September is one of our favourite months for holidays – everywhere is less crowded, and it’s the time when southern destinations are no longer scorching hot. That means you can head off on sightseeing trips to Andalusia or enjoy a long weekend in Rome. Here’s our list of the 12 best september holidays destinations you should consider this year.
Dolomites – September holiday for couples, families and dog owners
September is the perfect time to visit the Italian Alps, because the weather is still pleasant enough for camping, hotel prices drop, and the crowds thin out. September is still great for summer hiking, and most restaurants and cable cars are still running.
The Dolomites are ideal for all ages – they’re brilliant for september holidays with kids and dogs alike. You can reach many peaks by cable car and enjoy panoramic walks without having to tackle steep climbs.
Cable cars are a blessing not only when travelling with children, but also with grandparents, or if you have knee problems or get out of breath easily. We recommend the area around Ortisei, where you can visit Seiser Alm and Seceda. In Ortisei, you can stay at B&B Villa Angelino or the stylish Apt Lara Siela.
If you don’t have any limitations, you could also head to the Cortina area, which has fewer cable cars. Travelling with a dog? Try the affordable B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina, which has excellent breakfasts, is right next to the trek to Lago di Sorapis, and dogs are welcome for a small fee.
More accommodation tips: One of the top-rated apartments is Dolomiti Sweet Lodge and Hotel Villa Gaia.
Rome – a long weekend in September
I generally avoid southern cities in summer because the heat can be extreme, which only leads to sunstroke or heat exhaustion. Rome is best visited in the second half of September or October, when temperatures are pleasant again for walking around.
You can read about Rome in detail in our article, but my top tip would be to stay in the city centre. Look for accommodation near the main train station, where the airport train stops, or near one of the airport bus stops.
Staying in central Rome is a huge advantage because you can easily walk everywhere, and public transport is rather unreliable – and sweltering hot. You could also use scooters, but they add up quickly.
You can check availability at Residenza Cavallini, which is five minutes from the airport express bus stop, close to the Vatican and the Trevi Fountain. We were happy with our stay – the room was quite small, but the accommodation was clean and breakfast at a nearby café was included (croissant, toast and cappuccino).
Iceland – September holidays and Northern Lights
September is one of the best months to visit Iceland (here’s our ideal 14-day itinerary), because the nights are longer and you have a chance of seeing the Northern Lights. At the same time, there’s a good chance of decent weather (though in Iceland you never know – pack for everything, and definitely don’t leave your winter jacket at home).
Iceland is one of the most beautiful places on our blue planet, and even though only a true Viking would want to live there, everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.
September beach holidays: Algarve – southern Portugal
You can visit the Algarve all year round – it’s pleasant even in winter, though not warm enough for swimming. September is a different story: the sea is still warm enough for a swim, while temperatures are perfect for exploring the stunning beaches and charming little towns and villages.
We recommend at least 7 days for an exploration trip to southern Portugal (you’ll find our itinerary here) and definitely hire a car (we use RentalCars) so you can move along the coast easily.
As a base, I recommend our beloved Carvoeiro (one of the top-rated accommodations is Quinta Nova Vale Del Rey, which has a beautiful pool and excellent breakfasts). Nothing is far from here, and the most beautiful beach in all of southern Portugal is just around the corner.
If you’re thinking about where to go for september holidays by the sea, Portugal is an outstanding choice!
Long weekend in Budapest
Budapest can be a bit hellish in summer, but in September temperatures drop to around 20–25°C, and you can enjoy sunny walks around the city without melting. In my opinion, Budapest is one of the most beautiful European cities – it has an incredibly vibrant vibe, buzzing from morning to night.
In Budapest, you’ll find magnificent architecture, amazing cafés and restaurants – some filled with flowers, others set in illuminated ruins or on the rooftop of one of the tallest buildings. There are plenty of designer and vintage shops, and you’ll have fun here with kids too.
Stay right in the centre. The cheapest option is Flow Hostel, where we used to stay when we were watching every penny. For those of you looking for something more luxurious, I recommend Hotel Vision, where we stayed a couple of years ago – it has great breakfasts, a superb location and gorgeous rooms. Beautiful but quite pricey is Aria Hotel Budapest by Library Hotel Collection. A great middle ground would be Eurostars Danube Budapest, Novotel Budapest Danube or Milford Suites Budapest.
Andalusia – beach holidays in September
For lovers of Spain’s magnificent cities and warm-sea swimming, there’s only one choice – Andalusia. If you’re more interested in sightseeing, I’d recommend going towards the end of September, as Andalusia is home to some of the hottest cities in all of Europe (Córdoba).
It’s no surprise that Andalusia is one of the most popular september holidays destinations for both sightseeing trips and lazy beach holidays. The Costa del Sol is a gorgeous stretch of coastline packed with beaches, while Granada, Seville and Córdoba are among Europe’s greatest historical and architectural gems.
Barcelona
Just like in Rome, temperatures in Barcelona usually start to drop in September, and by the second half of the month you can safely head out for a long weekend without worrying about getting scorched – yet you can still go for a swim.
Barcelona is the second most visited city in Spain, so we still recommend buying tickets for attractions in advance to avoid queues (you’ll find out where to buy them in our Barcelona article).
We recommend staying in the centre, as you can walk to most places comfortably. You could try the cheap and bohemian Sant Jordi Hostels Gracia. A great middle ground is Hotel Granvia, set in a stunning 19th-century building that has been tastefully and modernly renovated.
If you’re looking for a hotel with a great view, we can recommend Hotel Gaudí, which has a gorgeous rooftop view of Palau Güell.
Madeira – the island of flowers
This stunning Portuguese island can be visited year-round, with temperatures always pleasant for hiking. In my opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful islands in the world, and Lukáš and I have travelled to quite a few countries. Madeira is ideal mainly for couples or families with older children. It’s not the best fit for those who want a lazy beach holiday (for that, I’d recommend the Algarve instead).
Madeira offers a wealth of breathtaking hikes and treks, as well as viewpoints you can simply drive to. Many travellers debate whether to stay in one place or move from hotel to hotel. While distances are short in kilometres, they can take a long time by car due to the winding roads. That’s why we chose to move around. You’ll find our itinerary here.
Western Canada
If you love mountains and fancy going a bit further afield, we can wholeheartedly recommend – Western Canada. When we lived in Canada, September was always the best time to explore the mountains. Not only were there fewer tourists, but the weather was also more stable. Even so, always head into the mountains prepared for anything.
Western USA – the most beautiful national parks
Summers in the USA are absolutely packed with tourists, and it gets worse every year. Be prepared that some places may still feel crowded in September, but it’s still a far better time to visit the western US national parks than in July or August. Trust me – I’ve been at both times and the difference is huge.
Tuscany – beaches and sightseeing
September is also a fantastic time to visit Tuscany, which will delight lovers of history, wine and great food – but it also works brilliantly for those who want a September beach holiday.
A great base for sightseeing is Siena. You can check availability at Un terrazzo sulla magia, or for the ultimate Tuscan experience, try booking a classic Italian villa with a pool at Ca’ Bianca. Lucca is also a great location – more affordable options include Casamariu.
Tuscany isn’t your typical beach holiday destination, because there are so many beautiful inland cities to explore.
But don’t worry – there are plenty of beaches in Tuscany too. This part of Italy is therefore a perfect compromise for couples who can’t agree on whether to go for a lazy beach holiday or a sightseeing trip.
Cheap september holidays? Try a wellness break
If you’re on a budget or don’t want to travel far, you could try a staycation closer to home. Pick a wellness retreat or spa hotel where you can relax even if the weather isn’t great. And if it is? Make sure your wellness hotel is in a town or area where there’s plenty to explore.
Although wellness hotels cost more than standard ones, you’ll save on flights by not going abroad. So why not invest that money in a nicer hotel where you’re guaranteed to enjoy your holiday, even if it rains?
Frequently asked questions
Where to go for September beach holidays?
For a September beach holiday, head to Andalusia in Spain or the Algarve in southern Portugal.
Where to go for a long weekend in September?
For a long weekend in September, head to Barcelona, Rome or Budapest.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
