September is an ideal month to visit Italy and explore new places and landscapes. With mild weather, fewer tourists and a wide variety of events and festivals taking place across the country, travelling in September is certainly a good idea. If you prefer the coast, the mountains, a city, an island or a budget-friendly destination, there is bound to be a place that suits your holiday.
Here is where to go on holiday in Italy in September.
Where to go for a beach holiday in Italy
September is an excellent month for a seaside holiday. In years when the weather allows, you can still enjoy a refreshing swim until the end of the month and sometimes beyond. Several destinations are worth considering, with clean seas and a more relaxed atmosphere.
With fewer people around, water sports such as snorkelling, diving and sailing are also easier to enjoy. You spend less time queuing for excursions or waiting for a table at a favourite restaurant. These are the destinations not to miss.
Argentario
A September holiday on the Argentario peninsula means stepping into a beautiful corner of Tuscany, with crystal-clear water, spectacular views and atmospheric towns such as Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole. You can unwind on golden beaches including La Feniglia and Cala del Gesso, try water sports, enjoy Tuscan food in small seafront restaurants and follow the nature trails in the Feniglia Nature Reserve.
Do not miss the historic Forte Stella, boat trips to Giglio Island and the striking sunsets along the coast. Argentario is also easy to reach by car or train from Rome and elsewhere in Tuscany.
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Tremiti Islands
This beautiful archipelago off the coast of Puglia is even lovelier in September. Lower visitor numbers are certainly an important part of the appeal, though there are other advantages too. The weather is usually pleasant, rainfall is limited, and temperatures rarely rise above 30°C. If conditions hold, even the final days of the month can be ideal for a last dip in the sea.
Alongside snorkelling and diving, it is worth seeing the Abbey of Santa Maria a Mare on San Nicola Island, a historic gem overlooking the deep blue water. Add the sea caves of San Domino, Cala dei Benedettini and Elephant Rock to the itinerary too. The latter is a rock formation that looks as though it has stepped out of a painting.
Salento
Set between the Adriatic and Ionian seas, Salento offers crystal-clear water and white beaches, along with plenty of culture to discover. This ancient land can be captivating at first sight. There is a great deal to see in Salento, with inland towns rich in monuments and Baroque churches, as well as coastal villages with beautiful views at every turn.
Towards the end of the season, you can enjoy art cities such as Lecce without August’s high temperatures. The most popular beaches, including Punta Prosciutto, are also much quieter. It is an easy place to leave with a suitcase full of memories.
Where to go for a mountain holiday in Italy
For a holiday at higher altitude, Italy has plenty of mountain destinations to choose from. September is the ideal time to explore these regions, when temperatures are cooler and the trees are beginning to put on their autumn foliage display.
A popular choice is Trentino-Alto Adige, known for its panoramic Dolomites views. Abruzzo is another enchanting region, with varied scenery, national parks and excellent food.
Val di Fassa
Val di Fassa is an excellent choice for a mountain holiday in September. This enchanting valley in the heart of the Dolomites offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, climbing and mountain biking.
September temperatures are ideal for exploring the many trails that cross the mountain landscape. There are breathtaking views, spectacular waterfalls and distinctive flora and fauna to admire. Val di Fassa is also known for its rich Ladin culture, reflected in its local cuisine, architecture and traditions.
For anyone interested in history and culture, the valley’s distinctive villages are well worth seeing, including Canazei, Campitello and Pozza di Fassa. Each has its own view of the surrounding mountains and a variety of cultural attractions, including museums, historic churches and local festivals.
Gran Sasso National Park
Among the highest mountain landscapes in central and southern Italy, Gran Sasso National Park is certainly a place to visit during a September holiday. Its great strength lies in the meeting of unspoilt nature and tradition, both of which are carefully protected.
At Gran Sasso, there is scope to relax and enjoy outdoor activities, as well as learn about the area’s history by visiting some of its many fortified villages. This area benefits from mild September weather, and highlights include Gran Sasso d’Italia, Campo Imperatore and Rocca Calascio.
Lake Tenno
Lake Tenno is an atmospheric destination for a late-summer mountain holiday. This charming alpine lake, in the Trentino area near the Veneto border, is known for its crystal-clear water and peaceful, relaxing surroundings. The nearby towns of Tenno and Riva del Garda also offer plenty of history and culture to explore.
The lake offers numerous outdoor activities for visitors of all ages. It is also very close to Lake Garda, making it possible to explore one of Italy’s most popular destinations at a leisurely pace. Lake Tenno is, in short, an ideal spot for a late-September or early-October break.
Where to go for a city break in Italy
Italy is the country of art cities. You can enjoy historic and artistic treasures, while also experiencing the nightlife as streets fill up after sunset. Choosing an art city also gives you the chance to settle into a comfortable, welcoming place to stay.
Another advantage of a city break in September is that transport costs tend to be lower and, naturally, the temperatures are comfortable enough for relaxed daytime walks. There are countless places for a September weekend in Italy, across the country.
Mantua
Mantua is certainly one of the best cities to visit in Italy in September. The weather is still pleasant, while daily life is slowly returning to its usual rhythm. There is plenty to see in the city: Palazzo Ducale is an obvious highlight, while Palazzo Te is also well worth a visit.
September also brings some of the final events of Mantua’s summer, including Festivaletteratura, held each year around the first week of the month. Its strategic location also makes it possible to enjoy the last days of beach weather on the Adriatic or take a trip to Lake Garda instead.
Florence
September is among the best times to visit the city that was the cradle of the Renaissance. The less intense heat makes it easier to make the most of the day and see as much as possible over a weekend or a longer holiday.
The days also start to become shorter and, in turn, sunsets over the Arno become even more beautiful. Visiting Florence in September also offers the chance to explore the generous green spaces in and around the Tuscan capital. Boboli Gardens and Bardini Garden are at their most beautiful.
Turin
The city of the Mole, as Turin is known after its landmark Mole Antonelliana, returns to its usual lively, active rhythm in September. The month that closes the summer is ideal for visiting Turin, as the weather is mild and makes it pleasant to enjoy the city’s main sights before the cold weather arrives.
September is a good time to visit the Palace of Venaria Reale and its beautiful gardens, or the Stupinigi Hunting Lodge. In the city itself, take the lift up the Mole Antonelliana, home to the National Cinema Museum, and enjoy the sun setting over Turin’s rooftops. There is plenty to see in Turin.
Where to go on holiday in Italy in September on a budget
September is a favourable time for anyone looking for an affordable holiday in Italy. Some destinations stand out for their good value at this time of year. Southern Italian regions such as Puglia and Sicily offer particularly good value, with beaches that are still enjoyable and a rich range of cultural and culinary experiences.
The art cities and rural towns across Italy are equally interesting for a three-day break in September. Bologna and the villages of the Val d’Orcia, for example, offer high-quality cultural experiences at reasonable prices during the month.
Mountain areas that are not yet in peak season, including the Dolomites and the central Apennines, can also be an economical option, with spectacular scenery and nature that remains largely unspoilt. There are, then, plenty of places where a September holiday is good value.
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