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Small turquoise sailboat anchored in shallow clear water near a tropical beach, with calm turquoise sea and blue sky — peaceful coastal escape.
Wanderlust · 5 min read · July 25, 2025

7 unexpected places to visit this August (before everyone else)

From Arctic adventures in Tromsø to whale sharks in Mexico, here's where to travel this August – sun, sea, scenery and a few surprises thrown in.

Short on time? Let us summarise this guide for you.

This August, skip the usual tourist traps and discover seven lesser-known gems around the world. From Arctic adventures in Tromsø and tropical diving in Timor Leste to Italy's under-the-radar Olbia and the tech-free paradise of Isla Holbox, each destination offers a unique twist on the summer holiday. Other highlights include Romania's surreal underground amusement park in Salina Turda, historic and sun-soaked Kalamata in Greece, and Suriname's rainforest escapes and cultural fusion. These spots promise adventure, culture, and fewer crowds – perfect for a more original summer getaway.

What you'll find in this guide:

Tromsø | Norway

Norway ranks 2nd Colourful wooden buildings and modern black architecture reflect in calm harbor waters with moored sailboats in Tromsø, Norway — scenic waterfront cityscape.

With new routes from British Airways and Ryanair, Tromsø's easier than ever to reach – so now's a great time to go before the crowds roll in.

August is all about getting outdoors. Hike up Mount Fløya for sweeping views over the fjords, kayak through calm Arctic waters, or take a boat tour to spot whales and puffins. Back in town, the food scene is picking up – think fresh seafood, cosy cafes, and local beer brewed under the Arctic sky. Long daylight hours mean there's no rush – just soak it all in at your own pace.

Timor-Leste

Coastal building with a thatched roof overlooking a turquoise bay, winding road, and hilly landscape with scattered trees — tropical seaside view in Timor-Leste.

Hit pause on your usual summer plans and head somewhere properly off the radar. In August, this tiny country in Southeast Asia is dry, warm and quiet – ideal for exploring before more tourists catch on.

Slip into clear water for world-class snorkelling and diving. Spot turtles and reef sharks, then dry off on near-empty beaches. Inland, the mountains are cooler and bursting with biodiversity – think rare birds, orchids, and cloud forest hikes. Between adventures, sip local coffee in towns that blend Portuguese charm with a laid-back island vibe.

Olbia | Sardinia, Italy

Italy ranks 32nd Coastal hillside village at sunset with lush greenery, Mediterranean-style houses, and a tranquil sea view overlooking distant islands.

A huge and ridiculously beautiful Mediterranean island, Sardinia finally seems to be getting the attention it deserves. It's been climbing the ranks as more UK travellers discover just how good it is – especially in August, when the weather's at its best and the beaches really shine.

With 1,500 miles of coastline, you'll find everything from white-sand coves to rugged cliffs, plus odd, beehive-shaped ruins from the Nuragic Age scattered across the island. Mix in mountain drives, buzzing towns and seriously good food, and you've got all the makings of a classic summer break.

Cagliari's usually the main gateway, but Jet2holidays now flies direct to Olbia, up in the north. It's a bit more under the radar – but just as charming, a touch more affordable, and ideally placed for exploring the Costa Smeralda.

Isla Holbox | Mexico

Mexico ranks 82nd Wooden pier with a thatched-roof palapa stretching into calm turquoise water at sunrise, under a golden sky — tropical beach getaway scene.

A few hours north of Cancun, you won't find many vehicles on Isla Holbox. The phone and wifi signal are pretty sketchy, and many of the sandy paths that connect the island aren't on Google Maps – which is exactly why you should visit. You'll have no choice but to ditch the phone, sunbathe on pristine beaches and take a dip in the warm Caribbean Sea.

During August the island is visited by huge whale sharks, which you can swim with on an unforgettable guided tour. Holbox is also part of Mexico's largest ecological reserve – Yum Balam. It's a great place for bird watching and witnessing the sea's bioluminescence at sunset, when shimmering blue flashes light up the shores as if by magic.

Salina Turda | Romania

Romania ranks 39th Underground salt mine attraction with modern lighting, circular platforms, and visitors exploring large cavern with textured rock walls — unique subterranean tourism site.

If you fancy taking the family somewhere weird, wonderful and naturally stunning this summer, Salina Turda is a great shout.

This former salt mine, painstakingly carved out without the help of machinery, is now a major tourist attraction complete with a museum, amphitheatre, Ferris wheel, bowling alley, mini golf and spa. It's perfect for a family day out. The kids will love the amusement park, and you can explore the various levels of the caves on guided tours and even by boat.

To get there you'll need to fly to Cluj-Napoca, which is worth exploring too. Transylvania's unofficial capital has a lively old town filled with historic sites, museums and bars, and there's a great arts scene too.

Kalamata | Greece

Greece ranks 33rd The Metropolitan church of Ypapanti, a yellow-domed Orthodox church with bell tower in Ypapanti square in Kalamata, surrounded by red-roofed houses and mountain landscape under dramatic sky.

Between them, the Greek islands make up some of the most popular destinations for UK travellers at pretty much any time of year. In the summer holidays, they tend to be one of the first places to fill up with travellers looking for all-inclusive resorts and absolutely scorching sun.

Enter Kalamata, the coastal city on the mainland's Peloponnese Peninsula that's perfect for sampling traditional Greek culture – whether that's in the form of the ouzo or world-famous olives we'll leave up to you. Take in the sights of this stunning city, complete with memorable architecture and beaches washed by the inviting waters of the Messenian Gulf.

History nerds will be thrilled about visiting Kalamata Castle, which watches over the city from its position on a high, jagged rock. Or the Church of the Holy Apostles, where the Greek War of Independence was declared in 1821. 11 years later, liberated from the Ottoman Empire, the church would host the country's first Greek Orthodox mass as a free state in 360 years.

Suriname

Suriname ranks 49th Squirrel monkey climbing along a tree branch in a lush green rainforest, surrounded by sunlight and tropical foliage — vibrant jungle wildlife scene.

Looking for somewhere different this August? Suriname's dry season runs from August to November, making it a great time to explore this underrated gem. The capital, Paramaribo – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – mixes Dutch colonial charm with a lively, multicultural energy you won't find anywhere else in South America.

Head beyond the city and you'll hit thick rainforest, rivers, and remote beaches where endangered turtles come ashore to nest. With fewer crowds and a growing reputation for eco-tourism, Suriname offers a quieter, more thoughtful kind of travel.

Suriname is one of the top risers on our Good Trip Index for 2025 – the Holiday Extras guide to travelling ethically, sustainably and well. That's thanks to improving scores for press freedom and democracy – take a look at the other destinations making waves on the Good Trip Index and start planning a good August trip.


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