September is one of our favourite months to travel. The crowds thin out, southern destinations finally cool down from the scorching summer heat, and it’s the perfect time for sightseeing trips to Andalusia or a long weekend in Rome. Here’s our list of the 12 best vacation in September destinations — whether you’re after beaches, mountains, or unforgettable city breaks.
Dolomites – vacation for couples, families & dog owners
September is the ideal time to visit the Italian Alps. The weather is still pleasant enough for camping, hotel prices start to drop, and the crowds have thinned out considerably. It’s still prime hiking season, and most restaurants and cable cars are running.
The Dolomites are fantastic for all ages — perfect for a September holiday with kids or even with dogs. Many of the best viewpoints are accessible by cable car, so you can enjoy panoramic walks without tackling steep climbs.
Cable cars are a godsend not just for families with small children but also for grandparents or anyone with dodgy knees or limited stamina. We recommend basing yourself around Ortisei, where you can take day trips to Seiser Alm and Seceda. In Ortisei, try B&B Villa Angelino or the stylish apartments at Apt Lara Siela.
If you don’t have any mobility limitations, you could also head to the Cortina area, where there are fewer cable cars but equally stunning scenery. Travelling with a dog? Check out the affordable B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina — the breakfasts are excellent, it’s right next to the trailhead for Lago di Sorapis, and dogs are welcome for a small fee.
More accommodation tips: One of the top-rated apartments in the area is Dolomiti Sweet Lodge, and Hotel Villa Gaia is another great option.
Rome – a long weekend in September
I generally avoid southern European capitals in summer because the heat can be absolutely brutal — a recipe for heatstroke rather than sightseeing. Rome is best visited in the second half of September or in October, when temperatures drop to comfortable levels for walking around the city.
You can read all about Rome in our detailed guide, but my top tip is to stay in the centre. Look for accommodation near the main train station (where the airport train arrives) or near one of the airport bus stops.
Staying central in Rome is a massive advantage — you can walk to most sights, which is far better than relying on the city’s rather unreliable (and sweltering) public transport. You could also use electric scooters, but they add up quickly.
Check availability at Residenza Cavallini, which is just five minutes from the airport express bus stop and a short walk from both the Vatican and the Trevi Fountain. We were happy with our stay — the room was on the small side, but it was clean and breakfast was included at a nearby café (croissant, toast and cappuccino).
Iceland – September northern lights
September is one of the best months to visit Iceland (here’s our ideal 14-day itinerary). The nights are getting longer, which means you’ve got a real chance of seeing the northern lights. At the same time, the weather can still be decent — though this is Iceland, so pack for everything and definitely don’t leave your winter jacket at home.
Iceland is one of the most breathtaking places on Earth, and even though you’d have to be a Viking to actually want to live there, everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.
Best beach vacation in September: Algarve – southern Portugal
You can visit the Algarve year-round — it’s pleasant even in winter, though too cold for swimming. September is a different story entirely. The sea is still warm enough for a dip, yet temperatures are comfortable for exploring the stunning beaches, charming villages, and picturesque towns along the coast.
We recommend spending at least 7 days exploring southern Portugal (you’ll find our itinerary here) and definitely hiring a car (we use RentalCars) so you can easily hop between beaches along the coast.
As a base, we recommend our beloved Carvoeiro (one of the top-rated places to stay is Quinta Nova Vale Del Rey, which has a lovely pool and excellent breakfast). Nothing is far from here, and one of the most beautiful beaches in all of southern Portugal is just a stone’s throw away.
If you’re wondering where to go for the best beach vacation in September, Portugal is an outstanding choice!
Long weekend in Budapest
Budapest can feel like an oven in summer, but by September temperatures settle to a pleasant 20–25°C, making it perfect for leisurely strolls without melting in your own sweat. In our opinion, Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe — it has an incredibly vibrant vibe that buzzes from morning till night.
Budapest is packed with grand architecture, stunning cafés, and incredible restaurants — some draped in flowers, others nestled in illuminated ruins, and a few perched on rooftops with jaw-dropping views. You’ll also find plenty of designer and vintage shops, and there’s loads to keep kids entertained too.
Stay right in the centre. The most budget-friendly option is Flow Hostel, where we used to stay when we were watching every penny. For something more upscale, I’d recommend Hotel Vision — we stayed there recently and loved the breakfasts, the location, and the gorgeous rooms. If you want real luxury, Aria Hotel Budapest by Library Hotel Collection is stunning (though pricey). A solid middle ground would be Eurostars Danube Budapest, Novotel Budapest Danube, or Milford Suites Budapest.
Andalusia – beach vacation in September
For anyone who loves grand Spanish cities and warm Mediterranean waters, there’s really only one choice — Andalusia. If you’re leaning more towards a cultural trip, I’d suggest going towards the end of September — after all, Andalusia is home to some of the hottest cities in all of Europe (Cordoba).
It’s no surprise that Andalusia is one of the most popular destinations for sightseeing holidays — and equally brilliant for lounging by the sea in September. The Costa del Sol offers gorgeous beaches, while Granada, Seville, and Cordoba are architectural and historical jewels of Europe.
Barcelona
Just like Rome, Barcelona starts to cool down in September, and by the second half of the month you can comfortably enjoy a long weekend without worrying about heatstroke — yet the sea is still warm enough for swimming.
Barcelona is the second most visited city in Spain, so we still recommend booking tickets in advance for the main attractions to avoid queuing (you’ll find all the details in our Barcelona guide).
We recommend staying in the centre so you can walk to most sights. For a cheap and bohemian vibe, try Sant Jordi Hostels Gracia. A solid mid-range pick is Hotel Granvia, set in a beautifully restored 19th-century building with a tasteful modern makeover.
If you’re after a hotel with a view, we can recommend Hotel Gaudí, which has a stunning rooftop view of Palau Güell.
Madeira – the flower island
This incredible Portuguese island is a year-round destination with temperatures always pleasant enough for hiking. In my opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful islands in the world — and my partner Lukáš and I have travelled to quite a few countries by now. Madeira is particularly great for couples and families with older children. It’s not ideal for those looking for a lazy beach holiday (for that, I’d point you towards the Algarve instead).
Madeira offers spectacular hikes and treks, plus incredible viewpoints you can simply drive to. A common dilemma travellers face is whether to stay in one place or move between hotels. While distances are short in kilometres, the winding mountain roads mean journey times can be surprisingly long. That’s why we chose to move around. You can find our full itinerary here.
Western Canada
If you love mountains and fancy heading a bit further afield, we wholeheartedly recommend our personal favourite — Western Canada. When we lived in Canada, September was hands-down the best time for exploring the Rockies. Not only were there fewer tourists, but the weather was also much more stable. That said, always head into the mountains prepared for anything.
Western USA – the most beautiful national parks
Summers in the US national parks are absolutely heaving with tourists, and it seems to get worse every year. Be prepared that some spots may still feel crowded in September, but it’s a vastly better time to visit the parks of the Western USA compared to July or August. Trust me — I’ve done both, and the difference is enormous.
Tuscany – beaches and sightseeing
September is also a brilliant time to visit Tuscany — a dream destination for lovers of history, wine, and incredible food, but it’ll also delight those who want a September beach holiday.
A great base for sightseeing is Siena. Check availability at Un terrazzo sulla magia, or for the ultimate Tuscan experience, try booking a classic Italian villa with a pool like Ca‘ Bianca. Lucca is another well-positioned base, with budget-friendly options like Casamariu.
Tuscany isn’t your typical beach holiday destination — there are simply too many gorgeous inland cities begging to be explored.
But don’t worry, there are plenty of beaches in Tuscany too, making this part of Italy the perfect compromise for couples who can’t agree on whether to go for a lazy beach break or a cultural trip.
Budget vacation? Try a wellness hotel
If you’re on a budget or don’t fancy travelling far, consider a staycation closer to home. Book yourself into a wellness hotel or spa retreat where you can relax even if the weather doesn’t cooperate. And if the sun does come out? Make sure your wellness hotel is in a town or area with plenty to explore nearby.
While wellness hotels tend to cost more than standard accommodation, you’ll save on flights by staying closer to home. So why not invest that money into a nicer hotel where you’re guaranteed a great time — rain or shine?
Frequently asked questions
Where to go on a beach vacation in September?
For the best beach vacation in September, head to Spain’s Andalusia or southern Portugal’s Algarve region.
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!
