In the mood for a last-minute break? Us too. Long gone are the months when a five-hour flight was required to reach sun-soaked resorts; European summer is now in full swing and you don’t need us to tell you to get out there and enjoy it while you can. From the Balearics‘ wild child and the sparkling French Riviera, to bustling city breaks in Finland and Ireland, here’s where to travel in August. 

Ibiza

Average temperature in August: 30°C

It’s no secret that Ibiza has had something of a facelift in recent years, moving away from its wild child reputation (which was hard earned in the Nineties) and leaning into a slower, more bohemian side. No trip to the White Isle is complete without a visit to its bustling centre, San Antonio, but venture north to explore the gorgeous Es Murta nature park, home to lesser-known lush forests, sandy shores, and mountain trails. Must-see beaches include Cala Gracioneta and Benirràs (famous for its drumming sessions come dusk), while the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dalt Vila – the island’s fortified Phoenician old town which is home to historic sites – is primed and ready to offer tourists a taste of true Ibiza without a club in sight.

Where to stay: TRS Ibiza Hotel

TRS Ibiza Hotel, the only five-star, all-inclusive property on the island that is exclusively for adults, offers an authentic taste of the White Isle among serene surroundings. The 378-key hotel is nestled among pine forests and the crystal-clear waters of Cala Gració, renowned for panoramic vistas of the San Antonio sunset. But a sun-drenched sojourn here will quickly dispel ideas that there are only Instagrammable views on offer.

While away the days at four outdoor pools – including a rooftop infinity pool and bar, Gravity – and a large spa, before dining at one of five bars and three a la carte restaurants. Cuisine ranges from Ibizan flavours at Helios, which are served among striking murals by Catalan artist Sergio Mora, to Argentinian barbecue at El Gaucho. What’s more, swim-up rooms or terraces complete with jacuzzis practically come as standard here but, to really push the boat out, book the Presidential Suite. New for 2025, this 104 square metre space features an impressive living room, two bedrooms and two bathrooms – one of which boasts a Victorian bathtub situated in the eyeline of Cala Gració, offering a panoramic sunset across the entire bay.

From £235 per night.

Cape Town, South Africa

Average temperature in August: 20°C

Honeymooners needn’t look further than Vumba Travel to curate their perfect itinerary. Offering an array of packages that start and end in the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town – before venturing to the likes of Kruger National Park, Victoria Falls and Mauritius – this is how to experience South Africa in style. Don’t miss guided tours of the V&A Waterfront, Cape Peninsula and Table Mountain, while must-see attractions include trips to Cape Point, a visit to the penguin colony at Boulders Beach, and scenic drives taking in viewpoints like Chapman’s Peak.

Where to stay: Victoria and Alfred Hotel

Make the Victoria and Alfred Hotel your home-away-from-home during your stint in Cape Town. Fringing the waterfront and boasting views towards Table Mountain, it was originally built in 1904 as a working warehouse and was converted into a luxury hotel in 1990. Inside, there are 94 rooms to choose from, but we recommend opting for a mountain facing room to wake up to Instagrammable vistas of Table Mountain. While there are plenty of restaurants on the hotel’s doorstep, don’t miss the in-house seafood restaurant Ginja – perfect to top off a day of exploring, unwinding at the spa or post-swim in the adjacent pool set among verdant gardens at sister property, Dock House.

Puglia, Italy

Average temperature in August: 25°C

Puglia is Italy's seventh largest region, forming the heel of the country's boot and home to gorgeous coves, sleepy fishing villages and laidback coastlines that epitomise la dolce far niente. Its 'capital', Bari, is an obvious destination, but the likes of Monopoli, Polignano a Mare, Locorotondo, Cisternino and Ostuni are no less appealing. The latter is known as Puglia's White City, named after its vast white-washed town that blends Gothic, Roman and Byzantine architecture. It's a haven for historians looking for a slower pace of life; climb to the Gothic cathedral which crowns the town's highest peak to discover a 15th-century Concattedrale before indulging in local dishes and aperitifs at family-run trattorias. Bellissimo.

Where to stay: Vista Ostuni

Having opened last month, Vista Ostuni is officially the hottest hotel on Italy's white-washed coast right now. Housed in a meticulously restored 14th-century stone palazzo, and open to guests all year round, Vista Ostuni has been reimagined for the modern traveller by renowned Milanese architect Roberto Murgia. Inside, 28 elegant rooms and more than 6,000 square metres of historic interiors have been thoughtfully preserved, from its grand entrance and lofty ceilings to an unexpected cloister bathed in light from a glass ceiling above.

Vista Ostuni is, first and foremost, about relaxation. Unwind in an expansive spa featuring a treatment menu by Biologique Recherche, before taking a dip in one of three pools: a indoor heated one in the spa, a sun-drenched rooftop infinity pool or a refreshing outdoor sanctuary nestled among Mediterranean olive groves. The foodie experience, led by Michelin-starred chef Andrea Berton, celebrates Puglia’s rich culinary traditions via fine dining outlet Berton al Vista and the all-day, garden-pool setting, Bianca Bistrot, before indulging in sundowners at Chiostro Bar.

From £739 per night.

Cork, Ireland

Average temperature in August: 20°C

One of Ireland’s best kept secrets, only those in the know are aware that, to experience the Emerald Isle at its best, you should skip Dublin and head for Ireland's Ancient East. Here, you’ll discover Cork, the up-and-coming city destination set to rival the capital. Brimming with thriving pubs, impressive galleries – we recommend Crawford to get a glimpse of the Canova Casts – and one of the best restaurant scenes in Ireland, there’s plenty to fill a weekend itinerary. While we admit this isn’t your typical summer break, the city of Cork has plenty to tempt foodies with its Cork English Market, dating back to 1788, and whisky connoisseurs thanks to Jameson Midleton Distillery. A hop, skip and a jump away is the world-famous Blarney Castle, home to the Blarney Stone, which, according to legend, can bestow anyone who kisses it with the ‘gift of the gab’. Lucky you. 

Where to stay: The Montenotte

One of Ireland’s leading hotels, The Montenotte stands tall over the city and its harbour, providing the perfect base for culture vultures to get out and explore the land of a thousand welcomes. Enjoy the sounds of live jazz from the hotel’s vibrant rooftop bar, The Glasshouse, or revel in the long Irish summer evenings on the New York-inspired Panorama Terrace. Rejuvenate mind, body and soul at the award-winning Bellevue Spa, which features myriad deep tissue massages and customised facials, or hunker down at the Cameo Cinema. With 50 plush velvet seats, this adult-only venue channels old-school movie magic, offering daily screenings alongside an award-winning food menu to redefine the cinema experience.

From £250 per night. 

Provence, South of France

Average temperature in August: 28°C

France’s Mediterranean coast has been synonymous with the high life since the 19^th century, later gaining traction with the Sixties’ ‘jet set’ after St Tropez featured in the 1956 Brigitte Bardot film, And God Created Woman. Today, Antibes is popular with yachties, as is Monaco, while film lovers go to Cannes, and sunseekers head to the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. But where to go for rolling vineyards and lush lavender fields? Provence, of course. A historical province in southeastern France, bordering Italy and the Mediterranean Sea, Provence’s cosmopolitan centre is Saint-Rémy which is, in short, a haven for Francophiles. Expect quaint cobbled streets, beautiful architecture in a pastel palette, and an abundance of boutique shops and local farmers’ markets. The region is also home to a whole host of other picturesque medieval villages and the unique beauty of the lavender museums – perfect for filling a morning or two before bedding down by the pool until sundowners call. 

Where to stay: Château de Fonscolombe

18th century charm and contemporary style collide at the five-star Château de Fonscolombe in Provence. A member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux portfolio, this restored retreat looks like something from a fairytale, surrounded by working vineyards and framed by its famous twin turrets. Inside, discover an interior marvel: period chinoiserie designs, Italian tapestries and hand-painted wallpapers line its walls, while canopied beds and rustic fireplaces reflect the chic Provençal charm of the estate’s storied past. Each of the 50 rooms boasts sweeping vistas across the main courtyard, dovecotes and grounds, all sprinkled with historic statues, a chapel, fountains and a vegetable garden. Step outside to discover the ancient stone pond turned swimming pool, and visit the al fresco L’Orangerie restaurant for Caesar salads, seafood specials and ice-cold rosé.  

From £240 per night. 

Helsinki, Finland

Average temperature in August: 19°C

Finland isn’t just a destination for coolcationing. You’ll find that the happiest country in the world (it’s been awarded this accolade for seven consecutive years) transforms into a wildlife haven come August. Boasting nearly 16 hours of daylight per day, discover an abundance of dense forests, picture-perfect lakes and hiking trails to explore. The cosmopolitan heart of the country can be found in the capital Helsinki, offering contemporary design (the city was the 2012 World Design Capital) and a roster of cultural attractions, including Kiasma, the city’s most popular art gallery, UNESCO World Heritage Site the Fortress of Suomenlinna, and Löyly, a bustling bar-restaurant-sauna situated on the city’s peninsula. Also, don’t miss Helsinki’s array of independent bakeries – one pulla (Finnish cardamom bread) please – coffee shops, fashion boutiques and traditional restaurants. 

Where to stay: The Hotel Maria, Helsinki

Having opened in December 2023, The Hotel Maria is an urban sanctuary in Helsinki's historic Kruununhaka district. Featuring 117 rooms, including 38 lavish suites, two restaurants, a state-of-the-art spa, and a destination boutique showcasing jewellery from Faberge and esteemed Finnish designers, the five-star property serves as an ideal starting point to discover the best of the Nordics or as a home base to explore the cultural and natural wonders of Finland’s capital city. As the first hotel in the Nordics to offer a wellness concierge, The Hotel Maria offers highly-personalised programmes, including jet lag treatments, a weekly run club, in-suite spa treatments, and private saunas and steam rooms. 

From £340 per night. 

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