The warm sun and glistening sea are still at their best come August, so you’ve got plenty of time to sneak a summer getaway into the calendar. But where should you escape to for those all-important long days of sunshine?

Gran Canaria

Average temperature: 28°C

A holiday to Gran Canaria guarantees sunshine bliss at any time of year, thanks to its delightfully warm climate. But visiting in August assures endless sunny days, with temperatures teetering around 28°C. It’s the ideal place for lounging on the golden sands, crafting the perfect tan or exploring beautiful sights.

Venture around the colonial streets dotted with palaces and churches, trek across the Maspalomas Dunes or discover Gran Canaria's brilliant beaches. No matter what takes your fancy, an August getaway here won’t disappoint.

Costa del Sol

Average temperature: 29°C

Expect picturesque, whitewashed towns, calm azure coves, thrilling waterparks and luxurious marinas during a stay on the Costa del Sol. All of this, combined with spectacular sunny skies and temperatures of around 30°C throughout August, make a getaway here oh-so-dreamy.

You’ve got endless resorts to choose from when visiting. Head to the lively towns of Puerto Banus or Marbella to dance your nights away, stay in the tranquil mountain village of Mijas, or head to Nerja for unrivalled stretches of coast. Whatever type of stay you're after, the Costa del Sol can provide.

Malta and Gozo

Average temperature: 31°C

Bringing your summer to a close in Malta sounds like paradise to us. Visit the history-stuffed towns, wander the UNESCO-stamped capital, Valletta, and pick your perfect spot on the golden, sandy beaches. An adventure to the island of Gozo isn’t to be missed either! Here, you can explore pretty Mdina and dazzling Victoria for a taste of Gozitan greatness.

As for the temperatures, you can expect sizzling highs of 31°C during an August stay. So, finding the perfect stretch of coast will be high on your itinerary for welcome dips in the Mediterranean. Add Mellieħa’s Armier Bay Beach or Gozo’s pebbled Hondoq Bay to your list for an idyllic beach spot.

Madeira

Average temperature: 25°C

Madeira's magical, dramatic landscape is often enough to attract visitors. But if you need more persuasion, how about its incredible culture, secluded beaches made from volcanic sand, gardens flooded with vibrant flora and mouth-watering gastronomy?

The mighty mountains are perfect for visitors who enjoy hiking or cycling, or if you’re after something slower paced, Madeira’s botanical gardens are perfect for meandering around. Ride the Monte cable car for a bird's-eye view of Funchal’s harbour or explore the colourful capital on foot. But don't forget about the dazzling coastlines! Temperatures here sit around 25°C in August, so head to the quaint towns of Calheta or Canico for your pick of turquoise waters.

Tuscany

Average temperature: 30°C

Rolling vineyards, terracotta towns, a luxurious riviera and impeccable eateries... all of this and so much more awaits you in Tuscany. This region's capital, Florence, is home to some of the world's most famous architecture, from the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore to the Piazza della Signoria. So, head here for endless adventure! Viareggio is the place to be for sandy shores, or try San Gimignano to see the striking medieval landscape!

Come August, the temperatures are at their peak in Tuscany, providing long days of warmth and blue skies, with averages of around 30°C. Enjoy the breeze of the Tuscan coast at Forte Dei Marmi, or make your way inland to sip your balmy evenings away at one of Siena’s picturesque vineyards.

Rhodes

Average temperature: 29°C

The perfect combination of coastlines and culture... welcome to Rhodes. It’s the largest of the Dodecanese Islands and home to exquisite resorts like Lindos, Faliraki and Theologos. With unspoilt shores, buzzing beach bars and bags of ancient history, this may just be one of the most diverse and delightful Greek islands to visit.

Average temperatures hover around the 29°C mark here in August, so time for tipples and tanning is very much on the agenda. For Blue Flag beauty, make your way to Kiotari and relax on the spectacular sands. Embrace Rhodes’ stunning scenery in the whitewashed village of Lindos, or visit Faliraki for neon nights at the buzzing bars and nightclubs.

Lanzarote

Average temperature: 29°C

Lanzarote may well be one of the most diverse destinations you can visit. Offering both a unique, rugged landscape to explore and sun-kissed sands to relax upon. Playa Blanca is the place to be for pristine beaches, Costa Teguise is a family favourite for fun-filled getaways, and the Timanfaya National Park offers remarkable views across Lanzarote.

The volcanic landscape of the country can be explored through impressive hiking and cycling trails, and its proximity to the Sahara guarantees warm weather every month of the year. When visiting in August, you can expect average temperatures of 29°C, perfect for exploring the coastlines and enjoying the Atlantic waters.

Menorca

Average temperature: 29°C

When you witness the beauty of Menorca, you understand why it’s a UNESCO-protected site. Ciutadella and Mahon are two fascinating cities to explore, with bags of culture to unlock and 3,000-year-old monuments to visit! In the evenings, they both come alive with buzzing marinas lined with lively restaurants and cocktail bars.

The coastlines of this Balearic are just as impressive! From Cala’n Bosch to Playas de Fornells to Punta Prima, every corner of this island boasts marvellous shores to explore. And with delightful temperatures reaching the high twenties all summer long, Menorca makes for a magical August getaway.

Kefalonia

Average temperature: 29°C

Mountainsides decorated in greenery embellish the Kefalonian landscape, where you’ll find vast vineyards and golden beaches. Experience a taste of traditional Greece at one of Skala’s tavernas or find your perfect stretch of beach along the Ionian. Visit Sami for insight into centuries-old history, or hop aboard a catamaran to go turtle-spotting in Argostoli!

In the height of the summer, the Greek Islands stay blissfully cooler than the mainland. And with averages of around 29°C in August, Kefalonia's the perfect pick for your next getaway!