Let’s continue the summer holidays. They don’t end on August 31st.
Most of Europe has its best weather in September. It’s not super hot, you can combine cities with beaches, and it’s so much quieter now children are back at school. This is when couples can really explore. Or you can escape for weekend trips.
So keep exploring in September, when there’s greater availability for the best hotels and opportunity to find romance in Europe’s most spectacular places. Here are some recommendations.
Alentejo, Portugal
Rural Alentejo is a dreamy region of historical towns, villages, castles, manors, vineyards, ruins and wild beaches.
Where to go? The long answer is: everywhere. Summer brings temperatures up to 40℃, we recommend the dry and warm autumn for exploring.
You can combine medieval wonder in Evora with deserted beaches and then stay at a rural winery.
Champagne, France
September is harvest season in Champagne and you can experience this harvest on the vineyard-clad hills. You can make your own Champagne. Or just taste it at both famous and unknown boutiques. Try the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa, Domaine Les Crayeres or Hotel & Restaurant Les Avises.
Istanbul, Turkey
Delve into a city that blends east and west, modern and ancient, exotic and contemporary. Then take a private boat onto the Bosphorus and unwind into a traditional Turkish hammam. Welcome to Istanbul.
Istanbul can be good most months of the year but it’s best in September, when the hotel rates are better, crowds are noticeably thinner, and the weather remains pleasant.
Montenegro
In case you didn’t know, Montenegro is 2022’s trendiest summer destination. It’s an active beach holiday destination for explorers wanting to discover what’s new in Europe, especially thanks to new hotels like One&Only Portonovi. September is a sultry month and is a lot cooler than August, so you can combine beach and resort time with active Montenegro adventure.
Andalusia, Spain
A classic summer holiday destination, where you can combine beautiful beaches with history, culture and gastronomy. Try this ultimate Andalusia itinerary to get the best idea of what’s on offer.
We love Andalusia because the summer is so long. September is actually mid-summer here and the season continues into early November.
Paris
Classical old-world luxury, grand palatial hotels, tree-lined avenues and welcoming cafes. But in July and August you won’t find many Parisians in Paris. They leave the city when the tourist hordes descend. In September you still have good weather, a more local experience, and quieter attractions. Try the new Bulgari Paris or Cheval Blanc Paris.
Want the best Summer Holiday?
Peloponnese, Greece
Spectacular sandy beaches, tiny hilltop villages, crumbling Byzantine churches and the rich history of Ancient Greece. Peloponnese combines natural beauty, quiet beach time and endless exploration.
September is perfect for combining everything the region has to offer. It’s warm enough for the beaches, cool enough for hiking and ancient ruins, ideal for longer evenings enjoying the food.
Rwanda
A wildcard destination with some very wild residents, mountain gorillas. September is still the dry season in Rwanda but it’s after the peak season. So you have better availability in top lodges like Singita Kwitonda and One&Only Nyunge House. There are more than the gorillas here. Don’t miss chimpanzee trekking and the new big-game safari in Akagera.
Madeira
Madeira is an island of eternal spring where you will encounter varied micro climates. September is great, as you can combine adventures inland with boat trips on the Atlantic.
This picturesque Portuguese island is where you cruise in search of whales, hike mountains, lounge at the beach, taste volcanic wines and bump across remote landscapes in a Jeep.
Italian Lakes
Blissful gardens, evocative waters and regal history along the waterside. But why are there also so many campgrounds on the Italian lakes? All the people and noise can spoil the vibe during mid-summer. Maggiore, Como and Garda are all exceptional in September, thanks to late-summer sun and lakeside tranquillity.
Santorini & Mykonos
Two famous Greek islands, for romantic sunsets, exceptional gastronomy and a little local history. These island jewels are paradise for honeymooners and we love them in September, which is the shoulder season.
All the restaurants, nightlife and attractions remain open at this time of year. It’s a little cooler. But most importantly, there are less people in Mykonos and Santorini, less interruptions to your hand in hand stroll.
Where Will You Holiday This Summer?
Travel is back. What stories will you create? Where will you experience the freedom of travel?
How many summer holidays will you have in 2022?
