The Mediterranean’s climate in August is at its peak – so it’s no surprise it’s the one of the best holiday destinations in August for families. The days are long and full of sun, and the seas are at their calmest and warmest. That’s why we’ve chosen Greece and Turkey for our Mark Warner beach resorts combining ideal conditions for a holiday, with the expertise that we’ve developed over five decades of creating fun active getaways.
We provide stylish, spacious accommodation designed with families and all holiday makers in mind, delicious food to suit all tastes, fantastic on-site facilities like free childcare and kids clubs, and a wealth of included activities like watersports, tennis, cycling and fitness (and much more) on offer at all of our summer destinations – all in beautiful, relaxed beachfront settings.
At a Mark Warner beach resort, here’s just a taste of some of the things you’ll be able to enjoy:
- Handpicked beachfront resorts – Our resorts are located in stunning locations with a host of family friendly facilities, a wide choice of family accommodation, close to picturesque villages, and within reach of unforgettable world heritage sites.
- Watersports and activities - Discover a new sport or perfect an existing one - your stay includes activities like sailing, windsurfing, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, tennis, cycling, fitness and more. Guests can also enjoy free expert sailing or windsurfing tuition.
- Childcare and kids clubs - Our professionally qualified childcare teams provide expert on-site free childcare and kids clubs from 2 to 17 years across the resorts (childcare from 4 months to 2 years is available at an extra cost). Each resort offers an activity programme for older children to keep them active and entertained.
- Develop your skills on holiday - Our resorts offer a number of accredited qualifications for adults and children such as RYA sailing and windsurfing courses, LTA tennis coaching and PADI or SSI Scuba Diving courses (bookable online as an additional cost to your holiday).
5 of the Best Family Holiday Destinations in August
Read to find out why our beach resorts are the best family holiday destinations in August
1. Turkish Aegean Coast
Sometimes the clue really is in the name: The Turquoise Coast. Clear blue waters, glistening under azure skies, calmly lapping against soft, sandy beaches… Our Phokaia Beach Resort sits on the Turkish Aegean Coast, in a private bay, looking out over the islands of Orak, and Incir – which gets its own mention in the Ancient Greek Epic poem, the Odyssey, as the Siren's Rock. It’s a place which has been famed for its beauty for thousands of years, and has evolved into an ideal location to pull up a beach lounger, or try (or even perfect) a watersport like sailing, windsurfing, kayaking or paddle boarding… all under the expert guidance of our teams who are on hand to help you get to grips with getting onto the water.
If you prefer to stay out of the surf on your holiday to Turkey, Phokaia Beach offers four pools, three tennis courts, and four new pickleball courts. There’s also road cycling and mountain biking, a luxurious spa with a Turkish Hamann, and a well-equipped gym and a fitness pavilion. When it comes to refuelling (or just taking a moment to sit back and relax) there are three restaurants including the Al carte restaurant offering beachfront dining, three bars and a coffee shop serving delicious cakes and pastries. Why not enjoy indulgent cocktails at the glamorous Tiki bar by the beachfront as you watch sunset? And a water taxi is available from the resort’s jetty, ready to take you to the charming nearby fishing village of Foca, celebrated for its cuisine based on fresh seafood, traditional mezes, and other Aegean specialities, with the best restaurants clustered around the harbour.
Parents can enjoy all of that and more while taking advantage of the inclusive on-site childcare and kids clubs, catering for ages 2 - 17 years (childcare for babies aged 4 months to 2 years is available at an extra cost).
Many of the resort's activities in Turkey are included in the booking price, making it a practical choice for families. Board basis is 5 days full board and 2 days half board, which means you can focus on enjoying your holiday without having to worry about too many extra costs.
Phokaia Beach Resort offers an impressive range of land-based activities and watersports, including sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. Experienced sailors and windsurfers can also join a foiling course at an extra cost.
Whatever you choose to do each day on your August beach holiday in Turkey, you’ll find Phokaia Beach Resort a winning holiday destination.
Things to do in Turkey in August
For those who want to venture a little further, the nearby city of Izmir is home to bustling bazaars, traditional bath houses, and historic sites… though we’ve found that many of our guests love the chance to visit the jewel in the region’s crown - Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best preserved ancient cities in Europe.
Where to stay in Turkey in August
Stay at the Phokaia Beach Resort on the Aegean Coast in the Izmir region.
2. Ionian Coast, Greece
Greece is, of course, famous for its islands – but the mainland can more than hold its own when it comes to being one of the best holiday destinations in August for families. Paleros (which you may also have seen referred to as Palairos) is a charming village, set just across the water from the stunning island of Lefkada, which is connected to the mainland by a bridge. The Ionian Coast's unspoilt beaches and lush surroundings can make it hard to believe it’s just a few hours from Athens. But our Mark Warner Paleros Beach Resort really does feel like an island paradise. It has a wide and gently sloping, family-friendly beach, at Portmaki, leading down to shallow waters, with a backdrop of beautiful mountains and olive groves.
Paleros is an ideal location to enjoy the warmth and sunshine of a Mediterranean August by trying out some watersports – whether sailing, windsurfing, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, or rowing. All are available at our Paleros Beach Resort – along with four tennis courts, fitness classes, road cycling, and mountain biking. Guests can also book waterskiing and wakeboarding tow packages, and undertake a scuba diving course or a rowing course at an additional cost.
As you’d expect from Mark Warner, you’ll find a great choice of contemporary comfortable family accommodation, which includes half-board basis, top class amenities including three pools, two hotel restaurants and three bars, a spa, on-site childcare and kids clubs from 2 to 17 years (Baby Club for babies from 4 to 11 months, and a Toddler Club for children aged 1 to 2 years are available at an extra cost) and all of those activities we just mentioned, all included in the holiday price at our Paleros Beach Resort on the Ionian Coast.
Things to do on the Ionian Coast in August
With our location being on mainland Greece, it’s easy to explore the local site, like the village of Paleros. Dating back to the fourth century BC, Paleros village just a twenty minute walk, or short cycle ride away. The Venetians built fortifications here, which still stand to this day, and the seafront is a charming place to eat at a taverna or café. There’s also the chance to join an excursion and go island-hopping – taking in the charms of Lefkada, just 30 minutes by car, or Meganisi and Kastos, which are just a short boat trip away.
Where to stay on the Ionian Coast in August
Stay at the Paleros Beach Resort in Paleros, Greece
3. Lemnos
Lemnos is a beautiful island in the northern part of the Aegean Sea. It’s an ideal location to escape the crowds that many of the other well-known Greek islands experience in August – but we think that makes it even more of a hidden gem. Yes, it has pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, volcanic hills and rugged landscape dating back to the days of the Ancient Greek explorers – but it’s also home to a quiet, confident authentic Greek charm – best sampled at our Mark Warner Lemnos Beach Resort.
Our highlights are the safe, child-friendly beaches, set in calm, clear shallow waters, making it an ideal place for younger children to splash in the surf. Our Lemnos Beach Resort is located on the beautiful Plati beach, and offers stays on half board basis, with a wide range of accommodation to suit families – from pretty villas with sea views, to family suites, or interconnecting rooms. The resort also offers a wide range of activities, from watersports like windsurfing and sailing to tennis, cycling, and fitness classes. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, there’s something for everyone. The resort is particularly great for families, with kids' clubs and childcare options included in the cost of your holiday. There is also a programme of age-appropriate activities for children, so parents can relax while the little ones are entertained and well cared for.
Things to do in Lemnos in August
A stay at Lemnos offers the chance to explore ancient ruins and archaeological sites, including a taste of Greek mythology at places like the Ancient city of Hephaistia, the Kastro of Myrina, and the Roman ruins at Fournous. Lemnos is also said to have been the home of Hephaestus, the Greek God of fire and metalworking.
Lemnos has never lost its authentic Greek charm, found in villages and the nearby capital Myrina, with its picturesque harbour, neoclassical mansions, fountains and Venetian castle. Lemnos offers a glimpse of Greece, both ancient and modern.
Where to stay in Lemnos in August
Stay at the Lemnos Beach Resort on Plati, Beach, Lemnos
4. Rhodes
What makes the Greek island of Rhodes so special? Like its neighbours, it has warm and sunny August weather, and sandy bays in front of calm seas stretching to a serene horizon. But it also has centuries of history, with cities established by the ancient Greeks still attracting visitors – from the Medieval old town of Rhodes itself, or the clifftop Acropolis at Lindos, which is just a 20-minute taxi ride from our Kamari Beach Resort.
Set on the long and gently-sloping sands of Lardos Beach, our Mark Warner resort has pools for all age groups and an adult only pool, set in its beautifully designed grounds, with spacious family rooms just a few short steps away from all of the amenities. The main restaurant has a veranda with views overlooking the sea, and spectacular views as the Sun goes down, with a menu featuring a mix of classic Greek cuisine and international favourites. Our poolside bar is a perfect place to stop for lunch, or sip a cooling drink in the shade. Or families can enjoy fresh seafood and Greek dishes at our resort's Greek Taverna.
And there’s no shortage of activities to keep you occupied, whether you’re a child in one of our free childcare and kids clubs, offering fun for anyone aged between 2 years to 17 years old (childcare for children aged 4 months to 2 years is available at an extra cost) – or an adult, wanting to sail, windsurf or paddleboard or kayak (use of boats and equipment is included in the holiday, just as it is at every Mark Warner beach resort), or play tennis or padel (we’ll provide the racquet and balls) or go on a road cycling or mountain bike tour with our team, or just borrow one of our bikes to follow your own path. Rhodes is a top destination for road cycling - guests can also hire one of our premium carbon Cervelo Caledonia road bikes at an additional cost. We also have a recently-constructed, air-conditioned gym, and fun, free fitness classes like stretch, organised by our friendly staff, throughout your stay.
Things to do in Rhodes in August
Explore the Medieval Old Town, visit the Acropolis of Lindos, relax on the beaches, and check out the Valley of the Butterflies.
Where to stay in Rhodes in August
Stay at the Kamari Beach Resort
5. Lesvos
Last, but not least in our list of best holiday destinations in August for families is Lesvos – the third largest Greek island, in the turquoise Aegean sea. August in Lesvos is warm and sunny, making it perfect for outdoor activities, relaxing by the pool or beach, and exploring the island. With its Mediterranean climate, you can expect long, hot days with clear skies.
Our Mark Warner Aeolian Village Beach Resort sits in the corner of the beautiful golden sands of Eressos beach, with two large, welcoming pools. It offers a half-board basis and a great range of family style accommodation. Our chefs take pride in offering a wide range of international cuisine, while creating their own personal versions of classic Greek dishes. Our Aeolian Village provides top-class childcare and kids clubs for children aged 2 years to 17 years, with a daily-changing programme of activities sure to keep them happily occupied, as they hang out with children their own age. Older children in the Junior, Kidz and Indy Clubs (available at all of our resorts) can try their hand at water sports, including sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and paddle boarding, or take to the courts for some tennis. The resort also provides a Baby Club for babies from 4 to 11 months, and a Toddler Club for children aged 1 to 2 years are available at an extra cost.
Aeolian Village offers plenty of activities to get your adrenaline flowing from tennis, padel, cycling and fitness to a wide range of watersports. Aeolian Village Beach Resort is a great spot for experienced sailors and windsurfers due to its reliable winds, particularly the "Meltemi" wind, which blows during the summer months. This breeze is perfect for those who are looking for a more adventurous sailing or windsurfing experience or to try their hand at wing surfing and wing foiling or foiling. For cycling enthusiasts, Lesvos island offers a good range of road cycling and mountain biking trails.
Things to visit in Lesvos in August
A trip to Lesvos means the chance to follow in the footsteps of communities which date back to 3000 BC – and perhaps take in some of the nearby archaeological wonders. The island features in Greek mythology as birthplace of the hero Lesbos in Holmer’s epic Illiad. Lesvos has also been home to many famous people throughout the centuries including the poet Sappho and the philosopher Aristotle.
Where to stay in Lesvos in August
Stay at Aeolian Village Beach Resort, Lesvos
Best Holiday Destinations in August FAQs
Where is the best place to holiday in August?
In Southern Europe, the Mediterranean’s climate in August is at its peak. The Mark Warner beach resorts in Greece and Turkey are an excellent choice in August for those looking for a well-rounded family holiday that combines good weather, fun activities, stylish spacious family accommodation, delicious food, fantastic on-site facilities, childcare and kids clubs and beautiful settings.
Is August a good month to go to Greece and Turkey?
Both Greece and Turkey boast some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean. August is a perfect for swimming in the sea or pools or trying your hand at a new watersports or perfecting an existing one.
Where is it hot in August for a family holiday?
Greece and Turkey experience hot, dry weather in August, making it ideal for family holidays. The days are long and full of sun, and the sea is at its calmest and warmest.
Book your next August holiday to Greece or Turkey with Mark Warner
Need more inspiration? Check out our guides below. Or if you still have questions, contact us and let's start planning your perfect August getaway together.
Best Places To Visit In Turkey
Best Places For Family Holidays in Greece
