Ferragosto is now past and summer is starting to thin out, but many people are ready to embark on a a surprising late-August trip, whether it’s been planned for a long time or arranged last minute: if holidays have not yet begun or there are still a few days off to enjoy, the end of the month can be an excellent time to travel. Not only because in some destinations the atmosphere begins to change slowly, but also because there are places capable of offering a vacation different from the usual destinations crowded in the height of summer.
From the Italian coast to the wildest islands, passing through an Alpine valley where to seek a bit of cool air, to reach less obvious European locations, there are several options to organize a last-minute trip in the last days of August. We have selected 8 destinations in Italy and Europe, focusing on less predictable spots that allow a mix of experiences spanning sea, nature, villages, culture, and outdoor activities. Ready to go?
Where to go at the end of August in Italy
Cilento: the alternative to the Amalfi Coast
For those seeking the sea paired with the charm of villages and archaeology, Cilento is one of the most intriguing Italian destinations to consider for a late-August departure on a last-minute trip. The coast offers landscapes that are very diverse, from the beaches of Palinuro and Marina di Camerota to coves reachable by boat, while inland there are small towns and natural areas to explore.
In Palinuro, for instance, it’s worth joining a coastal excursion to explore the spectacular sea caves of Capo Palinuro, including the Blue Grotto, while in Marina di Camerota you can reach by boat some of the most evocative bays of the Cilento National Park.
The vacation can then extend far from the sea, reaching Paestum to admire the temples of Magna Graecia or the Certosa di San Lorenzo in Padula. This variety of experiences makes Cilento highly appealing for late-August travelers: it is the perfect destination for those who don’t want to spend the entire vacation on the beach, but who also want to discover the culture and history of the region.
Maratea: between sea, villages and panoramas in Basilicata
Facing the Tyrrhenian Sea, Maratea is one of the most scenic destinations in Basilicata and a good alternative to the more famous spots along the southern coastline. The area features a sequence of beaches and coves, mountains and forests, and small churches scattered throughout the historic center.
Don’t miss the Christ the Redeemer, the enormous statue that dominates Mount San Biagio: from here you get a spectacular view of the Gulf of Policastro (at the end of August you can still visit it with extended hours until 22:00). But there’s more: in the center of Maratea you can admire the Basilica of San Biagio and the many coves along the coast. The advantage? You can mix days at the sea with walks and cultural visits, without giving up the landscapes of the Tyrrhenian.
Costa dei Trabocchi: a sea vacation that’s different from the usual
For those who want to stay by the sea but are looking for something less predictable, the Costa dei Trabocchi in Abruzzo deserves consideration. The stretch of coastline between Ortona and Vasto is characterized by the characteristic (and ancient) wooden fishing structures that jut out into the sea, along with a succession of beaches, coves and small towns.
Here’s the best way to discover it: follow the evocative Via Verde dei Trabocchi, the pedestrian-cycling path that traces the coast, alternating sea panoramas with stops in the towns. Among the places to include in the itinerary are Ortona, San Vito Chietino, Rocca San Giovanni, Fossacesia and Vasto, in addition to the Punta Aderci Nature Reserve.
Valle Maira: the perfect destination to escape the heat
Summer 2026 tested us with scorching temperatures across the country: more and more people sought cooler places to stay, in mountain refuges and surprising towns, fueling the phenomenon of overtourism nonetheless.
Here’s then an alternative destination that does not pale in comparison with the more famous ones: Valle Maira, in Piedmont, which preserves small stone villages, ancient borgate and an extensive network of trails. One of the best-known routes is the Occitano Path, a trek arranged in 14 stages through ancient mule tracks and alpine landscapes.
Among the hikes to schedule are those toward the Visaisa and Apsoi lakes, reachable starting from the sources of the Maira, while the summer calendar of 2026 also features cultural events such as the Occit’amo festival, planned through August 31.
Where to go at the end of August in Europe
Pelion: Greece’s offbeat destination
If you dream of Greece but want to move away from the most predictable destinations, the Pelion Peninsula is one of the spots that will win you over. Between mountains that descend toward the sea and small traditional villages, you’ll find beaches and trails nestled in greenery. Don’t miss Makrinitsa, Portaria and Tsagarada, while on the eastern coast you’ll find beaches such as Mylopotamos and Fakistra.
Minho: the greener Portugal
In the north of Portugal, Minho is a spectacular region, perfect for those who want to discover a different face of the country. Here you encounter historic cities, small towns, stretches of vineyards and green landscapes that touch the Atlantic coast. It’s no accident that this area is nicknamed the garden of the country.
Don’t miss Braga, with the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, and above all Guimarães, considered the cradle of the Portuguese nation, whose historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Moving toward the ocean you reach Viana do Castelo, dominated by the Santa Luzia sanctuary and facing the Atlantic.
Herceg Novi: Montenegro beyond Kotor
Montenegro is increasingly well known as a destination, but for a late-August vacation you can choose a less obvious spot like Herceg Novi, at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor.
The town combines a historic center rich with stairways and fortifications, a long seafront promenade and small bays where you can stop for a swim. The Pet Danica promenade runs along the coast and enables you to explore the area on foot as well, while from the port you can organize boat trips into the bay.
Another advantage of this destination is its location: from Herceg Novi you can plan a day trip to Kotor without having to stay in the more famous, crowded, and consequently expensive town.
Gdańsk and Sopot: Poland on the Baltic Sea
The final destination we propose is also the most unusual: Gdańsk and Sopot, on Poland’s Baltic coast. If you want to escape the intense heat of the Mediterranean at the end of August, this area offers a curious and more affordable alternative to the more famous destinations. Gdańsk, in particular, deserves a visit for its historic center and its Baltic-linked history, while nearby Sopot is a true seaside resort with sandy beaches and a long pier along the sea
To complete the itinerary you can add a trip to Gdynia, a port city that in 2026 earned UNESCO recognition for its modernist center.
