Escape the summer heat with these 6 amazing close-by destination ideas!

We’ve hit the month of August, the peak of the summer, and just 3/4 weeks until the kids go back to school and September presents itself.

If you haven’t already made travel plans you might want to squeeze in a quick getaway to escape the heat. As residents of the UAE, we are lucky to have some incredible destinations close-by that we can get to easily and that offer us new experiences.

We’re sharing with you some of our favourite destinations, all within a 6-hour flight time from Dubai.

Here’s our top 6 destinations we think you should consider -

1. Muscat, Oman

Flight time: 1 hour

Located on the edge of the Arab Peninsula, Oman is a beautiful country with exotic destinations, architectural wonders, rich heritage and humble local folk. Muscat, the capital of Oman, offers clear water beaches, vast desert stretches and scenic mountain peaks. It’s a popular destination for divers and boat lovers as well as hikers. Bimmah Sinkhole is one of the most beautiful natural pools we’ve ever seen, just a 1-hour 30min drive from the capital. You can spend the day here, cliff jumping, climbing, lazing about and taking in the amazing views.

Check out these hotels in Muscat

2. The Maldives

Flight time: 4 hours

The Maldives has evolved so much over recent years, with many more resorts having opened that offer something for everyone. We are now seeing the Maldives as a destination for families and the younger travellers whereas before it was more frequented by couples for romantic getaways. Offering crystal clear waters, white baby powder sand and world-class service. There is nothing better than abandoning all your cares and entering the world of over-water villas, breathtaking sea views and indescribable sunsets. The Maldives is a popular sought-after holiday destination for good reason and you need not worry if laying in the sun all day isn’t your thing because you can go diving, snorkelling, on boat excursions and visit the capital Male too! It is a truly stunning, once-in-a-lifetime destination where you’ll make memories like no other.

Check out these hotels in the Maldives

3. Tbilisi, Georgia

Flight time: 3 hours 25 mins

From mountains, rolling hills, flat lands, beautiful coastlines and beaches, big cities, cultural suburbs and rural areas – Georgia has everything you’re looking for and more. The fantastic food and wine are a reason to visit alone! It’s gorgeous in summer for a warm getaway but equally good in winter if you are in search of a snowy break. While in Georgia be sure to eat some Khinkali. They are dumplings filled with various delicious meats and other fillings and are famous across the country. When visiting Tbilisi book a wine tour in the home of wine and if you visit one place, make sure it’s the Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater for that famous Instagram photo in front of the quirky clock.

4. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Flight time: 6 hours

Croatia is an amazing holiday destination with so many beautiful spots to tick off your bucket list. There is so much history to discover in Croatia, boasting one of the world’s best-preserved colosseums. It’s also a fantastic place to visit for a beach holiday with gorgeous bays, coastlines, beaches and sparkling waters that draws visitors from all over the world in the summertime for the famous yacht party festivals and beautiful weather.

5. Athens, Greece

Flight time: 5 hrs

Greece has the longest coastline in Europe with the mainland boasting rugged mountains, forests, and lakes, but Greece is best known for being made up of thousands of islands clustered in the blue Aegean Sea. It is great for island hoppers who want to explore and take in as much as possible because each island offers something new and unique that gives a different perspective on Greek life.

Check out these hotels in Greece

6. Larnaca, Cyprus

Flight time: 4 hours

Cyprus is a beautiful island with an abundance of things to offer all kinds of visitors. With a wealth of beaches to choose from, you’re bound to find one that suits your taste. From the quiet shores in the west to the lively resorts in the east, the island has something for everyone. The eastern coast is famous for its fine white sandy beaches with shallow turquoise waters and deep-water bays with rocky outcrops that are perfect for snorkelling or diving. It’s a top European destination that is crying out to be explored.

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6 Destinations within a 6-hour flight time from Dubai