Where to Escape the Crowds this August

August is one of the most popular vacation months. Despite the millions of holiday-goers lining the beaches of the Mediterranean, the Aegean and Caribbean Seas and boating around the Lakes of Europe and North America, there are still some secret places to escape the crowds. Our local experts reveal some true gems for enjoying the lovely summer weather far away from the masses.

Kythnos, Greece

One of the least visited of the Cycladic islands, this rugged island bordered by turquoise waters is situated between Kea and Serifos. As the owner of Kythnos 1F told our experts at Five Star Greece; “There is nothing to do and nowhere to go, I can’t think why I built a house here.” Sounds like paradise!

Kythnos FC is a spectacular, six bedroom villa built on a headland between two secluded sandy beaches, on the southeast coast of the island. The serenely minimalist architecture and décor reflects the peacefulness of the location. A sandy beach below goes largely unnoticed by other visitors. This is one of Five Star Greece’s best off the beaten track properties.

Contact them here for further information and to start planning your holiday in is perfect peaceful paradise.

Apulia, Italy

For a secluded summer escape in Apulia, the last great unspoiled part of Italy, consider renting unique group of four “trullo” buildings, available through Excellence.villas by Trust and Travel. Accommodate up to 18 guests, the buildings are set around a wonderful pool and are encircled by five hectares of olive groves – ideal for staying cool on hot summer days.

A ‘trullo’ is a traditional dry stone Apulian house with a conical roof. This particular property, was discovered and meticulously restored by a Roman architect who has successfully retained its historic character with a clean contemporary look accentuated by modern art. The network of rooms includes two kitchens, three living rooms, eight bathrooms and eight bedrooms (one bedroom has two bunk beds for four children).

There is a natural indoor/outdoor flow and thee are a number of terraces and covered porches, among which is a beautiful shaded area next to the 16 x 5 m pool. Guests can enjoy meals on its two dining terraces with an outdoor fireplace, pizza oven and barbecue.

This region is filled with endless olive tree fields, rolling vineyards, stunning beaches and excellent restaurants in the picturesque towns like Ostuni and Ceglie Messapica and Cisternino and Locorotondo.

Hide away this August in this authentic and quiet part of Italy with Excellence.villas by Trust and Travel at this link. For those who can wait until September, Trust and Travel is offering some special rates on this rental, further details here.

Masai Mara, Kenya

August may be one of the most popular season to holiday in Kenya’s Masai Mara, however, it’s also a wonderful time to visit. Our experts at Cottar’s Bush Villa and Cottar’s 1920s Camp tell us how to beat the crowds:

“The Masai Mara national reserve is an extremely popular destination over the summer as the annual great migration occurs during this time,” explains Katherine Darnborough, marketing coordinator at Cottar’s. “As you can imaging it can get pretty crowded but we’re situated in our own Olderkesi Conservancy that borders the main reserve so you have 7000 acres all to yourself.

“Cottar’s Bush Villa and Cottar’s 1920s Camp are the only properties in this conservancy and with the camp having only nine tents it truly is a private and exclusive experience. You get the best of the Masai Mara without the masses of minibuses and crowds. The Masai Mara is a truly spectacular safari destination especially during the annual migration of wildebeest and zebra, it’s not to be missed!”

Cottar’s has a beautiful private Bush Villa is booked on exclusive basis only. The 10,000 sq ft villa features a spacious living room, dining room, a vast viewing deck, five en-suite bedrooms and a 25m swimming pool. Its guests enjoy their own private vehicles, guides, dinning and other activities.

Enjoy your own private piece of the Masai Mara, Kenya with Cottar’s here.

Upper Loire Valley, France

For those looking to enjoy France this August without the crowds of Provence and the Cote d’Azur, the Upper Loire beckons with miles of pristine countryside, beautiful villages, enchanting castles and divine gastronomy. Within the inland waterways of this unspoiled region, the 6-passenger Meanderer Barge serenely sails, inviting her guests to discover a peaceful world of provincial beauty and pastoral allure.

“Often referred to as The Garden of Paris, or the “Gatinais”, the canals along the River Loire were built in the 16th and 17th century to supply its abundant produce to and from France’s capital,” details Stephanie Sack of Barge Lady Cruises, through whom this cruise can be arranged. “After the introduction of train travel in the 19th century, these canals fell into disuse and, as a result, have remained largely intact and untouched.”

“While plying these placid inland waterways, Meanderer guests will visit the delightful town of Montargris, often called “Little Venice” due its latticework of 131 flower-adorned canals and bridges.  Ancient houses, some half-timbered, add authentic architectural flair; pralines, the crunchy confection made from almonds in cooked sugar, were first concocted in Montargis in the time of Louis XIII, and can still be purchased at the original candy shop.”

Stops in towns like these are only one of the highlights of the cruise. Discovering the region’s delectable cuisine – either on visits to local wineries or through the delicious meals back on the boat – is an important and much enjoyed part of the cruise.

Plentiful opportunities for walking and bicycling along the placid canal augment the experience, while the ever-present ambiance of the countryside’s history is a welcome companion. Owned and operated by George and Susan Kovalick, the lovely and sophisticated couple apply their passions for fitness (bicycling, hiking, boating, and tennis), cuisine, history, and the arts to accentuate the natural setting and create a unique, well-rounded experience.

This piquant bouquet of bucolic ambiance, rural relaxation, and gourmet delights sets the appealing tone for a crowd-free cruise in August on the Upper Loire on the Meanderer. Find out more by contacting Barge Lady Cruises at this link.

Salzkammergut Lake District, Austria

The former summer playground of Austria’s aristocracy, including the Emperor and the country’s intellectual and artistic elite, the gorgeous Salzkammergut Lake District boasts crystal clear lakes, pre-alpine mountains, dense forests and picturesque villages. Within this dreamy setting is Schloss Kogl, a magical baroque castle nestled amidst the country’s largest private forest.

Built in mid-18th century, the castle has been in the family of the Barons of Mayr-Melnhof since 1872. Comprehensive renovations were carried out in the early 2000s to carefully restore the castle to its previous splendor. It is decorated and furnished in a sophisticated fin-du-siècle style and provides a refined retreat in this marvelous part of Austria.

Summertime is the perfect time to stay at the castle where guests can spend hours strolling its verdant grounds, swimming in summer the pool or playing a few rounds in the historic bowling lane. The castle also has its own private “Teehaus“ on nearby Lake Attersee, so you can make the most of the lake in privacy.

Enjoy an elegant and delightful summer in Austria’s Lake District at Schloss Kogl here.

Dolomites, Italy

Surround yourself with sweeping views of the stunning Dolomites this August at this gorgeous retreat available through Homebase Abroad. The luxurious four-bedroom lodge also has its own on-site spa and a stainless steel lined year-round whirlpool outdoors, adding to its relaxing environment.

From its position on a mountainside in the UNESCO Heritage Site Dolomite Mountains and nestled by 27 hectares of dense woodlands, its the ultimate private mountain escape. Constructed as a private hunting lodge of the ‘vescovi’ in the 16th century, it has always been a place of sport and repose. It exudes a chic mountain feel and is equipped with the best modern amenities included an onsite pool, spa and an 18-hole golf course.

The indoor spa includes a Finnish sauna, Turkish bath with chromotherapy, whirlpool and emotional shower or if you prefer to soak up the awe-inspiring scenery, relax in the outdoor heated whirlpool. It remains at approximately 39 degrees year round with spring-fed water.

At your doorstep you can explore the mountains while hiking, road-biking, mountain-biking and a number of other active pursuits.

Savor the splendidly tranquil Dolomites this August with Homebase Abroad here.