Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. 

Best August holiday deals, from Greece to Iceland

Grab a last-minute summer break

Mary Novakovich
Tuesday 30 July 2019 15:29 BST
Comments
Enjoy a last-minute trip to Kefalonia
Enjoy a last-minute trip to Kefalonia (Shutterstock)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

If you haven’t got round to booking a holiday in August, it’s not too late to pick up a few deals around Europe. And if you’re planning ahead for a November break, have a look at some of these ideas.

Go now

Iceland

If the recent hot weather has been a bit too much, head north to Iceland where temperatures are comfortably in the mid-teens. It’s also whale-watching and puffin season, so cameras at the ready.

Regent Holidays has a five-day fly-drive holiday that takes you to the south of the country past some magnificent scenery, including Skaftafell National Park, the Glacier Lagoon and Thingvellir National Park. The starting price of £1,365pp includes flights, car hire and breakfast, and is for an 18 August departure.

Thingvellir National Park sits on top of the North American and Eurasian plates
Thingvellir National Park sits on top of the North American and Eurasian plates (iStock)

Greece

You’ll have to move quickly to snap up a deal on four-bedroom Villa Gerasimos, which is in a superb position overlooking the sea near Skala in southern Kefalonia. Soak up sublime views from the terraces, the pool and landscaped gardens.

CV Villas has a week available from 3 August for £2,200, which is half price and is based on eight sharing. Flights and car hire can be arranged.

Devon

Catch the last few days of August in a seaside cottage overlooking Brixham harbour. Sykes Cottages has a week available from 31 August at the aptly named Panoramic Cottage, which has three bedrooms and lovely sea views from its various patios and terraces, as well as a games room. A week’s rental is £768, which includes a 10 per cent discount.

Fishing boats in the harbour of seaside town, Brixham (The Image Bank/Getty)
Fishing boats in the harbour of seaside town, Brixham (The Image Bank/Getty) (The Image Bank/Getty Images)

Croatia

Elegant Opatija is where Croatian tourism began back in the 19th century, and you can still see this in the grand hotels that line the town’s Adriatic coast. Facing the seafront promenade, the stately Hotel Palace Bellevue harks back to that golden age and has sea-facing balconies in most of its rooms.

Teletext Holidays has a five-night holiday from £519pp, including flights and breakfast, departing 10 August.

Opatija kickstarted Croatian tourism (Getty/iStock)
Opatija kickstarted Croatian tourism (Getty/iStock) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Book now for November

Canary Islands

You get two islands in one trip on this self-guided walking holiday offered by Inntravel. Start by exploring Lanzarote’s eerie volcanic landscapes, including Timanfaya National Park, before taking the boat to La Graciosa for more exploration.

Seven nights cost from £775pp for departures in November, and the price includes accommodation, breakfast, three dinners, car hire and maps, but not flights.

The central square in Teguise village on Lanzarote
The central square in Teguise village on Lanzarote (Getty)

Argentina and Brazil

As spring comes to South America, get an enthralling introduction to Argentina and Brazil with this 11-day group tour offered by Cox & Kings. Spend a few days in Buenos Aires before flying to Iguazu Falls and exploring them from the Brazilian side. Then finish in Rio de Janeiro for three days before flying home. The starting price of £2,295pp includes all flights, accommodation, transfers and guides, for departures throughout November.

Rio de Janeiro isn’t just for carnival
Rio de Janeiro isn’t just for carnival (Getty)

Lebanon

Discover Lebanon’s compelling mix of ancient Roman architecture, dramatic mountainous landscapes and fabulous food in this tailor-made tour with Wexas Travel. You’ll begin in Beirut, one of the Mediterranean’s great capitals, and carry on to Byblos and Baalbeck via Roman and Ottoman ruins and mountain villages. Prices start at £1,695pp and include seven nights’ accommodation, flights, transfers, excursions and guides. Departures are throughout November.

The Beirut skyline
The Beirut skyline (iStock)

Mary Novakovich is editor at large at 101holidays.co.uk

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in