With school holidays and peak summer heat, the month of August evokes classic holiday-time vibes.
So where do the experts suggest you go this year?
The 18 volcanic islands that make up the Faroe Islands are well-known for their rugged, untouched natural beauty
Faroe Islands: The archipelago of the Faroe Islands sits 205 miles north of Scotland but feels like a world away. A self-governing part of the Kingdom of Denmark, the 18 islands have just become a lot easier to reach.
Kristijan Švajnzger, Intrepid Travel’s regional general manager for East and North Europe, says: “With the recent introduction of direct flights from London, the Faroe Islands has never been more accessible for Brits keen for an alternative holiday escape in August without the crowds, or heat, of many other European destinations.”
Think dramatic sea cliffs, tall waterfalls, incredible seafood and hiking trails with few people on them.
“August is generally the best time to hike the coastlines, kayak the fjords and visit the villages dotted along the islands,” says Švajnzger “The weather is mild and there’s more than 15 hours of sunlight, meaning ample time to explore.”
The Westfjords region is known for towering cliffs, jagged fjords and rich folklore
The Westfjords, Iceland: Head north west and the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’ is another heat-escaping option.
“August 12 brings a once-in-a-generation event to Iceland,” notes Tim Hentschel, CEO and co-founder HotelPlanner.com. “For the first time since 1954, a total solar eclipse will cross the country. Western Iceland offers the most accessible landmass along the global eclipse track which means it will hold the longest duration of totality in Europe (up to two minutes and 13 seconds).
“Travellers can position themselves to witness the eclipse over the fjords of the remote Westfjords, the volcanic peaks of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or even while soaking in the geothermal waters of the Reykjanes Peninsula.”
The countryside outside Limerick offers a peaceful escape defined by rolling dairy farms, historic ruins, and lush woodlands
Limerick, Ireland: You don’t always need to travel far, particularly in August. Julie Wakley, Tourism Ireland’s head of Great Britain, suggests Limerick in Western Ireland – known as the gateway city to the Wild Atlantic Way. “On the island of Ireland, we enjoy a pleasantly mild summer climate for comfortable days spent outdoors,” she says. “Limerick and the surrounding area is an absolute haven for active, low-impact exploration where rich cultural history meets the great outdoors.
“Spend a quiet morning cycling or walking the magnificent Limerick Greenway, which carves a beautiful path through the rural countryside, or head to Ballyhoura to world-class mountain biking trails and forest walks, deep in nature.”
Alternatively, “The mystical lakefront of Limerick’s Lough Gur is a serene setting steeped in thousands of years of archaeology and folklore,” she says. Also in August, venture south for the Cork on a Fork food festival.
The Lofoten Islands have distinctive scenery with dramatic mountains and peaks, open sea and sheltered bays, beaches and untouched lands
Lofoten Islands, Norway: In Northern Norway, above the Arctic Circle, is the archipelago of the Lofoten Islands – known for granite peaks, deep fjords, colourful villages and empty white-sand beaches.
“August is actually one of my favourite times to visit Lofoten,” says Sam Bruce, co-founder of Much Better Adventures. “You’re past the peak midnight sun season, which means the worst of the crowds have gone, but you’re still getting 15 to 20 hours of daylight, and that late-summer Arctic light is unlike anything else in Europe. Long, golden, endlessly photogenic.
“Most people are on a beach in the Mediterranean, which means you often have the trails entirely to yourself. Lofoten is an extremely beautiful place, and it has a much more favourable climate in August than a lot of places further south, where you might struggle with the heat.”
Just 60 kilometres east of Marseille, Toulon has a sun-drenched bay, beautiful beaches and a rich history
Toulon: British Airways Holidays destination manager Nina McMaster suggests Toulon for a more classic summer break. BA recently launched new twice-weekly flights from London City to the southern French city.
“Toulon is the gateway to St Tropez, one of the most glamorous locations in Europe, with August being a great time to visit,” she says. “At this time of year, the city offers a buzzing summer escape thanks to its beach clubs and outdoor markets.”
The area is known for its incredible gastronomy (think long alfresco lunches and people watching). “Toulon is also a perfect base for day trips – travellers can visit Provence for wine tasting, paddleboard through the Gorges du Verdon, or hop on the train to experience the stunning coastline that the French Riviera has to offer,” says McMaster.
A Tanzania safari offers unparalleled wildlife viewing
Tanzania: “Tanzania in August is hard to beat,” says Sam Bruce of the East African country famous for wildlife and, of course, Mount Kilimanjaro – the continent’s highest mountain.
“Peak dry season means the best safari conditions, Kilimanjaro is in prime shape for climbing, the beaches are excellent and there’s nothing stopping you doing all three on one trip.
“This is the ideal adventure for anyone who loves wildlife and mountains; for those who want a trip where they can reach an iconic summit but also come away with memories of watching giraffes, lions and elephants out in the wild.”
Hoi An is a charming and historic destination
Central Vietnam: Vietnam might sound sticky in August but it depends where you go. James Mundy, global PR manager at Inside Travel, says: “Central Vietnam has its own little climate, so August is actually very nice.
“You’ve got places like Hoi An [a UNESCO-listed ancient trading port] and Hue [the former imperial capital] and beaches around there. Whereas in the north you’ve got some typhoons coming in and affecting places like Hạ Long Bay, and in the south it’s a lot more humid, around Ho Chi Minh and the Mekong Delta. So Central Vietnam is very nice.
“It’s also not a peak time of travel for Vietnam, so being one of the most popular places in the country for tourism, it gets very busy other times a year. So, July and August are actually quite quiet, and therefore it’s a great time of year to go. You can still enjoy the beaches, you can still enjoy the countryside.”
Mauritius is famed for its powdery white sands, vibrant coral reefs, and crystal-clear turquoise lagoons
Mauritius: Izzie Simms, British Airways Holidays destination executive, recommends the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius at this time of year (BA offers three direct services a week from the UK).
“August is a great time for visiting Mauritius due to it being the drier season, making sightseeing and outdoor activities more comfortable than the more humid months,” she says. “[The country] typically experiences sunny days, low rainfall and pleasant temperatures (ranging from 20–25°C) throughout August.
“It is also one of the best months for kitesurfing enthusiasts to visit, thanks to the steady winds. Mauritius is only three hours ahead of the UK in the summer meaning that jet lag is not an issue.”