15 Best Places to Visit in August in Europe
August is Europe’s summer at its best. Cafés spill onto sunny sidewalks, music drifts through city parks, and the beaches are just right for swimming.
If you’re chasing good weather and fun things to do, these destinations are ready to welcome you with open arms.
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1. Cassis, France
Cassis is a postcard come to life, with pastel houses lining a bustling harbor and fishing boats bobbing in turquoise water.
The Calanques National Park is right on the edge of town; hike or take a boat tour to see dramatic limestone cliffs and hidden coves perfect for swimming.
Wander the cobbled old town, snack at the lively market, or sip local wine at a sunny café.
Where to Stay: Les Roches Blanches Cassis is a historic mansion-turned-hotel with a sea-view infinity pool and unbeatable views of Cap Canaille.
2. Bath, England
Bath is all about ancient Roman baths, honey-colored Georgian buildings, and a city center that feels straight out of a Jane Austen novel.
Tour the Roman Baths, climb Bath Abbey’s tower for sweeping city views, and stroll along Pulteney Bridge for riverside snaps.
Don’t miss the Thermae Bath Spa’s rooftop pool or the quirky Jane Austen Centre for a dash of Regency drama.
Where to Stay: The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa stands out for its iconic crescent location and lush private gardens, blending history with luxury.
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3. Porto Montenegro, Montenegro
Porto Montenegro is where sleek yachts, designer shops, and Adriatic sunsets meet.
The marina buzzes with energy–think jazz festivals, sailing regattas, and waterfront dining.
Check out the Naval Heritage Museum (there’s a real submarine!), dive into the famous infinity pool at the Yacht Club, or set sail for a day on the bay.
Where to Stay: Regent Porto Montenegro is a waterfront hotel with a glamorous pool and marina views, perfect for living the high life.
4. Folegandros, Greece
Folegandros is the Cyclades’ best-kept secret, with whitewashed villages, wild beaches, and a laid-back pace.
Wander through Chora’s winding lanes, hike up to the hilltop Church of Panagia for epic sunset views, and relax on quiet beaches like Agali and Livadi.
The local tavernas serve up fresh seafood and classic Greek dishes with a side of Aegean breeze.
Where to Stay: Blue Sand Boutique Hotel & Suites is perched above Agali Beach, offering boho-chic rooms and jaw-dropping sea views.
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5. Namur, Belgium
Namur mixes medieval charm with riverside cool. The massive Citadel towers above the city–ride the cable car up, then explore tunnels and take in the panorama.
Cruise the Meuse and Sambre rivers, stroll cobbled streets lined with shops and cafés, and check out the Baroque Saint-Loup church. The city is a gateway to the green Ardennes if you want more adventure.
Where to Stay: Les Tanneurs de Namur is a unique hotel set in restored 17th-century houses, right in the heart of town.
6. Olhão, Portugal
Olhão is the Algarve’s seafood capital, where old-school fishing boats fill the harbor and tiled houses line narrow streets.
The waterfront market is legendary for fresh fish and local treats, while ferries zip you to sandy islands like Armona and Culatra for a chill beach day.
Wander the Moorish-style old town, snack on grilled octopus, and catch sunset from a rooftop bar.
Where to Stay: Pure Formosa Concept Hotel stands out for its rooftop pool and modern, eco-friendly design in the heart of Olhão.
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7. Ascona, Switzerland
Ascona sits on Lake Maggiore, where palm trees and mountains meet Italian-style piazzas.
The lakeside promenade buzzes with gelato shops and art galleries, and August brings the famous JazzAscona festival.
Rent a paddleboard, hop on a boat to Brissago Islands, or hike in the nearby valleys. The old town’s pastel houses and chic boutiques make wandering a treat.
Where to Stay: Hotel Eden Roc is famous for its private lakeside beach and four top-notch restaurants.
8. Eze, France
Eze is a cliffside village on the French Riviera, known for its stone lanes and jaw-dropping views of the Mediterranean.
The Exotic Garden perches high above the sea, packed with rare plants and panoramic photo ops.
Wander the medieval streets, peek into art studios, and tour the Fragonard perfume factory. The whole place feels straight out of a fairy tale.
Where to Stay: Château Eza is a 400-year-old hotel with terraces overlooking the sea.
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9. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is all about canals, quirky houseboats, and buzzing bike lanes. August is festival season, so the city is packed with open-air concerts and street food markets.
Cruise the canals, chill in Vondelpark, or check out masterpieces at the Van Gogh Museum. The Jordaan district is perfect for café hopping and vintage shopping.
Where to Stay: Pulitzer Amsterdam stands out for its maze of canal houses and secret gardens right by the water.
10. Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius is a Baltic gem with a mix of Gothic, Baroque, and modern vibes. The Old Town is a maze of colorful buildings, quirky street art, and cool cafés.
Climb Gediminas Tower for city views, snap photos in Uzupis (the city’s bohemian district), and check out the summer festivals in Cathedral Square.
Where to Stay: Hotel Pacai is a restored 17th-century mansion with a chic courtyard and stylish rooms.
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11. Cavtat, Croatia
Cavtat is a laid-back coastal town just south of Dubrovnik, where palm-lined promenades meet pebbly beaches and the Adriatic shimmers in every direction.
The harbor is perfect for people-watching, and the old town is packed with stone houses, art galleries, and cool cafés. Take a boat ride, visit the Račić Mausoleum, or snorkel in crystal-clear coves.
Where to Stay: Hotel Croatia Cavtat is perched above the sea with two private beaches and panoramic terrace views.
12. Ålesund, Norway
Ålesund is a town straight out of a storybook, famous for its colorful Art Nouveau buildings and mountain-framed harbor.
Climb the 418 steps up Mount Aksla for sweeping views, then wander the cobbled streets for quirky shops and seafood restaurants.
Boat tours to the nearby fjords are a must, and the Atlantic Sea Park is packed with cool marine life.
Where to Stay: Hotel Brosundet stands out for its historic warehouse setting right on the water.
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13. Monaco, France
Monaco may be tiny, but it’s packed with glitz, glam, and jaw-dropping Mediterranean views.
Stroll the yacht-filled harbor, tour the Prince’s Palace, or try your luck at the Casino de Monte-Carlo.
The Exotic Garden is packed with rare plants and cliffside lookouts, while Larvotto Beach is perfect for a swim.
Where to Stay: Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo is famous for its Belle Époque architecture and rooftop views over the city and sea.
14. Antipaxos, Greece
Antipaxos is a tiny island south of Corfu, where turquoise water and white-sand beaches are the main event.
Voutoumi and Vrika beaches are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, while the island’s vineyards make for a fun afternoon stroll.
No cars, no crowds-just pure chill. Hop over from Paxos by boat for a day or stay longer for total relaxation.
Where to Stay: Paxos Club Resort & Spa on nearby Paxos is known for its lush gardens and easy boat access to Antipaxos.
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15. Riga, Latvia
Riga is Latvia’s capital, where Gothic spires, Art Nouveau facades, and hipster cafés fill the Old Town.
Climb St. Peter’s Church tower for city views, browse the Central Market’s food halls, and snap pics of the colorful House of the Black Heads.
August brings open-air concerts and buzzing street life along the Daugava River.
Where to Stay: Grand Poet Hotel by Semarah is known for its stylish rooms and relaxing spa right in the city center.
