🌊 Summer Isn’t Over Yet: The Best Late-August Getaways
August doesn’t mark the end of summer — it’s actually one of the smartest times to travel.
The peak-season crowds are fading, families are heading home to get ready for school, and prices start to drop.
At the same time, the sun still shines bright, beaches are still warm, and festivals are still alive.
If you’ve been waiting for that last spark of summer magic, here are the best places to make your late-August trip unforgettable.
✍️ Sophia · August 14, 2025
☀️ 1. The Greek Islands (Beyond Santorini & Mykonos)
When people think of Greece, they picture Santorini’s sunsets or Mykonos’ beach clubs. By August, those spots are often overcrowded and overpriced. But the beauty of Greece is its endless choice of islands — each with its own charm.
Head to Naxos for wide sandy beaches and family-owned tavernas where octopus dries in the sun. Or sail to Milos, with its moon-like Sarakiniko beach and hidden caves you can swim through. Paros strikes a balance: lively villages like Naousa, but calmer vibes than the party islands. Ferries run frequently, meaning you can still do a bit of island hopping. Plus, late August brings fewer tourists, so hotel deals are easier to find. Pro tip: rent a scooter for under €20/day and explore the back roads at your own pace.
🏖️ 2. Southern Italy’s Underrated Coastlines
The Amalfi Coast grabs all the headlines, but southern Italy is full of coastal regions where you’ll find more locals than influencers. Puglia, in Italy’s heel, has cliffside towns like Polignano a Mare where you can dive straight from limestone rocks into turquoise seas. Its baroque city of Lecce, nicknamed the “Florence of the South,” is glowing in late-summer light.
For an even more rustic experience, head to Calabria, where beaches stretch endlessly and the seafood is unbeatable. Late August is when Italian vacationers head back to their cities, leaving the beaches calmer. Bonus: prices for stays and meals drop noticeably after mid-August. Pair it with a road trip — the olive groves and countryside drives make the journey just as memorable as the beaches.
🍷 3. Portugal’s Douro Valley Wine Country
In July, the Douro Valley can be scorching, but by late August it’s just warm enough to sip wine outdoors without melting. Vineyards spill over rolling hillsides, boats cruise slowly along the river, and towns like Peso da Régua and Pinhão feel timeless.
This is also pre-harvest season, meaning vineyards are alive with energy but not yet overrun by tourists. Many quintas (wine estates) offer affordable tastings paired with homemade meals, giving you a chance to try port wines and olive oils straight from the source. Add a couple of days in Porto at the end, where you can stroll through tiled streets, watch sunset at the Luís I Bridge, and enjoy the last breezy evenings before autumn arrives.
🌆 4. Istanbul for a Culture-Filled City Break
While everyone else is chasing Mediterranean beaches, Istanbul is buzzing with its own late-summer magic. Imagine sipping Turkish tea by the Bosphorus, wandering through the Grand Bazaar without the full crush of July crowds, and watching the sun sink behind the Hagia Sophia.
Flights to Istanbul often dip in price after mid-August, especially from Europe, making it an accessible city break. The evenings are warm but not scorching, perfect for rooftop terraces in Karaköy or cruising the Bosphorus by ferry. Pro tip: late August also brings open-air concerts and night markets that locals love — a chance to blend in with the city’s rhythm rather than just skim its landmarks.
🏔️ 5. Hiking Season in the Swiss Alps
Switzerland isn’t just for winter ski trips — late August is one of the best times to explore its alpine landscapes. The wildflowers are still blooming in valleys, high-altitude lakes glisten turquoise, and hiking trails are wide open.
Base yourself in towns like Interlaken, Zermatt, or Grindelwald and take cable cars up to panoramic trails. Days are long, but the mountain air is crisp enough to keep you comfortable even after hours of walking. And because ski season hasn’t started yet, prices for chalets and guesthouses are far more manageable. You’ll trade the crowds of July for quieter paths and a chance to see Switzerland at its most serene.
🌴 6. Bali’s Perfect Dry Season
If you’re ready for a bigger escape, Bali in late August hits the sweet spot. It’s dry season, meaning blue skies, warm water, and lush rice terraces glowing in the sun. Surfers flock to Uluwatu’s waves, while yoga retreats in Ubud welcome travelers chasing calm.
Yes, it’s still lively, but compared to July, late August feels less chaotic. Hotels and villas often start releasing discounts, and you can find great value if you book last minute. Don’t miss the evening beach clubs in Canggu, where sunsets turn into DJ sets under the stars. And if you’re craving something quieter, hop to nearby Nusa Islands for crystal-clear snorkeling.
🛶 7. Canada’s Lakes & National Parks
If Europe feels too hot, head north. Late August in Canada is magical: warm days, cool nights, and nature at its best. In Banff and Jasper National Parks, you can hike past glaciers, canoe across mirror-like lakes, and spot elk wandering through meadows. Over in Ontario’s cottage country, locals wind down their summer weekends on lakeshores, barbecues sizzling while the sun sets.
Camping is at its most comfortable — no sweltering heat, no freezing nights. And stargazing is unforgettable: August often brings meteor showers, meaning your nights could be filled with shooting stars over the Rockies or by Algonquin’s quiet lakes.
✈️ Why Late August Travel Works So Well
Late August sits at the perfect intersection: it still feels like summer, but you skip the worst of peak-season chaos. Flights are usually cheaper, hotels start opening deals, and you can explore with fewer lines, quieter beaches, and locals slowly returning to their daily rhythms.
So if you’ve been hesitating, don’t wait until September. Grab that last taste of summer — whether it’s hiking Swiss peaks, sipping wine in Portugal, or swimming in a hidden Greek bay. The best season isn’t over yet. 🌞
✍️ This blog was written by Ava.
