September Holidays

September Holidays

September is a wonderful time to get away for a late summer break, as the children head back to school and the prices begin to drop. Thankfully, the beach resorts start to thin out, and the coastal areas throughout the Mediterranean still see gorgeous weather, and cooler more comfortable temperatures. Late September sees the best prices this month, and there are plenty of destinations where you can still swim in pleasantly warm seas, and relax on the beach whilst the autumn days draw in at home.

Guaranteed sunshine

Greece and Turkey still bask in glorious high temperatures and many hours of sunshine, and popular islands and coastal resorts, such as Crete, Corfu, Rhodes and Zante, and Marmaris, Bodrum and Olu Deniz see much better availability than in the busy peak season. The crowds disappear and it’s a great month to experience some of the more unspoilt islands and coastal areas such as Gozo, Elba and Corsica. Cyprus is still bathed in sunshine, and the cooler days mean better conditions for touring the ancient sights.

Far-flung destinations

Long-haul locations that see hot dry conditions in September include the Indian Ocean islands of the Seychelles, the Maldives and Mauritius, with the tropical beaches full of swaying palms and turquoise waters offering an exotic base for a holiday. Madagascar, Bali and Malaysia see great options, with safaris in South Africa and Kenya available at this time of the year.

Relaxing getaways

For a rural retreat, try Galicia and Cantabria in northern Spain, the Piedmonth region of Italy, and the lakes of Bled and Bohinj in Slovenia. Mediterranean islands offer dramatic scenery, with Malta and Corsica known for scenic interiors as well as their stunning coastal regions. Head to one of the wine regions in France, such as the Languedoc or the Loire Valley, for the chance to sample some of the local vintages, or tour Tuscany or Umbria, taking in the rustic landscapes and gastronomical delights.

Budget breaks

September is an excellent month for a cheap week or two away, with established beach resorts all throughout Europe seeing prices come down as the season comes to an end. The Canaries remain a popular low-cost option, with southern Spain and the Algarve presenting great value for money this month.  Corfu, Rhodes, Kos and Turkey are also known for deals during the late-summer season, with Cyprus and Malta also offering great bargains.

Outdoor activities

The perfect time to get out and discover the great outdoors, September sees an ideal climate in Europe for some memorable walking and hiking holidays, as the weather is sunny and dry, but not too hot or humid. Spain and Portugal, Madeira, Corsica and Sardinia have some stunning trails to follow, with horse riding and mountain biking a fantastic way to experience the beauty of the country and coastal regions. The Med is still warm enough for water sports, and conditions are still ideal for sailing around the Greek Islands, or boating on the Italian Lakes.

Short breaks

There’s plenty of choice this month, whether it be basking in glorious sunshine in Palma, Nice or Palermo, to strolling around Paris, Amsterdam or Florence. Make a longer weekend of it, by heading to France for a quick cycle around Provence, or booking a few days golfing in Portugal or the Costa del Sol, without the crowds.