Those who can travel in different times of the year avoid the hottest month when prices soar, but there are also people who have no choice due to company closures and family commitments. Those who want to enjoy vacations in August without jeopardizing their finances can do it… you just need to change your perspective. Shorten the duration of the trip, book in advance or close to departure by taking advantage of last-minute offers, show flexibility with dates and above all try sleeping outside the city center, perhaps considering campsites, apartments or hotels in surrounding areas.
But what are the best destinations to go on vacation in August while spending little? Here are the low-cost destinations we recommend.
Alghero
With a bit of date flexibility, even Sardinia in August is not prohibitive. How to save on a vacation in Alghero? Use price-comparison tools to find the cheapest flight, often under 100 euros round trip, then consider apartments outside the center or camping to reduce lodging costs.
Among the sights, the historic center within the walls with its towers and iconic bastions facing the sea. For the beaches, the finest are San Giovanni and Le Bombarde. For a nearby excursion we suggest heading to Capo Caccia where you can also find the Neptune’s Grotto.
Marseille
Everyone thinks that France is expensive, and indeed the Côte d’Azur area isn’t among the cheapest, but there are alternatives. Marseille, for example, has its own charm, a significant history and is easily reachable with cheap flights. Staying in villages around makes lodging costs easy to lower; in the city there are also numerous hostels, some with private bathrooms and double rooms.
What to see? The classic circuit starts from the Old Port, continues through the Le Panier district and reaches the MuCEM and the La Major Cathedral. Notre-Dame de la Garde requires a climb, or a bus, but offers one of the best views of the city. For beaches, there is a wide choice ranging from the large Prado to hidden coves.
Ibiza
Can Ibiza in August be low cost? Yes, by showing flexibility with dates. Staying for only 4 days you can find excellent cheap flights, perhaps avoiding weekends. For lodging, it’s wise to search in Sant Antoni, Es Canar or the northern part of the island, but check the distance to the bus stops. A room that’s a little cheaper loses all its advantage if it forces you to take a taxi every evening.
The old town, Dalt Vila, is walkable and offers bastions, white-washed alleys and harbor views. For an easy beach day there’s Talamanca, about a fifteen-minute stroll from the center. Ses Salines is more scenographic and lively; Cala Bassa has clear water and shaded areas under pines. To the north, Portinatx maintains a more family-friendly atmosphere. To stay within budget the trick is to pick one main night out with drinks and a club scene and then moderate the other evenings.
Skiathos
Greece can be budget-friendly, or at least offer cheaper alternatives. With flexible dates, for example at the start or end of August, direct flights can be found at reasonable prices, even if the schedules aren’t ideal. Staying on the island isn’t excessively expensive and excellent packages are available, including half board or all-inclusive, for those who want to keep the budget under control. One more reason to choose it? You can get around without renting a car… a nice saving!
The most convenient base remains Skiathos Town, but during peak periods you can look along the road that links the capital to the southern beaches. A bus service traverses much of the coast and helps avoid car rental. Koukounaries is the best-known beach, surrounded by greenery. Banana Beach is livelier, Agia Paraskevi more convenient, while Lalaria, with light pebbles and sheer cliffs, is reachable by sea when conditions allow.
Dubrovnik
Croatia has been a low-cost destination for many years, then a tourist boom sent prices soaring, but with a little care and choosing the right period you can still find good opportunities that aren’t too expensive. Flights under 100 euros round trip to Dubrovnik, even in the middle of the summer, are absolutely easy to find… even last minute. For lodging you need to be a bit smarter and move away from the city walls; it’s better to search in towns connected by city buses such as Gruž and Lapad.
We can’t deny that the city walls are the main attraction, with the possibility to visit the nearby Old Port and the Franciscan Monastery. For those who want to explore the surroundings without spending a lot, there are the Elafiti Islands, easily reached on day trips by boat.
Maratea
No need to fly; for those with a car or a motorbike, a good idea is to reach the Basilicata coast, which isn’t heavily traversed and for this reason offers prices that are definitely affordable even in August. Maratea is a gem and you can find holiday homes and residences at manageable prices.
The village is dominated by Monte San Biagio and the large statue of Christ the Redeemer. Down below alternate harbors, cliffs and beaches that are very different from one another. Cala Jannita stands out for its dark sand; the Fiumicello beach is easier to reach, while Acquafredda can become a cheaper base than the town center.
Cilento
Last option to get close to the wonderful Capri beaches that attract celebrities in summer but without astronomical costs is Cilento. With excellent campsites, holiday homes and affordable hotels it’s a good opportunity even for those traveling with children. Those who want to alternate archaeology and sea can stop between Paestum and Agropoli. For beaches and boat trips, Ascea, Pisciotta-Palinuro or the Centola-Palinuro-Marina di Camerota station are more practical. All these places lie along the coastal railway line; for the last stretch just take the buses.
