Get out of Edinburgh this August – our top 10 late escapes!

Live in Edinburgh but want to avoid the Festival…?

For many people that live in Scotland’s dreamy capital, August can be nightmare once The Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe takes over.  The world and his wife seem to descend upon Auld Reekie, filling the entire city with a real carnival atmosphere. It feels like a great big month long party and everyone is invited. Sure, the world’s largest arts festival is a wonderful experience but if you’d rather RSVP a big “no thank you” then there’s some great places you can jet off to and escape madness… and we’ve done all the spadework for you.

This week we’ve put together some of the top destinations you can get to with flights from Edinburgh. Say hello and wave goodbye to the hordes of tourists arriving as you head off out of the city.

Here’s just some of the hotspots you could go to if you feel like taking a last-minute summer break: –

Venice

Ooh dreamy Venice…arguably the most romantic place on earth and what better place to enjoy a summer of love.

Enjoy leisurely strolls around the maze of narrow streets and walkways, soaking up the atmosphere of this enchanting city or watch the world go by from one of the many cafes or bars, sipping a frothy cappuccino or a chilled Bellini cocktail. The stuff long summer days are made for.

Fly to Venice with easyjet or Jet2.com

Rome

Another exciting destination for a quick city break is the Italian capital. Rome is always in fashion and never stops drawing in visitors to see all of her charms, and there are many! Italy’s ancient capital is a bustling metropolis packed with jaw-dropping architecture, galleries, museums and basilicas. Must see attractions are the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and the unmissable Vatican City and St Peter’s Square. With so much to see and do you’ll not be short of things to do in the Eternal City.

Fly to Rome with Ryanair

Porto

Now here’s a place whose star is on the rise in the city break destinations list this year.

Nestled on the banks of the mighty River Douro, Porto is rich in history and culture with a lively, cosmopolitan buzz in the air. Many visitors choose to admire this colourful city from the water and river cruises are popular here… a great way to spend an afternoon.

Fly to Porto with Ryanair

Alicante

You could be soaking up the sun in this popular sun-kissed region of Spain where you can hit the beaches of Benidorm on the ever-popular Costa Blanca. If you want to explore the old town of Alicante itself, it’s packed with grand old buildings, tempting tapas bars, restaurants and boutiques dotted along the quaint, narrow streets.

Fly to Alicante with Jet2.com and Ryanair

Bordeaux

Ooh la la! This is one for all the French wine lovers out there.  This August, head for Bordeaux and discover the famous wine-growing region.

Proper wine tours are readily available, giving you the chance to sample typical wines as well as enjoying guided expert tours of the vineyards and cellars. Delicious wine aside, Bordeaux has some fine attractions to fill your time with such as Bordeaux Cathedral, Bordeaux Opera at The Grand Theatre or taking a cruise along the Garonne River. The city also offers some lovely shopping places to get your retail therapy fix. Don’t miss the Promenade Sainte Catherine – a superb mall in the historic town centre.

Fly to Bordeaux with Ryanair

Athens

Athens is a must see for history and culture buffs but it’s also a really happening city break destination with a buzzing nightlife and super chic bars.

Undoubtedly, a highlight for any visitor to the ancient Greek capital, is the Acropolis where you can experience ancient ruins such as the Parthenon – the temple dedicated to the revered Greek goddess Athena – what a magnificent backdrop to your holiday selfies!

You can always mix things up a little and build a beach break into your trip from the capital and visit one of the beautiful islands.

Fly to Athens with easyjet

Ibiza

Ibiza isn’t known as the party island for nothing and rest assured you can party hard, dancing the night away but there’s also some heavenly beach resorts and pretty little towns to visit if clubbing isn’t your thing. The ‘white island’ boasts some stunning scenery and delightful beaches among the quieter parts of this popular holiday hotspot. You could be enjoying the chilled vibe of Es Cana, Portinatx or Santa Eulalia – all three are idyllic spots to cast your cares aside and just go with the flow. A week or two soaking up the sun with a cocktail in hand sounds like Balearic bliss!

Fly to Ibiza with Jet2.com

Malaga

In the past, Malaga has been seen simply as the gateway to the Costa Del Sol’s bustling holiday resorts but this stunning, historical city is a gem of a place to visit in its own right.  Steeped in folklore and culture with an impressive arts scene, there are plenty of exciting landmarks to visit on a short break. Check out the famous Alcazaba fortress, Malaga Cathedral and The Picasso Museum. Or, spend a day at the Muelle Uno waterfront complex, and open-air mall where you can shop ‘til you drop then enjoy a delicious meal or refreshing drink in one of the bars or restaurants.

In the evenings, you can always take in one of the many authentic flamenco shows around the city and get your feet tapping to the hypnotic Andalusian rhythms.

Fly to Malaga with jet2.com

Nice

If some glitz and glamour is on the cards, why not jet off to the sun drenched French Riviera and make for the dazzling city of Nice? A popular destination for high rollers and celebrities, you can enjoy some people watching as you soak up the sun on the impressive promenade. Or you could explore the charms of the colourful Old Town – the choice is yours. Either way, you can’t fail to be seduced by Nice’s old school romance and style.

Fly to Nice with easyjet

Palma

Mallorca’s classy capital is the place to see and be seen. The glitzy waterfront just oozes glamour with enviable yachts and beautiful people enjoying all the city has to offer.  Palma is home to hip and trendy restaurants, bars and cafes and a hot spot for some serious shopping if you need some retail therapy. For a bit of history and culture you must visit to the capital’s awesome cathedral – a stunning place of worship that keeps watch over the bay. Palma also has the added bonus of having a beach so you can choose between exploring the sights and sounds of the city or lazy days just soaking up the sun. Ideal if you can’t decide on a city break or a beach holiday – here you can have the best of both worlds. Easy!

Fly to Palma with Ryanair, easyjet and Jet2.com

Happy travels!