We are already in the middle of the Summer and I know sometimes life gets us busy but finding the time to get a break is vital. We all need a good recharge of vitamin D before we can go through another cold Winter. Travelling during the peak Summer months often means dealing with overwhelming crowds and inflated prices. But there’s good news – September and early October offer an excellent alternative. With most people back at work and kids in school, flights and accommodation are more budget-friendly and destinations less crowded.
Why plan for a trip now to travel from September to early October?
Here’s why later Summer is a fantastic time to travel, along with five must-visit European destinations:
1. Better prices
When the peak of Summer is over, you’ll find more budget-friendly options for flights and accommodation. This means you can enjoy more luxurious stays or extend your trip without breaking the bank.
2. Fewer crowds
With fewer tourists, you can enjoy calmer beaches, shorter waiting times at attractions, and easier to access popular restaurants.
3. Extend the Summer feeling
Taking a holiday later in the season externs your Summer, giving you a boost of energy and more resilience to face the colder, less sunny months.
This article contains affiliate links. While we only recommend products and services that we believe in, we may get a commission from any purchases you make.
1. Cinque Terre, Italy
My second trip to Italy led me to the picturesque Cinque Terre, a string of five villages along the Ligurian coast. Each village – Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore – has their unique charm.
They are easily connected by train, it takes 5 minutes between each town. But if you have time, some beautiful hiking trails offer incredible top views of the villages. If the weather is nice, always have your swimwear at hand. Even though Monterosso is the only village with a large beach, Vernazza also has a bit of sand too and in Marola and Riomaggiore you can use ladders or jump into the water.
Other popular activities include food and wine tasting experiences – this is the region where pesto was created! And don’t miss out on delicious focaccia sandwiches. Enjoy early morning strolls and watching stunning sunsets, when the villages wind down a bit from day visitors.
2. Lake Bled, Slovenia
Slovenia exceeded my expectations with its natural beauty and relaxed vibe. Lake Bled was definitely the highlight and it’s an area surrounded by stunning landscapes and lots of opportunities for outdoor activities. Even though my picture of the Summer holiday always includes a beach, visiting the Lake Bled area is a lot of fun, with lakes and river activities to help you cool off.
Stroll around Lake Bled and go up to viewpoints for panoramic views of the lake, castle and surrounding mountains. Rent a rowing boat on the lake and visit the island. Go on hikes along Vintgar Gorge, visit the Savica Waterfall and swim on Lake Bohinj. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a slice of the famous Bled Cake.
Getting there is easy with a 45-minute drive from Ljubljana. Renting a car offers you more flexibility to explore beyond Lake Bled, though many organised tours are available.
3. Split, Croatia
While Split might have the party town reputation of Croatia, it’s a great place to stay especially if you to explore the surrounding areas.
Split’s main landmark is the incredible Diocletian Palace complex in the heart of the city, built by a Roman emperor as his vacation home. Now it’s a mix of old and new, with buzzing streets full of restaurants and shops contrasting with centuries-old gates. Head to the Peristyle (main square) to access the Temple of Jupiter, the Vestibule or the Saint Domnius Cathedral bell tower.
From Split, you are very well connected to other places by bus like Trogir or the Krka National Park and by ferry/boat to several islands including Hvar, Vis, Brač and Korčula. Plus a nearby international airport.
4. Menorca, Spain
Menorca, one of Spain’s Balearic islands, is a quieter alternative to its more popular sisters, Mallorca and Ibiza.
On this beautiful island, you can enjoy some of the most pristine waters in Europe – you can’t miss beaches like Cala Macarella, Macarelleta, Mitjana and Galdana. Parking can be complicated but if you drive to Cala Galdana, you can park in town and then walk along the Camí de Cavalls to visit multiple beaches in a day.
There are lots of water activities to do including kayaking, sailing and sunset parties.
Also, take some time to visit the two main cities Maó and the Ciutadella, where you get to learn more about local culture and find great restaurant choices and shops.
5. Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve, on the south coast of Portugal, holds a very special place in my heart because I lived there for 6 years of my childhood. Even after moving to Lisbon, I returned every Summer.
There are places in the Algarve for every taste – you can find the party vibes in Albufeira, Portimão and Vilamoura, and other quaint local cities and towns like Faro, Tavira and Loulé.
Distances here are short but I would say if you plan to move around, a car rental is needed.
What I love about the Algarve are the long stretches of golden sand beaches that are not dominated by expensive beach club chairs.
Enjoying late summer in Europe is a fantastic way to stretch your Summer a bit longer in a more budget-friendly way. Whether you’re wandering the colourful streets of Cinque Terre, enjoying the natural beauty of Lake Bled, exploring the historic heart of Split, relaxing on the beaches in Menorca and enjoying fresh seafood and sunshine in the Algarve, each destination has its uniqueness.
