Top travel destinations in August: Experience the diversity of summer around the world

Contents:

• Destination #1: Greece – island getaways & evenings in tavernas
• Destination #2: Croatia – island hopping, old town charm & the Adriatic at its best
• Destination #3: Menorca (Spain) – tranquil coves & crystal-clear waters
• Destination #4: Corsica, France – wild coves, mountains & turquoise waters
• Destination #5: Cyprus – A classic beach holiday destination with turquoise bays
• Destination #6: Turkey – Aegean coast & Riviera for sun, coves and days out on a boat
• Destination #7: Switzerland (Ticino) – lakeside bathing & la dolce vita
• Destination #8: Brazil – beach holidays with ‘winter sun’ & a nature boost
• Destination #9: Isla Holbox, Mexico – a barefoot island with a Caribbean feel
• Destination #10: North-east Sri Lanka – tranquil east coast beaches
• August highlights: 26 dream destinations for the perfect summer holidays
• Conclusion: August – the perfect time for unforgettable trips

Destination #1: Greece – Island getaways & evenings in tavernas

• Why visit in August: Greece is ideal in August because the country offers exactly what people love about it: a sea warm enough for swimming, long, bright days and that relaxed ‘beach first, then a taverna’ pace that comes naturally in the evenings. If you time your beach visits cleverly (early in the morning or later in the afternoon), you’ll find stunning bays even in peak season – and plenty of variety in between for boat trips, viewpoints, small harbour towns and island excursions.
• Highlights: Turquoise swimming coves & boat trips, sea caves, small beach towns, sunset dinners by the water.
• Ideal for: Classic beach holidays, couples, groups of friends, ‘a week of pure summer’.
• Getting there from Switzerland: In August, there are numerous seasonal connections to Greece – depending on your destination, either directly to the islands (e.g. the Ionian Islands, the Cyclades, Crete) or via Athens with a connecting flight or ferry.
• Event 2026: Assumption of Mary / Dormition (15 August 2026) – one of Greece’s most important public holidays, celebrated in many places with festivities, music and a special atmosphere (varies depending on the island or town).

Destination #2: Croatia – island hopping, old town charm & the Adriatic at its best

• Why visit in August: Croatia is ideal in August if you’re looking for a classic summer holiday with plenty of variety: warm, often crystal-clear seas, long evenings on the promenade – and islands that you can combine by ferry almost like building blocks. To ensure you stay relaxed even in peak season, it’s worth adopting the ‘summer holiday rhythm’: a swim in the morning, a break at midday, then the old town and dinner by the water from late afternoon onwards.
• Highlights: the Dalmatian coast, islands, days out on a boat, historic old towns, sunset dinners by the sea.
• Ideal for: beach holidays with a cultural twist, island hopping, couples, groups of friends, families (depending on the route).
• Getting there from Switzerland: In August, there are plenty of seasonal connections to the coast (e.g. Split/Dubrovnik/Zadar – depending on the flight schedule); once there, hire cars and ferries are ideal.

• Event 2026: Dubrovnik Summer Festival (10 July–25 August 2026) – open-air theatre, concerts and a cultural programme set against the backdrop of Dubrovnik’s Old Town.

Destination #3: Menorca (Spain) – tranquil coves, crystal-clear water & summer in ‘slow mode’

• Why visit in August: Menorca is ideal in August if you’re looking for the height of summer but want to avoid the ‘constant hustle and bustle’ of the major tourist hotspots. Even during the holiday season, the island often feels a touch quieter: lots of small coves rather than a few large beaches, short distances between the countryside and pretty harbour towns – and in the evenings, that relaxed ‘first a swim, then tapas’ pace. If you head to the calas early in the morning or later in the afternoon, you’ll find surprisingly beautiful, relaxing moments even in August.

• Highlights: Calas & swimming coves, Camí de Cavalls (coastal path), harbour towns, sunset spots, a day out on a boat. You’ll find even more inspiration in our blog post ‘Menorca insider tips: 10 quiet spots away from mass tourism’.

• Ideal for: beach holidays surrounded by nature, couples, families, anyone who prefers a quieter pace.
• Getting there from Switzerland: There are direct flights to Menorca (Mahón) from Geneva and Basel in August; otherwise, via Barcelona/Madrid/Palma.

• Event 2026: Festes de Sant Llorenç (Alaior) 15–16 August 2026 – a typical Menorcan summer fiesta with a great village fair atmosphere. 

Destination #4: Corsica, France – wild coves, mountains & turquoise waters

• Why visit in August: Corsica is ideal in August because you get the full mid-summer seaside experience – but with a much greater sense of being at one with nature than at many classic beach destinations. Between secluded coves, coastal roads and short detours into the island’s mountainous interior, every day feels different, even though the focus is clearly on swimming and the sea.

• Highlights: stunning beaches and coves, turquoise swimming spots, coastal villages, days out on a boat, scenic routes, and waterfalls/natural pools for a change of pace. For further ideas, check out our blog post ‘Corsica insider tips: The top 10 sights’ – featuring special places, worthwhile stops and inspiration off the beaten track.

• Ideal for: beach holidays surrounded by nature, couples, families, road trip enthusiasts (island routes).
• Getting there from Switzerland: Depending on the flight schedule, there are seasonal direct flights to Bastia/Ajaccio/Calvi; alternatively, via the south of France or Italy by ferry.

• Event 2026: Corsica Classic Regatta (23–31 August 2026) – a regatta featuring classic sailing yachts along the coast (a maritime ‘summer highlight’).

Destination #5: Cyprus – a classic beach holiday destination with turquoise bays

• Why visit in August: Cyprus is ideal in August if you’re looking for that guaranteed summer feeling: a very warm sea, long evenings and plenty of beaches where you can simply spend the whole day in the water. It’s particularly enjoyable if you adapt to the local rhythm: beach in the morning, siesta or pool at midday, back to the water from late afternoon onwards – that’s what a relaxed midsummer feels like.
• Highlights: Ayia Napa & Cape Greco for their bays and the colours of the water, Nissi Beach, boat trips & snorkelling spots, Paphos for the sea and ancient ruins.
• Ideal for: Classic beach holidays, couples, families, beach holidays with short cultural stops.
• Getting there from Switzerland: In summer, there are usually direct flights to Larnaca or Paphos; once there, hire cars or transfers are handy, depending on whether you want to ‘hit up’ more bays.
• Event 2026: Assumption of Mary / Dormition (15 August 2026) – an important public holiday with church services and a festive local atmosphere; celebrations at Kykkos Monastery, amongst others, are particularly well known. 

Destination #6: Turkey – the Aegean Coast & Riviera for sun, bays and days out on a boat

• Why visit in August: Turkey is ideal for a beach holiday in August because it’s the height of summer: plenty of sunshine, sea warm enough for swimming, and long evenings for strolling along the promenade, enjoying meze and watching the sunset by the water. On the Aegean coast, a breeze often ensures more pleasant temperatures – and with the classic routine (beach in the morning, a break at midday, then back into the sea later on), things stay relaxed even in the peak season.
• Highlights: Bodrum (bays & beach clubs), Datça (quieter, more natural), Çeşme/Alaçatı (wind & beach vibes), Fethiye and Kaş (turquoise waters & great for snorkelling). 
• Ideal for: Classic beach holidays, couples, groups of friends, ‘boat + bay’ holidays.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Usually good flight connections in summer, e.g. via Istanbul to Dalaman/Bodrum/Antalya.
• Event 2026: Zafer Bayramı / Victory Day (30 August 2026) – a national public holiday with events and parades in many cities.

Destination #7: Switzerland (Ticino) – Beach holidays & la dolce vita

• Why go in August: If you fancy that beach and seaside holiday vibe in August, but without the flight: in Ticino, summer feels like the Mediterranean – with warm days, lakeside promenades, gelato breaks and long evenings by the water. Ideal for a quick break that still feels like a proper holiday.

• Highlights: Swimming in Lake Maggiore, lakeside promenades in Ascona, the old town and piazza vibes in Locarno, a boat trip to the Brissago Islands, a sunset aperitif by the lake... For even more inspiration on Ticino, check out our blog post “Ticino, Switzerland: The most beautiful places, day trips and tips for indulgence”.

• Ideal for: a “close-by” beach holiday, indulgence, couples, short breaks, families.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Very convenient by train to Ticino (direct or with a short change, depending on your starting point); once there, ferries and buses are handy.

• Event 2026: Locarno Film Festival (5–15 August 2026) – open-air cinema and a festival atmosphere around the Piazza Grande. 

Destination #8: Brazil – Beach holidays with ‘winter sun’ & a nature boost

• Why visit in August: August is a more pleasant time to travel in many parts of Brazil: less humid, often drier – ideal for days on the beach and excursions. For that ‘picture-postcard island’ experience, Fernando de Noronha is particularly appealing, as the drier season typically begins in August and the months leading into autumn are considered very suitable (including for diving). 

• Highlights: beaches & lagoons (e.g. Noronha), with the option of adding Rio de Janeiro as a city break (August is often one of the drier months there). For Rio, we also recommend our blog post ‘City break in Rio de Janeiro: highlights, neighbourhoods and cuisine’ – ideal for finding the best places to visit and the best neighbourhoods.

• Ideal for: beach holidays with plenty of variety, the perfect end to a long-haul trip, a combination of sea and nature.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Usually a flight to São Paulo or Rio (typically with one stopover), followed by domestic flights depending on the region.
• Event 2026: Festival de Inverno de Bonito (26–30 August 2026) – a programme of culture and music in one of Brazil’s most famous natural regions (great if you want to combine a beach holiday with a nature excursion).

Destination #9: Isla Holbox, Mexico – Barefoot Island & Caribbean Vibes

• Why visit in August: Isla Holbox is ideal in August if you’re looking for a beach holiday with a touch of ‘Robinson Crusoe’ about it: car-free, laid-back, with long, shallow beaches and that relaxed island vibe where the day automatically slows down. Added to this is a real bonus for nature lovers: July and August are considered the peak season for whale shark tours (weather and season permitting) – perfect if you want to combine days on the beach with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 
• Highlights: Endless sandy beaches, a day out by boat to sandbanks and lagoons, sunsets by the water, street food and beach bars, (seasonal) whale shark snorkelling – plus bioluminescent glow at night, depending on conditions. 
• Ideal for: Relaxing beach holidays, couples, groups of friends, a laid-back break with a natural highlight.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Fly to Cancún, then take a transfer to Chiquilá and a ferry to Holbox (plan the total journey time depending on connections and transfers).
• Event 2026: International Whale Shark Day (30 August 2026) – on Holbox, the whale shark is celebrated as the star of the season (local activities/atmosphere; details may vary). 

Destination #10: North-east Sri Lanka – tranquil east coast beaches

• Why visit in August: The north-east is one of the best choices in Sri Lanka in August, as the east and north-east coasts typically experience the more pleasant season: more sunshine, calmer seas and excellent conditions for days on the beach and boat trips – whilst the south-west coast can often have rougher seas at this time of year. 
• Highlights: Trincomalee as a base, beaches near Nilaveli, snorkelling and boat trips to Pigeon Island National Park, relaxed swimming coves near Pasikuda; optional northern detour to Jaffna for culture, temples and markets. 
• Ideal for: beach holidays with a ‘new’ twist, snorkelling/marine life, couples, families – plus cultural add-ons without the hustle and bustle.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Flight to Colombo (usually with one stopover), then on by domestic flight, private transfer or train, depending on the route, towards the east coast (Trincomalee/Pasikuda) or the north (Jaffna).
• Event 2026: Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil Festival (Jaffna, July/August 2026; dates vary according to the calendar) – an impressive Hindu temple festival lasting several weeks, featuring processions and a strong local atmosphere.

August highlights: 27 unforgettable destinations with perfect summer weather

• Egypt – Average temperature 32.1°C, 0 days of rain, water temperature 27°C
• Balearic Islands – Average temperature 26°C, 3 days of rain, water temperature 21.8°C
• Brazil – Average temperature 22.4°C, 1 day of rain, water temperature 22°C
• Bulgaria – Average temperature 21.2°C, 11 days of rain, water temperature 27°C
• Germany – Average temperature 18.5°C, rain on 17 days, water temperature 19°C
• France – Average temperature 22°C, 17 days of rain, water temperature 21°C
• Greece – Average temperature 28.2°C, rain on 1 day, water temperature 21.9°C
• Great Britain – Average temperature 15.8°C, 10 days of rain, water temperature 16°C
• Hawaii – Average temperature 28°C, 12 days of rain, water temperature 26°C
• Indonesia – Average temperature 26°C, 2 days of rain, water temperature 27°C
• Italy – Average temperature 26.9°C, 3 days of rain, water temperature 24°C
• Canada – Average temperature 19°C, 14 days of rain, water temperature 21°C
• Canary Islands – Average temperature 24.8°C, rain on 1 day, water temperature 21.1°C
• Croatia – Average temperature 25.4°C, rain on 3 days, water temperature 24°C
• Malta – Average temperature 27.3°C, 3 days of rain, water temperature 21.1°C
• Madeira – Average temperature 23°C, 5 days of rain, water temperature 23°C
• Montenegro – Average temperature 21.5°C, 9 days of rain, water temperature 25°C
• Morocco – Average temperature 28.7°C, 2 days of rain, water temperature 22°C
• Mauritius – Average temperature 18.7°C, 5 days of rain, water temperature 23°C
• Portugal – Average temperature 24.2°C, 3 days of rain, water temperature 20°C
• Scotland – Average temperature 14.9°C, 12 days of rain, water temperature 16°C
• Seychelles – Average temperature 26.5°C, 8 days of rain, water temperature 26°C
• Spain – Average temperature 25°C, 9 days of rain, water temperature 23°C
• Turkey – Average temperature 28.7°C, rain on 1 day, water temperature 20.8°C
• Tunisia – Average temperature 28.4°C, 4 days of rain, water temperature 25°C
• Cyprus – Average temperature 27°C, rain on 1 day, water temperature 27°C

Conclusion: August – the perfect time for unforgettable holidays

August is the ideal time to make the most of summer – whether it’s relaxing days by the sea, cultural highlights or nature experiences that will stay with you for a long time to come. With a well-thought-out packing list, you’ll be perfectly prepared for sunshine, day trips and spontaneous evenings – and can tailor your trip exactly to your mood: lively cities, tranquil coastlines or exotic landscapes.

If you’re looking for even more inspiration, you’ll find new travel deals on our website every day. That way, an idea quickly turns into a concrete plan – and August becomes a month full of special moments.