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.
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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 20th. 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. Many of the quotes about Budapest are inspired by this view.
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.
Don’t forget to check out the local delicacies and participate in some of the food tours too! You’ll also find a couple of interesting places for souvenir shopping.
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:
Low: 21°C / 69.8°F
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:
Low: 21°C / 69.8°F
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 4th (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. You can spend a day here or a week but you won’t be bored.
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. You can also go shopping for some cool Paris themed gifts.
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:
Low: 16°C / 60.8°F
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:
Low: 12°C / 53.6°F
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:
Low: 22°C / 71.6°F
High: 29°C/ 84.2°F
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-colored 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!
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!
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to check out my detailed packing guide for summer in Italy.
By Kristin from Global Travel Escapades
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.
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