Summer is a dreamy time of year when life seems to slow down and we can put work on the back burner for a little while. Islands have always had a more laid-back atmosphere, which is why they’re the perfect place to escape to this August.
From Adriatic islands packed with medieval history to Caribbean islands with more beaches than you could visit in a lifetime – we’ve found all the best island getaways.
Let’s dive right in and find out about the unique summer festivals and gorgeous temperatures that make these islands so surreal.
Korcula, Croatia
Nicknamed mini-Dubrovnik, this little island packs the best of Croatia’s most famous city but without the overwhelming amount of crowds. August is an especially great time to visit, as the weather is hot and dry.
Unlike the rest of Croatia there’s always a cool breeze in Korcula, which stops the August temperatures from getting over bearing.
Make sure you carve out time to explore the medieval streets in Korcula Old Town. The cobblestone streets and ancient city walls will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Make sure you don’t leave the island before you’ve watch a Moreska sword dance show which are performed throughout August!
Where is Korcula?
Located in the Adriatic Sea off the southern coast of Croatia, this island is part of the Dalmatian archipelago. Korčula Island lies between the mainland city of Split and the city of Dubrovnik. It can be reached by ferry from Split, Dubrovnik, or the nearby Pelješac Peninsula.
Block Island, Rhode Island, USA
Block Island is blessed with blue skies and warm weather in August, so it’s a great place to escape to if you’re hoping to catch a tan.
August is a great month to visit Block Island if you’re a culture fan as they host the Block Island Arts and Artisans Festival. They also have a weekly Farmer’s Market during the summer so you can catch that too.
Like with any island getaway, make sure you carve out some beach time. Fred Benson Town Beach and Mansion Beach are some of the coolest!
Where is Block Island?
Situated off the southern coast of Rhode Island, this island lies in the Atlantic Ocean about 13 miles south of the mainland. Block Island is part of Washington County, Rhode Island. The island can be reached by ferry from Point Judith, Newport, or New London, and by small plane from nearby airports.
Gili Islands, Indonesia
Situated just off the northwest coast of Lombok, the Gili Islands are hot and humid year round. While it can be too much for some travelers, anyone who loves the heat will come to life. Plus, you’re never far away from a refreshing dip in the sea.
If you want to experience the Gili Islands wilder side take yourself to a Gili Trawangan Full Moon Party!
You can’t visit the Gili islands and not go on a scuba diving adventure. August is a great time to go as it’s at the tail end of the dry season, so the visibility underwater is good. If you’re lucky you might even spot a reef shark.
Where are the Gili Islands?
Located off the northwest coast of Lombok, Indonesia, this group of three small islands sits in the Bali Sea. The Gili Islands are known as Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. They can be reached by boat from Lombok or Bali, with regular fast boat services available from both islands.
Mallorca, Spain
It’s hard to escape the heat in Spain in the summer months, and Mallorca is no different. Pack your best sunhat and get ready for a scorcher!
There are loads of cool cultural festivals in August too, like the Night of the Pilgrims. Thousands of people gather to walk the 50 km trail from Palma to Lluc Monastery in the Tramuntana Mountains.
But don’t worry if you’re not a hiker, there’s also the Festes de Sant Bartomeu celebrations in Capdepera. The Pollenca Patrona, where locals dress up as either Christians or Moors and reenact the town’s historic battle is also spectacular.
Where is Mallorca?
Situated in the Mediterranean Sea, this island is the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands. Mallorca lies off the eastern coast of mainland Spain, near Barcelona and Valencia. The island can be reached by direct flights to Palma de Mallorca Airport or by ferry from cities like Barcelona and Valencia.
Fire Island, New York, USA
There are some rainy days in August on Fire Island, but you can mostly expect blue skies and sunshine. Known for its iconic LGBTQIA+ scene, Fire Island is especially lively in August.
Get glittered up and ready to dance the night away at the annual Pines Party or catch the best acts at the BOFFO Performance Festival.
Not much of a party animal? Then make the most of the weather and laze your days away at Saltaire Beach or hike the Robert Moses Boardwalk to the Fire Island Lighthouse.
Where is Fire Island?
Located off the southern shore of Long Island, New York, this barrier island stretches along the Atlantic Ocean. Fire Island is separated from Long Island by the Great South Bay. The island can be reached by ferry from several towns on Long Island, such as Bay Shore, Patchogue, and Sayville.
Zakynthos, Greece
Get ready for the heat if you’re planning a holiday to Zakynthos in August. There’s not a cloud in sight, so you can leave your raincoat at home.
The island comes to life with a mix of religious celebrations and more boozy parties for younger travelers in August. If you’re there to dive into the local culture, then go to the Agios Dionysios processions or the Dormition of the Virgin Mary festival.
Hoping to let your hair down and go wild? Then join one of the many boat and beach parties instead. In between partying, make sure you visit the Blue Caves and Navagio Beach.
Where is Zakynthos?
Situated in the Ionian Sea off the western coast of Greece, this island is part of the Ionian Islands group. Zakynthos lies south of Kefalonia and west of the Greek mainland. The island can be reached by ferry from the port of Kyllini or by flights to Zakynthos International Airport.
Kodiak Island, Alaska, USA
With 18 hours of daylight in the summer, the days seem to stretch out forever in August. Chilly and fresh, Kodiak Island is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts who’d rather spend their holiday getting lost in the mountains than sunbathing on a tropical beach.
As the wildflowers come into bloom, nature seems extra vibrant on Kodiak in August. Some of the most scenic hiking routes are the Fort Abercrombie Cliff Loop, the different trails around Anton Larsen Bay, and the Monashka Mountain Trail.
If you want to meet some locals and dive into the local culture, then don’t miss the Kodiak Rodeo and State Fair.
Where is Kodiak Island?
Located in the Gulf of Alaska, this large island lies off the southern coast of Alaska. Kodiak Island is separated from the mainland by the Shelikof Strait. The island can be reached by ferry from Homer or by flights to Kodiak Benny Benson State Airport.
Pulau Tioman, Malaysia
Tioman is an idyllic tropical island off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia which is perfect for a summer getaway. Lots of travelers flock to the island in August because the weather is hot and sunny, with no clouds in sight.
It’s a great time of the year for snorkeling and scuba diving as the sea has been warming up all summer and is lovely and warm.
There aren’t any festivals in August, but that just means you have an excuse to spend more time lounging on the beach! Make sure you check out Juara Beach and Salang Beach.
Where is Pulau Tioman?
Situated off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, this island lies in the South China Sea. Pulau Tioman is part of the state of Pahang and is located about 20 miles from the mainland. The island can be reached by ferry from Mersing or Tanjung Gemok, and by small plane from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore.
Antigua, Caribbean
Antigua is mostly sunny and hot in August, with a few rainy days sprinkled in between. The island comes to life with Antigua Carnival celebrations. You’ll never forget the colorful parades and lively soca tunes, that’s for sure!
It’s hard to get away from the beach when you’re in Antigua. In fact, the island has around 365 beaches so you could visit one a day for a whole year! Since you won’t have time to see them all, make sure you put Half Moon Beach and Long Bay Beach at the top of your bucket list.
Enjoy the sunny climate and make the most of the weather by exploring the Rendezvous Bay or Nelson’s Dockyard National Park where you can wander through Georgian-era mansions.
Where is Antigua?
Located in the eastern Caribbean Sea, this island is part of the nation of Antigua and Barbuda. Antigua lies southeast of Puerto Rico and north of Guadeloupe. The island can be reached by direct flights to V.C. Bird International Airport from North America, Europe, and other Caribbean islands.
Ischia, Italy
Hot and dry, Ischia is the perfect island getaway in August. It’s also when the Festa di Sant’Alessandro takes place! Hundreds of people take to the streets dressed in historical costumes and join the marching parade that ends near the island’s epic Aragonese Castle.
If you’d rather see the castle from the comfort of a reclined beach lounger, then head to Pescatori Beach!
Another unique thing you can do on Ischia Island is laze in thermal hot springs that are warmed by the island’s underground volcanic activity. Some of the best are the Negombo thermal pools.
Where is Ischia?
Situated in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the coast of southern Italy, this island lies at the northern end of the Gulf of Naples. Ischia is about 19 miles southwest of Naples. The island can be reached by ferry or hydrofoil from Naples and other nearby ports.
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