Where to go on holiday in September

Whether it is the ever changing colours, freshness of air, rich harvest, cultural events or the power of Mother Nature, travel in the latter part of the year has much appeal and even greater rewards.

September is the time of year that allows "time"; time to relax and time to revel in the company of others. The autumn floral hues of narcissus, cyclamens and crocuses are pleasant companions on local walks and the sea water calls for you to take a dip, after being warmed throughout the summer months.

Holidays to Greece continue until the end of the month, and into October for most destinations, with the islands of Corfu, Crete, Rhodes and Tilos enjoying a longer season - ideal for a late sunshine holiday or a short break to Athens and Thessaloniki. Away from Greece, September lends itself perfectly to fly-drive adventures, gastronomic breaks, outdoor pursuits, northern light sightings and more.

Below, our destination specialists have highlighted their favourite destinations for travel in September. Do not hesitate to give us a call for further inspiration and to learn more from our first-hand experiences - Tel: 020 8568 4499.

Walking holidays

As the heat of the summer season subsides, calm resumes across the Mediterranean. For walkers, along with the spring months and October, this is a wonderful time to explore Europe on foot. Listed below are some of our popular self-guided and guided walking holidays, although with a pair of good boots and a route map to keep you company all our featured destinations reward those willing to take an amble and to open their senses to the natural world around them.

• Crete
• The Pelion
• Kythnos
• The Azores
• Portugal

Greek holidays in September

Corfu, Alonissos, Sivota and Thessaloniki are four of our favourite Greek destinations in September.

Corfu: Despite the inevitable changes that come with time, the lush green island of Corfu still exudes the splendour of its illustrious past. Its rich cultural diversity, historical landmarks, awe-inspiring natural scenery, and crystalline waters make it one of the most vibrant destinations in the Ionian, casting a spell on all who visit. September is the perfect time to explore this island gem, with its picturesque white houses, Byzantine churches, and remnants of Venetian fortresses and Greek temples.

Alonissos: Alonissos may be the least developed of the northern Sporades, but it's a lush oasis that can be explored on foot via the extensive network of marked trails. Old Alonissos provides breathtaking views and picturesque scenery and favoured by artists and writers. Much of the sea surrounding the island is designated as a National Marine Park, created in part to protect the endangered indigenous Monk Seal. A fantastic day trip is a boat excursion to the Park on a traditional schooner.

Thessaloniki: Greece's second-largest city, is a blend of the past and the future and is one of Europe's top destinations for a city break, due to its incredible food and lively arts and culture scene. All around, you'll find evidence of the city's rich history, with ancient monuments that reflect the city's Byzantine, Ottoman, and Jewish influences. It has all the elements of a relaxed coastal city, including a three-mile waterfront path perfect for cycling and strolling. Its navigable grid-like system of streets makes it easy to explore the city at your own pace.

Sivota: Sivota's charming harbour village is the perfect location for a peaceful and rejuvenating escape in late summer. Enjoy the lovely beaches, rent a boat, and explore the diverse dining and nightlife options. But Sivota's true beauty lies in its location on the mainland. Discover the stunning, breathtaking mountain region of Zagoria. This hidden gem is virtually unknown outside of Greece and is a combination of a national park and conservation area.

Twin centre holidays in Greece

Many of the destinations featured on our Greece holiday programme can be combined on a 14 night twin-centre holiday. Popular combinations include Kefalonia with Ithaca, Corfu with Paxos or AntiPaxos, Samos with Ikaria and the North and South Peloponnese. It is also possible to choose between Parga, Sivota, Lefkas and Meganissi, and between Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos. 

A sample of the itineraries we can organise can be found here - Three centre Sporades itinerary: Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos.

The Azores

The Azores archipelago in the mid-Atlantic is a paradise for walkers and outdoor enthusiasts, and September is one of the best times to visit the island with sea temperatures perfect for swimming and snorkelling, and calm oceans ideal for spotting the last of the migrating whales passing through. 

Explore volcanic lakes, craters and tunnels on foot or, if you a looking for a challenge, you can opt to hike Mount Pico, Portugal’s highest peak, with a guide.

Harvest time

September is the time of harvest. On Cyprus, the wine villages celebrate the offerings of the land and throughout the month a host of festivals take place: Galata food festival, the grape festival in Koilaniou, Lofou, Arsos and Koilani and the Pastelli festival in Anogyra. We also love the Douro valley at this time of year, the district of Subbetica in Andalucia and the wine estates of Sicily - there is nothing better than seeing the countryside alive with activity.

Milan

Why not take a trip to Milan? City breaks are always much better out of high season when there are less crowds, great photo opportunities, food and wine events and are generally less expensive a period in which to travel. The autumn brings the change of colours in the foliage and cooler temperatures which are great for walking as Milan is flat and perfect for getting about on foot – although there is the metro, trams and buses that straddle the city.  

In autumn, Milan is also bustling with events including Fashion week (late September).

Sicily

September and October is a great time to visit Sicily, when the weather and the sea remain warm and the temperatures are ideal for sightseeing with far fewer tourists in sight. It is also harvest time and the perfect opportunity to try Sicilian wines many of which are famous for their distinctive strong taste.

West Sweden

A harvest of a different variety takes place along the west coast of Sweden. From 20 September lobster can be fished along this remarkable stretch of coastline, named by CNN as one of the most beautiful natural wilderness areas in the world. Join a lobster safari from Fjallbacka or just enjoy the delicacy at one of the many ‘Taste of West Sweden’ certified restaurants in the region.

Swedish Lapland

In the north, the Aurora Borealis has returned and you can combine sightings of this colourful display with outdoor experiences including foraging, wilderness skills, cooking, hiking, fat-biking, kayaking and yoga. With so many activities on offer and with autumnal glow in the nature, this is one of our favourite times to visit Swedish Lapland.

Ecuador and the Galapagos

Visit exciting Ecuador in September. The Amazon Basin sees less rain during this month, so it is a good time of year to visit. It is also one of the cooler months in the Galapagos, when the air and sea temperatures drop causing an increase in marine life. Galapagos Penguins breed around Bartholome, Manta Rays can be spotted off the east coast of Isabela, and it is the height of the sea lion mating season.