Where to go in Europe in August
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Events, seasonal highlights & travel tips
Perfect swimming conditions across Greece, Italy, Spain, and Croatia
Peak summer energy in Mediterranean coastal towns
Ideal month for sailing and island hopping
Refreshing northern escapes in Norway and Scotland
Travel tip: August is extremely popular — ferries, hotels, and car rentals book out early
Sicily — Taormina, Ortigia & the Aeolian Connection, Italy
Sicily shines in August with warm seas, bright evenings, and a relaxed island pace. Explore Taormina’s ancient theater and panoramic terraces, wander Ortigia’s baroque streets, or take boat trips to peaceful coves along the Ionian coast. For a quieter escape, connect to the nearby Aeolian Islands — Salina’s vineyards, Lipari’s cliffs, and Stromboli’s volcanic glow create some of Italy’s most atmospheric summer scenery.
🌡 72–89 °F 🌊 79 °F ☀️ 11 hours 🌧 1 day
Cyclades — Tinos, Serifos & Naxos, Greece
August is a beautiful time across the Cyclades, especially on islands that blend breezy weather with authentic, slower rhythms. Tinos offers marble villages and peaceful beaches, Serifos has copper-colored cliffs and quiet harbors, and Naxos balances mountain landscapes with long, sandy coastlines. Warm seas, reliable winds, and lively tavernas make it one of the Mediterranean’s most appealing August escapes.
🌡 75–86 °F 🌊 79 °F ☀️ 12 hours 🌧 1 day
Brittany, France — Saint-Malo, Dinard & the Pink Granite Coast
For travelers seeking mild temperatures and dramatic coastal scenery, Brittany is ideal. Expect rugged cliffs, pastel harbors, atmospheric medieval towns, and some of Europe’s most distinctive shorelines along the Pink Granite Coast. Tides reveal huge beaches, seafood is exceptional, and cool breezes make hiking and coastal walks perfect in August.
🌡 57–72 °F 🌊 66 °F ☀️ 7 hours 🌧 7 days
Norway — Lofoten Islands & Vesterålen
August offers mild weather, bright evenings, and excellent wildlife viewing across the Lofoten archipelago. Explore sharp mountain ridges, white-sand Arctic beaches, fishing villages, and fjords glowing under northern sunlight. Whale watching is exceptional in nearby Vesterålen, and long days make it easy to experience dramatic viewpoints without rushing.
🌡 52–63 °F 🌊 55 °F ☀️ 8 hours 🌧 10 days
Ireland — Donegal & the Wild Atlantic Way
Ireland’s northwest offers space, rugged scenery, and mild summer weather in August. Explore Slieve League’s cliffs, the sweeping beaches of Inishowen, and atmospheric coastal roads where mountains meet the Atlantic. Donegal feels remote and visually striking — perfect for travelers who enjoy nature, photography, and quieter routes.
🌡 52–65 °F ☀️ 6 hours 🌧 12 days
Swiss Alps — Bernese Oberland & Zermatt
August is peak alpine season, with clear trails, crisp air, and panoramic views. Explore the Jungfrau region’s waterfalls and high meadows, take scenic trains to mountain viewpoints, or hike near Zermatt with the Matterhorn rising above the valleys. Warm afternoons and cool evenings make the Alps a refreshing alternative to summer heat.
🌡 55–75 °F ☀️ 8 hours 🌧 10 days
Azores, Portugal — São Miguel & Pico
A strong addition for August travel. The Azores offer volcanic lakes, dramatic coastlines, and refreshing Atlantic breezes. Explore the crater lakes of Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo, soak in natural hot springs, or visit Pico’s lava fields and UNESCO-listed vineyards. Whale watching is excellent, and the climate remains mild despite the summer season.
🌡 63–79 °F 🌊 72 °F ☀️ 8 hours 🌧 5 days
Scotland — Outer Hebrides
For travelers seeking wide-open landscapes, quiet beaches, and cool summer conditions, the Outer Hebrides are ideal. Explore the white sands of Luskentyre, cycle along quiet coastal roads, and visit ancient stone circles under bright northern skies. Wildlife — from eagles to seals — is abundant, and the islands feel peaceful even in peak season.
🌡 50–63 °F 🌊 57 °F ☀️ 6 hours 🌧 12 days
Basque Country — San Sebastián & the Coastal Villages, Spain
August brings warm weather and lively culinary energy to the Basque Coast. San Sebastián offers golden beaches, elegant promenades, and world-class pintxos bars, while nearby villages like Getaria and Zumaia deliver dramatic cliffs and peaceful coastal trails. It’s an ideal option for food-lovers and travelers seeking a more refined summer atmosphere.
🌡 64–78 °F 🌊 73 °F ☀️ 8 hours 🌧 5 days
Slovenia — Soča Valley & Alpine Lakes
A refreshing continental option. The Soča Valley is carved by emerald rivers and surrounded by alpine peaks, offering rafting, canyoning, and gentle hiking. Lake Bohinj shines in August with warm water backed by dramatic cliffs, and evenings are cool and calm — perfect for travelers seeking nature without the heat.
🌡 60–80 °F ☀️ 8 hours 🌧 7 days
Swedish Lapland — Abisko & Kiruna Region
August brings mild temperatures, clear rivers, quiet forests, and vast open landscapes in Swedish Lapland. Wild blueberries ripen along trails, northern wildlife is active, and lakes reflect long summer skies. It’s an excellent time for hiking, photography, and slow travel in a peaceful, Nordic setting.
🌡 50–66 °F ☀️ 7 hours 🌧 9 days
August experiences to plan your trip around
“The world’s largest performing arts festival transforms Edinburgh into an open-air stage. Comedy, theater, dance, street performers, live music, and experimental shows take place day and night across historic venues, pubs, courtyards, and parks. A must-experience cultural event and one of Europe’s most energetic summer highlights.”
Edinburgh – Edinburgh Fringe Festival
All August
“A 300-year-old knightly tournament where riders gallop at full speed to strike a hanging metal ring with a spear. Recognized by UNESCO, the Alka combines tradition, pageantry, music, and local pride — an unforgettable cultural encounter in the Dalmatian hinterland.”
Croatia – Sinjska Alka
First Sunday of August, near Split
“Nice’s harbor lights up with concerts, street food stalls, local wine, and fireworks over the Mediterranean. Travelers can enjoy warm evenings, live music, and a lively yet relaxed summer atmosphere right by the water.”
France (Côte d’Azur) – Fête du Port in Nice
Mid-August
“Across islands like Paros, Naxos, and Santorini, traditional village festivals — panigiria — fill warm summer nights with live music, dancing, regional dishes, and local wine. These community-driven celebrations offer one of the most authentic ways to experience Greek island culture.”
Greece (Cyclades)
Panigiria Summer Feasts (all August)
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