21 Best Places to Visit in Europe in September

The best places to visit in Europe in September offer a rich tapestry of experiences. As the summer heat gradually subsides, the region transforms into a land of festivals, feasts, and celebrations, whether you’re here for the wine harvest or on the hunt for fresh truffles in Italy.

Medieval traditions are celebrated in the most unexpected places, so you could well come across parades and fiestas during your travels. Or perhaps you’re more interested in the beach, which is fortunate as the Mediterranean has had the whole summer to warm up and is still warm in early September.

If these reasons are not compelling enough, then come for the simple fact that the summer vacation crowds have faded away, and you’ll still have glorious weather but more space to yourself.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona’s busy summer season is beginning to wind down by September, which means crowds are thinning out around popular Spanish landmarks like Antoni Gaudí’s magnificent basilica, La Sagrada Familia.

The seasonal beach restaurants, called chiringuitos, are still open and are the perfect option for tapas in the warm afternoon sun after a busy morning of sightseeing.

Visit Barcelona later in the month and you’ll be able to see the Festes de la Mercè, which celebrates Our Lady of Mercy, the city’s patron saint. This involves concerts, fireworks, dancing the Sardana (a traditional Catalan dance), and the correfoc, or fire run. Don’t be alarmed by this—you’ll see locals racing through the streets dressed as devils, letting off firecrackers.

September 11 is also Catalan Day, Cataluña’s national day, with cultural events and patriotism a-plenty. On the same day, the Festa Major de la Ribera takes place, with more fireworks and acrobats forming human towers.

Lisbon, Portugal

Hilly Lisbon is one of Europe’s most captivating capital cities, basking on the estuary of the Tagus River, the salty air off the Atlantic a reminder of Portugal’s seafaring legacy.

Because of its location, Lisbon has cooler winters than cities around the Mediterranean, but September is still a glorious month to visit.

Lisbon is a city of elaborate palaces, cobbled squares, and lofty cathedrals, the older districts a tangle of often steep narrow lanes.

There’s color everywhere—you’ll find houses in shades of dusky pink, sunflower yellow, and blue adorned with intricate azulejos tiles. Old-fashioned yellow-and-white electric trams clatter along the narrow streets.

Head for the old Moorish district of Alfama, one of the best neighborhoods in Lisbon. Here, you can visit the cathedral, the Romanesque Sé de Lisboa, and the crenelated Castelo de Sao Jorge, a 12th-century Moorish castle. Stroll around the ramparts and enjoy views down over the city.

Foodies should head for the mouth-watering Time Out Market. Half of this sprawling site is dedicated to selling scrumptious fresh produce, while the rest is wine bars and small restaurants, which are always buzzing.

In the center, there’s a cooking school where you can learn how to make pasteis de nata, Lisbon’s iconic custard tart, which is encased in flaky pastry and sprinkled with cinnamon.

Porto, Portugal

The lovely old town of Porto, on the southern bank of the Douro River, is one of the best European cities to visit in September. This is the month when the grapes are harvested from the immaculate vineyards that stretch sinuously over the hilly river banks further upstream.

Port wine is synonymous with the city, and whatever time of year you visit, there will be multiple chances to try it.

Come in September and you could be part of the harvest. Grapes for port wine are crushed by stomping in bare feet (washed, of course), a strange sensation if you try it but enormous fun with music, drinking, and celebrations.

Many of the vineyards will invite volunteers to help tread the grapes; joining a Douro Valley winery tour is your best bet.

Florence, Italy

September is the month when Italians return from their annual vacation, refreshed, and Florence thrums with late-season energy and events galore.

A gelato festival usually takes place on Piazzale Michelangelo, offering a chance to try world-class artisan gelato. On Piazza Santa Croce, there’s also a festival of buffalo mozzarella, showcasing different ways of serving this deliciously creamy cheese.

Festivals aside, September is a wonderful time to try the food of Florence. Truffles are in season, as are intensely flavored white peaches. You’ll find fresh porcini mushrooms on restaurant menus and in marketplaces.

As for sightseeing, you’ll be able to gaze at some of the best art in Florence, such as Michelangelo’s exquisite David in the Accademia, without too many crowds. Climb up to the top of the Duomo to look out over the rolling Tuscan hills, glowing gold in the soft autumn sunshine.

Rome, Italy

September in Rome is a wonderful time for walking, as the intense heat of August has faded. Sidewalk cafés and restaurants are still doing a roaring trade as locals sip their morning cappuccino in the sunlight, or enjoy extended al fresco lunches in the pleasant warmth of the fall. The beautiful Villa Borghese park is still perfect for picnics or cycle rides.

Visit some of Rome’s popular landmarks, such as the Forum, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain, ready to throw in a coin to ensure your return to the Eternal City.

Gaze in wonder at the masterpieces in the Vatican Museums, and the extraordinary vastness of St. Peter’s—or explore more of Rome’s many magnificent churches.

Take a day trip from Rome into the rolling countryside of the Lazio region on a tour that offers tastings of locally produced wine and olive oil.

Naples, Italy

Naples is a busy, thriving port, buzzing with energy whenever you visit. September is a good time to head for the nearby archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Both were buried by ash in 79 AD when nearby Vesuvius exploded in a cataclysmic eruption.

The event was so quick that the inhabitants of both cities were taken completely by surprise. Centuries later, when both were excavated, scenes of everyday life were revealed, as well as perfectly preserved houses and mosaics.

September is a good time to explore either site as the sun is less intense; neither has much shade, but this won’t matter so much in the fall.

September is nearing the end of the season for nearby beach towns like Sorrento and the islands of Capri and Ischia. These will be winding down now, although for the first half of September at least, you’ll still be able to lie on the beach.

Read: Best Things to Do in Naples

Venice, Italy

Venice lies in the north of Italy, so is cooler than the hot, dry south. September is still warm, but the light takes on a softer hue.

If you take a cruise on the lagoon, or ride the vaporetto (water buses) to islands like Murano and Burano, you could find an ethereal mist hanging over the water, which adds to the atmosphere.

There will still be crowds around Piazza San Marco; Venice is a year-round destination. So head off into the back streets, which are actually greeny-blue canals, as there are no streets in Venice.

Lose yourself in sleepy alleys and sunlit squares during a day in Venice. Inhale the scents of the city; fresh laundry hanging across a canal, or garlic wafting from the kitchen of a nearby trattoria. It’s easy enough to find your way back—San Marco and the Rialto bridge are widely signposted.

For the best views of Venice, head across to Giudecca island and Il Redentore church. Get a ticket for the campanile, or bell tower. From the top, the whole city stretches out in front of you, and you’ll see boats buzzing up and down Giudecca Canal and people milling around San Marco like ants.

Cannes, France

Cannes should be basking in sunshine well into September. The glamorous Boulevard de la Croisette, lined with designer shops, will still be busy, and locals will be enjoying late summer sunshine at the beach.

Some of the best things to do in Cannes include exploring the streets of Le Suquet, the pretty old quarter, or browsing the Marché Forville for treats for a beach picnic. You can eat in the market, too, at various gourmet counters.

Alternatively, take a trip out of town into the hills to the exquisite medieval village of St. Paul de Vence, one of the best places to visit in the South of France, with its narrow streets lined with art galleries. Or visit Grasse, the epicenter of France’s perfume industry, and blend your own fragrance in one of the perfumeries.

Seville, Spain

On the sun-drenched plains of Andalucia, Seville will be warm well into September.

The city is full of energy. With luck, you’ll have arrived in a year when the Flamenco Biennial is taking place, a festival of dance and music that brings the world’s finest performers to the city.

Whether or not the Biennial is on, you’ll hear music in the streets of Santa Cruz, the old Jewish quarter, where it’s possible to join a dance class for a day and learn some moves of the complex and dramatic flamenco dance.

Otherwise, spend time in the Real Alcázar, a glorious palace that exemplifies Mudejar architecture. Here, you’ll find sunken gardens, elaborate artworks, intricate mosaics, and grand salons. The nearby Giralda Tower is a Moorish minaret that’s the symbol of this magnificent Spanish city.

No longer a minaret, the tower now houses the bell for the cathedral. The 308 steps to the top are curiously wide—they were built for mules, rather than humans to ascend. Needless to say, the views from the top are breathtaking.

Messina, Italy

Ancient Messina clings to the northeastern corner of Sicily, gazing across the narrow Straits of Messina at Calabria, the tip of Italy’s “toe”. There’s plenty to see here, and as the August heat will be calming down, you should have more energy for sightseeing.

Take a look inside the magnificent Duomo, a graceful basilica with soaring columns and an elaborate ceiling. Admire the mosaics in the apse and check out the Museum of the Treasure of the Cathedral, which is full of gold and silver pieces.

Take a trip to Savoca, a pretty hilltop town in Sicily with magnificent views over the Straits. Fans of classic movies will want to visit the Godfather Museum here in the Bar Vitelli.

Or head for Taormina, a glamorous town clinging to a hillside with dramatic views of distant Mount Etna. The Greco-Roman theater here is one of the most beautiful in the world, with tantalizing mountain and sea views.

Taormina itself exudes beauty, where the fragrance of orange blossom is in the air. The bakeries along Corso Umberto vie to see which can offer the best cannoli, a local specialty of pastry stuffed with sweetened ricotta.

Provence, France

September in Provence is a magical time, with the grape harvest bringing the region back to life after the languid days of blazing August. Around its famed vineyards such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the season is a buzz of activity and wine festivals.

The warm autumn sun brings a rich glow to the ancient Roman arches of Pont du Gard on the Gardon River. In Arles, the Roman amphitheater—which still hosts bullfights—is another spectacular sight.

In Aix-en-Provence, the markets are full of seasonal produce, including lavender honey, tapenade, and melons. The plane trees on Cours Mirabeau offer shade to stroll the avenue, stopping on a café terrace for a coffee or a pastis.

In Marseille, it’s a good time to visit Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde without the summer crowds. Explore the Vieux-Port by strolling its quays or photographing the fish market.

September is also ideal for visiting the Calanques National Park, with the sea still warm enough to swim in. Or stay on land for hikes to discover some of its 140 animal and plant species.

Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia is at its best in September, with the emerald waters uncrowded by summer yachts. Enjoy the quieter atmosphere at six-mile-long Poetto Beach, one of Sardinia’s best beaches, popular for its fine white sand and shallow water.

In Cagliari itself, the hilltop Castello district is a place of narrow alleys, good shopping, and sights such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria. Among the town’s many Roman remains, the impressive Amphitheater stands out with its capacity for up to 10,000 spectators.

At the Mercato San Benedetto, the fresh fish and colorful fruit and veg will remind you to enjoy the local cuisine. You’re in Italy, so there’s no shortage of good restaurants and cafés near at hand.

Inland, the Nuraghe Su Nuraxi is a 3,500-year-old stone fortress from Sardinia’s mysterious Bronze Age. Nearby, Barumini’s excavated village seems frozen in time.

Author’s Note (Kieran): As a photographer, I find this cooler month an uncrowded time to see the resident flamingos in the Molentargius Salt Ponds. Their pink plumage makes for a colorful sight against September’s clear blue skies.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

In September, the summer heat is fading, making the marble streets and medieval city walls of Dubrovnik much more of a pleasure to walk. Stroll past Baroque churches and see the Franciscan Monastery with its ancient pharmacy and serene cloister.

For panoramic views, one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik is to ride the cable car to Mount Srđ, where you can see the city’s terracotta roofs glow red in the autumn sun. The hilltop fortress also has a moving Homeland War Museum documenting the 1990s siege.

Lokrum Island, a ten-minute ferry ride away, has hidden coves and the buoyant salty waters of the Dead Sea lagoon. Visit the Benedictine ruins, where peacocks roam freely, and the botanical gardens, full of exotic cacti.

Day trips might take you to Cavtat, a quieter coastal town with art-filled churches and waterfront promenades. Or sail to the Elafiti Islands for snorkeling in crystal clear water and hiking amid olive groves.

September is a great time for Croatia’s seasonal food, such as truffles, figs, and berries. The wine harvest also starts now, highlighting local varieties such as Plavac Mali reds.

Author’s Note (Kieran): The sea around Dubrovnik is warm enough for comfort until late October but the beaches—such as Banje Beach just outside the Pile Gate—are almost all pebbly or rocky. That said, I actually prefer not having to dig sand out of everywhere after a swim.

Kotor, Montenegro

Walk through the Sea Gate into Kotor’s medieval Old Town and you enter a maze of marble streets and hidden piazzas. September weather is ideal for walking to major sights such as St. Tryphon Cathedral, a showcase of Romanesque architecture and precious Venetian art.

The Maritime Museum, with its delicate ship models, helps show how Kotor built its wealth. Forte Mare, a massive bastion on the harborfront, reflects the dangers that wealth brought.

The Fortress of San Giovanni above Kotor repays the steep 45-minute hike with amazing views over Kotor Bay. The 1,300 zig-zag steps up are a major feat in summer heat, so September is a good time to climb them.

An easier option is the cable car ride up to Lovćen National Park where you have similar panoramic views and good hiking. At its heart is the mausoleum of Montenegrin national hero, the poet and philosopher Njegoš.

Join a boat tour to beautiful Boka Bay with its photogenic Our Lady of the Rocks church. Add on a visit to the perfectly preserved town of Perast, where baroque places line the waterfront.

Athens, Greece

Athens is another city that is happy to see the end of August’s searing temperatures. Many Athenians escape the city that month and September sees them returning to bring a massive burst of energy.

September is therefore filled with cultural events, such as music, theater, and cinema. It also brings perfect temperatures for climbing the Acropolis and visiting the Parthenon.

You might still want to avoid midday heat by planning a visit for early morning or late afternoon. Alternatively, find cool in the new Acropolis Museum, with its priceless collection of archeological treasures and scenic restaurant.

Other sites to enjoy with fewer crowds in September include the Ancient Agora, the Roman Agora, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. The Theatre of Herodes Atticus, still used for concerts, is also a wonder in its own right.

Plaka, one of Athens’ best neighborhoods, remains filled with flowers and the buzz of returning neighbors catching up after the summer. The Varvakios Agora meat and fish market has seasonal produce to admire, especially the abundance of fresh grapes.

Crete, Greece

Any trip to Crete should take in Chania, with its ancient Venetian harbor and picturesque lighthouse. The narrow streets of the Old Town, lined with colorful buildings and tempting shops, are always a delight.

At Knossos, the island’s most famous archaeological site, the ruins of the ancient Minoan palace are also unmissable. The vivid frescoes give a human insight into Europe’s oldest civilization.

After that, you enjoy a break at Costa Costa Beach Bar at Agia Marina, with time on a lounge chair or a swim in the still-warm water. The late-summer sun of September is much more pleasant than the fierce heat of summer.

Author’s Note (Kieran): My very first visit to Greece was a cheap September break to Crete. I still remember the thrill of first tasting a proper Greek salad, with the sun-rich tomato, crumbly feta cheese, and ripe olives.

Mykonos, Greece

With the summer jet set thinning out, September brings a more relaxed vibe to Mykonos. The beach bars at places such as Elia are now more about slow cocktails than late-night partying.

That relaxation spreads to restaurants, with less need for reservations, and noon instead of 2pm for lunch. September also brings traditional panigýria—religious festivals—to major villages, where you can enjoy local cuisine and music.

For sightseeing, the iconic windmills are as photogenic as ever against the bright blue skies above Little Venice. And the labyrinthine streets of Mykonos Town are still lined with pretty white houses draped in bougainvillea.

For some culture, the Archaeological Museum has some wonderful Parian marble figurines, among many other wonders. The Aegean Maritime Museum in Mykonos Town is another must-see to learn more about the island’s way of life.

Take a boat to Delos, the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis in Greek myth, to admire timeless mosaics. The Terrace of the Lions and the Temple of the Delians are two major highlights.

Istanbul, Turkey

In Istanbul, September brings mild, pleasant weather with temperatures from 70-77°F. Seven hours of sunshine are ideal for seeing famous sights such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, and the Grand Bazaar.

The Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque are both working mosques, so dress modestly to go inside.  The Hippodrome is the ancient chariot-racing grounds, while the Grand Bazaar has some 4,000 shops selling everything from carpets to spices.

Beyond these central wonders, you’ll want to try and visit the Topkapi Palace with its incredible Bosphorus views. The underground Basilica Cistern is another marvel for its hundreds of massive columns.

Galata Tower has panoramic views of the city, while the neighborhood around it is a shopping paradise. Crossing two-tiered Galata Bridge is a must-do in Istanbul, perhaps stopping for a fish sandwich on the way.

Madeira, Portugal

Balmy almost all year round, Madeira might look its best in September. Start in the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, with its wonderful views over Funchal Bay.

The gardens have an Oriental theme—recalling early Portuguese links to Japan—with pagodas, waterfalls, and koi pools. In the Monte Palace Museum, there are eclectic exhibits of precious minerals, African sculpture, and contemporary art.

You can reach Monte by cable car, a treat in itself, but the quickest way down is by toboggan. Sliding the steep streets in a wicker basket, braked by two guides in traditional straw hats, is a real thrill.

In the heart of Funchal the Mercado dos Lavradores, or Workers’ Market, is a good place to calm your heart afterwards. Open daily, except Sundays, it’s full of seasonal fruits, flowers, and local handicrafts.

About half an hour from Funchal, Cabo Girão is one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs. A glass skywalk lets you see exactly how high that is, if you can take your eyes off the spectacular view.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

September on the Amalfi Coast brings near-ideal weather for hiking the Path of the Gods, one of the best hikes in Italy. It takes you through lemon and olive groves to Positano, whose pastel-colored houses cascade down to the sea.

In Amalfi, the cathedral’s facade is a wonderful layer cake of Byzantine architecture. The nearby Paper Museum shows the source of some of the medieval wealth that built it.

Ravello is another one of the best towns of the Amalfi Coast. Here, the gardens of Villa Cimbrone are filled with the scent of late-blooming flowers. The Mediterranean is still warm enough to swim in, especially early in the day as beaches tend to be in shade by the afternoon.

Take a boat trip to Capri to enjoy the Blue Grotto and Villa Jovis after the summer peak. Italian schools go back mid-month, so it’s even quieter then.

In Minori, don’t miss the pastry shops specializing in delizia al limone—lemon delight. Walk the Lemon Path to neighboring, larger Maiori to enjoy a lemon granita by its scenic beach.

Author’s Note (Kieran): The first time I drove the Amalfi Coast was on a Piaggio scooter. I’m not sure I’d recommend it but it was certainly a memorable, crazy, very Italian experience.

Valletta, Malta

September in Valletta means you can admire St. John’s Co-Cathedral without the summer crowds, quietly taking in the wonderful Caravaggios. At the Upper Barrakka Gardens you can enjoy the panoramic views of the Grand Harbour’s massive fortifications.

Visit the underground Lascaris War Rooms to learn about Malta’s WWII history. Don’t miss the Casa Rocca Piccola, a lived-in aristocratic palace.

This is perfect weather for swimming at St. Peter’s Pool, where limestone cliffs meet deep blue waters. Calm waters also make for an ideal time to take a boat tour of the Blue Grotto.

In Marsaxlokk, the market is a great place to find great souvenirs or just see lampuki, or mahi mahi, the seasonal catch. Dine at one of the restaurants near the boat-lined harbor to taste the best of local seafood that Malta is known for.

September events on the islands include the Malta International Airshow and Gay Pride Valletta. Villages in Malta and Gozo are also enjoying the last of their summer wine festivals.

Author’s Note (Kieran): It surprises me that the Great Siege of 1565 is not better known; its historical importance and heroism on both sides is made for a Hollywood epic. Reading in depth about it really brought Malta to life for me.

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