Best places to visit in August: 12 incredible destinations
Ready to discover the best places to travel to in August 2024? Let’s get started!
1. Asturias, Spanish paradise
If you are looking for a good destination to travel to in August in Spain, I can assure you that Asturias will not disappoint you. This picturesque community, located in the north of the country, near the Cantabrian Sea, is perfect for those looking for nature and cooler temperatures.
During your trip to Asturias, you will see that its landscapes lacks nothing: sea, mountains, charming villages, cities, and simply magical corners. One of the places you cannot miss is the Picos de Europa National Park, where you can visit the beautiful Covadonga Lakes.
The coast of Asturias also has beautiful beaches, such as Gulpiyuri, considered the shortest in the world. It is a favorite among tourists. When you visit it, you will understand why.
But not everything is reduced to its enormous natural beauty. Among the places you should not miss in Asturias are the cities of Oviedo, the capital of the Autonomous region, and Gijón, as well as the towns of Llanes, Cangas de Onís, Cudillero, and Lastres.
To plan your trip, don’t miss my articles where I discuss where to stay in Asturias, and also propose a 7-day itinerary in Asturias.
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2. Scotland, one of the best destinations to travel in August 2024
If you have not yet considered Scotland as a place to travel to in August, you are late! This country in the United Kingdom is wonderful no matter where you look at it. Surely more than once you have been amazed by its beautiful landscapes in movies and series, you can’t help but marvel at its Highlands!
Scotland, besides having unique landscapes, offers a very interesting history and culture, which you will love to discover. Among the must-see cities is its capital, Edinburgh, full of picturesque corners. You will be amazed to see its castle on a hill in the very center of the city!
Another outstanding city is Glasgow. It is currently the center of cultural activity in Scotland. Although it is not as attractive as Edinburgh, I am sure that if you decide to visit Glasgow, it will surprise you.
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3. Azores, Portugal
What could be better than spending a few days of summer on islands as wild as they are wonderful? If the idea appeals to you, think about planning a trip to the Azores. It is an archipelago in Portugal composed of nine islands located in the Atlantic Ocean, about 1,500 km from Lisbon, the capital of the country.
One of the most attractive activities you can do there is whale and dolphin-watching. And summer is an ideal time to do it. You can also go diving in its spectacular waters. You should not miss the chance to get into the laurel forests or to visit as many waterfalls as you can.
The landscapes you will find in the Azores, shaped in part by volcanic activity, are simply unique. As you can see, nature is the absolute protagonist in this Portuguese paradise. Lakes, lagoons, craters, beaches, forests, and lots of vegetation are the ideal setting for a dream vacation.
4. Namibia, a great place to visit in August
Namibia is another ideal destination to travel to in August if you are looking for a different, as well as unforgettable, experience. This country in southwest Africa has a vast desert along its coast and is characterized by its varied flora and fauna. It is one of the most beautiful countries on the African continent and has only two and a half million inhabitants.
Some of the places you can’t miss here are the Namib Desert, the oldest in the world; the Sesriem Canyon; and Twyfelfontein, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. On this last site, you will find cave paintings and Iron Age inscriptions.
If you like extreme sports and colonial landscapes, visit the coastal town of Swakopmund. If you can, be sure to fly over the desert in a light aircraft and go on safari.
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5. The French Alps: villages and nature
France is a country with many amazing tourist destinations. One of its most beautiful areas is the French Alps, in the west of the country. This mountain range, shared with Italy and Switzerland, attracts thousands of visitors thanks to its natural beauty and the diversity of activities that can be done there.
You can start your tour by visiting Chamonix, a picturesque alpine village considered the capital of the region. There, you can visit the highest viewpoint in the French Alps, at 3,842 meters above sea level. Annecy is another town I recommend you visit if you travel to this region.
If you travel in the colder months, you can make the most of skiing and other winter sports. But if you go in August, you can enjoy mountaineering or go mountain hiking. The view of Mont Blanc, which at 4,807 meters is the highest mountain in the Alps, is wonderful.
6. Norway
Norway is another great option for those who are planning a trip in August and want to go to a unique and special destination. This Scandinavian country has a lot to offer, whether you are looking for a few days of tranquility and relaxation or if you are looking for action and adventure.
This time of the year is ideal to enjoy the natural beauties that this northern European country has for you: fjords, glaciers, mountains, forests, and charming cities.
Oslo is the capital and has also been declared the green capital of Europe. So you can combine its urban beauty, its numerous museums, its rich nightlife, and its culture with interesting and relaxing walks surrounded by nature and fresh air.
Regardless of the route you decide to take in Norway, the scenery will amaze you. If you can afford it, consider including the Svalbard Islands, in the middle of the Arctic Ocean, in your trip.
7. Galicia, one of the best places to visit in August (in Spain)
If you have not visited this autonomous community in northwestern Spain before, your August vacations can be a great opportunity to do so. Galicia stands out for its incredible green spaces but, above all, for its coastline, where you can find wild beaches and cliffs, as well as paradisiacal beaches.
Apart from all the places to visit in Galicia, another great attraction of this region is its rich cultural heritage, which makes it an attractive destination for lovers of history, art, and traditions. Its cities combine different types of architecture. Don’t miss cities like Santiago de Compostela or A Coruña to see for yourself.
On the other hand, I must mention the exquisite Galician cuisine, which stands out for its high-quality fish and seafood. If you like seafood, you will enjoy it like never before. Also, don’t forget to try Albariño, a famous Galician wine.
To plan your trip, don’t miss my guide on where to stay in Galicia and where to stay in Santiago de Compostela.
8. Bolivia, a country full of surprises
Bolivia, an Andean country located in the center of South America, is not one of the most popular destinations on this continent. However, it has incredible places, and August is an ideal month to discover them. This country, which preserves much of its original identity, has all the necessary characteristics to offer an unforgettable natural and cultural trip.
In addition to visiting La Paz, which is its administrative capital, you will not want to miss sites such as the Uyuni Salt Flat, Lake Titicaca, Isla del Sol, Potosi, Sucre, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz de la Sierra. On the other hand, its rich indigenous culture, present in its colorful markets and traditional festivals, will captivate you.
9. Romania, where to travel in August in Europe
Eastern Europe is home to less-touristy but very interesting destinations. If you have never considered visiting Romania before, now is the time to do so. This country is mainly known for Transylvania and Bran Castle, where the legend of Count Dracula is set. A route through this region and some of its medieval cities, such as Sighisoara, Brașov, and Sibiu, is a great plan.
On the other hand, you cannot miss its capital, Bucharest. Here you will find streets with unmissable corners and architecture that combines a communist past with neoclassical style. As for nature, don’t miss places like the majestic Carpathian Mountains, the Danube Delta, and the picturesque regions of Transylvania and Maramures.
10. Malaysia, a great destination to visit in August 2024
When you think of visiting Southeast Asia, it is usually places like Thailand or Bali that come to mind. However, Malaysia is another wonderful destination you should consider if you are thinking about where to travel in August.
Its natural scenery ranges from paradisiacal beaches to jungles full of vegetation. Its culture, which combines different religions, is also one of the country’s attractions, not to mention its gastronomy! You will be able to taste a wide variety of dishes influenced by different cuisines.
Among the places to visit, Kuala Lumpur, its capital, which houses the incredible Petronas Towers, stands out. Other cities you can visit are Melaka and George Town in Penang. On this same coast, you will find the island of Langkawi. If you really want to go to paradisiacal beaches, I recommend you go to the Perhentian Islands.
11. Ireland
If you do not want to travel too far, another great destination to travel to in August in Europe is Ireland. I admit that I really want to visit this country, since I still have it pending and it interests me a lot. Everything I have seen of Dublin, the capital of Ireland, seems wonderful, but the rest of the country is not far behind.
For a short getaway, I think it would be very interesting to focus on Dublin and visit some of the nearby places. In the capital, do not miss places like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle, the National Museum, or Trinity College, and, of course, frequent as many pubs as you can (the Temple Bar is a must). Do not forget to visit the Guinness Storehouse to discover the history of the famous beer.
On the other hand, if you have a week or more, I would say that Ireland has to be an incredible country to make a good road trip. Would you like to check it out? Be sure to include in your itinerary destinations like Cashel, the Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, Ashford Castle, Cobh, Dingle, or Galway; there are so many places!
12. Latvia, an original destination for your trip in August
We finish this list with a European country that you may have probably never thought of going to, but if you have already, maybe this is a sign that you finally should go. I am talking about Latvia, a Baltic country that will surprise you. Besides, it is one of the cheapest destinations in Europe, so it is a great option if you are looking for something economical.
You can start with the beautiful capital of the country, Riga, possibly one of the biggest secrets of the continent, since this city hides many corners full of charm. Do not miss the Town Hall Square, the House of the Black Heads, the Cathedral Square, the Cathedral of the Nativity, or Livu Square.
As for the rest of the country, Kuldiga, one of the most beautiful villages in Latvia, the Gauja National Park, Liepaja, or Cesis.
Map of the best destinations to travel in August
In the following map, I have marked the 12 destinations where to go on vacation in August mentioned in this article.
Don’t miss my travel tips and, if you need more ideas, other travel destinations.
I hope this article on the best places to visit in August 2024 has been very helpful when choosing your next adventure. If you have any input or questions, feel free to leave a comment or email me. See you next time!
