Recently updated on August 14th, 2023 at 02:34 pm
Choosing what destination to visit is a challenge in September. After all, it’s one of the best months to travel across the world for good weather, late summer sunshine and less people. In Europe, summer crowds invade sunny destinations during July and August, so if you want to visit popular beach destinations like Italy, Greece and Spain, a September trip is perfect timing.
Here are the best September travel destinations to visit in Europe for late summer sunshine.
Italian Lakes
Do you dream of gelato strolls by the shores of Lake Maggiore, jetting across Lake Como and exploring lesser-known charming lakeside villages in the north of Italy? You should! Embrace the Italian Lakes with a September trip when the weather is warm and Europe’s summer crowds are easing. Enjoy plates of pasta, local cheese and plenty of wine on an indulgent trip to the Italian Lakes.
GET INSPIRED BY: Best of the Italian lakes
Spain’s Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol is called the ‘Sun Coast’ for a reason. If you’re chasing September sunshine in Europe, there’s nowhere better than the southern Spanish coastline of Andalusia. Explore white washed hilltop villages, white sandy beaches and seafood lunches by the water. Enjoy ancient sites and history lessons in the capital, Malaga, or kick back with fresh seafood in Torremolinos.
GET INSPIRED BY: Best of Spain
Egypt
Journey past temples, tombs and antiquities and cruise the mighty river Nile from Luxor to Aswan when you explore Egypt instead of Europe in September. If you like warm weather, this is the destination for you with days ranging between 20°C (68°F) and 32°C (90°F). Follow in the footsteps of Cleopatra and Alexander the Great and embrace the frenetic pace of Cairo on a culturally rich adventure through Egypt.
GET INSPIRED BY: Egyptian Voyager
Algarve Coast of Portugal
The best thing about a visit to the southern coast of Portugal (or anywhere in Europe) in September is that the wall-to-wall crowds of summer tourists have mostly headed back to their busy lives. The Algarve region, with its soaring orange cliffs and turquoise blue waters, is a favourite destination for holiday makers. In September the post-summer ocean is still warm, making for great days at the beach, coastal drives and seafood feasts by the shore.
GET INSPIRED BY: Best of Portugal
Sicily
Warm winds from Africa keep the summer feeling on this southern Italian island long after the masses have returned to school and work. With highs around 24°C (75°F), Sicily is the perfect post-summer destination. Sip volcanic wines at the base of Mt Etna, swim in warm ocean at wild beaches, meet locals at cute fishing villages and wander the chic streets of Taormina.
GET INSPIRED BY: Colours of Sicily
French Riviera
The seductive French Riviera is irresistible year round, but in sunny September the playground of the rich and famous cools off a touch in terms of crowds, especially later in the month. Explore the glamorous Principality of Monaco before stepping onto the sun-kissed shores of glitzy Saint-Tropez. This time of year, the average highs are between 23°C (74°F) and 27°C (80°F).
GET INSPIRED BY: Wonderful France
Turkey
Spilling across the borders of Asia and Europe, Turkey is a fascinating destination and blend of many cultures and influences across time. Travel along the age-old trading routes that linked East and West, haggle in the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul, visit fairytale-like Cappadocia and chase the ancient Greeks in Ephesus. In September the summer temperatures dip to a more comfortable range between 20°C (68°F) and 30°C (86°F).
GET INSPIRED BY: Highlights of Turkey
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Morocco
Almost touching Europe and yet a world apart from Spain, Morocco is a colourful, chaotic and charming destination that’s brilliant to visit in September. Skip the high heats of summer for slightly milder days soaking up the sights, sounds and flavours of the country. Wander ancient alleyways, spend magical evenings in local riads and experience a new culture.
GET INSPIRED BY: Best of Morocco
Greek Islands
Picture yourself hopping between the islands of Santorini and Mykonos while the sun is beaming down. With average highs of 28°C (82°F), September is perfect weather for diving into the deep blue Ionian Sea and enjoying long lunches with white wine and seafood, while still being cool enough to explore ancient cultural highlights.
GET INSPIRED BY: Best of Greece with Island Hopper
Coastline of Croatia
Skip peak summer crowds and still enjoy warm days and ocean swims with a September trip to the Croatian coast. The sparkling Adriatic Sea will tempt as you cruise the Dalmatian Coast between the ancient cities of Dubrovnik and Split. Take a day trip to Hvar, one of Croatia’s most beautiful islands, or simply sit on a terrace doing as the Croatians do and stretch that coffee break into a few hours as you soak up the September sunshine.
GET INSPIRED BY: Best of Croatia and Slovenia
Albania
Albania isn’t the first place that comes to mind when deciding where to go in Europe in September. But with 450km of coastline along the Adriatic and Ionian Sea, there’s plenty of sunshine and good times to be had by the water and in the capital Tirana. The once communist country is quickly becoming a hot destination.
GET INSPIRED BY: Balkan Adventure