Many people prefer to avoid traveling during Ferragosto, also because in several destinations it becomes a synonym for heat and long lines. There are those who, however, do not want to skip holidays during the vacation weeks and, when planning, the ideal is simply to understand where to go.
Undoubtedly, the heat waves that hit Spain, Italy and Greece, together with the overtourism phenomenon, are pushing more travelers to choose cooler temperatures and less crowded destinations instead of the usual tourist postcards.
So here are 7 destinations to go to Ferragosto in Europe: from Galicia’s Atlantic shores to the Soča Valley, from Northern European cities to the landscapes of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro.
Oslo, Norway
Oslo is much more than a city for a long weekend: eclectic architecture, world‑class museums, forests just steps from the center, and the fjord opening right in front of the city make it a destination capable of filling far more than two or three days.
In summer, the Norwegian capital comes alive with events and is perfect for those seeking cool weather without sacrificing culture: the last thirty years of waterfront redevelopment have transformed it into a true cultural hub, with museums dedicated to art, history, maritime exploration, and contemporary architecture, all alongside islands freely explorable.
In August temperatures stay pleasant, generally around 20°C, even though there are days above 30°C, and daylight lasts almost until evening. These are the days when locals crowd the city’s “beaches” and harbor pools to enjoy every last ray of summer, between floating saunas with a plunge into the fjord and walks in the Nordmarka forest, just a few minutes from the center.
Galicia, Spain
The Romans called it the edge of the world, and even today Galicia retains that sense of being far from everything. Nestled in the northwestern corner of Spain, here Celtic and Roman heritage coexist, visible at the Hercules Tower in La Coruña, a Roman lighthouse still in operation, and in Lugo’s ancient walls, along with the Camino de Santiago tradition, which has made Santiago de Compostela one of Christianity’s most important pilgrimage destinations.
In August the climate offers a rain lull typical of the region, ideal for exploring the wild coastline, hiking, or reaching the Atlantic Islands by boat. Don’t miss a lunch featuring polbo à feira (octopus), empanada, and scallops, accompanied by a glass of the local Albariño.
Soča Valley, Slovenia
Those who do not want to travel too far from Italy can head to the extreme northwest of Slovenia, where they will discover the Soča Valley, one of the most spectacular landscapes of the Julian Alps. The Soča River, with crystal turquoise waters, flows for over 130 km to the Adriatic and is a reference point for kayaking and rafting enthusiasts across Europe.
But the valley is not only about nature: it still bears the marks of World War I, when it was one of the war’s bloodiest fronts, with memorials, museums, and historic trails such as the Walk of Peace that crosses it for 220 km to the sea. Between hikes you can sample the local dairy tradition in Kobarid or challenge yourself with canyoning, SUP, zipline, and rock climbing.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a fascinating country still relatively unknown. Many still associate it with the painful civil war of the 1990s, whose scars remain visible, but those who visit today carry home memories of warm humanity, mountains, ruined medieval castles, and clear rivers suitable for rafting.
A must-see is the train journey between Sarajevo and Mostar along the Neretva canyon, as well as the Ottoman Baščaršija neighborhood in Sarajevo, with mosques, copper shops, and cafés where you can sample ćevapi, burek, and baklava. In Mostar the symbol is the Stari Most, the 16th‑century bridge destroyed in 1993 and rebuilt, from which local divers leap into the Neretva in summer. Not far away, the turquoise waters of Blagaj and the Kravica waterfalls offer a cool refuge from the summer heat.
Alsace, France
With its fusion of French and German influences, Alsace is a region offbeat, tucked between Germany and Switzerland in the far northeast of France, so much so that you might forget which country you are really in. Strasbourg sets the tone with its pink sandstone Gothic cathedral, 141 meters tall, and the historic center of the Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where timber-framed houses, canals, and squares lively with winstubs (the classic Alsatian taverns) follow one after another without pause.
Further south, Colmar enchants with its cobbled streets and canals weaving among colorful houses. No trip to Alsace is complete without at least a stretch of the Route des Vins, while nature lovers can venture toward the Vosges Massif or the Nordic Vosges Regional Nature Park.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh unfolds its story right from its castle: the Crown Jewels chamber, the 12th-century Romanesque chapel, and the famous one‑o’clock gun that still startles passersby beneath the walls. From there you descend along the Royal Mile, a fascinating succession of stone houses, churches, and narrow alleys down to the Holyrood Palace and the modern Scottish Parliament building.
Those seeking open air can climb Arthur’s Seat, the ancient extinct volcano that dominates the city with a view to the Firth of Forth, or reach one of the city beaches: Portobello for the lively seaside atmosphere, with fish and chips and gelaterias, or Cramond, where at low tide you can walk to a small island with World War II bunkers. For a calmer moment, the path along the Water of Leith leads among Georgian villas and historic mills to the Stockbridge district, known for pubs and independent shops.
Montenegro
Finally, we recommend Montenegro, a small country but surprisingly rich in attractions. Here you will find beaches, well-preserved medieval towns, and outdoor adventures, all within a land that houses five national parks.
Near Cetinje lies the Lipa Cave, a 2.5 km route among stalactites and limestone formations, with internal temperatures remaining around 10°C even in summer. Not far away, Lovćen National Park preserves forests, hiking trails, and a fauna that includes brown bears, wolves, and golden eagles.
Along the coast, Budva tells 2,500 years of history with Greek and Roman artifacts on display in its museum, while off Perast the artificial island of Gospa od Škrpjela, founded around a Marian icon found in 1452, houses a Baroque church with Venetian frescoes, reachable by boat.
