider: Zermatt Village walk and Mount Gornergrat Private Tour is an epic way to see the village.

One of the other top things to do in Zermatt is to take the Gornergrat Bahn Cogwheel Train . It gives you some epic views of the Swiss countryside. You can also embark on a Paragliding tandem flight in Zermatt!

14. Milos, Greece

Milos is a lovely island to spend August in Europe.

Location: Milos Island, Greece

Temperatures in Milos Island, Greece in August:

Getting There: There are two ways to get to Milos. Firstly, you can simply fly from Athens International Airport (ATH) to Milos Airport (MLO) located 5 km south of the main town of Adamantas.

Secondly, you can reach Milos Island by boarding a ferry in Piraeus on Greece’s mainland and making the 3 to 6.5-hour journey depending on what ferry line you choose.

Where To Stay: Milos island has 3 main towns to stay in. If you are arriving by ferry, staying in the port town of Adamantas is a really great option for easy access to the ferry line and onward Greek island hopping. 

If you are looking for a quiet beach holiday, stay in the seaside village of Pollonia, with fresh seafood restaurants perched on the shoreline and great scuba diving. The hilltop town of Plaka is great for travelers looking for quaint historical town centers, full of alleyway cafes to sip coffee in.

Alternatively, you can check out this detailed guide on where to stay on Milos .

Milos island is a rising star among Greek islands and is a great alternative to hotspots such as Santorini and Mykonos, especially during the summer month of August.

Secluded on the westernmost point of the Cycladic island group, Milos is an often overlooked Cycladic island. Milos offers adventures, landscapes and sites for everyone including families, solo travelers and couples. 

The otherworldly landscapes of Sarakiniko are a major draw for many travelers, with its powder-white lunar cliffs dipping into the azure waters of the Aegean. It’s a must on any Milos itinerary.

For picture-perfect golden beaches for lazing under the Greek sun, head to the secluded Fyriplaka and Tsigrado, nested into the orange hills of the southern coast.

For colorful villages, visit Klima, the rainbow-coloured fishing village, or Firopotamos, the blue-washed hamlet enclosing a clear blue lagoon. You got to admit, Milos is the perfect place to spend August in Europe! It is also a place where you can click mind-blowing beautiful photographs with ease. Just make sure to pair them with some cool Greece quotes or captions before putting them up on Instagram!

If charming quintessential Greek villages are the goal of your Greek holiday, the hilltop village of Plaka is for you. Climb up to Plaka Castle for panoramic views of Milos island and beyond or grab a cocktail at Utopia Cafe and watch the sun dip below the horizon. 

Ultimately, the best way to see the island is by renting a car and exploring the many secluded coves and pristine sands that Milos has to offer! It is one of the best islands to spend August in Europe.

By Haley from Haley Blackall Travel

Tours In Milos, Greece You Should Consider: Milos Small-Group Full-Day Cruise with Snorkeling and Lunch is the most recommended way to explore the island and its surroundings.

You can also indulge in archeological and cultural experience to learn more about the Milos island in particular.

15. Milan, Italy

Milan is truly one of the most interesting places to spend August in Europe.

Location:  Milan, Italy Getting There:  You can fly directly into the Malpensa airport.  Where to Stay:   VIU Hotel Milan , a luxury hotel in the city center

A European destination that’s a great choice for a vacation during the month of August is Milan, Italy. During this time of the year, visitors can expect temperatures ranging from 68-85°F, so you can explore the city all day long! Plus, the Italian city resembles Paris as both cities are highly regarded for their fashion, many museums, and architecturally stunning cathedrals!

Thus, if you’re interested in retail therapy, then be sure to head over to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This is one of the oldest shopping galleries in the world and is home to an abundance of elite designer stores, like Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton!

Contrastingly, if you prefer to spend less money, consider taking in the views of Milan’s magnificent architecture. The most famous building is the 14th-century Gothic cathedral known as the Duomo di Milano. It is a must-see for anyone who visits the city and will take your breath away!

By Kristin from Global Travel Escapades

Lastly, for those looking for an exciting night out, you can find it in the Navigli district. Here, there are a couple of canals with several restaurants, bars, and live music performances nearby that make it one of Milan’s most vibrant areas. So, if you’re ready for a fun vacation, consider Milan!

And there you have it. These are some of the best places to spend August in Europe. The list includes everything from beaches to big cities and from mountains to islands.

You will find that there is something for everyone! Tell us what was your favorite pick when it came to places to spend August in Europe.

Also let us know if there are any other places you would add to the list of spots to spend August in Europe. Just drop us a note in the comments below.

Best summer destinations in Europe

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• best-summer-destinations-europe

written by Joanne Owen

updated 11.07.2023

Wondering where to head this summer for your perfect break? Our run-down of the best summer destinations in Europe has you covered, whether you’re seeking a chic sojourn in the sun or adventures in the bright outdoors. There’s plenty here if you’re travelling with kids, too, or fancy sampling the continent’s finest food and wine. Read on for inspiration that’ll have you reaching for your passport.

13. Bay of Kotor: best summer holiday destination for history

12. french riviera: best for glamorous resorts, 11. azores islands: great place for natural beauty, 10. balearic islands: the best summer destination in the mediterranean sea.

• 9. Greece: best for beach lovers and history buffs

8. Italy: the perfect destination for romance

7. spain: best for food and fiestas, 6. switzerland: the perfect place for scenery and cycling.

• 5. Portugal: best for world-class water sports and wine

4. Sweden: best for midsummer festival fun

3. slovenia: perfect summer destination for caves, castles and coastline, 2. iceland: the most unique place to visit in europe in the summer, 1. croatia: best for sailing and island-hopping.

The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guides guidebooks — your essential guides for visiting the world.

Beguiling historic centre on a bay circled by gargantuan cliffs. Perched on the edge of a majestic bay, the medieval Old Town of Kotor is the undisputed jewel in Montenegro’s crown. Though no longer Europe’s best-kept secret, Kotor’s sudden elevation to the tour bus league has failed to dim the timeless delights of its maze of cobbled alleyways and secluded piazzas.

Enclosing cafés and churches galore, the town walls are peered down upon by a series of hulking peaks. Down below, a harbour now bustling with sleek yachts marks the end of the Bay of Kotor, made fjord-like by the thousand-metre cliffs that rise almost vertically from the serene waters.

Going to visit Montenegro for the first time? Explore our in-depth first-timer's guide to Montenegro. And for even more information read our guide to the best things to do in Montenegro and have a look at Montenegro itineraries , created by our local experts.

Kotor Bay, Montenegro © Shutterstock

Where to stay in Kotor:

• Best for amazing bay views: Conte Hotel & Restaurant
• Best for price and quality: Apartments Dakovic
• Best for luxury: Heritage Grand Perast

Discover more accommodation options to stay in the Bay of Kotor.

What to do in Kotor:

• Explore the Bay of Kotor on a speedboat cruise . Visit a former submarine base, see the fortress on the island of Mamulu, stop at the Our Lady of the Rocks artificial island and swim in the Blue Cave.

Montenegro travel tips and tours with Rough Guides:

• This is exactly what it sounds like - a Montenegro Adventure that will take you across the small, yet magical country and allow you to explore its beauty from the stunning coast on the South to the mountains and lakes on the North.
• And if you want to cover more than one destination at a time, you have a chance to experience the beauty of the Balkans during this 10-day-multiple-country trip .

The Côte d’Azur polarizes opinion like few places in France . To some, it remains the most glamorous of all Mediterranean playgrounds. To others, it’s an overdeveloped victim of its own hype.

Yet at its best – in the gaps between the urban sprawl, on the islands, is the remarkable beauty of the hills, the impossibly blue water after which the coast is named and in the special light that drew so many artists to paint here. It is without a doubt one of the best things to do in France.

As the summer playground of Europe’s youthful rich, St-Tropez is among the most overhyped spots in the Mediterranean. It remains undeniably glamorous. Its vast yachts and infamous champagne “spray” parties create an air of hedonistic excess in high summer.

Saint Tropez, Cote'd Azure, France © Shutterstock

Where to stay on the French Riviera:

• Best for budget stays: Hôtel Richelieu
• Best for secluded stays: Le Clos de Saint Aygulf
• Best for a perfect honeymoon: Villa 35 de Saint Aygulf

Explore the abundance of accommodation options on the French Riviera.

What to do on French Riviera:

• Discover the beauty of Saint-Tropez as you kayak in the Mediterranean Sea . Snorkel in the clear waters, see colourful marine life, and jump off a 3-meter cliff if you dare.

France travel tips and tours with Rough Guides:

• For a complete introduction to the country take our active walking tour out of the way in France. Several unique day excursions connect you with local Parisians to show you their city and way of life.
• And for a unique foodie experience, check out this tailor-made Tasting Eastern France tour . Start your trip in Lyon with some unique food tours before setting off on a 4-day walk across the Beaujolais region. Almost every day ends with a wine tasting in your guesthouse, soothing for body and soul.

Never considered holidays to the Azores? Think again. It's a chain of nine Atlantic islands — a volcanic archipelago which intersects Eurasian, North American and African plates.

Looking for the best summer destinations in Europe for natural beauty? The Azores is just that. These lush islands hide lakes and waterfalls. Expect bubbling hot springs and stunning flowery meadows. Plus Azores weather is warm year-round. The islands' population is around 250k. The unhurried pace of life makes holidays to the Azores even more appealing.

It's also the place for adventures, you can cycle, canyon or hike inland. Offshore there're opportunities for whale or dolphin watching. And surfing is easy and enjoyable on the Azores' spectacular sandy beaches.

Angra do Heroismo, Terceira, Azores, Portugal © Francesco Bonino/Shutterstock

Where to stay in the Azores:

• Best for couples: Miradouro da Papalva Guest House
• Best for budget stays: ZIGZAG HOSTEL
• Best for luxury: Pedras do Mar Resort & Spa

Find more accommodation options to stay in the Azores.

What to do in the Azores:

• Join an exciting marine wildlife tour with biologists and naturalist guides, to see and learn more about whales, dolphins, turtles, fish, birds, and the marine biodiversity of the Azores Islands.

Portugal travel tips and tours with Rough Guides:

• Get ready to discover what the largest island of the Azores, São Miguel, has to offer in this short Azores Wild Nature trip . You will get to swim with wild dolphins, abseil or jump down waterfalls, ride a mountain bike through the Sete Cidades and relax in a natural spa.
• Looking for a classic Portugal experience? Beginning in Lisbon and ending in Porto, this Cultural Portugal trip will take you to the delightful wine region of Douro, the mountain range of Serra do Bussaco and the romantic town of Sintra.

East of the Spanish mainland, the four chief Balearic Islands – Ibiza , Formentera , Mallorca and Menorca – maintain a character distinct from the rest of Spain and from each other.

Ibiza is wholly unique: its capital Ibiza Town is loaded with historic interest and is a draw for thousands of clubbers and LGBTQ visitors, while the north of the island has a distinctly bohemian character. Tiny Formentera has even better beaches than its neighbour and makes up in rustic charm what it lacks in cultural interest.

Mallorca , the largest Balearic island, has long since overcome its image as little more than the sun, booze and high-rise hotels. These days it is better known as one of the best summer destinations in Europe for stunning mountain scenery, fantastic hiking and cycling trail.

And finally, to the east, there’s Menorca – more subdued in its clientele, and here, at least, the modern resorts are kept at a safe distance from the two main towns. The capital Maó boasts the deepest harbour in the Med and the charming, pocket-sized port of Ciutadella.

With a mild Mediterranean climate and year-round sunshine, all four islands are particularly lovely in the winter months when they are at their quietest and most picturesque.

The City Palma de Majorca from a bird's eye view © Olga Yatsenko/Shutterstock

Where to stay on the Balearic Islands:

• Best for Ibiza: Aparthotel Puerto Cala Vadella
• Best for Formentera: Riu La Mola
• Best for Mallorca: Aparthotel Ona Cala Pi Club
• Best for Menorca: Grupotel Playa Club

What to do on the Balearic Islands:

• Explore the breathtaking beaches of Formentera and Ibiza on an all-inclusive boat trip and spend the afternoon in Formentera. Jump into the crystal clear water, relax on sunbeds while sipping on drinks, and enjoy a sunset dinner with fresh local food.

Spain travel tips and tours with Rough Guides:

• Explore our guide to the Balearic Islands or the best things to do in Spain for a complete immersion in Spain.
• The ultimate trip for Spain lovers - explore the country at a leisurely pace from the South to the North. Start in Seville and make your way to Madrid via Granada and Cordoba. From Madrid, continue to the North - the Camino de Santiago, Basque Country and mountains await.

Related articles from the blog

9. Greece: best for beach lovers and history buffs 

With historic sites spanning four millennia, an incredible coastline, and over 200 beautiful islands — it’s little wonder that  Greece  remains one of the best summer destinations in Europe. 

Sand, sea and sun lovers will want to read up on the  best Greek islands and the  best beaches in Greece . If you fancy seeing cultural sights alongside soaking up the sun, scoot to Santorini. Here you can relax on a range of  beautiful Greek beaches  after visiting Akrotiri, the Greek Pompeii.

Experiencing a Santorini sunset is by far one of the best things to do in Greece . 

Blue beauty on Santorini – one of the best summer destinations in Europe © Shutterstock

Then there’s  Athens . Where ancient myth meets modern metropolis, with the iconic Acropolis —  voted one of best places on earth  — looming large over the city, and family-friendly tavernas serving tasty  Greek food you need to try. 

For more inspiration, read our  travel tips for Greece , and check out  The Rough Guide to Greece . 

Where to stay in Greece:

• Best for beach-loving foodies: Corfu Palace Hotel
• Best for culture vultures: SV Acropolis Residence
• Best for Santorini sunsets: Golden Sunset Villa

What to do in Greece:

• For a stunning city-to-sea experience,  tour the Saronic Islands from Athens

Greece trips and tours with Rough Guides:

• Spoilt for choice? You’ll find ideas in our suggested  Greece itineraries
• From immersing yourself in the history and myth of the sunny Cyclades Islands to a road trip around Classical Greece — you'll find that Greece delivers sun and culture in equally dazzling measure

Narrowly missing out on the top spot in our reader survey of the most beautiful country in the world,  Italy  is hard to beat when it comes to the best summer destinations in Europe offering adulterated romance. 

From  Tuscany’s rolling hills and vineyards to the dazzling Amalfi coast , to romance-rich cities like  Rome ,  Florence  and  Venice . Italy isn’t short of  beautiful places  that'll help you realise your dreams of  La Dolce Vita .

It’s a country that invites pleasure, with stunning islands like  Sicily  and  Sardinia  on which to enjoy the seclusion and bounty of beautiful Italian beaches . Not to mention the country's many eating and drinking experiences.

The romance of Tuscany's rolling hills – hard to beat in summer © Shutterstock

Check out  our guidebooks about Italy, or start with our guide to  the best things to do in Italy .

Where to stay in Italy:

• Best for romantics: Hotel Casanova  
• Best for history buffs: Residenza Roma Imperiale
• Best for wine-lovers: Borgo Conde Wine Resort

What to do in Italy:

• When in Venice, take a  private gondola ride for the ultimate romantic experience. When in Rome, tour the beautiful Borghese Gallery and gardens

Italy trips and tours with Rough Guides:

• Looking for inspiration for your own romantic trip to  bella Italia ? You could consider a  custom-made trip to the Italian lakes
• Or how about a romantic break in Venice ?
• Try a tour that takes in three dreamy cities of the Italian Renaissance  — Rome, Florence and Venice

For foodies, Spain is one of the best summer destinations in Europe. From Seville’s sensational tapas to Jambugo’s jamón, to the seafood of  Cádiz , foodies will find plenty to satisfy their appetite. For a taster, read our guide . However, if there’s one area of Spain that best showcases the country’s food and fiestas, it is  Andalucía .

Andalucía is known for its flamboyant flamenco tradition and fine food © Shutterstock

The region’s three most significant cities —  Granada ,  Seville  and  Córdoba  — display Spain’s Moorish architecture at its most magnificent, providing awe-inspiring backdrops to al fresco dining and Andalucían fiestas. 

Sun and sand-seekers: don't miss the best beaches in Spain .

Top tip: take any chance you get to chow down churros in Madrid, one of the  best street foods in the world . 

Tempting Spanish tapas © Shutterstock

For more info and inspiration, explore our guidebooks to Spain , and see our guide to the best things to do in Spain.  

Where to stay in Spain:

• Best for traditional charm: Hotel Las Casas de la Judería
• Best for style-seekers: Vincci Albayzin
• Best for couples: Casagrand Luxury Suites

What to do in Spain:

• For a true taste of Seville, book a  tapas crawl , or cooking class
• Going to Granada? Follow up a  food tour  with an authentic flamenco show

Spain trips and tours with Rough Guides:

• For a truly immersive experience, you might want to consider booking a trip to explore the best of Andalućia
• Or give your tastebuds a treat on a  culinary break in Seville

Our survey of the most beautiful countries in the world saw Switzerland praised for its “spectacular scenery” and “beautiful spotless cities". It’s also one of the best summer destinations in Europe. 

Switzerland sparkles at pretty much every turn, with dozens of ways to enjoy exhilarating outdoor experiences . While adventurers will want to hike the Eiger in the spectacular  Jungfrau region , you could also be inspired by scenery from a quaint mountain train.

That said, there’s no better way to experience Switzerland’s mountain passes than on your bike. Running between Italian-speaking Airolo and German-speaking Uri, the epic St. Gotthard Pass is hard to beat. Expect hair-raising hairpin bends, mountain villages, and, uniquely for the  Swiss Alps , bone-shaking cobblestones. 

Switzerland's awe-inspiring scenery is sure to stop you in your tracks © Shutterstock

Switzerland’s urban hotspots are as sparkling as its lakes and ice-capped mountains. Head to well-heeled  Geneva  for museums, scenic shopping and Old Town charm. Meanwhile, cosmopolitan  Zurich  offers café culture and nightlife in sublime surroundings

For more Swiss inspiration, check out our  pictorial guidebook . Given that Switzerland has four official languages — German, French, Italian, and Romansch — you might also want to search our  range of phrasebooks . 

Where to stay in Switzerland: 

• Best for pampering: Sunstar Hotel and Spa Grindelwald
• Best for couples: Hotel de Geneve
• Best for alpine adventurers: Endweg Apartment

What to do in Switzerland:

• For the ultimate experience of Swiss scenery,  jump on a train to Jungfraujoch , Europe’s highest railway station

5. Portugal: best for world-class water sports and wine

Portugal’s  expansive coastline makes it a hotspot for water sports, with the  Algarve  boasting the country’s most sheltered — and popular — sandy beaches. In fact, this area is home to many of the  best beaches in Portugal.  Don't like crowds? Discover where you can get off the tourist trail in Portugal.

While the eastern Algarve is blessed with warm coves to swim in, the western coast has magnificent expanses of beach that face the mighty Atlantic Ocean, making for thrilling surfing and wind-surfing experiences – this is Portugal at its most exhilarating.  

Wild water sports await in Nazare, Portugal © Shutterstock

Chances are, you’ll need something to soak up all that world-class wine, so you’d do well to read up on the  best restaurants in Portugal. This is a country that's packed with excellent eating and drinking experiences.

Undecided about where to fly? See our guide to of Porto vs. Lisbon — or see our guide to the best things to do in Portugal .

Where to stay in Portugal:

• Best for luxury lovers: TURIM Terreiro do Paço Hotel
• Best for families: Torel Avantgarde
• Best for surfers: Vila Gale Ericeira

What to do in Portugal:

• Based in Lisbon? Discover Sintra’s beauty, history and romantic Pena Palace, and the stunning coastlines of Cabo da Roca and Cascais
• From Porto, we recommend taking a relaxing  river cruise to a duo of Douro Valley vineyards

Portugal trips and tours with Rough Guides:

• Like to avoid crowds? Take an  off-the-beaten-track tour of North Portugal from Porto — think fine wine (of course) and opportunities to wind down in lesser-visited beauty spots
• No trip to Portugal would be complete without enjoying the country’s wine and port. To do exactly that while exploring stunning countryside scenery, you could book a wine-focused tour of the Douro Valley .

Sweden  is a glorious destination for travellers seeking space, serenity and sports around the year. That said, experiencing the midsummer solstice celebration provides a mix of magic and mayhem you’ll never forget.

Celebrated across the weekend closest to the 24th of June, Sweden’s midsummer celebrations spark a mass exodus from towns and cities as everyone heads to the countryside and coasts.  Dalarna , the island of Öland, and the  Bohuslän coast  are among the most popular spots. 

Maypoles are erected in gardens and parks as gigantic fertility symbols, while trestle tables buckle under the weight of huge feasts. The party extends long into the light night, with dancing and drinking accompanied by accordions and fiddles.

From where to go, to what to expect, discover more about Sweden’s unforgettable midsummer celebrations . And for inspiration for visiting Sweden at any time of year, read our guide to the best things to do in Sweden.

Stockholm's archipelago attracts thousands of fun-loving midsummer celebrants © ROUSSELLE Xavier/Shutterstock

Midsummer festivities aside, visiting Sweden in summer also means enjoying walks through forests and fragrant meadows, and fun lake-based activities. And Sweden's not short of fascinating cities, either. Stylish  Stockholm  offers great opportunities for rewarding day trips , while easy-going  Gothenburg  boasts a glorious Old Town and excellent museums and galleries. 

Keen to start planning your summer in Sweden? Read up on  the best things to do in Sweden , and get your hands on a copy of  The Rough Guide to Sweden .

Where to stay in Sweden:

• Best for 19th-century style:  First Hotel Grand Falun
• Best for cyclists and canoeists: Slipens Hotell
• Best for eco-minded families: First Camp Västerås-Mälaren

What to do in Sweden: 

• Wildlife lovers based in Stockholm won’t want to miss taking a  nature trip with a campfire dinner to see moose, deer, wild boars, hares, badgers, foxes and plenty of birds

Happily,  Slovenia's  elegant capital,  Ljubljana , is a charming, convenient base from which to visit a host of the country’s attractions. This city has its own hilltop 15th-century castle to explore before you venture further afield.

Lake Bled  is an absolute must-visit. A mere 50 minutes from the capital, this mirror-like expanse of water boasts a fairy tale island and cliff-top castle, with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

Perhaps most magical of all is the fact that Lake Bled somehow retains its atmosphere no matter how many visitors rock up for summer water sports, winter ice skating, and year-round enchantment.

Bleeding beautiful — Lake Bled, Slovenia © Shutterstock

Visiting Postojna Caves and Postjama Castle in  southwest Slovenia , around 53 kilometres from Ljubljana, is another unmissable day trip. On arrival at the cave system, you’ll board a train that’ll transport you to a sublime subterranean world ( Fraggle Rock , eat your heart out), culminating in a show-stopping, cathedral-like chamber. 

A few kilometres northwest of Postojna caves, sixteenth-century Predjama Castle is a precariously-sited feat of architectural wonder — it’s built into and around an elevated cave entrance in the centre of a dramatic karst landscape.

Beyond its undeniably beautiful interior, Slovenia’s coastline might be short, but it’s incredibly sweet and varied. Discover the diversity of Slovenia’s coastline , from picturesque Piran to the spa town of Portorož, often described as Slovenia’s answer to the French Riviera.

Piran makes it plain to see why Slovenia is one of the best countries in Europe for summer © Shutterstock

If you’re interested in nature and ecology, you’ll want to know why there’s a buzz about Slovenia’s bee tourism . 

Want more inspiration? Find out about the best things to do in Slovenia, and dig into  The Rough Guide to Slovenia .

Where to stay in Slovenia: 

• Best for lakeside luxury: Vila Bled
• Best for families: Guesthouse Soul
• Best for travellers on a budget: Guest House PachaMama

What to do in Slovenia: 

• For ease, book a  guided tour to Postojna Caves and Postjama Castle – and you can do the same for  Lake Bled

Slovenia trips and tours with Rough Guides:

• To experience Slovenia in all its majesty — from the caves and castles of its stunning interior to that sublime coastline — you could consider booking a customisable  treasures of Slovenia trip .  

The incredible Postojna Caves, Slovenia © Shutterstock

There’s a reason  Iceland  made it into our run-down of the world’s best adventure holidays . In fact, there is a tonne of experiences to tempt adventurers to visit — from ice and lava-caving to glacier hiking and intercontinental snorkelling, and all against spectacular backdrops of glaciers, fjords and mighty volcanoes. See for yourself in our  gallery . 

Serious hikers will want to tackle Iceland’s most extreme trail . Alternatively, if you like to mix adventure with wildlife-watching and cultural experiences, check out our customisable trips to Iceland’s  enchanting east , or the  wild west , where cascading waterfalls and bubbling hot springs await. 

Dyrholaey black sand volcanic beach © Shutterstock

Talking of springs, before you go, read up on Iceland’s best hot pools , and the dos and don'ts of Icelandic spas . Taking the plunge is among the   best things to do in Iceland . For more information, check out our guide for the best things to see in the summer in Iceland.

Where to stay in Iceland:

• Best for families: Kvosin Downtown Hotel
• Best for thrill-seekers: Hótel Skógafoss  
• Best for price and quality: Saeluhus Apartments & Houses

Alternatively, to take the hassle out of booking your accommodation (and everything else, for that matter), take a look at our  Iceland itineraries

What to do in Iceland:

• Take a snorkelling adventure between the tectonic plates of North America and Europe at the Silfra Fissure

With its gorgeous Adriatic coast offering over 200km of brilliantly blue sea and more than 1000 islands to stop off on,  Croatia  is one of Europe’s top sailing destinations. This is just one of the factors that make it the best summer destination in Europe.

Talking of which, head to handsome Hvar Island for chic bars, fun nightlife and fine food. You'll certainly be able to enjoy some of Croatia's top foodie experiences here.

City Harbour of the town of Hvar, on the island of Hvar, the Adriatic coast of Croatia © rustamank/Shutterstock

Given that the islands are home to many of the  best beaches in Croatia , you might want to learn how to make the most of island-hopping in Croatia .

Sailing and island exploration aside, Croatia is also an excellent destination for adventure-seekers and culture vultures, as revealed in our run-down of the best things to do in Croatia . 

Been there, done that? For those who like to get off the beaten track, Croatia has plenty of  unusual things to do , among them visiting the zany Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb, Croatia's capital of cool .

Where to stay in Croatia

• Best for island elegance: Hotel Adriana .
• Best for Art Deco aficionados: Esplanade Zagreb Hotel
• Best for couples: Villa Dubrovnik

What to do in Croatia:

• Staying in a Croatian city doesn’t mean missing out on island-hopping adventures. You could, for example,  cruise from Split to Hvar and Pakleni Islands

Croatia trips and tours with Rough Guides

• Try a tailor-made Dalmatia sailing trip  — ideal for newbie navigators who want to enjoy exploring all those Adriatic islands.

Ready to pack that suitcase? Search the Rough Guides Shop  to find the perfect guidebook or ebook to enhance your summer in Europe. Counting the pennies? Leaving a bit earlier? Explore our guide to the best places to visit in spring .

Alternatively, to be freed from the stress of planning and booking your break, find out why taking a  tailor-made trip  makes perfect sense.

We may earn a commission when you click on links in this article, but this doesn’t influence our editorial standards. We only recommend services we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.

Header image: the Algarve, Portugal © Shutterstock

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

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Your guide to the best places to go in Europe in August

Travel Travel Inspiration Your guide to the best places to go in Europe in August

A European summer sojourn is one of the most epic trips you can take in your lifetime! Europe in August is at its liveliest and most beautiful. Summer is at its peak, the weather is pleasant and everything is in abundance, right from the variety of activities and events, to an assortment of culinary delights!

Take your pick from our list of the 10 best places to visit in Europe in August that features Rome, Florence, Munich, Paris, Barcelona, Prague, Amsterdam, Venice, London, and Budapest. Or even better? Visit them all!

10 Best Places to Visit in Europe in August

Florence, Italy

Average high: 32°c | average low: 18°c.

Florence is abundant with art and architecture and the bright clear skies of summer are the best time to photograph the city in all its brilliance. Spend the hot afternoons within the confines of Uffizi Gallery , Accademia Gallery and the Florence Duomo, witnessing works of Italian masters. The highlight of Florence in August is the Feast of San Lorenzo, the patron saint of Florence. The real treasures of Florence are in the winemaking region of Tuscany, where multiple culinary delights await you! Don’t forget to feast on Bruschetta and Gelato!

Read More About Florence in August

One Day in Florence | Chianti Wine Tour From Florence | Florence to Cinque Terre | Florence Duomo | Accademia Gallery | Uffizi Gallery

Top Recommended Experiences in Florence

Istanbul, Turkey

Average high: 27°c | average low: 20°c.

With its location straddling two continents, Europe and Asia, Istanbul is the ultimate destination for a unique combination of cultures. From the historic centre of Sultanahmet - where the famous Blue Mosque , Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar can be found - to the modern part of the city, bustling with bars and restaurants, there is something for everyone. In summer, temperatures range from the low 20s to the mid 30s, making it an ideal time to explore the city. Take a ferry ride along the Bosphorus and soak in the beautiful views, and make sure you take a day to explore the beautiful Prince's Islands of Buyukada and the Princes' Caves.

Top Recommended Experiences in Istanbul

Best Bosphorus Cruises | Skip the Line at Topkapi Palace | Dolmabache Guided Tours | Hagia Sophia Guided Tours

Rome, Italy

Average high: 31°c | average low: 19°c.

Your summer Euro trip would be incomplete without a stop in Rome. The ancient city is abuzz with people from all over the world, reminiscent of an era when ‘All roads led to Rome’! The sun is bright and hot in August but you can stay cool inside monuments and attractions like Vatican Museum , Sistine Chapel , St. Peter’s Basilica, Roman Catacombs, and Borghese Gallery .

When the sun lowers its gaze you can take a walk around the Colosseum , Roman Forum and Palatine Hill and go for a Trastevere Neighborhood Walk. The city compares with the best in Europe with summer festivals like Festa Della Madonna Della Neve, Ferragosto and Festival di Caracalla. Summer also means the freshest produce and you shouldn’t miss out on eating delicious ‘Caponata’, ‘Cacio E Pepe’ and ‘Carciofi Alla Romana’.

Read More About Rome in August

Rome Itineraries | Rome On A Budget | Rome Travel Guide | Trastevere Guide | Rome Food Tours | Best Guided Tours In Rome | Piazza Navona

Top Recommended Experiences in Rome

Budapest, Hungary

Average high: 28°c | average low: 17°c.

Budapest has become a favorite on the itineraries of tourists visiting Europe in summer! The capital of Hungary, Budapest is a wonderful mix of the old and new. The city’s long history and rich architecture is a sight to behold and a walking tour of Buda and Pest will take you through its landmarks like the magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building, Matthias Church, Charles Bridge and Hungarian State Opera.

In August, the waters of the Danube are pleasant and an evening dinner cruise is the best way to soak in the vibe of the city. There is no dearth of events ranging from Formula One Grand Prix to Sziget Festival and Budapest Summer Festival increasing the excitement level! Ensure you take a break and gorge on Hungarian delicacies like Langos, Gulyas and Dobos Torta.

Read More About Budapest in August

Budapest Itineraries | Best Day Trips from Budapest | Battle of the Budapest Baths | Budapest River Cruises | Best Time To Visit Budapest

Top Recommended Experiences in Budapest

Barcelona, spain, average high: 21°c | average low: 13°c.

Barcelona is hands down one of the best places to visit in August in the world! The city turns into a big party where people come from all over the world to let their hair down. Yes, the city is hot but the beaches and the sea are the perfect temperatures for swimming and water adventure activities.

Explore the city’s landmarks during the day, including Antoni Gaudi’s creations like Sagrada Familia , Casa Vicens and Casa Guell. At night, watch the city transform into the hippest haunt with clubs where the party goes into the wee hours of the morning. Some of the best music festivals like the Mas I Mas Music Festival, Festa Major de Sants and Circuit Music Festival happen in Barcelona in August.

Read More About Barcelona in August

Barcelona Itineraries | Barcelona Walking Tours | Camp Nou Tour | Best of Gaudi's Architecture

Top Recommended Experiences in Barcelona

Prague, Czech Republic

Average high: 26°c | average low: 15°c.

If you are a backpacker or budget traveler, then you should have Prague on your list as it is one of the cheapest places to go in Europe in August. The capital city of the Czech Republic, it is also called the ‘City of Spires’. The city’s best attractions include Prague Castle Complex, St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague National Museum and the Old Quarter.

The best way to explore the city is on a walking tour or a cruise on the Vltava. Summer is an ideal time to also go on day trips to Kutna Hora and Karlštejn Castle. The city has a pulsating nightlife and a pub crawl is a must on your itinerary! Prague even hosts exciting summer festivals like Prague Jazz Week and Holi Open Air Festival in August.

Read More About Prague in August

Prague Castle | Karlštejn Castle | Prague Travel Tips | Prague River Cruises | Old Town Prague

Top Recommended Experiences in Prague

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Average high: 36°c | average low: 19°c.

Many travelers prefer cool weather summer vacations in Europe and if that’s a criterion you have then you should visit Amsterdam in August. The city itself has a long list of things to do ranging from visiting the famous Rijksmuseum , Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank’s House, as well as an Amsterdam Canal cruise and a walking tour of the Red Light District.

It’s the outdoor events, however, that take the cake as it has events like Pride Amsterdam, World Cinema Amsterdam, ARTIS ZOOmeravonden, Grachtenfestival and Mysteryland. Make sure you dig into local summer delicacies like Broodje Haring, Appeltaart and Kielbasa Sausage!

Read More About Amsterdam in August

One Day in Amsterdam | The Best Time to Visit Amsterdam | Santiago Bernabeu Tour | Reina Sofia Museum | Prado Museum

Top Recommended Experiences in Amsterdam

Venice, Italy

Average high: 28°c | average low: 18°c.

Venice is one of those eternal destinations which are amazing to visit given any time of the year. However, it is often counted amongst the most beautiful places in Europe in summer because the bright weather makes the floating city look even more charming and colorful! The sight of the bright blue sky against the red roof architecture makes for breathtaking photographs.

What’s more, take a boat trip to the nearby islands of Burano, Murano and Torcello for even more picturesque views. In August, the city comes alive with festivals like Ferragosto, Pellestrina Regatta and summer-specific festivals like Cinema Under the Stars. When in Venice don’t miss out on a gondola ride and serenade your loved one which watching the sunset over the Venetian Lagoon!

Read More About Venice in August

Venice Itineraries | Venice For Couples | Best Museums In Venice | St. Mark’s Square | Gondola Guide | Venice Travel Guide | Venice Passes

Top Recommended Experiences in Venice

London, United Kingdom

Average high: 23°c | average low: 15°c.

London is one of the ‘Great Cities of the world’ and it is at its finest in the summer! As always the clouds play peek-a-boo, but during August you enjoy maximum sunshine throughout the day. Walking is the best way to explore the city and there are multiple things to see and do in the summer.

Explore Westminster Abbey , Buckingham Palace , White Tower and catch expansive and clear views of London from the London Eye . The city is buzzing with events like BBC Proms, and Underbelly Festival and lots of summer festivals. Make the most of your time outdoors and enjoy activities like a Thames River Cruise and don’t forget to catch a show at West End.

Read More About London in August

London Itineraries | London Airport Transfers | River Thames Cruises | London Travel Guide | Hampton Court Palace | London Palace Pass | The Shard

Top Recommended Experiences in London

Paris, france, average high: 25°c | average low: 16°c.

You will never find Paris on the list of least crowded European cities in summer, but it is certainly one of the top cities to visit! In August, the locals are off on their annual holiday and the city is taken over by tourists, everything is geared towards ensuring the visitors have a good time. Once you are done visiting the iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower , the Louvre , and Museum D’Orsay, spend time outdoors and enjoy the beautiful summer weather.

You can enjoy outdoor events like Paris Plages (outdoor beaches), Open-air cinema at Parc de la Villette, Rock En Seine festival and national holidays like Assumption Day and Liberation Day. Enjoy the best of summer cuisine like escargot, foie gras, and baked delights like macaroons and croissants.

Read More About Paris in August

Paris Itineraries | Paris Travel Guide | Paris on a Budget | Seine Dinner Cruises | Paris Deals & Offers | Paris City Passes | Best Paris Cabarets

Top Recommended Experiences in Paris

Europe Through the Year

Best Places to Visit in Europe in January

Best Places to Visit in Europe in February

Best Places to Visit in Europe in March

Best Places to Visit in Europe in April

Best Places to Visit in Europe in May

Best Places to Visit in Europe in June

Best Places to Visit in Europe in July

Best Places to Visit in Europe in August

Best Places to Visit in Europe in September

Best Places to Visit in Europe in October

Best Places to Visit in Europe in November

Best Places to Visit in Europe in December

A self-confessed armchair traveling expert, Saba hopes to master the art of time travel next. Her favorite pastimes include lamenting that she was born in the wrong decade, noodling around on the guitar, and writing unfinished songs. She is currently working on building a functioning time travel machine and wishes Doctor Who was a real person.

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27 DIFFERENT & BEST Places to Visit in Europe in July & August!

Categories Europe , Summer Travel

Looking for the best places to visit in Europe in July & August? Places with nice weather but perhaps are quieter than the well-known Greek Islands and a bit different to the Spanish Islands where many people holiday in the summer ?

You’re in the right place because in this post I’m going to give you 27 of the best places to visit in Europe in July & best places to visit in Europe in August , perfect for a family summer holiday, friends getaway or solo trip!

Where to visit in July & August in Europe can be tricky because a lot of Europe gets very hot, busy and expensive in these months but there are plenty of beach towns, mountain towns , lake towns and cities to visit in summer in Europe where the temperature is cooler, crowds are fewer and accommodation isn’t as expensive!

Best Places to Visit in Europe in July & August

July & August are prime months to get away with the kids on school holidays and getting time off work is often easier during these months (in the Northern Hemisphere at least) but looking for the best places to go on holiday in Summer can be tricky because of the weather and how crowded they get so I have been on a mission to find the best places to visit in July & August around the world !

This is my post for the best places to visit in Europe in summer, but if you’re interested in Asia, Africa or the Caribbean too, have a look at these posts:

• 26 BEST Places to Visit in Asia in July & August!
• 20 BEST Places to Visit in Africa in July & August!
• 17 BEST Places to Visit in the Caribbean in July & August!

Places to visit in Europe in Summer

I spoke to my travel blogger friends who recommended their favourite areas of Europe to visit in July & August based on their experience. Below are brilliant cities to visit in Europe in July and August, beach destinations, islands and lots of unique places!

Best Country to Visit in Europe in July and August

From the suggestions I got, Italy is a clear winner as the best country to visit in Summer because it offers so much from islands like Sardinia with clear blue water to mountain towns in the Dolomites perfect for hiking and exploring!

1. Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia is a wonderful destination year-round, but it’s in the summer that its beauty reaches its peak. This is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea , and as such it’s home to an endless number of beautiful long, sandy beaches and gorgeous small coves with the clearest waters.

While July and August are definitely the busiest months to visit Sardinia, these are also the best months for a beach holiday as the sea is warm and the days long (so that you can spend the entire day at the beach, relaxing). And if you look carefully you will still be able to find some beaches that aren’t as crowded.

Lesser crowded beaches are typically found where there is no immediate road access and no village or resort nearby, and where there are no services such as kiosks and lidos.

For example, Costa Rei – a famous summer holiday destination – swells to over 30,000 people in the summer and the beaches can be crowded.

But a mere 30 minutes drive north you can find Is Murtas beach that is beautifully empty even on Ferragosto (a national holiday that is the peak of the peak season).

The summer months are perfect to enjoy boat tours around the island . The best are the boat tours along the Gulf of Orosei , home of coves that can be reached only by boat or after strenuous hikes departing from the Golgo Plateau; or the boat tours in Maddalena Archipelago , where you can see a myriad of small islands of the National Park .

Elsewhere in Sardinia , you will find beautiful small towns and villages ( Alghero and Bosa are particularly pretty, as well as Castelsardo ), archaeological sites (the most famous is Su Nuraxi , in south Sardinia) and the breathtaking capital, Cagliari .

Suggested by: Claudia Tavani from Strictly Sardinia

Fill your holiday in Sardinia well with tours like these!

2. Lake Garda, Italy

Lake Garda, nestled in Northern Italy , is one of the best places to visit in Europe in July and August. Picture this: azure waters combined with the most beautiful mountains. That’s the allure of Italy’s largest lake, a destination for both relaxation and adventure.

Let’s start with a couple of the northern towns, Riva del Garda and Limone . Riva del Garda , located at the lake’s northern tip, is a popular spot for windsurfers and sailors, thanks to its reliable winds. The town is framed by towering cliffs and lush greenery , offering stunning scenery. The promenade has charming cafes and shops perfect for a stroll.

Limone , renowned for its lemon groves, offers a quaint, picturesque setting. It looks like a postcard here! The view of the sunset over the lake from here is particularly spectacular.

Moving to the southern part of the lake is Sirmione, a town rich in history and culture. It’s known for its thermal springs and the impressive Scaliger Castle.

Apart from these towns, Lake Garda is a hub of diverse activities in the summer. Whether it’s hiking, biking, lake cruises, or wine tasting in the nearby vineyards, there’s an abundance of options. The climate is ideal – warm, but comfortable because of the gentle lake breeze .

Suggested by: Kim Swanson from Traveling Swansons

3. Trento, Italy

Although July and August might not be ideal for visiting Italian cities like Rome, Florence or Venice , the same cannot be said for the countryside that adorns Italy’s North .

One of the best places to base yourselves for a summer trip to Europe is the quaint town of Trento . Tucked away in the valley surrounded by the mighty Italian Alps , Trento might just be the perfect destination for a summer escape to remember.

The capital of the lesser-known Trentino-Alto Adige region in Italy , Trento appeals to all types of travellers. Nature lovers are in for a very big treat as Trento is within easy driving distance from natural wonders, such as the Dolomites and Lake Garda .

Therefore, for anyone dreaming of an active vacation, Trento is ideal to visit in the summer thanks to the countless hiking opportunities it offers.

However, not-so-active travellers won’t be disappointed either. With its quintessentially Italian vibes, sleepy ambience and several amazing museums, Trento is perfect for bon viveurs , culture and art lovers as well.

What’s more important, Trento epitomises everything the world has loved about Italy throughout the decades – without the crowds. Think picturesque piazzas, elegant fountains and sweet-scented summer evenings. Trento has it all.

Suggested by: Maria & Katerina from It’s All Trip To Me

4. Bolzano, Italy

In the culturally rich city of Bolzano , located in Italy’s South Tyrol region , the blend of Italian zest and Austrian Alpine tradition meets to create an organized, but tasty travel adventure.

The city’s charm is evident as you wander through the vibrant Piazza delle Erbe or delve into history at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology , where the prehistoric Ice Man , Ötzi, is a must-see. He was unearthed in 1991 with receding glaciers perfectly preserved.

Bolzano is known to be the hottest city in Italy and can experience hot July temperatures, making it a perfect excuse to escape to the cooler mountains just a 30 minute bus ride from the Old town.

One of the best escapes is the Rosengarten-Catinaccio hike, famed for its breathtaking alpine scenery and the mythical stone rose garden.

To stay connected amidst the rugged terrain of spires and pinnacles (and no cell-phone service), carrying the best walkie talkies is advisable for safety and coordination among hiking companions.

A cable car ride to the cooler heights of Renon offers a reprieve from the city’s warmth and presents a panoramic view of the Dolomites.

Finish your day back in Bolzano with a delicious meal at a local tavern , where the flavors of Italian and Austrian cuisine meet and sip on a local Lagrein wine grown on the steep mountains surrounding Bolzano.

Suggested by: Dr. Morgan Fielder DPT from Crave the Planet

Here are some tours to explore more of South Tyrol!

5. Puglia, Italy

Nestled in the sun-drenched heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia with its beautiful beaches, whitewashed towns and rich local culture makes for a perfect European summer getaway.

The region boasts a diverse landscape, featuring picturesque coastlines , olive groves , and charming historic towns .

The Adriatic and Ionian Seas hug its shores, offering visitors pristine beaches and azure waters that are simply irresistible during the warm summer months.

With an abundance of sunshine, Puglia becomes a haven for sunseekers, encouraging leisurely beach strolls, water activities , and indulging in the region’s famed seafood delicacies.

Visit the historic town of Alberobello , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an iconic destination in Puglia, renowned for its unique trulli houses with conical roofs. Exploring these charming structures is like stepping into a fairytale village frozen in time .

Additionally, the city of Lecce , often referred to as the “ Florence of the South ,” captivates visitors with its Baroque architecture and vibrant street life.

Foodies will also love devouring the flavors offered by this Italian region . Visitors can savor local olive oils, wines, and fresh produce in traditional dishes like orecchiette pasta and burrata cheese .

The warm summer evenings offer the perfect backdrop for enjoying alfresco dining in one of the many quaint piazzas , where the atmosphere is lively and infused with the spirit of Italian hospitality .

In July and August , Puglia hosts numerous festivals and events, showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage. From the vibrant Tarantella music and dance festivals to local food and wine celebrations, there’s always something happening to immerse visitors in the authentic Puglian experience .

Suggested by: Merryl from Merryls Travel and Tricks

6. Korcula Island, Croatia

The island of Korčula in Croatia is definitely a recommended destination for the summer . Especially in July and August , this island gem stands out as one of the quieter places in Croatia , remaining an insider tip for a relaxed vacation away from mass tourism.

Situated in the Dalmatia region , the island is easily accessible by ferry from Split on the mainland, where the international airport Zračna luka Split-Kaštela is also located.

A must-visit and the absolute highlight of any trip is exploring the town of Korčula with its UNESCO-listed Old Town.

Visitors adore the medieval charm, and even in the summer, this coastal town maintains a pleasant atmosphere. Due to its city walls and towers, it is often referred to as the “ little Dubrovnik .”

The numerous beautiful beaches and natural coves are another highlight and the reason why this destination is so exceptional.

With temperatures around 30°C in the summer, you can spend delightful days along the Adriatic! From sandy beaches to pebbly coves and rocky shores, there is a variety of places for swimming. A week is the perfect timeframe to explore the island and truly relax.

An insider tip for a relaxed summer vacation on Korčula is undoubtedly the village of Lumbarda, a charming resort where wine enthusiasts will also find satisfaction. On the sandy hills above the sea , some of the best wines of Korčula are produced .

Suggested by: Places of Juma

See more of this Croatian gem with tours like this:

7. Istria, Croatia

If you’re seeking a European summer holiday destination that won’t break the bank this year, consider Istria in Croatia !

While most people flock to Croatian islands and Dalmatia , the northern Croatian coastal region of Istria is still kind of a hidden gem.

Croatia is not a budget summer holiday destination anymore, but it is still more affordable than Greece or Spain . Also, it is significantly less crowded if you know where to go!

The easiest way to reach Istria is to fly into Pula Airport, but you can also fly to Venice and drive down to Istria.

Whether you want to spend the summer swimming in the crystal clear sea in quaint seaside towns or you prefer picturesque hilltop villages , there’s something for you in Istria.

The biggest town in the region is Pula . This historic city is known for its well-preserved Roman ruins , including the Roman amphitheater that is still used as an events venue! An event you shouldn’t miss in July is the Pula Film Festival , where you can watch a movie under the stars.

However, if you’re looking for quaint coastal town vibes, Rovinj, Fažana, or Umag could be a better option! Nature lovers will be spoilt with nature escapes in Istria. From the unique Nature Park Kamenjak to National Park Brijuni or hiking the Korita trail .

Suggested by: Natali from She’s Abroad Again

8. Lofoten Islands , Norway

One of the most underrated places to visit in Europe in July and August is the Lofoten Islands in northern Norway . Located in the Arctic Circle , this scenic archipelago boasts astonishing natural beauty – from chalk-white beaches with turquoise water to dramatic mountains and picturesque fjords .

Whether you prefer to take a road trip through the islands, hike its numerous trails, enjoy the tropical-looking beaches or learn about its Viking history, Lofoten has something to offer for every type of traveler.

Some of the most beautiful hikes to include in your Lofoten Islands itinerary are Reinebringen, Håen and Mannen . Although these trails are quite short, they are rather steep so be ready to get your heart rate up.

At the end, however, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of some of the most spectacular landscapes in Lofoten.

Be sure to also set aside some time to explore the pristine beaches of Lofoten, which are often listed among the best beaches in Europe . Take a walk along the powdery white sands, go for an invigorating dip in the crystal clear sea, take a kayaking tour or try Arctic surfing.

Another fascinating experience to have on the Lofoten Islands during summer is to see the Midnight Sun, also known as the Polar Day. It’s a natural phenomenon taking place from late May to mid-July during which there’s 24 hours of daylight as the sun never sets.

Suggested by: Marjut from The Smooth Escape

Check out these tours to see Lofoten in even more depth:

9. Oslo, Norway

Oslo is one of the best places to visit in Europe during the summer, specifically in July and August . Known for its fantastic architecture, culinary scene, and trendy neighbourhoods, Norway’s capital city has a lot to offer.

To really make the most of your time here, you’ll want to spend at least 3 days in Oslo . This gives you enough time to visit the popular attractions, traverse some of the lesser-known areas, and head out to explore the Oslofjord.

The Oslofjord is a large inlet dotted with charming islands. Exploring these islands during the summer is a real highlight, as you can walk through forests, explore traditional Norwegian villages , and even head out for a swim if the weather is nice.

To reach the Oslofjord, you can head out on a sightseeing cruise or take the local ferries. The latter allows you to visit specific islands, while a cruise will typically just take you around the fjord.

Oslo also has a fantastic sauna culture and you’ll find many sauna establishments dotted along the harbour. Some of these are even floating saunas, making it easy for you to head out for a swim when you get too warm.

Another great reason to visit Oslo is its food scene. Although restaurant meals can be pricey, the city has some great street food establishments. Many of these ( such as Oslo Street Food ) have outdoor seating so you can sit outside in the sun.

When it comes to rainy days, there are some fantastic museums. Popular options include Munch , the Fram Museum , and the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History .

Suggested by: Abbie & Jack from A Couples Calling

10. Albanian Riviera

If you’re looking for a perfect European summer destination that is slightly off the beaten track and extremely budget-friendly , consider the southwestern coast of the Balkan country Albania, also known as the Albanian Riviera .

The Albanian Riviera stretches from Vlore all the way south until Ksamil and makes for a great summer road trip. Luckily, renting a car in Albania is very affordable, and driving is fairly straightforward.

After landing at Tirana Airport , pick up your rental car and head south to explore the gorgeous coast of the Ionian Sea . Your first stop should be Dhermi , boasting a wide stretch of beach lined with vibrant beach clubs and a lively nightlife scene.

For panoramic views of the coats, head to the historic part of Dhermi, dotted with quaint churches and winding alleys .

Continuing along the coast, you’ll reach Sarande, set in a picturesque bay. This lively town is famous for its fresh seafood restaurants and easy boat trips to the Greek island of Corfu , which take only half an hour.

Finally, visit Ksamil, often referred to as the ‘ Maldives of Albania ‘. Here, you’ll find stunning turquoise waters and white sand beaches, a true paradise for all beach lovers! Close to Ksamil is the historical site of Butrint, a must-visit for history enthusiasts and a famous water spring, the Blue Eye, which has a depth of more than fifty meters.

Suggested by: Mal from Raw Mal Roams

11. Theth, Albania

Theth is a cute little village in the Albanian Alps. It is the perfect summer destination , especially in July and August , because most of the winter, spring, and fall, the area is inaccessible due to heavy snowfall.

Traveling to Theth in Albania will please you if you are out for an adventure in a mountainous area that is not yet taken over by mass tourism. The natural scenery is absolutely stunning.

The village is surrounded by majestic peaks and the area is full of hiking trails leading to waterfalls and other nearby villages. One of the most popular hikes in the summer is the hike from Theth to Valbona .

Another popular route is the hike to the Blue Eye of Theth , an enchanting natural water pool with crystal-clear, azure waters .

This hike not only offers a refreshing reward at the end point but also provides incredible panoramic views of the Albanian Alps on the way .

The community in Theth is known for its warm hospitality, offering travelers a chance to experience authentic Albanian culture through homestays and traditional cuisine. Guesthouse Gjin Thana is a great choice.

It offers a marvelous location in between the Thethi mountains and serves up the most delicious dinners at great prices.

A great idea is to visit Theth on a round-trip from Skhoder by a minibus and boat combination . This will take you on a marvelous boat trip on Lake Komani and you will hike from Theth to Valbona before taking a minibus back to Skhoder.

Suggested by: Annelies from Travelers & Dreamers

12. Isle off the West Coast of Scotland, UK

The Small Isles off the West Coast of Scotland offer a haven away from the more touristy areas. Just a boat ride from the Isle of Skye, they offer their own dramatic scenery but a much quieter version.

The archipelago of four isles, and part of the Inner Hebrides, are Eigg, Rum, Muck and Canna . One of the secrets to their tranquillity is that no cars are allowed without a permit, which is only issued to residents and workers.

While Rum is large by comparison, the other three are perfect for walking around and on Eigg, you can hire an e-bike or a regular bike. Eigg also offers excellent sea kayaking, a walk to the singing sands , or a hike up the Sgurr , all of which will reward you with wonderful views.

If you visit the Isle of Canna in the early summer months, head out to see the puffins nesting on the sea stacks, then walk back across the island to stop off at the three churches, an old Celtic Cross and the Punishment Stone . Finally, head back to the harbour for some freshly caught lobster at the award-winning Cafe Canna .

The Isle of Muck is the smallest of the four and offers visitors white beaches, large rock pools and the chance to spot porpoises, seals, otters, dolphins, puffins and more.

The largest, the Isle of Rum, is home to Kinloch Castle , a nature reserve and great fishing and birdwatching opportunities.

The islands function almost entirely on sustainable energy produced by wind, rain and sun and produce a range of organic food.

A trip to one or all of the Small Isles is a perfect escape from the humdrum of life. With no traffic, noise or air pollution, rolling hills, dramatic cliffs and gorgeous beaches, any stress just melts away!

Suggested by: Alison of Everything Arisaig

13. Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way

The West Coast of Ireland is overlooked on many Ireland itineraries , but this beautiful remote corner of the Emerald Isle should be a serious contender for your summer travels. Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is a 1500-mile driving route created by Tourism Ireland.

If you drive the entire route, you’ll basically travel the entire length of Ireland’s West Coast: from Donegal in the north all the way to Kerry at the island’s southwest tip .

Highlights along the Wild Atlantic Way include some of Ireland’s most iconic sites such as the Cliffs of Moher , the Burren, Dingle Peninsula , Croagh Patrick , and Slieve League .

You’ll also find no shortage of hiking, stunning views, and small villages. It’s the perfect place to rent a holiday cottage for a week and merge into everyday Irish life .

If you’re looking to escape the summer crowds, consider concentrating your time on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way in County Mayo’s Clew Bay .

With the exception of Croagh Patrick , this part of Ireland often gets little mention in guidebooks, which means you’ll have miles of pristine sand beaches , abandoned pirate queen castles, and even world class surfing to yourself.

Head inland into the Sheeffry Mountains for beautiful loughs, excellent fishing, or a spa day at Delphi Lodge. Picturesque Westport on the tip of Clew Bay makes a perfect base .

Suggested by: Ada from Beyond the Yellow Brick Road

If you’re also thinking of a winter holiday, check out my list of the Best Places to Visit in Europe in December full of Christmas and non-Christmas ideas!

14. Iceland

If you love outdoor adventures, consider booking a summer getaway to Iceland, the Land of Fire and Ice .

July and August are the perfect time to visit this beautiful country, with warmer and more consistently clear weather (it’s still Iceland, though!), plenty of daylight hours to explore, and spectacularly long and beautiful sunsets and sunrises.

If you’re short on time, many visitors focus on exploring Reykjavik , the country’s capital city (where 60% of the country’s entire population live!) and the nearby southern coastline .

And it’s no wonder why—you could spend weeks exploring the landmarks here and still not see it all.

For example, consider heading to a hot spring, whether you want to experience Instagrammable commercial ones , like the Sky Lagoon , or more natural ones , like Hvammsvik Hot Springs .

Alternatively, Iceland is known for having stunning waterfalls—the country actually boasts over ten thousand of them! If you don’t quite have time for all of them, check out Skógafoss , a stunning 200 foot waterfall or Seljalandsfoss , a unique waterfall that you can actually walk behind!

If you happen to have more time in this incredible country, consider doing an epic road trip around the Ring Road , a road that, true to its name, circumnavigates the entire country.

While you’ll still get to stop and explore the popular sites near Reykjavik and along the country’s southern coastline , you’ll also get to explore lesser known gems, like Húsavík, a charming fishing village that’s renowned as one of the best whale watching spots in the country, or Stokksnes, a dramatic black sand beach, surrounded by mountains.

While June and July are Iceland’s summer, you’ll still want to include several warm and waterproof layers on your Iceland packing list . The weather here is fickle, no matter the time of the year!

Suggested by: Jess from Uprooted Traveler

15. Gozo, Malta

If you need a quiet European summer vacation, Gozo is the ideal destination. It is a beautiful mixture of nature, historical monuments and culture.

This humble gem is great for you if you want to get away from the crowds of tourists in July and August. It has peaceful conditions , rich history, and stunning natural beauty.

You can also head to Ġgantija Temples which is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Gozo. These prehistoric structures, which predate even the legendary pyramids of Egypt, offer a profound glimpse into the island’s distant era .

The mystical atmosphere surrounding these temples during the balmy summer season promises a one-of-a-kind and culturally enriching adventure.

You must visit Ramla Bay if you are a water baby. It has beautiful red sands and sparkling waters. People say it’s the best beach in Malta mainly because it’s peaceful. It is the perfect addition to your 10 day Europe itinerary .

You will be able to witness a famous cave called Calypso’s Cave. It is mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey.

Victoria is Gozo’s capital and you must explore it. The Citadella is a fortified city with very old roots. It is the main attraction in Victoria and provides exceptional panoramic views. You can also explore the various museums present inside the Citadella .

Ta’Pinu Basilica is another must-visit destination. This is a great piece of architecture. Around it are hills, and in the background, you can see the sea.

The esplanade , with its mosaic and statues, paired with the surrounding environment, makes for an excellent souvenir photo! It is also a significant pilgrimage site for the Maltese people .

You cannot miss out on the island’s delicious food. Indulge in fresh seafood dishes and local wines, best enjoyed in the quaint, family-run restaurants.

Suggested by: Lavina D’Souza of Continent Hop

See more of Malta with tours like this:

16. Sarajevo, Bosnia

If you want to travel somewhere in Europe in July and August without getting overwhelmed by the crowds, it’s time to think outside the box. The capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina , Sarajevo , is a true hidden gem in Europe.

In Sarajevo, you can learn a lot about European history , especially about the Bosnian war which only ended in the 1990s.

But Sarajevo is not all about history, today it’s a great example of different cultures meeting and mixing. Within a short walk of each other, you can visit the largest historical mosque , the biggest church , and the oldest synagogue .

When you’ve had enough of city life, you can take the cable car (or hike) up to a small mountain right next to the city. This mountain used to be home to the Winter Olympics of 1984 . Today it’s a popular recreational area where people go for walks or a picnic in this green space.

A hidden gem on this mountain is the abandoned bobsled track from the Olympic Games, which is sprayed with graffiti and overgrown by plants.

There are so many things to do in Sarajevo , but the best way to truly experience the essence of the city is to sit down in a tea house, drink some strong Bosnian coffee , and watch the life go past around you.

Suggested by: Tina from Veganderlust

17. Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt, Austria is an ancient, breathtaking village nestled between the Dachstein mountains and the pristine Hallstätter See (Lake Hallstatt). The panoramic views are only one of the reasons to visit this fairytale setting.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is so rich in history, dating back to the Iron Age, that you’ll find an endless number of things to do and places to explore.

Summer is the perfect time to visit Hallstatt to really take advantage of its natural beauty and enjoy activities like hiking, biking, and boat rides on the lake.

The village is really walkable and lends itself to relaxed strolls through the narrow, cobblestone streets that wind up into the mountainside . The village is filled with 16th century Alpine cottages , with a waterfall cascading down, and lakeside cafes and shops.

The famous Evangelical Church with its iconic steeple is a prominent part of the town and offers cultural events throughout the summer, such as the local choir performing in traditional costumes.

Some favourite activities are to rent boats on the lake and cruise across the water for views of a castle and the mountains that surround the lake.

You can also explore the world’s oldest salt mine with a tour through caves and tunnels. You’ll learn about the prehistoric remains that were found on the site.

Don’t miss the fascinating Ossuary Bone House that houses over 6000 skulls in St. Michael’s Church . Another big highlight is a trip to the Dachstein Glacier , up in the mountains, high above the lake to watch hang gliders fly!

If you are looking for a truly special spot to spend a few summer days with local traditions, cuisine, and culture, Hallstatt is an excellent choice!

Suggested by: Carrie Green-Zinn

18. Graz, Austria

Graz , despite being the second-largest city in Austria , belongs to lesser-known destinations in the Alpine country. That’s good because even in the summer, you won’t come across the typical European summer holiday crowds .

Graz has so much to offer; it’s a real hidden gem! The historical center is extremely pedestrian-friendly , and there are many picturesque sights to check out .

And right in the middle, you can’t help but notice a big hill with a clearly visible clock tower – the famous Uhrturm . Graz is just unique on all fronts.

The best thing about Graz is its vibe. The city lives for culture and likes to show off its quirks. Historical architecture blends in with extraordinary modern creations such as the Friendly Alien art museum or Murinsel .

A floating island connecting two river banks with a café in the middle, which has become a permanent fixture after Graz ’ status as the European Culture Capital in 2003 .

When the weather is nice, locals absolutely love hanging out! Every single restaurant , bar , and café has outdoor seating. Streets are full of locals who are enjoying their after-work drink and happily eat out nearly every night! The community vibe is truly exceptional.

Graz’s location couldn’t be more perfect – greenery awaits right on the outskirts. Locals flock each weekend to the Schöckl mountain just outside the city’s perimeter.

If you’d like to venture out even a little further, a beautiful mountainous area complete with peaks and pastures can be found near the village of Übelbach , which is accessible by a quick train ride.

Graz combines the best of both worlds – a vibrant city with fewer tourists, and a lush green escape – and is thus an ideal destination for your summer trip.

Suggested by: Veronika Primm from Travel Geekery

19. Sibiu, Romania

Sibiu is one of the most beautiful cities in Romania . Located in the heart of Transylvania , Sibiu is known for its medieval architecture and the historic houses with “ eyes ” on the roofs.

The city is surrounded by mountains, which contribute to pleasant summers, protecting from the scorching temperatures in the south of the country .

Sibiu is a small but lovely city to visit, with a very well-maintained pedestrian only centre. The old town surrounds the Big and the Small Squares , connected to each other through a watch tower.

The Small Square is home to the Bridge of Lies, which is said to collapse under whoever tells a lie whilst standing on it.

Another great place to visit in Sibiu is the Village Museum . Located on the city’s outskirts in a forested area, this museum displays traditional houses from the 18th and 19th centuries.

It spreads on many acres of land, with a lake, a river, and a traditional inn with an outdoor terrace serving food and drinks. Don’t miss trying some delicious traditional Romanian dishes such as sarmale, mici, or papanasi.

Most weekends in summer the city hosts open air concerts with some of the most popular bands in Romania playing on the central stage. They are always free of charge, and anyone can attend. There is always a reason to celebrate, so don’t miss these ad-hoc festivals when you visit Sibiu .

Suggested by: Joanna from The Romanian Cookbook

20. Ticino, Switzerland

For a magical warm visit in Europe for July or August, book your next travels to Ticino in Switzerland . This is the sunniest canton in the South of Switzerland , situated just North of Italy.

To get to Ticino, the closest and easiest airport is Milan Malpensa, with a direct train taking you to Ticino afterwards. However you can also consider Milan Bergamo or Zurich airport as alternatives .

So why Ticino? We are locals here and 100% suggest the destination based on how much there is to see and do for all ages. In July and August.

Ticino can be very hot, with local lakes , waterfalls (check Sonogno waterfall), beaches and springs being most popular. A highlight worth visiting is the Verzasca valley for its beautiful crystal clear waters.

Other things within Ticino that should be on your must-do list include a local boat trip on Lake Ceresio , eating freshly made Italian ice cream on the promenade of Ascona and to feel like a King or Queen at the 3 Bellinzona UNESCO castles .

For adventure, Ticino is fantastic for long Summer hiking routes . Places like Monte Tamaro , Piora Valley and in the Vallemaggia District . You can even consider camping in the mountains in Ticino to enjoy sunrise and sunset above 2000m elevation!

For a bite to eat, many Ticino Grottos are great for trying local cuisine such as polenta, risotto, cold meats and fresh cheeses.

You will also find most restaurants with an Italian twist, with the most delicious freshly made pizzas and pastas. Our favorite restaurant in Lugano with a view is AnaCapri .

Suggested by: Zoe from Together In Switzerland

21. Visegrad, Hungary

One of the coolest places to visit in Hungary during July and August is a small town called Visegrad. It is located very close to Budapest so it is a pretty easy day trip from the city.

One of the top things to do in Visegrad is to head to the Visegrad castle . This castle is perched at the top of a hill. From here you can have an amazing view of the Danube bend.

The castle itself has a lot of history that you can sift through and a lot of different rooms to explore. We particularly liked the wax mannequins that we used to recreate the scenes from the past.

There are other popular activities that you can enjoy here, including hiking , enjoying a leisurely drive of the surroundings or heading out to enjoy the Visegrad bobsled experience which is located just next to the Visegrad castle.

You will find that there are also a couple of museums that you can visit during your time here. In July and August , the weather is perfect. It is warm enough that you don’t need layers, the countryside is lush green and the surroundings are quiet and peaceful . It’s a pretty laid back place to visit and that in itself makes it popular.

Suggested by: Penny from Globe Trove

Explore the majestic Visegrad Castle and the charming town of Szentendre by the Danube on a private tour .

22. Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

Set in the heart of the Julian Alps in Slovenia , Lake Bohinj is a great place to visit in the summer. Its crystal-clear waters, surrounded by lush greenery and towering mountains, create a picturesque setting that easily makes it one of the most beautiful places in Slovenia.

In the summer months, there are plenty of things to do at Lake Bohinj , including many outdoor activities. Take a leisurely boat ride to soak in the breathtaking scenery or head out on the water in a kayak or paddleboard .

The water warms up in the summer months, and it’s perfect to take a dip in. The lakeside trail takes you around the lake, offering a variety of views, quiet beaches and the chance to breathe in the fresh mountain air.

For the adventurous, Triglav National Park provides a variety of hiking trails, from short hikes great for anyone in the family to longer, multi-day hikes through the park.

An easy, yet rewarding hike takes you to Savica Falls, or you can take the cable car to the top of Mount Vogel for a bird’s-eye view of the landscape .

Lake Bohinj, which is just as beautiful as neighbouring Lake Bled, is quieter and not as crowded in the summer months. While it’s not known for its tourist attractions, it’s perfect for those seeking a blend of adventure, relaxation and natural beauty.

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just looking to relax and unwind in a beautiful setting, Lake Bohinj is one of the best places to visit in Europe in the summer months.

Suggested by: Erin of Wanderlust with Kids

2 3. Triglav National Park, Slovenia

Triglav National Park is one of the most incredible and underrated nature destinations in Europe. Located in Slovenia’s northwest corner , Triglav National Park includes a part of the Julian Alps (and the end of the Alps mountain range) and is filled with jagged mountain peaks.

A myriad of hiking opportunities (both day hikes and multi-day treks), serene alpine lakes, gorgeous rivers, waterfalls galore, charming small towns, and fun adventure activities.

One of the crowning features of Triglav is the Soca River , a vibrant, turquoise-colored river that winds its way through the region. You can visit the Source of the Soca .

Where the river emerges from an underground cave, visit the Great Soca Gorge , do many hikes near or overlooking its shores, and even go white water rafting on the Soca (my favorite white water rafting trip to date!)

Hiking in Triglav is an exhilarating experience for anyone who loves nature. Some popular hikes include hiking Mount Triglav , the Valley of the Seven Lakes , Mount Krn (or even just up to Lake Krn), Slemenova Spica, and the Boka waterfall.

Don’t miss stopping at one of the mountain huts for a meal – you’ll get some of the best food in Slovenia here !

If you’re not a hiker but still want to get up in the mountains, definitely drive the Vrsic Pass, a series of tight switchbacks that takes you up to the top of a mountain pass. The views are insane!

Finally, Slovenia has a myriad of beautiful alpine lakes and waterfalls. Don’t miss Lake Jasna and Lake Bohinj , and the ever popular Lake Bled is just outside the borders. Waterfalls like the Kozjak, Martuljek, and Pericnik are must visits as well!

You can easily spend several days to several weeks exploring everything that Triglav National Park has to offer.

Suggested by: Stephanie of The Unknown Enthusiast

24. Costa Brava, Spain

Costa Brava, the coastline running along the Mediterranean Sea in the northeastern corner of Spain , has many small towns worth visiting in July and August. There’s nature to be explored in Cap de Creus National Park , beautiful beaches to swim at, and charming old towns to wander through.

The town of Cadaqués looks like a painting with its white buildings set against the backdrop of the rugged green hills behind it and the blue sea beyond it, which is fitting because it is known for once being home to Salvador Dali .

There are small beaches right in town to lounge at or if you’re up for a short hike just outside of town you’ll find Cala sa Sabello , the perfect cove to swim and snorkel in.

Begur is another small town to add to your itinerary. The narrow lanes of the old town have cute bars and restaurants to indulge in, just down the hill from the medieval castle that sits at the highest point in town.

Offering panoramic views of the gorgeous coastline. Don’t miss the turquoise waters of the nearby beaches, especially Aiguablava and Aiguafreda .

The seaside town of L’Escala is known for its heritage as a fishing village. You’ll find a variety of delicious seafood to enjoy but it’s especially famous for its anchovies. Pop into a cozy cafe or beachside restaurant in the lively Plaça de la Sardana to give the local delicacy a try. If you’re interested in history, you must visit the Greco-Roman ruins of Empúries while in town.

Suggested by: Melissa from Mountains and Mahals

25. Lyon, France

Lyon, France is one of the best places in Europe to visit during the summer. It is known as the gastronomic capital of France , and you’ll find a lot fewer tourists in Lyon than in Paris.

One of the must-visit places in Lyon is the Notre Dame Basilica, perched atop Fourvière Hill . The basilica is stunning (don’t miss the gilded mosaics) and the terraces are the perfect place to enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Vieux Lyon is the city’s historic heart. Enjoy strolling the cobblestone streets seeking out Lyon’s mysterious traboules (hidden passageways used by Lyon’s silk merchants). This is also where you’ll find the Saint-Jean Cathedral with its impressive astronomical clock.

A great way to explore the city’s famous cuisine is by taking a food tour in Lyon . Sample local favorite dishes from savory quenelles (fish dumplings) to Lyon’s sweet praline rose (pink sugared almonds).

Take a sightseeing river cruise to see the city from a different perspective and learn some of its history. Lyon was built at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers , and the city’s architecture spans from 2000-year-old Roman ruins to extremely modern buildings, including the Musée des Confluences .

Stroll through Lyon’s Presqu’île and see the Place des Terreaux with its fabulous Bartholdi Fountain. Admire the architecture of the Hôtel de Ville and Musée des Beaux-Arts which surround the square.

As you explore the city, be sure to keep your eyes open for Lyon’s famous trompe-l’oeil murals. Fantastic murals such as the Mur des Canuts and Fresque des Lyonnais take up entire sides of buildings and are incredibly realistic.

In July and August, enjoy beautiful weather with high temperatures in the low 80s – perfect for a long day of sightseeing!

Suggested by: Lisa Garrett of Travel to Lyon

26. Evian-Les-Bains , France

Evian-Les-Bains is a colorful and delightful French Spa town located in a very scenic spot on the southern shores of Lake Geneva . It lies at an altitude of 380m a.s.l close to the French Alps.

Evian is the place where the world-renowned EVIAN mineral water has its source. You should also know that… even Frankenstein monster visited this French town !

The lovely old town , cozy restaurants, thermal baths, activities on Lake Geneva, a lakeside promenade perfect for watching sunsets, and lots of hiking and cycling trails around the town makes Evian-Les-Bains a great place to visit in Europe in July and August .

What’s more, if you hate heat you’ll especially love Evian during summer months as the average temperature is a very pleasant 25°C. Also, thanks to the fact that it’s a lesser-known and quieter place you won’t experience wild crowds there. Doesn’t it sound fantastic?

What are the best things to do in Evian-les-Bains ? Number one is without a doubt discovering all the nooks and crooks of its old town. Don’t hesitate a second and take a long, lazy stroll among its streets filled with well-preserved colorful buildings.

Don’t miss spots like Rue Nationale – Evian’s main street , Place Charles de Gaulle – town main square , Source Cacha – EVIAN water spring , Palais Lumiere museum, and Church of Our Lady of the Assumption .

While in Evian, you can also take advantage of Thermal Spa which offers a wide range of toning, regenerating, and relaxing treatments. Holiday relax guaranteed!

Suggested by: Sonia from Happy Little Traveler

27. Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is an incredible city and a fantastic place to visit in Europe in July or August . Whether you want to sightsee for days on end, explore Istanbul’s fun and hip neighbourhoods , or just relax overlooking the Bosphorus River , you’re guaranteed a great summer trip in this historical and vibrant city.

In July and August, the daytime temperatures in Istanbul are generally hot (around 30 degrees) but far from overbearing, so you’ll still be able to sightsee and take in all of the treasures this city offers.

During the summer, the evenings are warm and provide endless opportunities to explore the city.

At this time of year, the energy is palpable, with travellers from all over the world filling the streets. The vibe is excellent, the city comes alive and it’s easy to see why Istanbul is ranked as a premier nightlife destination .

Istanbul has so much to offer in terms of attractions. The top sites are centrally located in the Sultanahmet neighbourhood and include the Topkapi Palace , the Hagia Sophia , the Basilica Cistern and the Blue Mosque . Nearby is the Grand Bazaar , one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world.

Then there’s also the famous Spice Bazaar , with mounds and mounds of spices and Turkish delight. Yumm !

In summer, one of the best things to do in Istanbul is to cruise along the Bosphorus River . Be sure to also take a day trip to the Princes Islands in the Sea of Marmara . Cars are banned on the islands, so you can explore at your leisure by foot or bicycle and bask in that beautiful summer sun.

Suggested by: Dotti of Travel Oasis

See more of Istanbul in summer with tours like this:

I hope this post has helped you find the best places to visit in Europe in July and August for your summer trip!

• For more of my posts see:
• 16 BEST Greek Islands for Families to Visit!
• 2 Day – 2 Week Southern Spain Itinerary! A Complete Guide to Planning Your Trip!
• 3- 5 Day Norway Road Trip Itinerary! Bergen to Alesund & Atlantic Ocean Road.
• 3 Day West Coast of Ireland Road Trip Itinerary To Follow!
• FULL Tenerife Road Trip Guide | Itinerary, Places To Visit in Tenerife, Car Hire!
• 36 BEST Things To Do In Istanbul With Insider Tips!

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Europe in August

July and August are considered peak months for backpackers and other travellers who come to the nation to enjoy the wonderful weather. Due to the scorching weather, avoid visiting Mediterranean nations around this period. Also, because it is the peak tourist season in Europe, hotel and other lodging costs usually climb. Because Europe has a diverse terrain, the temperature differs by area, from Mediterranean islands to cold Norwegian fjords. In most European nations, the weather in August is nice.

Visiting Europe in August From India

Flights from Indian airports connect European cities such as London, Paris, Vienna, and Amsterdam. Flights to Europe are available from Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, Chennai International Airport, and Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai.

After arriving in Europe by plane, you may take the train to explore the continent’s cities. Some major European cities have their own metro system to make transit more comfortable for everybody.

Once in Europe, you may take long-distance journeys throughout the continent. Countries with significant road networks include France, Germany, and Spain.

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10 Best Places to Visit in Europe in August

1. the eiffel tower, france.

The Eiffel Tower, which stands towering in the center of Paris, is one of the world’s seven wonders. The tower brings the city of romance to life and has beautiful architecture. Prepare to visit this magnificent site at night and experience the nightlife in order to make the most of your vacation to Europe in August 2024.

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Seine Cruise. Eiffel Top. Monalisa Viewing. Art Museums

2. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is known for its hustle and bustle and it’s a heaven for party animals. The city is lively 24 x 7 with an assortment of attractions and activities that range from historical monuments to adventure-based attractions.

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Pristine beaches. Exotic Stays. Tapas & wines. Quirky Festivals

3. Berlin, Germany

Berlin is one of Europe’s most inexpensive capital towns, with a thriving music and art scene and burgeoning gastronomy culture. Furthermore, this is the perfect season for outdoor activities. You may sample a range of low-cost Middle Eastern cuisines here. Don’t forget to visit the history museum, which is regarded as one of the greatest in the world.

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Explore Brandenburg Gate. Discover Neuschwanstein Castle. Walk Past East Side Gallery. Visit Berlin Cathedral. Savour Delectable Currywurst. Mourn at Holocaust Memorial.

4. Florence, Italy

Florence is a replete of art and architecture, and the summer months offer the perfect conditions for capturing the city in all its grandeur. Spend your sweltering days admiring the paintings of Italian masters at the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery, and the Florence Duomo. The Feast of San Lorenzo, Florence’s patron saint, is the highlight of August in Florence. The true beauties of Florence may be found in Tuscany’s wine making area, where you’ll find a plethora of gastronomic pleasures! Don’t miss out on the Bruschetta and Gelato!

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Beautiful Stays. Best Sightseeing. Irresistable Itineraries

5. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Many visitors enjoy chilly summer holidays in Europe, and if that is one of your choices, then August is the best time to visit Amsterdam. The city itself offers a diverse range of activities, including visits to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House, as well as an Amsterdam Canal cruise and a Red Light District walking tour.

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Canal Cruise. Keukenhof Tulip Fields. Heineken Brewery. Art Museums

6. London, United Kingdom

London is one of the ‘Great Cities of the world’ and it is at its finest in the summer! As always the clouds play peek-a-boo, but during August you enjoy maximum sunshine throughout the day. Walking is the best way to explore the city and there are multiple things to see and do in the summer.

Explore Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and the White Tower, as well as the London Eye’s panoramic and breathtaking cityscape. The BBC Proms, the Underbelly Festival, and a slew of summer festivals keep the city humming. Make the most of your time outside by participating in activities such as a Thames River Cruise and seeing a performance in the West End.

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Big Ben. Buckingham Palace. Hyde Park. Madame Tussauds & More.

7. Interlaken, Switzerland

Interlaken is nestled amid Switzerland’s magnificent mountains. The month of August is ideal for aimless hikes, hiking, trekking, and other adventurous activities in Europe. The temperature varies from 18°C to 20°C, making it ideal for outdoor activities. It’s a fantastic respite if you’re weary of seeing the same cities and museums on your vacation.

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Snow capped mountains. Cozy stays. Adventure rides. Fun itineraries

8. Budapest, Hungary

The major hub for visitors to Europe in the summer! Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is a beautiful blend of contemporary and traditional. The Danube’s waters are delightful in August, and an evening dinner cruise is an ideal way to take up the city’s aura. There is no scarcity of adventurous things, spanning from the Formula One Grand Prix to the Sziget Festival and the Budapest Summer Festival! Take a vacation and indulge in Hungarian delights such as Langos, Gulyas, and Dobos Torta.

9. Prague, Czech Republic

If you’re a budget traveller, Prague must be on your radar as it’s one of the cheapest cities to visit in Europe in August. A walking tour or a boat on the Vltava are the finest ways to see the city. Day excursions to Kutna Hora and Karltejn Castle are very popular throughout the summer. A pub crawl is a necessity on your schedule if you want to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife. In August, Prague features major summer festivities such as the Prague Jazz Week and the Holi Open Air Festival.

10. Venice, Italy

Venice is one of those everlasting spots that really is delightful to visit at any time of year. In the summer, however, it is frequently regarded as one of Europe’s most attractive destinations, as the dazzling weather enhances the floating city’s beauty and color! Festivals like Ferragosto, Pellestrina Regatta, and summer-specific festivals such as Cinema Under the Stars bring the city to life in August. When in Venice, take a gondola ride and serenade your significant other while viewing the sunset over the Venetian Lagoon!

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Art Galleries. Marvellous Bridges. Delectable Cuisine. Customizable Itineraries.

Europe has a vastly varied topography that could be experienced at any season of the year. Have you arrived at the most ideal moment to visit Europe? So, what’s stopping you from planning an incredible itinerary?  Make one as soon as possible! Check out Pickyourtrail’s numerous Europe tour packages to make your European Dream a reality!

Zubein Nawaz Khan

10 posts published., related itineraries.

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Best places to visit in Europe in August 2023

No doubt, August is the busiest month in Europe, with most Europeans being on holiday and looking to make the most of their free time. When thinking about August’s holiday destinations in Europe, you might find yourself overwhelmed with the range of choices.

It seems that vibrant festivals and unique events happen everywhere at the same time, all in interesting locations where there are plenty of other cool things to do. If you want to take part in the joyful summer atmosphere in Europe, here are our recommendations for August.

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Table of Contents

Best places to go in Europe in August 2023

Buñol, spain for la tomatina.

30th of August 202 3

The small Spanish town Buñol, near Valencia, is one of the best places to visit in Europe in August, and that is for an incredibly special reason: La Tomatina. With tens of thousands of people throwing ripe tomatoes at each other in the streets, La Tomatina is certainly the biggest and craziest food fight in the world and the most unique event you could attend in Europe.

It is uncertain how the tradition of the tomato fight began, but it has been going strong for decades and attracts visitors from all corners of the world, all eager to take part in this wacky and messy adventure. To avoid overcrowding, an official ticketing system was implemented, which limited the number of participants to only 20,000.

If you want to have your share of fun at La Tomatina, make sure to book your ticket in advance. Since the event lasts only a couple of hours, you can also spend some time in charming Valencia to enjoy the unique architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences and the impressive Oceanogràfic, the biggest aquarium in Europe.

Siena Italy for the Second Palio of Siena

16th of August 202 3

Every summer, the Tuscan city of Siena holds two traditional horse races, known as Palio, in the historic Piazza del Campo. The Second Palio, called Palio dell’Assunta or Palio delle Contrade, takes place on the holiday of the Virgin Mary, on the 16 th of August.

Held annually since 1644, this is one of the most authentic Italian traditions and a famous sporting event, which creates an electric atmosphere in Siena. The race reunites competitors from the 17 quarters, or contradas, of the city, who compete against each other in an attempt to bring the prize to their contrada.

Thousands of residents and tourists fill the piazza to support their quarter. The fastest rider wins the Palio, a symbolic piece of cloth that marks his victory. He is honored by his quarter, and the day ends in joyful celebrations. Surprisingly, the race lasts up to 90 seconds, but the festivities begin three days before the race and include banquets, parades, and all kinds of celebrations.

Locals wave flags, and music and singing continue day and night. The medieval architecture of Siena will make the immersion into this historic tradition even more delightful, and at the end of Palio, you can explore the magnificent rolling hills of Tuscany, dotted by castles and countryside palazzos.

Check out 45 things to do in Tuscany here . 

Salzburg, Austria, for the Salzburg Festival

20th of July 2023 – 31st of  August 202 3

The Salzburg Festival is arguably one of the most prestigious musical events in the world. Held every year in Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, the festival invites the world’s best and most famous opera singers, musicians, conductors, and orchestras to perform in the Baroque historic center of Salzburg.

More than 90 years since it was founded, the Salzburg Festival brings together today the most distinguished personalities from the world of classical music. The festival has a broad artistic program that includes concerts, opera, and drama, while the productions range from classical works to modern interpretations and avant-garde experiments.

Every year, there are new opera productions on the program. The house band is the outstanding Vienna Philharmonic. Visitors who come to Salzburg for the festival are pleasantly surprised to discover the picturesque surroundings and the abundance of activities that the city offers, including lake excursions or golfing.

Where to stay in Salzburg

Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt : This 5-star hotel dates back to 1377 and is perfectly located in the heart of Salzburg’s Old Town. The hotel was recently renovated, and it’s centrally located to the sights.

Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Salzburg : This traditional hotel is conveniently located near Mirabell Palace. The Vier Jahreszeiten is within walking distance of the train station and Old Town.

Edinburgh, Scotland, for the Festival Fringe

4th of August 2023 – 28thh of  August 202 3

There are few events like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Both organizers and participants agree that this is the largest and most inclusive celebration of arts and culture in the world. Lasting three weeks every August, the festival transforms Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, into a hub of creativity and artistic freedom.

The festival makes room for a massive number of artists and performers and prepares for the hundreds of stages in different venues. With over 50,000 performances, there are shows to match all tastes and expectations. This iconic arts festival welcomes both famous names from the world of entertainment and unknown artists looking to expand their careers.

With a focus on theatre and comedy, the range of performances is exceptional and includes cabaret, dance, musicals, opera, exhibition, stand-up comedy, spoken word, and live concerts.

Where to stay in Edinburgh

Macdonald Holyrood Hotel : Macdonald Holyrood Hotel is located at the base of the Royal Mile, behind the Scottish Parliament building. Its central location is great for those in Edinburgh on business or pleasure. The 157-room hotel features an award-winning spa, an extensive wine cellar, and excellent views of the Old Town.

Hotel Indigo : Hotel Indigo is a locally owned boutique hotel located in New Town’s York Square. It is just steps from Waverley Station and a tram stop in St. Andrew’s Square, making it an ideal location for both business and leisure travelers. Rooms at this charming hotel are individually designed and reflect the history and culture of this ancient capital city.

Check out how to spend 3 days in Edinburgh here .

London, England, for the Notting Hill Carnival

Aug 27, 2023 –Aug 28, 2023

A multi-day celebration of London’s Caribbean communities, Notting Hill Carnival, is the largest street festival in Europe, with around one to two million participants every year. This colorful event brings the best of Caribbean heritage and culture to the streets of London, and visitors will discover fantastic dance performances, live music, delicious Caribbean food, dazzling parades, and beautiful costumes.

Celebrating the tropical Caribbean islands can only be an explosion of vibrant energy, and Notting Hill Carnival is nothing but a spectacle of colors, sounds, and flavors, which exposes visitors to the multicultural character of London.

The carnival is free, and any party lovers are more than welcome to enjoy the energetic atmosphere while discovering the best live music on several different stages and sampling incredible foods, such as seasoned jerk chicken or goat stew.

Where to stay in London

The Ampersand Hotel : This superb hotel in the Kensington and Chelsea borough of London is chic and cosmopolitan and is ideal for those visiting the museums around South Kensington. Both the rooms and the facilities of the hotel are sophisticated and stylish, with quirky décor and a fantastic restaurant adding to the experience.

Novatel London Canary Wharf : The Novatel at Canary Wharf offers everything you expect of a smart chain hotel: contemporary design, comfortable rooms and a 24h front desk for added convenience. This property also boasts a stunning rooftop bar with 360-degree views of the city which makes it well worth a visit!

Check out my post: a 7 day London itinerary for more things to do in London .

Bristol, England, for the International Balloon Fiesta

10th of August 2023 – 13th of August 202 3

The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is a spectacular event as Bristol brings to its skyline over a hundred hot air balloons from all over the world. Considered the largest annual meeting of hot air balloons and a decades-old tradition, the festival is truly a sight to be seen.

Held at Ashton Court Estate, it lasts four days, and it is a completely free experience. The first ascent of the balloons happens at dawn when participants can enjoy a simple breakfast of tea and toast while watching the rise of the balloons.

Besides the fantastic view of hot air balloons covering the sky, there are many activities available, including fairground rides, trade stall visits, and plenty of other entertainment from local musicians. At night, the balloons light up the sky, and the festival ends with fireworks.

There are many attractions outside the festival grounds as well. Since Bristol is one of the most interesting cities in England, a sightseeing tour to places such as the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery or Clifton Suspension Bridge is highly recommended.

Beech House Apartments : My friends and I stayed at the Beech House Apartments, located about halfway between the city centre and Clifton Village. Our experience at the luxury serviced apartments was great, and I highly recommend it to visitors to Bristol.

Hotel du Vin : The Hotel du Vin offers 18th-century architecture with a contemporary twist on hotel life. Rooms are more like lofts, with crisp Egyptian cotton sheets and deep soaking tubs in the exquisite bathrooms.  The hotel is perfect for families or couples, and its location in the city center makes it also ideal for travelers on business.

Check out how to spend a weekend in Bristol .

Zurich, Switzerland, for the Street Parade

12th of  August 202 3

If you’re wondering where to go to Europe in August for the best party of the year, the answer is Zurich. In the summer, the picturesque Swiss city hosts the Street Parade, an effervescent techno party that takes over the entire city.

Focused on electronic music, such as techno, trance, or drum & bass, the Street Parade Zurich invites hundreds of thousands of fans to come and party around the city’s gorgeous lake basin. Large, enthusiastic crowds transform Zurich into the most vibrant place in Europe for a day, and the atmosphere is that of an incredible outdoor party, with people dancing and hundreds of DJs making music on multiple stages.

Music blasts uninterruptedly from the amazing sound systems. After the parade, parties go on night and day in the many clubs of the city. When tired of partying, guests can also enjoy the charming attractions of Zurich, from museums to natural sights.

Where to stay in Zurich

Hotel Limmatblick : This 3-star hotel is perfectly located in the city center of Zurich, on the Limmat river and just 400 m away from Zurich’s main train station. It offers clean rooms with free Wi-Fi and bathroom toiletries. Other amenities include tea and coffee-making facilities, a safe, and a minibar. Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Baur au Lac : If you are looking for a 5-star hotel Baur au Lac is the one. Located in its own private park in the heart of the city, it offers great views of Lake Zurich. It offers luxurious rooms with free Wi-Fi and minibar use. Other amenities include a fitness center, 2 restaurants,  one of which was awarded 1 Michelin star and 18 points by Gault Millau. Click here for more information and the latest prices.

You might be interested in: 2 days in Zurich . 

Helsinki, Finland, for the Helsinki Festival

17th of  August 2023 – 3rd of  September 202 3

The largest multi-arts festival in Finland takes place in Helsinki every summer. With the goal of making art accessible to everyone, the festival has a broad program, which includes classical music, jazz and pop concerts, theatre, contemporary dance, film screenings, children’s events, and not only.

The events take place all throughout the city, and many international artists are invited to perform alongside Finnish artists. Many performances are free, either at the large festival tent, usually built in one of the city parks, or at other venues. This annual celebration of the arts culminates with the Night of the Arts, the most intense and interesting part of the program.

Celebrating every form of culture and art, the Helsinki Festival is the biggest cultural event in Finland in terms of visitors and a number of performances and events, but Helsinki also deserves your attention. Sitting on a peninsula, the Finnish capital is beautiful, cool, and unpretentious, offering visitors plenty of things to do.

August in Europe might be crowded and hot, but it is the most interesting month on the continent due to the eclectic range of festivals, concerts, events, and historic traditions that cannot be found elsewhere. If you decide to come to Europe in August, there’s surely something that will impress you.

Check out how to spend one day in Helsinki. 

You might also like to check out: The best places to go in Europe in September 2020.

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Best Places to Visit in August in Europe

Looking for long, lazy beach days, exciting cultural events and plenty of chances to dance the night away? The sun is shining, temps are high and festival season is well underway in the best places in Europe to visit in August. Summer brings a certain kind of magic to the continent, when tourists and locals combine to create an atmosphere of incorrigible fun.

That’s not to say you can’t find a slice of pristine sand to yourself or pockets of quiet serenity among cobblestone streets. However, this is peak season, so expect a ready-made party of new friends at the most popular destinations. As a top tip, make sure you book early to beat the rush for accommodation and special events during this action-packed month. And don’t forget the sunscreen!

Best European Cities to Visit in August

From turquoise waves lapping on sugar-soft sand to colourful streets filled with revellers, the best places to visit in Europe in August are awash with dynamic energy. Alfresco dining is at its social best, some of the world’s top musicians headline famous festivals and traditions take centre stage to celebrate local cultures. Pack your bags with fun, sun and glittering events in mind.

BUDVA, MONTENEGRO

Located on a gorgeous arc of beach backed by lush forest, the Sea Dance Festival rocks Budva in August, placing it firmly on the list as one of the most fun places to visit in Europe.

Around 100 international music artists include international megastars and local favourites with a focus on electronic and pop tunes, along with cocktails in the sun and swimming in crystalline seas. You can stay at the Sea Dance Camp or travel from Budva’s Old Town, which is just a scenic, 30-minute drive away.

The party doesn’t stop away from the festival, along the meandering coast of the Budva Riviera. Backed by soaring limestone mountains, picturesque beaches are just a stroll from the city’s medieval walls.

Stari Grad, or Old Town, is one of the oldest urban centres in the Adriatic, with winding streets, Mediterranean-style stone houses, charming squares and atmospheric churches. Buzzing bars and nightclubs prove Budva’s reputation as the ‘Montenegrin Miami’.

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Sziget Festival was once a small gathering of music lovers and it’s now one of Europe’s top music extravaganzas, with fans flocking to Budapest from across the globe. Put your best dancing shoes on for more than 1,000 shows across 60 stages, including circus acts, theatre shows, art installations, and famous headliners. However, this isn’t the only reason why Hungary’s capital is one of the best cities to visit in August.

With gorgeously warm temperatures, this is a great time to make the most of the city’s abundance of spa-swimming pool complexes, complete with wave pools and water slides. One of the most popular attractions, Buda Castle, hosts the Festival of Crafts, where masters present unique, traditional crafts through workshops.

Budapest’s nightlife is always sparkling, but the summer months bring the Szechenyi bath parties. The ‘Sparties’ combine the thermal bath scene with drinking, light displays, and a whole lot of dancing.

VALENCIA, SPAIN

As one of the driest months of the year, Valencia is home to some of the best beaches to visit in August when all you want is sun, surf and sand in Spain . As a huge bonus, the nearby town of Buñol hosts one of Spain’s most famous festivals – La Tomatina.

Get dressed for one of messiest encounters you’re ever likely to have, where revellers pelt each other with tomatoes until the town, and everyone in it, runs red with juicy puree. What’s the meaning of it all? Nothing but the pure enjoyment of food fights.

To wash off, head to any number of beaches. La Malvarrosa offers a wide stretch of sand and a bustling promenade. Port Saplaya is a colourful old seaport area with a marina and beachfront restaurants.

Join the locals for a bike ride around Turia Gardens and enjoy a feast with your eyes and your taste buds at 1,000 or so stalls at Central Market. Get the camera ready for visits to both historical and futuristic attractions, such as Valencia Cathedral and the City of Arts and Sciences.

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

There’s no doubt that Edinburgh is one of the best places in Europe in August. With more than a staggering 50,000 performances and over 3,000 shows across 300 venues, this is the time of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival , the largest arts festival in the world. Three weeks of extraordinary shows include cabaret, comedy, theatre, dance, operas, musicals, children’s shows, exhibitions, food events and lectures.

The whole city is transformed during the festival period, with an atmosphere of celebration that’s hard to compare to anything else. Though it doesn’t put it among the cheapest places to visit in Europe, it pays to save up, and then splash out to make the most of the ticketed events.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is one such spectacle that’ll live on in your memory, with armed forces marching in Scottish kilts, the powerful sounds of bagpipes and a magnificent fireworks display over Edinburgh Castle.

Read More: One Day in Edinburgh, Scotland: A Walking Tour of the Top Sights

PAG ISLAND, CROATIA

A small island off the coast of Croatia bursts to life to the sounds of electronica, with the Sonus Festival in August. Pag Island welcomes international headliners, local artists and new music acts to the sparkling shores of Zrce Beach.

Along with shows, festive fans indulge in boat parties and chilled-out house soirees to take a break from the action. The festival extends for five days, so there’s plenty of time to dance, recover, swim and do it all over again.

Currently, Pag Island is among the more obscure places to visit in Europe, but not for long. This upcoming destination is a land of lunar landscapes, with two dramatic mountain ridges, olive groves and pastures surrounded by the startling blue of the Adriatic. Sublime beaches combine with secluded, hidden coves and this is one of the sunniest places in the entire region.

The town of Novalja is party central, but also contains an original Roman aqueduct that runs for more than a kilometre. Don’t miss out on seeing the Pag Triangle, a natural phenomenon of unusual stone patterns that has attracted the attention of UFO investigators.

GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN

There’s no lack of choices when it comes to music festivals in the best places to visit in Europe in summer. For rock, indie, hip-hop and dance fans, the Way Out West Festival sees a secluded woodland setting in Gothenburg explode with eclectic sound.

Among the musical performances on a backdrop of lakes and sweeping parklands, there are movie screenings, delicious vegetarian food and a sincere focus on sustainable practices throughout the festival.

Venues all over central the central city host events during the festival and there’s a wealth of other things to do in Gothenburg too.

Take the kids to Liseberg, Scandinavia’s largest amusement park, and explore the Nordic collections in the Gothenburg Museum of Art. See the unique, church-like façade of Feskekôrka fish market and discover the succulent fresh produce inside. For a day trip, it’s easy to visit the lovely fishing villages, granite cliffs and serene beaches of the Gothenburg archipelago.

SARDINIA, ITALY

Sardinia boasts long, hot summers, so it’s a natural choice as one of the best places to go in Italy in August for a relaxing beach break. But, it’s also your chance to see the passionate and colourful Descent of the Candlesticks , in Sassari.

A UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List event, large wooden columns are carried through the historic streets to the sounds of pipes and drums. The ‘candlesticks’ are rotated three times at the end of the rituals in honour of the Virgin Mary, creating a dancing procession of visual splendour.

One of the prettiest places to visit in Europe, Sardinia captivates the senses at every turn. If you’re looking for the picture-perfect beaches of your dreams, you’ll find them along the protected Sinis Peninsula, the horseshoe-shaped Spiaggia Su Portu, the wild and secluded Costa Verde and so many more.

After beach-hopping on this Italian island , delve into the mysterious Neptune’s Grotto in Alghero and walk along the medieval city walls. Hike through the remote interior and explore a range of Roman ruins, including ancient Nora which was developed in the 4th century.

ZAKYNTHOS ISLAND, GREECE

Searching for the best beaches to visit in Europe? How about a visit to one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet? Show-stopping Navagio, or Shipwreck Beach is an exposed cove wrapped in white, limestone cliffs and ridiculously blue water. On its shores lies the intriguing, rusty remains of freightliner, MV Panayiotis.

Navagio is just one among a dazzling line up of beaches though, including the loggerhead sea turtle haven of Gerakas and the healing sulphuric springs of Ksigia.

As one of the best places to visit in Greece in August, the island certainly sees some sun-loving visitors. However, you’ll find serenity in hidden coves, romantic villas and atmospheric restaurants with traditional Greek food and stunning sunset views.

Delve into historical explorations at the Venetian Fortress, Solomos Museum and Strani Hill, where national poet, Dionisios Solomos, was inspired to write the National Anthem. For lively nightlife, spend the night in the bars and tavernas of Laganas.

HELSINKI, FINLAND

Often ranked as one of the safest places to visit in Europe, Helsinki is an outdoor lover’s dream in summer. Furthermore, August heralds the arrival of the Helsinki Festival .

The country’s largest arts event is a smorgasbord of classical music, drama, contemporary dance, film, visual art and children’s events. The Night of the Arts sees the city’s incredible museums, bookshops, galleries and theatres open up with cultural surprises.

Enjoy history with the great outdoors at the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum. Recreations of cottages, farmsteads and churches represent the work, traditions and celebrations of Finnish history. Just outside of town, Nuuksio National Park is a wonderland of saunas, hiking, canoeing and lakeside cabins.

For adrenaline-boosting boating trips, take a tour out to the coastal gems of the Helsinki archipelago to see unique islands. By night, Helsinki offers everything from trendy bars to gourmet dining and casual brewpubs.

MADEIRA, PORTUGAL

It’s often voted among the top island escape destinations in the world, so it’s safe to say this is one of the best places to honeymoon in August. Madeira is a subtropical paradise of volcanic islands off the coast of Morocco.

The awe-inspiring scenery is dramatic in its variety, with soaring rock walls, plummeting valleys, lush botanical gardens and the blue Atlantic washing pebbly shores. Long known as a honeymoon haven, intimate hideaways, local wines and romantic backdrops abound.

Stroll around the historic centre of the capital, Funchal, and wine and dine at Michelin-starred restaurants. Whisk off to Monte on the Funchal cable car for panoramic views and visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden to see over 100,000 plant species in fairytale surrounds.

For a thrill with a difference, jump on board a traditional wicker basket toboggan ride through the streets. Or, simply indulge in serene picnics by the beach with delicious treats from the stalls at Mercado dos Lavradores.

Things to keep in mind when travelling to Europe in August

The best places to visit during August in Europe inevitably hold mass appeal to tourists from across the globe. Not only that, but Europeans are on summer holidays too, so everyone’s out and about enjoying one of the busiest months of the year. With a few tips though, you’ll avoid any issues and make the most of the festivities of summer.

Prepare for the heat

Temperatures can soar throughout Europe in August, which is fine if you’re lounging by the ocean or a pool. However, when you’re out sightseeing, don’t neglect to take your hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Research your destinations

Some of the top places to visit in Europe, especially in Italy and France , partially shut down during July and August while locals take their own beach breaks. This includes Paris , however, most people see this as a plus. The absence of many locals doesn’t usually affect tourist attractions, but local services that you’re unlikely to need.

Take care of your belongings

It goes without saying that it’s important to keep an eye on your stuff when you’re travelling. Keep in mind though, that August brings the biggest opportunities for petty theft from pickpockets across the most popular tourist attractions, simply due to the large crowds. Choosing the best bag for travel in Europe is important to keep your belongings safe.

Avoid the crowds

The best way to avoid the crowds and queues at attractions is to arrive very early in the morning to beat the rush. Alternatively, arrange your tickets online in advance of travel, so you’re only lining up to get in.

Keep your schedule flexible

Try not to lock yourself into a fixed schedule during August, as better opportunities might arise once you’re there. For example, if there’s a gigantic line to get into the Colosseum in Rome when you’ve scheduled to go, give yourself the flexibility to find a better use of your time and pop back when it’s quieter.

While you won’t be alone in the great places to visit in Europe in August, you’ll certainly benefit from the month’s extraordinary events calendar, sunny weather and attractions custom-made for warm-weather fun.

Join in with the festive spirit, then recharge on many of the world’s most stunning beaches, for a holiday blessed by the radiance of summer.

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Europe in August: Top 10 Best Places to Visit

Europe in August is the typical European summer where the days are longer with bright sunshine, and the continent sparkles brilliantly under the blazing sun. In Europe, It is the peak tourist season, crowded by tourists and visitors in the streets, sightseeing areas, beaches, shopping markets and almost every corner of the European cities.

The hotels and accommodations this time are quite expensive and packed up. If you are planning for Europe holidays in August, make sure you have your accommodations pre-booked.

Table of Contents

What is the weather in Europe in August?

The northern part of Europe has pleasantly warm weather to travel. The temperature mostly remains around 20 degrees and sometimes have a drop due to little rain of not more than 12 degrees. The western part of Europe almost has a similar kind of climate as the temperature varies between 20 and 13 degrees.

The eastern part of Europe experiences a very hot and humid climate having a soaring temperature of 26 degrees. While the Mediterranean part is the hottest having temperature between 34 and 24 degrees but still you can travel as the humidity drops in this region in August.

A summer tour in Europe can be a bit confusing to understand which places will be the best to explore as most of the destinations loaded with travelers. So to suggest to you where to go on holiday in August, here is the following list of places that will let you decide where to travel in August in Europe.

Places to Visit Europe in August

Stockholm, sweden.

Stockholm is a charming European city, which is the capital of Sweden . Due to its strategic location at the confluence of Lake Malar and Salt Bay, it is popularly given the name of “Beauty in Water.” It is a complete summer destination and hence one of the best places to go in August.

The city during this time has a temperature between 17 to 20 degrees with 9 hours of sunshine. You can hunt for the exclusive museums and art galleries of the city during this time. You can go for a city walk to explore the Gamla Stan Old town of Stockholm, have a day tour at the Stockholm traditional market.

Also, you can go for Sigtuna boat trip on Lake Maralen, or visit the famous city attractions like Vasa Museum, Djurgarden, Skansen Open Air Museum, The Royal Palace, gorgeous Fotografiska, City Hall, and many more.

August lets you enjoy some of the best summer festivals like the Stockholm Cultural Festival, WeAreSthlm music festival, Stockholm Arts Festival. And the Stockholm Midnight runs, Swedish Kraftskiva and other local events. The city is packed with entertainment stuff in August, which makes it among the famous August gateways in Europe .

Read also:   Islands in Europe: Top 10 Best Island Holidays in Europe to Visit

Andorra is a beautiful hilly country lying on the ranges of European Pyrenees and situated between the states of France and Spain. If you want to escape the scorching European summers, Andorra is a great destination to travel in August due to temperatures ranging between 12 to 17 degrees.

August in Andorra has many tourist destinations to cherish. You can start by exploring its prettiest town Encamp having a panoramic mountainous background, various old buildings, restaurants, cafes surrounded by the gorgeous Valira d’Orient river. You can enjoy the best hiking and trekking here.

Another amazing attraction is the Caldea Thermal Spa, an excellent way to rejuvenate you in the hot summer season among the beautifully decorated spa featuring a huge pool with loads of decorative water tunnels and relaxing areas.

You can go for the day tours exploring Sant Jonas De Caselles Church, visit the old churches, beautiful market areas of the Ordino town, and visit the breathtaking Sant Marti Church in the painted village town of La Cortinada.

You can give yourself a visual treat viewing the hit stream much like waterfalls flowing through the city of Les Escalades, Take a tour of the Valira d’Orient Valley, santa Coloma Church, visit the National Automobile Museum, and stroll through the heritage valley of Madiu-Perafita-Claror and numerous other attractions.

Read also:   Top 9 Best Wine Countries in Europe

Gibraltar is one of the breathtaking august holiday destinations in Europe being the summer paradise. The British overseas territory is famous for the giant “Rock of Gibraltar,” and hence the name follows. The picturesque location has a pure European summer during August having temperatures between 25 to 28 degrees.

August is packed with best entertaining summer events in Gibraltar like Gibraltar Summer Nights hosting various music and dance events along with celebrity performances, Thursday Jazz night and Jam sessions, International Harley and custom bike rally, Gibraltar Electronic music festival, Garrison Library Tour, Saturday colorful Morning parade by the Re-enactment Association community people, Gibraltar fair and many other entertaining events adding festive colors to the city.

Apart from cultural events, the eye-arresting attractions are always there like The Famous Gibraltar Rock, Gibraltar Museum, Apes Den, Gorham’s Cave Complex, St.Michael’s Cave, lovely painted beaches like Catalan Bay, Camp Bay, Eastern Beach, Western Beach, Sandy, and Little Bay, Ibrahim-Al-Ibrahim mosque at picturesque Europa Point, Moorish Castle, city monuments, etc.

Spend the dazzling summer nights at the waterside gastro bar Lounge, or have some lip-smacking wines and cocktails with Mediterranean cuisine at Star Bar, dance all the way at Clipper Club or treat yourself with the Gibraltar delicacies like meat pies, fish and chips, pazztas, risottos, jacket potatoes, etc at Royal Calpe and several other city restaurants.

Read also:   Top 15 Best Experiences in Europe

Bern, Switzerland

Bern is among the best places to go on holiday in August. The climate of Bern in August is warm and comfortable having a temperature between 17 to 22 degrees. The city has an appealing medieval beauty bordered by the turquoise blue river Aare.

The Old Town of Bern is a significant tourist attraction and also the heritage site of the city featuring colorful old houses interconnected with bridges, ancient statues, narrow cobblestone streets surrounded by the panoramic views of the Aare river, beautiful fountains, and the famous Clocktower.

Other top summer attractions include Kunstmuseum, Historical Museum of Bern, vibrant green Rosengarten, the gorgeous gothic building of Berner Munster, and many other attractive destinations.

You can also opt for fun activities like Paddling in the Aare river, visiting the Lorraine Chilbi festival, join the happening Buskers Street Music Festival. Or enjoy the Bern delicacies at Pater Flamingo and taste the delicious ice cream flavors to beat the summer heat at Eiswerkstatt ice cream workshop. If you are still browsing about where to travel in August or where to go in Europe in August , include Bern in your top 3 choices.

Read also:   Top 15 Medieval Towns in Europe

Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor is the coastal area of Montenegro, which is famous across the world for its lovely bays and Old Medieval town featuring the 12th to 14th-century buildings and architectures . The city is good to visit in summer, but the temperature remains quite high between 26 to 31 degrees.

The main attraction of Kotor is to take a stroll in its beautiful old town. That has high historical importance due to its ancient monuments fortress, spacious squares, and alleys leading you to old courtyards. Cozy plazas are depicting the ancient history and traditions of the town.

You can go for a tour to Perast, a beautiful city across the Kotor bay featuring baroque palaces, narrow streets, abandoned structures from the Renaissance period. Apart from that, San Giovanni Fortress is another famous attraction offering a mesmerizing view of the Kotor Old town and Boka bay.

It requires 1355 steps to reach the highest point of the fortress. Every level gives you a million-dollar view of the Kotor bay and lets you know about its history.

Other tourists locations to explore in Kotor are- Saint Tryphon’s Cathedral, Cat Museum, Saint Nicholas Church, Saint Luke’s Church, boat cruising to Our Lady of the rocks and hiking the Ladder of Kotor, etc., while the nights are happening at Letrika or other nightclubs with some good music and mouthwatering food.

Read also:   Top 6 Mountains to Go Hiking in Europe (For Outdoors Enthusiasts)

Graz, Austria

Graz is a picturesque stunning city of Austria that is famous for its beautiful architecture belonging to the Romanian period. Europe in August looks outstanding in Graz with warm summer weather having temperatures between 21 to 26 degrees. The city organizes many entertaining events for the visitors during summertime like Graz Food Festival, Schlossberg hill. Walking tour which is best known for its scenic beauty and features Liesl bell cannon, the famous Schlossberg clock tower.

The Graz at Twilight is another enchanting event. Where the streets are lit up historic lanterns, flashing light signals, illuminated facades that give a magical evening look to the city

Other festivals include International festival La Strada organizing Street Puppet theater, which is an extremely funfilled experience for the kids and children. And the famous Long Table of Graz in August’ last week where the historic center of the city. Turns into an open-air restaurant letting thousands of people to have dinner together in decorated long tables accompanied by musical instruments, and a long list of wines and beers.

The festivals of Grez sufficient to make your holidays in August a memorable experience while its painted sightseeing locations are always there to make your tour worthwhile. Be it in terms of festivities or tourist attractions, Grez ranks among the five best places to visit in August in Europe .

Read also:   Europe Bucket List: Top 12 Unusual Destinations in Europe to Visit

Pecs, Hungary

Situated on the gorgeous Mecsek mountain ranges in the southwestern part of Hungary , the city of Pecs is an ideal location to visit in August. The temperature in August here normal varies from 15 to 20 to a maximum of 26 degrees. The 2000 years old city is famous worldwide for the Zsolnay ceramics and the Turkish ruins. It has a blend of Romanian and Turkish culture with a Mediterranean feel.

The city features various historical attractions and museum uncovering the past stories. Some of the famous tourist destinations to explore are- Pecs Cathedral, Mosque of Pasha Qasim, Sopianae Early Christian Mausoleum, Modern Hungarian Art gallery, Constvary Museum, Zsolnay Fountain, Pecs National Theatre, Bath of Pesha Memi, and many other interesting locations. The city is pure love for the history buffs.

Read also:   Top 8 Best City Breaks in Europe (That are Worth Visiting)

Krakow, Poland

Krakow is a very beautiful destination of Poland that is believed to have emerged on the dragon’s defeat. It is among the famous European destinations for holidays and looks like an animated Disney movie. Summer is good to travel in Krakow having warm temperatures from 18 to 24 degrees.

Summer is beautiful in Krakow exploring its attractions like enjoying a cup of ice cream at Plac Centralny in Nowa Huta. And explore the colorful world of St.Francis basilica.

Take a tour of the 19th century St.Benedicts Fort, enjoy quick bites at the vintage cafes at Bunkier Sztuki, go for a colorful street art tour, explore the royal Wawel Castle , take a stroll in the green valleys of Tatra Mountains or drown yourself in the fairyland of Krakow’s old town with numerous other attractions. Krakow offers you a unique summer holiday in Europe .

Read also:   Top 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe

Vilnius, Lithuania

If you are thinking of where to visit in August in Europe for a comfortable, warm climate, Vilnius in Lithuania is another perfect location. It has a moderately warm temperature of 17 to 21 degrees in August month with rainfall.

The beautiful city hosts a lot of cultural events during this time like Accordion Music Week, Vilnius City Fiesta, contemporary art fair followed by many other local events. The day times are wonderful exploring the beautiful city attractions like Vilnius Upper castle, TV Tower, Gate of Dawn, Hill of three crosses.

Also the baroque churches following neoclassical architecture, Jewish Cemetery and many more. The nights are beautiful at the trendy pub and bars offering crafted Lithuanian beers, Bambalyne, and other traditional drinks and wines.

Read also:   Top 15 The Most Expensive Cities in Europe That Are Still Worth the Visit

Edinburgh, UK

The beautiful city of Edinburgh is one of the best places to travel in August in Europe as the city is packed with festivals during this time. The temperature of Edinburgh in summer is exceptionally comfortable having a temperature around 19 degrees.

August gives you an exposure of the most happening festivals of the city like Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh International Book Festival, Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Art Festival, Royal Military Tattoo festival and many other local events with lots of delicious cuisines to make your day from the food trucks as well as the city restaurants and cafes.

The city attractions, on the other hand, welcome you in open arms like Dean Village, Calton Hill, Gilmerton Cave, Linlithgow Palace, and many more. Also, while in Edinburgh do not forget to taste the exclusive Scottish whiskeys as being the capital of Scotland it is necessary to try for every visitor.

Read also:   Top 15 Best Beaches in Europe to Visit

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Evan Kristine a.k.a Pretty Wild World is a professional travel blogger with over 10 years of experience in content creation. Originally from the Philippines, she's been living in Finland for 15+ years working as a chef and entrepreneur in Tampere, Finland.

She's an expert in Finland travel and explores the country often sharing her insights and tips in this blog and social medias. She also splits her free time either going for weekend getaways in Europe or galavanting to different European destinations on her holidays. All her useful Europe travel guides are also in this blog!

Evan Kristine is also the food blogger behind at The Kitchen Abroad and on her free time, she enjoys decorating her 75m2 apartment and shares her experience over at Solía Avenue .

A true master of her own life and despite her busy schedule juggling life as a chef, blogger, and entrepreneur, she still finds time to read 50+ books a year and indulge in several hobbies like hiking, working out, yoga, and painting.

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My 13 Favorite European Cities To Avoid The Crowds

• Destinations

Before I get to list my favorite European cities with fewer crowds, my top tip is to avoid traveling to Europe during summer, especially in August. Instead, travel in the shoulder seasons (April-June and September-October) or even off-season (November-March, though remember that Christmas and the New Year are always busy). But I do understand that traveling out of season isn’t always possible. So if you are looking for some alternative European destinations, cities that fly under the radar but are just as special, then read on…

1. Symi, Greece

Greece is a perfect holiday destination. There are beaches galore, and you’ll find plenty to explore from history to boat trips and snorkeling. Fortunately, there are so many Greek islands that it’s relatively easy to find one free from crowds. Tucked between Rhodes and Kos, Symi is a world away from those tourist hotspots. Accessible only by ferry, you’ll arrive at one of the prettiest harbors in the world, with stunning pastel houses sprawling up the hillside. You can visit the island’s monastery, or take a bus up the hill to the little town. Little water “busses” cruise around the island, stopping at tiny coves which are only accessible from the water, and which have incredibly clear turquoise water. Many of these tiny beaches have a small tavern with delicious fresh fish. I can’t think of a better way to relax.

2. Thessaloniki, Greece

This is one of Greece’s best destinations for foodies, a melting pot of influences ranging from Arabia to Armenia. Restaurants here serve glorious gyros (meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie), flaky bougatsa (breakfast pastry), and inventive mezedes (appetizers). The market district is a labyrinth of tavernas and market stalls. There’s a promenade along the Aegean Sea and the upper town, called Ano Poli, which is full of crumbling Byzantine, Ottoman, and Roman buildings, many of which are World Heritage Sites. You could start your day on one of the local sandy beaches, and finish it watching the sunset over the harbor from the upper town. 

3. Bologna, Italy 

Bologna , Italy’s top gastronomic destination, has a charming red-brick old town of colonnaded squares. Piazza Maggiore is the heart of the old town, with a lively university district to the south, food-filled alleys to the east, and interesting churches and medieval towers. The university, home to 80,000 students, has a magnificent anatomical theatre dating back to 1637. Pinacoteca Nazionale (National Art Gallery) has a magnificent collection of artwork, which unlike elsewhere in Italy, is not so crowded that you are left peering over a sea of heads to see. 

Pro Tip: Go in shoulder-season March or April for warm, sunny weather; December has fine Christmas markets.

4. Pitigliano, Italy

If you really want to find one of the best places in Tuscany without being shoulder-to-shoulder with the tourists of Florence or San Gimignano, then head a little further south and explore the town of Pitigliano. Located between the western coast and the town of Orvieto, Pitigliano is the place to go to explore small artisan shops or eat pizza under a shady tree; this is a town where you can explore the streets without worrying about getting lost in the crowds. 

Pro Tip: Stay in a local Agriturismo (farm stay) like Le Sorgenti Agriturismo for a relaxing escape from the city.   

5. Lyon, France

Lyon is a beautiful city of riverfronts, medieval streets, and café-filled squares. Less hurried and more laidback than Paris, this is the gastronomic capital of France. Beyond food, the city has a World Heritage-listed old town full of French Gothic and Renaissance buildings, plus a hilltop Roman amphitheater. There are no queues at the Musee des Beaux-Arts Lyon, which houses the biggest collection of Impressionist art outside of Paris. Lyon is also the birthplace of modern cinema, and the Musée Lumière celebrates the Lumière brothers, inventors of cinematography. 

Pro Tip: I’d suggest staying between the Saône and Rhône rivers, in one of the 15 rooms at the Hotel Vaubecour .  

6. Bordeaux, France

Arriving in Bordeaux , it is immediately apparent that you’ve arrived in the wine capital of the world. Before you hit the wineries, explore La Cite du Vin, an interactive museum dedicated to the history of wine production. The self-guided tour winds up on the 8th floor, where you can enjoy a glass of wine with some breath-taking views. Bordeaux is more than just grapes and fine wine though. There’s stunning gothic-style architecture, like the 15th-century Tour Pey Berland (the bell tower of the Bordeaux Cathedral). There’s also the city’s fabulous food and drink scene. Head to the west side of the river and café hop between Place de la Bourse and the Museum of Fine Arts, and then head to the Marché des Capucins (food market) to sample local cheese and wine – I’d recommend the oysters. 

7. Elaphiti Islands, Croatia 

Croatia has become popular in recent years, thanks in a large part to the series Game of Thrones . But while Dubrovnik is packed with tourists in the summer months, just a 40-minute ferry ride away are the quiet Elaphiti Islands. Kolocep and Lopud Islands are car-free, which makes for a pretty and peaceful paradise (you can get around by golf cart, but everything is within walking distance). Sunj Beach on Lopud Island has a shallow, sandy beach, where you can go snorkeling and see some pretty fish. For the more adventurous, you can go kayaking around the Elaphiti Islands, a great way to discover hidden bays and secluded beaches. 

Pro Tip: There’s an underwater cave near Sipan Island, which can only be reached by kayak. Don’t miss it if you have the chance!

8. Lumbarda, Croatia

A little further from Dubrovnik is Korcula Island with its picturesque village Lumbarda. Lumbarda is 5 miles from historic Korcula Town and is a pretty, hilly village situated around a small harbor overlooking the Skoji Archipelago. There are several welcoming and friendly restaurants and bars which offer fabulous views of the Adriatic. You can rent bikes, paddle boards, and kayaks. The water is pristine, visibility for snorkeling is fantastic, and the sea is luxuriously warm for swimming. There’s also an easy coastal path where you can walk and enjoy beautiful views over the sea, especially at sunset.

Pro Tip: On a Friday evening, the village square hosts a Fisherman’s Market, where local people set up stalls selling wine, dinners (mostly fresh-caught fish), and delicious, local desserts.

9. Utrecht, Netherlands 

How is it possible that the Netherland’s fourth-largest city is so relatively unknown? Only an hour’s train ride from Schiphol Airport and just half an hour from central Amsterdam, Utrecht is a relaxed alternative to Amsterdam, with similar architecture and canals, but none of the tourist tat or crowds. Compact and mostly pedestrian (though cyclists are everywhere), Utrecht is easily walked, with architectural treats and antiques dealers on every corner, and several splendid castles in the surrounding countryside. The town has a number of notable music festivals in the summer, and the Netherlands Film Festival is held here annually in autumn.  

Pro Tip: Don’t miss climbing to the top of the 700-year-old Dom Tower for fabulous views over the gabled merchants’ houses and narrow canals of this quaint but buzzing city. 

10. Valencia, Spain 

Valencia , Spain’s third-largest city, is a 4-hour train trip from Barcelona, yet has much fewer visitors. Great for shopping and home to a fascinating science museum, aquarium, and opera house, Valencia also has fantastic, inventive restaurants, and streets filled with locals rather than just tourists. Walk through the city to see medieval buildings, art deco apartments, and the Turia Gardens which meander through the center of town. Valencia Cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece opened in 1262, Museo de Bellas Artes houses 2,000 artworks dating from the 14th through 17th centuries, and Mercado Central is one of the country’s best food markets.

11. Frigiliana, Spain

When thinking of visiting Spain in summer, you might be picturing beaches filled with sun beds and umbrellas, all-inclusive hotels, and streets lined with Irish bars. But look further afield and you can find some really special places off the beaten path, like the picturesque area of Frigiliana. Described as the “prettiest village in Andalusia” by the Spanish tourism authority, this quaint area is only a few minutes’ drive from the hustle and bustle of Marbella, yet it seems a world away. It has a traditional Spanish vibe, with no big hotels and no tourist crowds. There are many nearby tourist attractions, like hiking in the Sierra Nevada mountains (the impressive hanging bridges are fun), visiting the nearby Caves of Nerja (caverns that stretch underground for almost 3.5 miles), or going to see how the “other half” live in Puerto Banus (the Costa del Sol ’s playground for the rich and famous, and the most expensive leisure port in Europe).

12. Stuttgart, Germany 

Stuttgart is a city that packs a punch without the swarms of tourists you’ll find in the nearby cities of Munich and Frankfurt. The Schlossplatz (Palace Square) is the vibrant heart of the city, with the baroque palace standing regally in the background. Killesberg Hill Park is the green oasis in the middle of the city where you can enjoy the Biergardens or climb to the top of the Killesberg tower for views of the city below. For the car aficionados, there are two car museums (Porsche and Mercedes Benz) to keep you busy. Stuttgart is also the perfect jumping-off point for visiting other small towns in the area, such as the famous Triberg with its waterfall, black forest clocks, and cake.

Pro Tip: A good place to stay is the centrally located Maritim Hotel . 

13. Graz, Austria 

Graz is Austria ‘s second-largest city but is little-known to many. Only a 2 and a half hour scenic train ride from Vienna, this city, with a population of 270,000, has none of Vienna’s pretensions, yet still has enough history and culture to be interesting. The Renaissance old town is lived in with shopping streets such as Herrengasse and Sporgasse winding their way through the town. Above, walking paths and battlements on Schlossberg rock provide some impressive views, and the Styrian Armory (the world’s largest collection of arms and armor) is surprisingly interesting. 

And there you have it, my suggestions for some alternative European destinations that you can head for when you want to escape the crowds but don’t want to miss out on a fantastic European vacation.

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.

Where is not too hot in August? Our top 10 destinations

By Laura Chubb

August is always a conundrum. The height of summer should be the ideal time for a getaway. But where is not too hot in August? Or not too crowded? Europe’s cities and seasides are sweltering, expensive and stuffed. Further afar, there’s humidity that’ll make your trip more akin to a stint in a sweat lodge. But fear not, there are excellent, super-summery options that tap out before hitting 30°C. The British coast is a good start, but look also to Europe’s north and east. It’s a fine time, too, to get outdoorsy in the western USA , Canada and Australia . We’ve even found mild-climate beach breaks in South America and Asia. Now your only problem is choosing between them.

CORNWALL, ENGLAND

AVERAGE AUGUST TEMPERATURE: 19°C

You can rely on the British seaside to never get too hot. Though it’s the busiest month in Cornwall , this westest of the western counties has plenty of tiny picturesque villages and undiscovered beaches for circumventing the scrum. Rule number one: forget Padstow, which will be stuffed to the gills. This also liberates you from Rick Stein’s hold over the culinary landscape (he’s got five restaurants in Padstow alone). Cornwall is currently the undisputed king of England’s farm-to-fork scene: Coombeshead Farm , a rural restaurant with rooms run by Pitt Cue wunderkind Tom Adams and The Spotted Pig’s April Bloomfield, is extraordinary; so, too, is Fowey Hall Hotel, serving local sea bass with sage and olive beignets. Even Penzance is cool now, with great galleries, a treasure trove of a vintage store and an Art Deco saltwater lido. Who knew?

MANCORA, PERU

AVERAGE AUGUST TEMPERATURE: 21°C

It’s either roasting hot or raining in most of South America , so what better time is there to head to Peru’s sunniest region? Máncora’s year-round bright skies keep this beachy town (often compared to the Tulum of yesteryear) in season at all times, and August is blissfully temperate to boot. The nation’s best strip of sand brings an enjoyably mixed bunch of budget-bungalow surfers and the Peruvian elite. The latter have their pick of to-die-for seafront properties, rented by big names such as Villas del Mar. Then there’s boutique beauty KiChic, a stone, mud and wood hideaway with nine rooms, a vegetarian restaurant using ingredients sourced from its own organic garden and on-site massages and yoga. Add in surf, ceviche, and a few days spent food-touring around Lima , and you’ve basically won summer.

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

AVERAGE AUGUST TEMPERATURE: 22°C

Why have you never thought of this before? It’s a hip European city that’s neither too hot nor too crowded come August , with the archipelago’s beaches to explore, too. Bonus: those light nights really bring out the party in the locals, who are out picnicking and boating en masse. And the weather’s perfect for cycling, which, in true Scandi-style, is the best way to get around town. Particularly summery is dining in a done-up shed in a boatyard on the island of Djurgården: Oaxen Slip has lovely waterside tables set out on its deck and serves locally sourced, uncomplicated food such as herring with brown butter and pickled vegetables.

QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA

This sprawling state conveniently captures everything you want from a journey down under. There are the beaches of both Gold and Sunshine Coasts; Brisbane’s new contemporary urban edge; the Great Barrier Reef; and the Granite Belt’s interestingly alternative, cool-climate wines. (In typically colloquial Aussie fashion, these more experimental varieties are referred to as ‘strange birds’.) And though winter in Australia can bring chilly nights, daytime temperatures are ideal for exploring the outdoors. Good thing Queensland can claim the nation’s greatest range of biodiversity, encompassing rainforests, savannas, woodlands, wetlands and deserts.

VILNIUS, LITHUANIA

A warm and with-it European city break that’s still mercifully off the radar? Go east. Vilnius has been cool for a while now, but the opening of its MO Modern Art Museum in 2018 has etched it on the map for design nerds (when they can tear themselves away from their typography blogs, that is). Dreamt up by Daniel Libeskind — the architect behind Berlin’s mind-bending, titanium-zinc Jewish Museum — its white ‘articulated box’ façade might be what first attracts the aesthetically inclined, but there’s also the Old Town’s Instagram-ready blend of brutalist and baroque to discover. There’s also a Christiana-like district, Užupis, which has its own national anthem and will even grace your passport with its stamp. For sophisticated food and drinks, start at farm-restaurant Sweet Root and end in pharmacy-themed Apoteka Bar.

BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

AVERAGE AUGUST TEMPERATURE: 25°C

Canada’s best-looking province might be popular with snow-sporty types, but there’s nothing quite like exploring all those mountains , forests and lakes in the summer. Even Whistler , the skiing super-hub, is arguably better in August, when you can bike and hike the mountain trails, zipline through the trees and swim in pristine, glacier-fed waters. It’s also peak time for tracking the rare spirit bear, a white-fur black bear only found here – most successfully in Great Bear Rainforest, a wild and wonderful tangle of woodland and fjords. And let’s not forget Vancouver , where you can kayak the shoreline, pound the pavement on a public-art crawl and eat top-notch locally caught and foraged food all in the same day.

FRENCH POLYNESIA

AVERAGE AUGUST TEMPERATURE: 27°C

Take your most romantic notion of the South Seas, double it, and you’ve arrived at French Polynesia . Though the largest island, Tahiti, has too much noise and not enough white-sand beach, the region encompasses six archipelagos and they’re as dreamy as can be. The Society Islands’ lagoons are exactly what’s expected: outlandish shades of blue, bleached beaches and mysterious green peaks. Bora Bora is all well and good if you want the luxe overwater villa trip, but locals call it Boring Boring – get a better flavour of island life, with equally wonderful stays, on Taha’a and Huahine. August isn’t cheap, but that’s because it’s dry, hot but not humid and underwater visibility is at its peak.

RWANDA, AFRICA

Risen phoenix Rwanda has moved beyond its scarred past to become one of Africa’s must-visits. And it’s not all about the gorillas. Rwanda maintains a tricky balance of quaint and contemporary: see capital Kigali’s chaotic craft markets and cool art museums. It’s also astoundingly green in more than one sense: a lush wonderland of tea plantations, rice paddies and forested volcano slopes, as well as innovations in urban sustainability (a plastic-bag ban, solar-powered hotels). Inevitably, the luxury scene is making moves. Wilderness Safaris’s Bisate Lodge, close to the country’s gorilla-tracking headquarters, has Rwanda’s most exquisitely designed villas, while One&Only’s Nyungwe House is a stylish nature lodge tucked between rows of tea plants.

Paul Richardson

CNT Editors

Arati Menon

Olivia Morelli

WYOMING AND MONTANA, USA

Defined by its wide, open spaces, Wyoming is the most sparsely populated state in the USA , with Montana also falling in the top 10, behind Alaska . People generally venture to the most north-western state for Yellowstone, which spreads across both Wyoming and Montana, too. And while the country’s first national park – a landscape of hissing geysers, boiling mud pots and steaming rivers – is certainly worth the journey, there’s so much more of the American outdoors to explore. The saw-toothed peaks of Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park are about as majestic as it gets; close by, buzzing Jackson Hole lures celebrities from Kanye West to Brad Pitt with its splashy restaurants and retreats. Meanwhile, Montana’s ‘big sky country’ rewards those curious enough to roam deeper into its sweeping plains. Tippet Rise Art Centre is like New York’s Storm King with fewer people and a better backdrop, while Little Bighorn Battlefield provides some sobering Wild West history.

BALI, INDONESIA

Asia in August is either a wash out or unbearably humid – with one exception. It’s the height of dry season in Bali, which means sure-fire sunny skies and warm waves. The key to a perfect time here, however, is knowing which beach clubs to hit, and where to stay. Though parts of Bali seem irreversibly marred now, pockets of perfection remain. Check out barefoot beach club La Brisa, in still-cool Canggu: grassy paths lined with canoes-turned-plant-pots lead to a hipster Shangri-la of beanbags, upcycled fixtures and twinkle lights, best enjoyed overlooking the sunset-streaked surf. Knockout retreats are not in short supply, but our favourites are newcomers Capella Ubud and Six Senses Uluwatu, which both made it onto our Hot List 2019 .

For where's hot in other months, see our guides below: WHERE IS HOT IN JANUARY | WHERE IS HOT IN FEBRUARY | WHERE IS HOT IN MARCH | WHERE IS HOT IN APRIL | WHERE IS HOT IN SEPTEMBER | WHERE IS HOT IN OCTOBER | WHERE IS HOT IN NOVEMBER | WHERE IS HOT IN DECEMBER

Like this? Now read: Where is hot in May?

Beach holiday packing lists for this summer’s hot spots

Where the Condé Nast Traveller editors are going on holiday this summer

Elizabeth Atkin | 06 July 2022

The 21 best places to visit in august.

Uncover the best destinations to travel to in August, for warm weather, natural wonders, cultural highlights, once-in-a-lifetime wildlife watching experiences and longer-term trips...

August is an extremely popular month to travel, especially to Europe, when temperatures soar. Prices tend to skyrocket, too, as the school holiday rush means that families nab flights to make the most of their fixed six weeks off. 

Of course, there are brilliant places to visit all over the world during August. Whether you're after a hot island holiday, a life-changing wildlife experience or an unexpected long-term adventure on the road less travelled, we've got you covered.

Skip ahead to your chosen travel type by clicking on one of the below, or keep scrolling for the full list:

The best August destinations for nature and ideal weather

• The best longer-term travel experiences for August
• Where to go in August for arts and cultural experiences
• The best places to visit for wildlife watching in August

Here are the 20 best places to visit in August…

1. off-the-beaten-track croatia.

Sibenik, Croatia (Shutterstock)

Croatia's hottest (and driest) month is August - with temps climbing as high as 28°C - so of course the likes of Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar and other classic destinations will be packed with visitors making the most of the sun.

If you want to enjoy the sparkling weather in Croatia without the crowds, head to the Mamma Mia island of  Vis . Or for a city vibe, discover all of the amazing things to do in Sibenik , or Rovinj . But hurry, these gems are starting to be discovered. 

Alternatively, why not skip Plitvice and Krka and head to one of Croatia's six lesser-visited national parks ? Kornati may be tricky to visit, but it is perfect for true explorers. Paklenica National Park is another gem, ideal for hikers unafraid of a hot, hot hike.

2. Matera, Italy

Matera, Italy (Shutterstock)

Matera  is one of Basilicata's biggest draws and was named one of two 2019 European Capitals of Culture. A few days is the perfect amount of time to delve deeper into how Matera turned its reputation around from 'Italy's shame' to 'iconic cultural hot spot'.

With highs of  29°C in August, summer is the ideal time to explore its fascinating cave districts in the sun, enjoy the natural beauty of Polino National Park, Italy's largest, and sample the region's authentic cuisine. For a longer trip, rent a car and head towards Pompeii, Sorrento, or in the opposite direction to coastal Bari.

3. Medellin, Colombia

Medellin, Colombia (Shutterstock)

August in Colombia, weather-wise, is a bit hit and miss. Whether you'll get sun or showers really depends on which region you're visiting, whether you're after a wildlife adventure in the Amazon or some time in the city.

One thing Medellin has in August that makes up for its – at times – overcast appearance? The spectacular 10-day celebration of nature, known as  Feria de Flores   (Festivals of the Flowers).

Every August, the city blooms with the bright colours of flowers, paraded down the streets. Hundreds of concerts, crafts sessions and floral parades take to the streets and fill the city's best venues. It's a must for any nature lover's travel wish list.

4. Off-the-beaten-track Greek island hopping

Ithaca, one of our off-the-beaten-track Greek Island picks (Shutterstock)

Sunseekers won't be surprised to see Greece on our list for August. It's a classic summer holiday destination, whether you've booked with a travel agent, arranged an island-hopping boat tour or you've planned your trip yourself.

As with Croatia, just because it'll be busy doesn't mean you can't enjoy the perks. After all, there's a reason it's so rammed.

Simply take the road (or waterway) less travelled to one of Greece's secret islands, for an unforgettable beachside break with a difference. It'll be incredibly warm, whichever island you choose. Average highs in August are  31°C, so make sure you're prepared.

Read next Top 10 little-known Greek islands

5. tallinn, estonia.

Tallinn, Estonia (Shutterstock)

When you think of  Tallinn , you may find the peach-coloured Alexander Nevsky Cathedral springs to mind, surrounded by droplets of crisp white snow.

We don't blame you. Though freezing, Estonia and its neighbours Latvia and Lithuania make fine winter breaks. But they shouldn't be overlooked in summer.

Walking through Tallinn's comprehensive Old Town and soaking up the atmosphere in Freedom Square is just as satisfying in the sun. With plenty of steep hills to climb, to get to the best views of the city, it's almost easier without all the ice...

The best longer-term travel experiences to take on in August

6. guyana & the guianas.

The rainforest of French Guiana (Shutterstock)

South America's smallest wonders Guyana , French Guiana and Suriname are prime for visitors at the end of August. It's the perfect time to witness  the breathtaking Kaieteur Falls in Guyana, follow in Papillon's footsteps in French Guiana, and sample Suriname's tasty, speciality rums. 

Firstly, the weather's always warm, but it's dry season on the Guianan coast during August, and   French Guiana tends to be drier and warmer in August – as does Suriname. 

All three countries are sandwiched between Venezuela and Brazil, so we'd say you're best off lengthening your trip and visiting all three at once. At least you'll  have the benefit of being as far off the beaten track in South America as possible.

Read next  What a trip through the 3 Guianas is really like

7. mongolia.

Mongolia (Shutterstock)

You can't really go wrong in Mongolia at this time of year.  Expect vibrant  steppes  rich in shades of green during August, and just-right temperatures between 20°C and 25°C. 

If you head to the mountains, you'll probably find it's slightly colder than everywhere else – arguably better conditions for longer treks, which won't require sweating it out in the heat. Wild camping and cycling are other must-do activities in August – as is heading to the Gobi Desert in the south.

It's also prime time to visit  Lake Khövsgöl in northern Mongolia, near the Russian border. The country's biggest and most beautiful freshwater lake dazzles in the sunlight, and seems to stretch for miles on end.

8. Northern Kyrgyzstan

Burana Tower in Chuy Valley, northern Kyrgyzstan (Shutterstock)

August lands firmly in the middle of Kyrgyzstan's peak season (May to October), so certain areas will be packed with visitors and locals (here's looking at you, Lake Issyk-Kul).

However, it is a good time to take on the epic hikes that Central Tien Shan (the 'Celestial Mountains' in Chinese) has to offer. The highest peak reaches  7,439m, so this is no casual climb. You'll need to be an experienced walker, with a high-level of fitness to make the most of it.

9. Jodhpur, India

Jodhpur, India (Shutterstock)

The Blue City of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, is a travel photographer (and Instagram lover's) dream come true. A seemingly endless maze of blue houses, winding alleys, and colourful doors awaits.

Of course, there's much more to it than that. Expect history and art in the renowned, 15th century  Mehrangarh Fort. Admire the ornate decoration of Jaswant Thada. Get out into nature at the impressive Mandore Sculpture Garden, get active with water activities in Lake Kaylana, or picnic at the 12th century Balsamand Lake.

Visit in August particularly for bearable heat (lows of 26 °C and highs of 34 °C ), and the good chance that you'll find some savvy accommodation deals. August is off-season, so though you won't find yourself a lone visitor at any stage, it's likely you may experience a tiny bit less of the typical bustle.

10. Langkawi, Malaysia

The stunning views of Kilim Geoforest Park in Langkawi, Malaysia (Shutterstock)

There's so much to explore in Malaysia, it almost seems unfair to single out the archipelago of Langkawi. Though we suppose, with more time, there's nothing to stop you heading further afield...

But with suitably warm temps (often around 28 °C to 31 °C ), incredibly natural beauty to marvel, cable cars and boat trips galore, and unusual wildlife sightings practically guaranteed –  it's an appealing all-rounder for a sunny getaway without the 'packaged holiday' feel.

The best August destinations for arts & culture

11. edinburgh, scotland.

A sign for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival on the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, in 2018 (Shutterstock)

In August, you won't struggle to find a variety of culture and entertainment festivals in most of the major British and European cities. For the best of the best in summer fun, you need to head to the Scottish capital. 

Not only does the famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival and its world-class comedy and theatre take over the architecturally-stunning city for the entire month of August, but you'll also find a host of other big name festivals.

Expect arts exhibitions, orchestras and dances at the Edinburgh International Festival, performances at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Festival – both throughout the month. Towards the end of August, there's a fireworks concert in the city centre, and a mix of multicultural events at the Edinburgh Mela Festival on 31 August.

12. London, England

London, England (Shutterstock)

Every month in London has something for everyone, but August really ups the ante in terms of arts and culture offerings for travellers.

As the name suggests, Greenwich + Docklands International Festival takes over south east London. Performance art takes place indoors and outdoors – expect everything from laser shows and colourful powder fights to stilt walkers and acrobats abseiling down historic buildings. 

For classic music fans, BBC Proms has performances running throughout August.

As the month draws to a close, embrace the colourful madness of the iconic Notting Hill Carnival.  The London Craft Beer Festival takes place in the middle of the month at Tobacco Dock, a former warehouse in Wapping. 

And for those  foodie travellers, the many street food markets dotted across London will delight in warmer months  – go beyond Borough Market and try visiting Mercato Metropolitano   in Elephant and Castle, or Boxpark in Shorditch.

13. Papua New Guinea

Mount Hagen Cultural Show in Mount Hagen township, Papua New Guinea (Shutterstock)

The city of Mount Hagen in the western province of Papua New Guinea comes alive in the middle of August for days-long performances, feasts and musical festivities hosted by locals during the Mount Hagen Cultural Show.

Drier than June and the coolest month of the year overall, the weather also makes a compelling argument for August as the best time to explore Papua New Guinea's exotic cities and towns. 

Of course, Papua New Guinea is a challenging destination and truly off the well-trodden trail. As such, only very experienced travellers should plan to visit, keeping a close eye on the  FCO's Official Travel Advice  before going, too.

14. Guča, Serbia

Guča, Serbia's famous Trumpet Festival (Shutterstock)

The Guča Trumpet Festival, known sometimes as  Dragačevski Sabo, is probably a little less well-known than the likes of the Edinburgh Fringe and Notting Hill Carnival.

Nevertheless, the small Serbian town of Guča comes alive for three days in early August for its annual festival, showcasing the best in brass music performances. Hundreds of thousands attend each year. 

15. Tunisia

The Roman ruins of Dougga in Tunisia (Shutterstock)

Tunisia's perhaps not the first place you'd think of for a short break with a focus on the arts. However, August provides a few opportunities to see a different side to this North African country. 

Established in 1964, the International Festival of Carthage, is held every July and August, offering live music, theatre, opera and even a bit of ballet.

Dougga International Festival is another opportunity to experience live music – this time in the ruins of a Roman amphitheatre, located in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman city of Dougga. The festival ends in the first week of August.

The best places to visit for wildlife watching in August

16. discover birds and monkeys in northern ecuador.

Squirrel monkey in the Ecuadorian jungle (Shutterstock)

Ecuador is o n South America's west coast. A delightful combination of the Andes, Amazon and the Gal á pagos Islands (just to name a few), it's home to many unique and colourful wildlife species. No surprise then, that it's become one of our top August wildlife trips.

Head to the northern part of the country to give yourself the best chance of seeing the cheeky-looking squirrel monkey, a marmoset or tamarin in the wild. 

Birders in Ecuador have the opportunity to see around 1,600 species in total. Undeniably, it's one of the planet's best birdwatching countries. Staying in the north, you'll see rare macaws, the sleek  Andean condor, hummingbirds aplenty and brightly-patterned toucans (again, to name a few). Get your binoculars ready...

Read next  More incredible things to do in Ecuador

17. go polar bear watching in arctic canada.

Polar bears in the Canadian Arctic sunset (Shutterstock)

Summers in the Canadian Arctic are, unsurprisingly, rather short. They're also the best time to get out on the water in a Zodiac and do a bit of polar bear-spotting from your expedition boat.

As we all know, polar bears are best admired from a distance. They're nowhere near as cuddly as as they look. But you may have a chance of getting a little closer than usual, as the Zodiacs can get quite close.

Read next  What else can you do in Arctic Canada?

17. whale watching in san juan islands, washington state.

Whale-spotting from San Juan Islands (Shutterstock)

Hop on a Washington State Ferry from  Anacortes to reach four of the 172 San Juan Islands. The weather here is mild most of the year, but the sunniest time to come is during August –  coincidently  also the best time to see killer whales.  This is one of the top places in the world to see the black and white beauties.

San Juan is the most popular islands, with its Whale Museum and plenty of outdoor activities. If you want a more peaceful, wild experience, head to lesser-visited Orcas Island and take on the 6km climb up Mount Constitution. If you're lucky, you can spot Vancouver from the top on a clear day.

19. Watch macaws in Manu National Park, Peru

Macaws in Manu National Park, Peru (Shutterstock)

Visit the south-east region of Peru in August and you'll find yourself stunned by the natural prowess of Manu National Park. Also classed as a Biosphere Reserve, you'll be awed by its lush Amazonian jungle, and the striking Andean Highlands.

It's the perfect place for the avid birdwatcher to see the wow-worthy macaw in its natural habitat. These beautiful parrots – often a mix of red, yellow, blue and green feathers – are best spotted collecting clay at 'clay banks' or 'clay licks' around the park, to feed on later. It's quite an incredible sight.

August is typically the beginning of the season for the most sightings, with September and October also thought to be ideal months. 

20. Meet orangutans in Borneo

A young orangutan in Borneo (Dreamstime)

Borneo's orangutans basked in the spotlight when Dame Judi Dench visited an orangutan sanctuary during filming of her documentary, Wild Borneo Adventure , for ITV.

August is one of the best times for us non-knighted folk to head to this South-East Asian island paradise to try for a wild sighting.

Danum Valley in Sabah (in the northern part of the island) offers 400 sq km of rainforest reserve for wild orangutans to swing in. Travel along the Kinabatangan River, too, to try and see these magnificent creatures in their homes. 

Read next  The best places to see orangutans revealed

21. see grizzly bears in yellowstone national park.

Grizzly on the move in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA (Shutterstock)

Unlike polar bears, we think it's fair to say that grizzlies do look a little bit mean. They're quite elusive, too : there are only around 150 bears living within the Yellowstone Natonal Park itself, or around 700 in the Greater Yellowstone Area. 

To see one roaming, you'll need proper viewing kit. Wake before sunrise or wait until sunset and use dusk and dawn to to scour the area with your telescope and/or binoculars.

Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley are two of your best sighting spots, but Dunraven Pass,  Swan Lake Flats and Gardiners Hole are also good places to try.

The best destinations by month:

The best places to go in september, the best places to go in june, the best places to go in july, related articles, looking for inspiration.

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What Summer Travel to Europe Will Look Like This Year

By Arati Menon

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

With additional reporting by Sarah Allard

When travel journalist Jenn Rice decided to spend July and August in Italy and Croatia last year, she wasn’t expecting to be spending most of her time indoors. “It was very very hot, so I booked museum tickets during peak days or just lounged around in my room with a spritz and a book until the sun set.” In Dubrovnik she tried escaping to the sea for a cool dip, but everyone else had the same idea—resulting in sweaty, overcrowded beaches. “In Rome , gelato melted faster than the speed of light,” she says.

Come summer, major attractions like the Spanish Steps in Rome are thronged by international tourists and vacationing Europeans.

Rome and Dubrovnik weren’t the only European destinations overcome with heat. To travel in Europe in the summer of 2023 was to experience first-hand a single season of contrasting extremes. Temperatures swung from hot and dry to cold and wet, and heatwaves broke out across several of the most heavily touristed destinations, with temperatures reaching upwards of 100°F. In Northern Greece, wildfires broke out —the worst experienced there in 20 years —destroying homes, forests, and vineyards.

Yet in the midst of it all, the continent also saw record-breaking tourist numbers —the highest since pre-pandemic levels—even as hotel prices swelled and airfares hit peaks. From scenic escapes like Bellagio in Como and Taormina in Sicily (where the White Lotus effect was on full display) to bucket-list cities like Paris and Madrid , much of touristed Europe was completely overwhelmed.

“We had people calling us from Athens and Rome asking us to get them out [to somewhere cooler in Europe], because it was too hot and too crowded,” recalls Jan Sortland , founder of Scandinavia specialists Norwegian Adventures.

International tourists weren’t the only ones thronging these spots. According to the European Travel Commission , most Europeans took their vacations before the peak month of August, with Italy and France being their top destinations. This resulted in packed crowds at all the major attractions. For John Canning, an LA-based executive who traveled to Paris in July, the crowds were eye-opening. “We didn’t anticipate that everything we would want to see was sold out. We only got Musée d’Orsay tickets through our concierge at a substantial premium and could not get into the Louvre full stop,” he says.

Rice says the summer taught her to plan her travel differently this year—and beyond: “I’m going to try and do coastal Italy early in May, and if I decide to travel in Europe this summer it will be either Asturias in Northern Spain or the Julian Alps in Slovenia to keep cool."

She’s not alone—according to the travel specialists we spoke with, there’s an increased interest in lesser-known destinations offering a more laid back (and cooler) holiday. “Our guests are asking after places where they can be outdoors, yet have access to wine & foodie experiences and culture. Slovenia is a great example of where you can have all that without being overwhelmed with the heat; the Dolomites in Italy is another,” says Rachael Mendizabal, Europe travel specialist at Scott Dunn . Richard Hyde, COO at Small Luxury Hotels of the World , is seeing similar trends across their European portfolio: “Guests seem to be gravitating towards alternative destinations—Milos instead of Mykonos and Slovenia instead of Spain.”

Norway is a popular destination this summer, offering cooler weather and a myriad ways to be active outside, exploring the islands and fjords.

A big part of that shift will play into Sortland’s area of expertise: Northern Europe. With the Med getting too hot to handle, experts predict that tourism will shift northwards. “We’re seeing a lot of interest in Copenhagen and Stockholm for the cultural experience, and then onward to Norway for the nature. Currently, the fjords are still a favorite but Norway is a large country and there’s so much more to see—the Helgeland coast for example with its beautiful coastline and mountainous islands,” he says. The draw is a more moderate temperature and unique outdoor experiences. “ Iceland is a big favorite right now with the Northern lights being the most active this year from September through March,” says Mendizabal.

CNT Editors

Blane Bachelor

Kyler Alvord

In turn, for many, the more standard city breaks will fall later in the year. “Athens and Rome will always be desirable destinations, but we’ve seen an uptick in many people preferring to go there in May and October to swerve crowds,” says Carolyn Addison, head of product at Black Tomato , noting the weather in fall has been stable lately and enticing to travelers not tied to school holidays.

With this increased flexibility, shoulder season will become tricker to define, according to Mendizabal. Thanks to hotels extending their season as demand shifts to almost year-round and the high-season pricing window getting longer, the days of “scooping a deal in September are likely over.” At Jumeirah Palace in Capri , the season now runs from March to the end of December. “Thanks to the good weather, guests are staying longer than in the past,” says Ermanno Zanini, regional vice president at Jumeirah Group, Southern Europe and United Kingdom.

Castello di Vicarello in Tuscany 's Maremma countryside has traditionally stayed open in March and November. “We're pushing the low season as much as possible because we truly believe it is a wonderful time to discover Tuscany. There is so much for guests to enjoy from hiking to mountain biking, truffle hunting, and wine tastings,” says owner Neri Baccheschi Berti.

Crucially, traveling in the shoulder and off seasons isn't just about avoiding the crowds; it’s knowing that seasonal destinations are multi-dimensional, with year-round appeal. “One of my favorite things to do in cooler weather is to hike to the peak of Mount Solaro, with its beautiful views of the town of Capri and the bay of Marina Piccola with the Faraglioni, as well as Anacapri. You also see plenty of wintering birds on the island,” says Zanini.

Zanini adds that they are in talks with the island's municipality to consider what it would take to stay open in February and March, traditionally strictly closed off. “It's not as straightforward as you think. There’s a lot of infrastructure that needs to be geared towards the low season: restaurants need to stay open, as do shops, and guides need to be available; it can’t just be the hotel,” he adds.

However, with staying open longer, there’s a real opportunity to engage local communities year-round, not to mention stabilize the hiring pool—and improve work culture. “We’ve already seen the positive impact of a longer season for our partners on the ground and locals in the hospitality and tourism sector,” says Addison, who adds that shifts in travel seasons are far from a fleeting trend. “This pattern for more year-round travel will continue to pick up pace in 2025—and beyond," she says.

Travel specialists are quick to point out that even with some of this rebalancing, summer this year and next will continue to see high demand for travel to—and within—Europe. According to Hayley Berg, chief economist at Hopper, while airfare remains higher than at this time in 2019, 40% of all searches for international trips this summer are to Europe, in line with last year and slightly higher than in 2019.

“Sure, we think that traveler numbers on the Côte d'Azur will smooth out through the year, but summer will certainly remain the festive season—only it will be longer,” says Lucie Weill, owner of wellness retreat Lily of the Valley near St. Tropez , which sees its faire share of packed streets and crowded beaches come summer. Weill adds that the hotel has seen success in extending its season.

For travel specialist Cari Gray of Gray & Co . late requests and a lack of flexibility could mean getting turned away because of a lack of availability. “Whether it’s a visit to the Vatican or dogsledding in Alaska , access is going to be very difficult. And there are only that many high-end lodges in Lapland ,” she says. Addison offers the example of Lake Como , where the best properties can often get booked up a year or two in advance during the busiest summer months. “Knowing that the top hotels and guides are getting booked up and that weather disruptions are increasingly unpredictable, clients who want to commit to the most popular summer hotspots in Europe, like the Greek islands and Sardinia are securing their bookings a year out.”

The Balearic island of Menorca is a charming escape with its rocky coves, white-sand beaches, and green rolling hills.

Ultimately, it’s not about giving up on all the places you love: just about pivoting, even if within the same country. “Why not Menorca instead of Mallorca, with its explosion of fantastic hotels and its great beach front, or Epirus in Northern Greece on the Albanian border with its Stone villages, old-growth forests, and truffle hunts instead of the islands," says Gray.

"In Italy we’re always pushing to discover new areas, even in regions that we’ve been exploring for decades like Tuscany and Umbria because new hotels are opening up regularly,” says Courtney Mundy , a travel specialist at experiential travel experts Butterfield & Robinson.

And, a word of caution for the rising favorites: “Smaller destinations in Iceland & Norway will really need to consider how to manage the higher number of visitors than ever before,” says Addison. “Parts of Iceland are overtouristed,” agrees Sortland, “so, it’s not unreasonable to think that smaller communities in Norway could eventually be at risk, too.” Whether it's through new tourist tax regimens or limits on cruise ship day-trippers to reduce crowding, a shifting tide will need more alert local governments—and as we’re swapping beaches for the mountains or Rome for Stockholm, more responsible travel habits that leave fewer traces behind.

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Already planning to see the next solar eclipse in 2026? What travelers need to know.

Umbraphiles feeling the post-eclipse blues should start checking the expiration date on their passports.

The next total solar eclipse is set to happen on Aug. 12, 2026, over Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and a small part of Portugal, according to NASA . 

In North America, only a partial eclipse will be visible, so if April’s event made you an eclipse chaser and you want to see totality, you’ll need to head overseas.

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

Here’s what you’ll need to know before packing your bags:

Do you need a passport or visa for the best destination?

The path of totality for the 2026 eclipse mostly goes through places Americans can travel visa-free with their passport, so long as they’re planning to stay for less than 90 days.

Spain, Portugal, Iceland and Greenland all allow visa-free tourist travel for U.S. passport holders.

Spain, Portugal and Iceland are also members of the Schengen Area, which allows for visa-free travel in much of Europe, meaning if you decide to make a multi-country trip out of your eclipse adventure, you won’t need to clear customs if you’re coming from much of the rest of Europe, either.

One major change for travelers to Europe from the U.S., however, is that electronic preauthorization will become a requirement beginning in mid-2025. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) requirement will apply to all four open countries in the path of totality. 

Depending on the state of the Ukraine war, travel to Russia may or may not be an option for most Americans by 2026, so it’s unclear what the paperwork requirements will be by then.

Is it better to see it from the beach?

Beaches can be a great place to see the eclipse because there are few natural obstacles blocking observers’ views of the sky. The 2026 path of totality passes over beaches on Spain’s northern and southeastern coasts, as well as over islands in the Mediterranean Sea including Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza. The eclipse will also pass over coastal areas in Greenland and Iceland, according to the National Solar Observatory . 

Cruising Altitude: What it was like to see the eclipse from a plane

Will there be eclipse cruises or flights?

Almost certainly, although most operators have not announced specific plans yet. 

Cruise lines will also offer more viewing opportunities. Princess Cruises “has created a bespoke itinerary aboard Sky Princess to position the ship near Spain on that date,” according to a spokesperson for the line. The cruise will open for bookings on Princess’s website on May 23.

Cunard Line has sailings on its Queen Mary 2 , Queen Victoria and Queen Anne vessels that will put passengers in prime spots to watch .

'The ship can move': Why you should watch next solar eclipses from a cruise ship

Holland America Line is also planning multiple sailings around the event, though details are still to be announced. “Guests have reacted positively to our 2024 eclipse cruises and with the next full eclipse in 2026 we plan to have three sailings in Europe that will align with the path of the eclipse,” Paul Grigsby, the line's vice president of Deployment & Itinerary Planning, previously told USA TODAY in an email.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Already planning to see the next solar eclipse in 2026? What travelers need to know.

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Solar eclipse 2024 Europe: when and where to watch the spectacle tonight

Ahead of the total eclipse in North America, here's what you need to know about getting a partial slice of the action in Europe

Solar eclipse day is finally here, meaning we’re just hours away from a narrow strip of Mexico , the US and Canada being plunged into complete darkness. But it’s not just North America that will witness the spectacle – a partial eclipse (where the moon will sort of block out the sun’s light) will also be experienced in some places across  Europe . 

The spectacle won’t be visible everywhere, but you might be lucky. Here’s all the info about how and when you could glimpse the phenomenon, based on where you are in Europe.  

RECOMMENDED: Solar eclipse 2024: when and how to see the April 8 eclipse in the UK These states are the best places to watch the 2024 solar eclipse

Where in Europe can you see tonight’s solar eclipse? 

The view of tonight’s eclipse will be pretty limited in Europe. Still, people in parts of the UK and Ireland will catch a glimpse of the partial eclipse between 7.50pm and 8pm GMT, specifically in Cork , Limerick, Galway and Dublin in Ireland, and Belfast , Manchester , Glasgow , Edinburgh , Cardiff , Leeds and Liverpool in the UK (if there are clear skies – fingers crossed). 

While the rest of Europe won’t see anything, the eclipse will be streamed on NASA’s website, which you can tune into right here . 

Another total eclipse is set to take place on  August 12, 2026  over Greenland,  Iceland  and  Spain . And almost exactly a year later on  August 2, 2027 , there’ll be one visible from northern  Africa , Gibraltar and the Saudi peninsula. Unfortunately, t he UK won’t be so lucky, as the next total eclipse visible from the country will be in 2090.

What time will the eclipse happen?

The eclipse will begin at around 8.52pm and end at 9.51pm CET. That’s an hour earlier in the UK, at 7.52pm until 8.51pm GMT – but you can check  timings for specific regions here . 

This is how to watch the eclipse in the US and in the UK .

Did you see that this surprising beach has been crowned the best in Europe ?

Plus: These are the best new hotels in the world in 2024 . 

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• Liv Kelly Contributing Writer

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Total solar eclipse 2024: Where, when, and how to watch

People in North America will be able to witness a total solar eclipse on April 8 as the moon completely blocks the sun.

Millions of people across North America will get the chance to experience a very special natural event on Monday when a total solar eclipse will be visible from parts of Mexico, the United States and Canada.

The total eclipse – which occurs when the moon completely blocks out the sun – will darken skies for a few minutes “as if it were dawn or dusk”, the US’s NASA space agency explains.

Keep reading

What to know about this week’s rare hybrid eclipse, solar eclipse wows stargazers in indonesia, australia, in pictures: solar eclipse sweeps across chile and argentina.

It will be visible from a 185km-wide (115 mile-wide) band that stretches from the western coast of Mexico, through the US, and up to Canada’s easternmost province of Newfoundland and Labrador – what’s known as the “path of totality”.

“Weather permitting, people along the path of totality will see the sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere, which is usually obscured by the bright face of the sun,” NASA says on its website.

The path of totality is really “where it’s at” on Monday, said Anthony Aveni, professor emeritus at Colgate University in New York and author of the book, In the Shadow of the Moon: The Science, Magic, and Mystery of Solar Eclipses.

“It’s that precious three minutes or so … of totality when you see a whole range of phenomena that you just don’t see in everyday life,” he told Al Jazeera. “It takes your breath away and you stop what you’re doing and gawk at nature.”

So how often do total solar eclipses occur? How long does it typically last? Where and how can you watch safely? Here’s everything you need to know.

Where will the total eclipse be visible from, and at what time?

Monday’s total eclipse will be visible from parts of Mexico, the US and Canada.

It will enter continental North America in Mazatlan, in the northwestern Mexican state of Sinaloa, at 11:07am local time (18:07 GMT). It will exit the continent on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16pm local time (19:46 GMT).

In the US, the eclipse will enter the state of Texas at 1:27pm local time (18:27 GMT) and exit in Maine at 3:35pm local time (19:35 GMT).

It will last only a few minutes, and the exact time it will be visible depends on where you are within the path of totality.

For example, in Erie, Pennsylvania, totality starts at 3:16pm local time (19:16 GMT) and ends at 3:20pm (19:20 GMT).

It will reach Buffalo, New York, a few minutes later: there, totality starts at 3:18pm local time (19:18 GMT) and ends at 3:22pm (19:22 GMT).

A partial eclipse also will be visible for about two hours on Monday, before and after totality.

What happens during a total solar eclipse?

While the Earth and moon both orbit the sun, the moon also circles the Earth each month.

During a total solar eclipse, the moon passes directly between the sun and the Earth, completely blocking the sun’s light on one side, and casting a shadow on a small area of Earth on its other side.

The dark inner part – the “umbra” – of this shadow creates a narrow track or “path” as the moon orbits the Earth. Areas on this path, and especially on its centreline, which fall directly under the shadow, are the ones from where the total eclipse will be visible.

This track is about 160km (100 miles) wide and 16,000km (10,000 miles) long.

“If it was a lunar eclipse, it would last for a few hours and people around the world could see it. But the difference is that total eclipses only happen over a specific path of that new moon,” said Khady Adama Ndao, a NASA eclipse ambassador.

This eclipse only occurs during a new moon. And the moon’s position in its orbit, relative to the sun and Earth, as well as the angles of all three at a specific time, are what create a total eclipse.

While the moon will be close enough to Earth so as to look as though it entirely covers the sun during an eclipse, in reality the moon is 400 times smaller than the sun. It’s the increased distance between the moon and the sun at the time of a total eclipse that makes the moon look like it is big enough to cover the sun.

Meanwhile, people who are close to the path of totality, but not directly in it, may see what’s known as a partial eclipse on Monday. That’s when only a part of the sun is obscured by the moon.

Areas from which a partial eclipse will be visible fall under faint parts of the moon’s wider shadow, called the “penumbra”.

What does a total eclipse look like?

As the moon moves past the sun during an eclipse, it will slowly obscure the sun – creating a dark sky – before reaching the moment of “totality”. That’s when almost the entirety of the sun will be covered, leaving only a faint circle of the sun’s light or the corona.

After a few minutes, people in the path of totality will see a partial eclipse again as the moon moves away. The sun will become fully visible again.

What else happens during the moment of totality?

There is a drop in temperature and animals also start to behave as if it’s nighttime.

The chirping patterns of birds may change, while nocturnal animals such as bats and owls may start to wake up and look for prey.

Stars and celestial objects hanging in the dark sky may also become more visible.

If a person were to stand on the moon or a space station orbiting Earth, they would also be able to see a dark shadow passing over the Earth.

How long will the total solar eclipse last on April 8?

A total solar eclipse can last between two to three hours, from the moment the moon first begins to cover the sun, until the time the moon crosses past the sun and stops obscuring it.

However, the period of totality in most places this year will last only between three and a half to four minutes.

Areas on and very close to the centreline will experience the longest period of totality while totality will last for shorter periods of time in areas farther from the centreline.

The longest period of totality on Monday – 4 minutes and 28 seconds – will occur near Torreon, Mexico. That’s because the area is closest to the point at which the shadow’s path is perpendicular to the Earth’s surface and near the central line of the umbral shadow.

In the past, totality in some places has lasted for as little as a few seconds, and as long as seven and a half minutes.

The durations of the eclipse and the period of totality differ due to a combination of factors, such as the curvature of the Earth and angle at which the moon’s shadow strikes.

Mobile applications such as “Totality” track eclipse start and end times, as well as totality durations for different cities on the total eclipse’s path.

What are some of the cultural and historical beliefs around total solar eclipses?

Total solar eclipses have captivated people for thousands of years. But in ancient civilisations, the phenomenon was often viewed as a bad omen.

In ancient China, for example, people believed that solar eclipses happened because “a celestial dragon” was eating the sun, according to NASA . As a result, people made loud noises during eclipses “to frighten the dragon away”.

The Inca people of South America believed solar eclipses were a sign of the sun god Inti’s anger.

And in ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), a solar eclipse was thought to signal that the ruler was in grave danger – leading decision-makers to put a system in place known as the “substitute king”.

In order to prevent the real Assyrian king, for example, from being harmed, a substitute would be dressed up and ultimately offered as a sacrifice “for the evil fate that was destined for the true king”, explained Sarah Graff , a curator in the Department of Ancient Near Eastern Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

According to Aveni at Colgate University, there is a tendency to view people in the past as being less intelligent or more superstitious about eclipses than people today. “But in every case, it’s an occasion to have a conversation,” he told Al Jazeera.

For instance, people made noise in the ancient Andean world during an eclipse “to alert the sun not to believe what the moon is whispering in his ear, which is that we people that live down here on Earth do bad things at night”, Aveni said. “This becomes an occasion to have a discussion about lying – that’s really what it’s about.”

Can you watch a total solar eclipse without glasses?

Experts stress that safety is critical.

During the brief time in which the moon completely blocks out the sun, people can view the total eclipse with their naked eye.

But during the partial eclipse before and after totality, you should use specially designed, protective solar glasses or a handheld solar viewing device.

“If people look without the proper protection, they run the risk of injuring their eyes,” said B Ralph Chou , president of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.

“And if they get an injury, depending on how often and how long they look at the sun without the protection, they do have a substantial risk of developing a permanent loss of vision.”

This risk is due to a number of factors such as the intensity and radiation of the sun’s light, as well as the absence of pain receptors in the eye, which makes it easier to stare for too long.

Compared with a regular day, pupils may also be less dilated during an eclipse, making the bright light that enters more dangerous. “It’s like being in the dark, when all of a sudden, someone just flashes a flashlight in front of your eyes”, Ndao, the NASA eclipse ambassador, said.

How are people preparing?

Cities and towns across the path of totality have been distributing eclipse glasses to residents in the weeks leading up to Monday’s event. Museums, science centres and other institutions are holding viewing parties.

Schools in the US and Canada have announced closures on Monday to allow students to participate in eclipse-watching events. The closures also aim to avoid safety issues, as schools have raised concerns that the total eclipse coincides with school dismissal times.

Groups of people are also flying in private planes to watch the totality, said Barbara Gruber, assistant director of education and public outreach at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) in the US.

While this is permitted, the US Federal Aviation Authority has put out safety advisories about flying during totality.

Are you guaranteed to see the total eclipse if you’re in the path of totality?

Unfortunately not. Weather conditions will play an important factor in what hopeful eclipse-watchers will be able to see on Monday.

In other words, if it’s cloudy, that could ruin the visibility.

If you’re not in North America, several institutions will be hosting live coverage of the total eclipse, including NASA .

How often does a total solar eclipse happen?

While Monday may be the last time the US sees an eclipse for at least another nine years, a total solar eclipse generally occurs every 18 months.

Many total eclipses are only visible at sea and may not be seen by anyone at all, according to Ndao.

Additionally, once a particular area experiences a total eclipse, it may not see the return of the phenomenon for hundreds of years.

“On average a single location will experience a total solar eclipse about every 350 years, but averages can be misleading and some lucky places will get an eclipse in just a few years”, Gruber told Al Jazeera.

When is the next total solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse will take place on August 12, 2026, over Greenland, Iceland, and Spain. Almost exactly a year later, on August 2, 2027, one will be visible from northern Africa, Gibraltar, and the Saudi peninsula.

In the US, the next total eclipse will occur in 2033 but will only be visible from Alaska.

Western Canada, Montana and North Dakota will witness a total eclipse in 2044 and, the following year, people in the US will be able to see a total eclipse from coast to coast, according to NRAO.

Experts say a day will come, however, when total eclipses will stop occurring altogether – but not for quite a while.

As the universe expands with the moon moving further away from the Earth each year, and the sun gets bigger, the moon will eventually become too small in the sky to block the whole sun.

That day is still a distant reality though. A NASA study in 2017 estimated that total eclipses would end in 563 million years.

Solar eclipse 2024: Photos from the path of totality and elsewhere in the U.S.

Images show the Great American Eclipse, seen by tens of millions of people in parts of Mexico, 15 U.S. states and eastern Canada for the first time since 2017.

Millions gathered across North America on Monday to bask in the glory of the Great American Eclipse — the moment when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun. 

The path of totality measures more than 100 miles wide and will first be visible on Mexico’s Pacific coast before moving northeast through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois and upward toward New York, New Hampshire and Maine, then on to Canada.

Total solar eclipse 2024 highlights: Live coverage, videos and more

During the cosmic spectacle, the moon’s movements will temporarily block the sun’s light, creating minutes of darkness, and will make the sun's outer atmosphere, or the corona, visible as a glowing halo.

Here are moments of the celestial activities across the country:

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Elise Wrabetz is a Senior Photo Editor for NBC News digital

Chelsea Stahl is the art director for NBC News Digital