Where's hot in August (2026)

August is summer in full swing — long days, warm nights, and that “make the most of it” feeling. If you’re looking for guaranteed sunshine, clear water, and plenty of atmosphere, these places are at their best right now. Spain is all about easy beach days and lively fiestas, Greece is perfect for island hopping and swimming in warm Aegean seas, and Sicily mixes history with dramatic coastlines and seriously good food. Corsica gives you a bit of everything, with wild mountains and beautiful beaches, while Colombia turns up the heat with colourful cities and Caribbean shores. Wherever you go, August is made for soaking up the sun and enjoying the moment.

For Spain

Spain really comes alive in August. If it’s beaches and nightlife you crave, the Costa del Sol and Ibiza won’t disappoint. History and culture fans should check out Andalucia — Seville’s Alcázar and Granada’s Alhambra are highlights. Barcelona and Madrid are buzzing too, with tapas bars, art, and summer festivals. With long, sunny days, you can explore to your heart’s content and catch traditional fiestas or outdoor concerts along the way. Whether it’s beach time, culture, or food, Spain in August doesn’t disappoint.

• Cap Rocat is a dramatic clifftop fortress turned sanctuary to the southwest of Palma on Mallorca. Inside, you can expect art-filled suites, some with private pools, an extensive spa, a saltwater infinity pool and standout dining, including an impressive wine cellar. Secluded, cool and restorative.
• FincaHotel Can Coll offers a relaxed mountain retreat in Soller, with terracotta floors, beamed ceilings and modern art. Spacious suites open onto private gardens or terraces, and the large pool and local restaurant invite indulgence. Close to beaches yet breezy and green — perfect for summer escapes.
• Binigaus Vell is a whitewashed farmhouse near a sleepy village in southern Menorca, offering cool terracotta interiors and a quietly local feel. Walk cross-country to sandy beaches, cycle the lanes or ride Minorcan horses. With shaded gardens, a pool, hearty breakfasts and picnic lunches, it’s a calm base for exploring the surrounding area.
• Hotel Aigua Blava is perfectly situated right on the sand in Begur on the Costa Brava. Rooms and apartments open onto balconies facing the bay, while a Catalan restaurant, saltwater pool, tennis courts and water sports keep days active. Ideal for families or groups wanting beach life without leaving the hotel.

For Greece

Greece is a dream in August; a destination where you can find sun, sea and history all rolled into one. The islands are calling: Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete are perfect for long, sunny days; while Athens is great for a dose of culture and the Acropolis. The beaches are at their best, from the pink sands of Elafonissi to the lively nightlife of Ios. Stay in charming seaside villages or luxury cliffside hotels to really soak up that Greek summer vibe. Add in local festivals, fresh seafood, and that unmistakable Mediterranean energy, and August is the perfect time to experience Greece at its liveliest.

• Hotel Perrakis is an intimate, whitewashed beachfront retreat on Andros. Interiors are pared-back and elegant, with marble bathrooms and breezy terraces. A private beach, outdoor pool and refined Mediterranean restaurant make it ideal for lazy days and sea-facing dinners.
• Set directly on the sand, Finikas Hotel on Naxos feels spacious and restorative. Expect cool, contemporary rooms opening onto terraces, a spacious garden and a large pool for cooling dips. Add a spa, gym and water sports nearby, and August feels effortless here.
• Salt Suites is a ten-room seafront sanctuary designed for privacy on Milos. Whitewashed interiors are a nod to Cycladic traditions, and stunning terraces hover above the sea, some with private hot tubs. There is no restaurant, but dinners can be delivered to the room on request.
• Bella Mare Hotel is located on Avlaki’s clear-water bay on Corfu's north east coast. Spacious rooms and family suites all have balconies or terraces, while gardens and a vast pool offer shade between swims. Step straight onto the beach, with tavernas nearby and sailing just along the shore.

For Sicily

Sicily is perfect for an August getaway. The beaches are amazing, from Taormina’s golden sands to the cliffs at Scala dei Turchi. History buffs can explore Palermo’s markets or the Greek ruins at Agrigento, and food lovers won’t want to miss the seafood, granita, and Sicilian pastries. Catania and Syracuse are great bases, mixing cool Baroque streets with lively piazzas. With sunny days, local festivals, and plenty of good food and vibes, August is a great time to be in Sicily.

• Hotel Kalura offers a lively beachfront base in Cefalu on Sicily's north coast. A private bathing platform gives direct access to snorkelling, diving and fishing, plus there's an on-site scuba school for beginners. Rooms are bright, many with sea-facing balconies. Expect sociable evenings, cook-outs and plenty to do in the August heat.
• Musciara Resort is an adults-focused hideaway with Syracuse’s only private beach. Interiors are Mediterranean in style with exposed stone, white walls and tactile fabrics. Breakfast and gourmet dinners are served outdoors, facing Ortigia across the water. Canoes, bikes and boat trips keep things active, while the intimate size ensures a calm, grown-up escape.
• Castello di San Marco is a grand baroque retreat, set directly on its own private stretch of sand. Spacious rooms include heritage details and plush linens, while the top suites open out onto private terraces. Spend afternoons between the beach, pool and spa, then dine on-site before sunset. Ideal for a restorative stay near Taormina.
• Donna Carmela is set among lush gardens near Mount Etna, offering vineyard views. Rooms feel calm and contemporary, the pool is a welcome escape from the August sun, and the wine cellar steals the show. A relaxed base for food and wine lovers, as well as walkers.

For Corsica

Corsica is a great pick for an August trip. The beaches near Porto-Vecchio, like Palombaggia and Santa Giulia, are perfect for sun and swimming, while the Calanques de Piana offer some amazing cliffside hikes. History fans can explore Ajaccio, Napoleon’s birthplace, and the hilltop village of Corte shows off authentic Corsican culture. August is warm and sunny, ideal for sailing, swimming, or just exploring the rugged interior. Stay by the coast for beach vibes or in mountain villages for something cooler — either way, Corsica mixes adventure, chill, and incredible scenery.

• Hotel U Capu Biancu offers a laid-back coastal hideaway in Bonifacio. Days revolve around the terrace restaurant, standout wine cellar and salty sea swims just minutes away. The August heat is softened by sea breezes, shaded gardens and easy access to water sports.
• A'mare is an intimate clifftop retreat on Corsica’s south coast. Calm and contemporary rooms open to wide sea views, while a rooftop restaurant and spa terrace add to the appeal. A perfect August base for cooling swims, boat trips and quiet evenings.
• A Casa di Ma offers a design-led base in Lumio. Interiors are modern and polished, but the real draw is the Michelin-starred restaurant and expansive spa. Spend your days relaxing on shaded terraces, enjoying wine-led dinners and restorative treatments, with beaches and hill walks close by.
• Set directly on the sand near Porto-Vecchio, La Plage Casadelmar is a low-key luxury retreat. Large, modern rooms open onto private terraces facing the water, while the beachfront restaurant keeps things simple and fresh. Mornings can be spent snorkelling, afternoons by the pool, and evenings bring quiet calm.

For Colombia

Colombia is full of energy and a great choice for an August trip. Cartagena’s walled city charms with its pastel streets and lively plazas, plus the nearby Rosario Islands are perfect for some sun and beach time. Bogotá sits up high with cooler weather, perfect for checking out the Gold Museum or the views from Monserrate. Coffee fans shouldn’t miss the Coffee Triangle, where plantations and charming haciendas make for a relaxing escape. With culture, history, and stunning landscapes, Colombia in August is all about colourful festivals and warm hospitality.

• Cannua Lodge sits up in the Antioquian mountains. Rooms come with with stone floors, timber beams, and terraces overlooking endless green hills. Spend your days hiking with a guide, chasing waterfalls, or joining coffee workshops, then relax with farm-style Colombian meals and soothing massages.
• Casona del Colegio is an intimate Cartagena townhouse with thick colonial walls, mosaic-tiled floors and suites filled with Colombian art. Cool off in the rooftop pool, unwind in the spa, then settle in for regional cooking before stepping into the old city’s evening buzz.
• Casa Legado is a seven-room townhouse that feels like staying at a stylish friend’s home. Expect bold wallpaper, clever use of light, balconies and relaxed communal spaces. Mornings start with excellent breakfasts; days can be spent cycling leafy streets and nights sipping wine before heading out.
• In lively Medellín, Elcielo is an urban hideaway offering welcome relief from the heat via a rooftop pool. Interiors are crisp and modern, the gym and spa encourage downtime, and the restaurant serves dishes championing contemporary Colombian flavours.

Still not sure?

• Refine your search to see our recommendations for the best boutique hotels in Spain, the best hotels with pools in Athens, the best rural hotels in Sicily, the best beach hotels in Corsica or the best luxury hotels in Cartagena.
• Or, contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.