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 glamorous shores of Lake Como and the sparkling French Riviera, to bustling city breaks in Ireland and Finland, here’s where to travel in August. 

Lake Como, Italy

Average temperature in August: 30°C

Italy excels in everything from culture to cuisine and this sunny spot in Lombardy, just 25 miles from Milan, is one of the country’s glitziest destinations – think neoclassical villas set against Alpine foothills zig-zagged by bright red Ferraris. Before celebrities like George and Amal Clooney (who reportedly spend four months of the year in their $10 million mansion) moved in, Como was the go-to for European aristos, endowing it with the sort of Twenties-era opulence captured in Hitchcock’s The Pleasure Garden, which was filmed at the fêted Villa d’Este. Fancy holidaying like Hollywood? This is your best bet. 

Where to stay: Villa Làrio

While we love the grandeur and romance of Lake Como’s biggest water-side properties – we’ve already waxed lyrical about the beautiful Villa d’Este and Grand Hotel Tremezzo – there is something appealing about smaller, lesser-known but equally impressive establishments like Villa Làrio. Book here to beat the crowds and enjoy a thoroughly rejuvenating break – and take note that there are no TVs in the hotel’s 18 suites, so guests can, if they wish, embark on a mini digital detox while connecting with the beauty of the world-renowned lake. There’s an infinity pool, two acres of private, manicured gardens, and an award-winning restaurant by executive chef Davide Maci. Away from the hotel, hike the scenic 18-mile trail known as The Dorsale del Triangolo Lariano, which winds its way from Como to Bellagio. The reward? Stunning vistas and fresh summer air. 

From £538 per night. 

The Highlands, Scotland

Average temperature in August: 19°C

Between Edinburgh’s boutique bedrooms and the Highlands’ heritage properties, Scotland is primed to host travellers throughout the year. While the chilly temperatures and inclement weather may tempt more hardcore adventurers during winter months, August is a brilliant time to visit for those looking to experience the Highlands. The hills of Perthshire and Aberdeenshire, the coast of Ayrshire, and even the remote corners of the Isle of Skye, offer not only luxury suites to rest your head, but quintessential Scottish experiences via local produce in fine-dining restaurants, carefully-curated countryside excursions, and lavish spa treatments. Plus, for those who can’t get enough of the tees, there are plenty of luxury golf courses ready to cater to every ability.  

Glenapp Castle

Tucked away on the rural Ayrshire coast, get lost within Glenapp Castle’s 110 acres of private estate and local woodland during your next getaway. Situated in the majestic Scottish countryside – perfect for romantic walks with beautiful views of Ailsa Craig and Northern Ireland – the castle, part of the Relais & Châteaux portfolio, is not only famous for its exclusive 21 rooms, but its outdoor offering, ranging from archery and clay pigeon shooting, to stargazing and mountain biking. 

This August, Glenapp’s guests can take to the wide-open waters with its new Hebridean Sea Safari. Board the hotel’s rib boat to embark on an adventure towards remote islands, coastal castles and distant inns, in a package that includes two nights exploring the Scottish coastline and two nights at the celebrated castle. The clear waters off the Ayrshire coast are teeming with marine life, from 20ft basking sharks to dolphins, minke whales, and seals, alongside 40,000 birds, including puffins, guillemots, gannets and razorbills. The safari can be tailored to guests’ desires; golf lovers, for example, can enjoy sailing across the Firth of Clyde to the Isle of Arran, where they can choose from a mix of seven links courses, including the beautiful Brodick and Shiskine golf courses, to tee off from. 

From £495 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 is to skip Dublin and head for Ireland's Ancient East. Here, you’ll discover Cork, the country’s up-and-coming city destination that is set to rival the capital. Brimming with thriving pubs, impressive galleries – we’d 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 Jameson Distillery Midleton. 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. 

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. This month, 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 the 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 green 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. Exclusive for August, The Montenotte’s expansive Sunken Victorian Gardens will play host to the annual Sculpture Exhibition in partnership with The Kildare Gallery – one that art enthusiasts won’t want to miss. 

From £396 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. 

Château de Fonscolombe

Eighteenth 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, located in the French countryside, 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 £244 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, 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 of 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, the 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 that are bound to keep you entertained. 

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, 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 and nutrition programmes, a weekly run club, in-suite spa treatments, as well as private saunas and steam rooms. 

From £337 per night. 

Read more: Borgo Pignano: An Italian art-led retreat in the heart of romantic Tuscany