Where to go for a low-cost September holiday? While for most people the last weeks of summer mean normal daily activities, for others September means the arrival of a well-deserved holiday. This is increasingly popular for those that want to avoid the August crowds and chaos and enjoy beautiful locations less besieged by tourists. But where to go?
In Italy there is no shortage of places to experience an exciting September, at the seaside or in the mountains. And so it goes for many other countries in Europe, such as Spain and Portugal, two of the favourite havens for early autumn holidays. Here are some key suggestions.
Holidays in Italy: destinations and tips for spending little
It's no secret: for an exciting and affordable September holiday, you don't have to stray too far. Italy is nearby – by car or public transport, such as the train – at low fares. At the end of the high season, many seaside and mountain resorts offer discount prices, without sacrificing the high quality and hospitality typical of the Italian tourist industry. But where to go?
Italian seaside destinations for September
September is the perfect month to fully enjoy the seaside resorts. Temperatures are still quite high, so you can swim and sunbathe without the stress of crowded, noisy beaches. On the other hand, this month is really dedicated to relaxing trips, contemplating nature, far from the chaos of everyday life.
The islands, given their geographical location, still enjoy a summery climate until well into October. In Sardinia, for example, the main destinations - from the Costa Smeralda to Alghero, from Santa Teresa di Galura to Villasimius - provide even in September all-round accommodation and entertainment services for tourists, all at lower prices than in the high season. And there are also pearls to be rediscovered, such as the Bay of Stintino, which are usually difficult to do in the middle of August.
Sicily, with its beautiful cities - from Catania to Taormina, from Syracuse to Palermo, from Cefalù to Favignana - and its archaeological sites. Between a swim in the sea and an afternoon of sunbathing, you can visit magical places such as the Valley of the Temples, Mozia and Segesta, and of course, Mount Etna.
But beyond the islands, Italy has perfect seaside locations to rediscover in September, such as Liguria and Tuscany, the Cinque Terre and Elba Island, or the Riviera Romagnola for those who want fun and entertainment. Go to the Veneto and Friuli coasts for the grape harvest. Don’t forget Puglia and Salento, Campania, the Amalfi Coast and much more.
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Italian mountain destinations for September
September is perfect to rediscover Italy's beautiful mountain resorts and enjoy the refreshing climate, away from the heat of the city. And this is the best time to go trekking, mountain biking, climbing, and enjoy great food and wine. September in the mountains is a particularly lively month, with grape harvests, mushrooms, hazelnuts and the freshest alpine cheeses.
You’re spoilt for choice at half the rate of August. Rediscover the Valle d'Aosta and its castles, stay in the Orobian Pre-Alps, rediscover the ancient traditions of the mountain peoples, go to the Apennines, bewitched by the natural beauty of Abruzzo and its National Park, as well as many other destinations.
More ideas for a holiday in Italy
Not only sea and mountains: the Boot is so rich in beauty that you are spoilt for choice when it comes to organising a holiday in September. Starting with the art cities: in addition to the classic Rome, Florence and Venice, a good idea is to rediscover pearls such as Verona, Vicenza, Pisa, Assisi, Siena, Bologna, Ravenna, Naples, Caserta, Palermo, Lecce and many more.
You can also stay reasonably on the large northern lakes, such as on the Garda Riviera or Lake Maggiore. Super low-cost holidays by choosing the small pearls of the Italian provinces, perhaps taking advantage of an agritourism, from the Tuscan hills to the Piedmontese Langhe, from the Sicilian hinterland to the Sila in Calabria.
Holidays in Spain and Portugal: low coat destinations and money saving tips
For a holiday abroad in September, two of the most popular destinations are definitely Spain and Portugal. The still summery weather is ideal for an August holiday, with incredible seaside and cultural destinations. And with the many low-cost flights, getting to these countries is really cheap. But where to go?
Tips for visiting Spain
With natural beauty, art, culture and ancient traditions, Spain is a country that never fails to excite. Especially for Italian tourists who, on the Iberian Peninsula, find themselves in a new and dynamic, but at the same time incredibly familiar, context.
Discover the beautiful Spanish cities: Barcelona, Gaudi's architecture and Catalonia's culture. Then Madrid, the capital: check out the Royal Palace and the Prado Museum, the Retiro, the Casa de Campo and many other destinations. A dynamic, modern 24/7 multicultural, street artist city,. But don’t forget Valencia, Seville, Granada, Toledo, Zaragoza, Cordoba, Pamplona, Alicante and many more: you will fall in love in Spain.
If you want to indulge in relaxing moments by the sea, go to the golden beaches of Torremolinos, Marbella and the Costa del Sol, Alicante, or the islands: Lanzarote, Formentera, Ibiza and Palma de Mallorca.
Tips for visiting Portugal
Admiring the beauty of the Ocean without straying too far from Italy: for a September holiday, don’t forget Portugal - a relatively inexpensive destination compared to other European countries, rich in history, culture and truly breathtaking natural corners.
Check out the most famous cities - the capital Lisbon, Porto, Madeira, Faro and Lagos - and then rediscover all the beauties facing the ocean. For example, in September, the Algarve is very popular: a unique paradise with 150 kilometres of coastline facing the Atlantic, amidst the magic of ancient rocks carved by water and wind and its white houses. If, on the other hand, you are in Lisbon, just 50 kilometres from the capital is the famous Praia de Santa Cruz, another paradise often frequented by surfers.
Low-cost Ideas in Italy and abroad
Once you select the destination, whether in Italy or abroad, organise the trip and examine the costs carefully. By following a few easy tips, you can almost halve the cost of a September holiday.
- Book your holiday well in advance, taking advantage of the attractive mid- and low-season rates;
- Use public transport and low-cost airlines. If the holiday is short, take only hand luggage with you to avoid paying extra;
- Do not stay overnight in a hotel, but go for agritourism, bed and breakfast, family-run lodges or hostels: this will reduce one of the highest expenses of the entire trip;
- Use small local producers to buy drinks and food instead of large retailers. You can enjoy healthier and tastier food while spending very little money;
- Organise packed lunches or take advantage of street food when visiting cities, thus reducing expenditure on food;
- Buy tourist passes for travel by public transport, as well as annual museum cards, which allow entry to major art facilities for a one-off payment.
Holidays in September: common queries
Even in September, planning a holiday is never easy, especially if you have to pay close attention to your wallet. But what are the most common doubts that arise for travellers?
Where is it cheaper to go on holiday in September?
For a low-cost holiday in September, the first tip is to choose Italian destinations to reduce the impact of booking and travel costs. During this period, the South and the Islands remain very popular, from Salento to the Costa Smeralda, from the warm beaches of Calabria to the mountains of Trentino.
If you decide to go abroad, one of the cheapest destinations is certainly Portugal, followed by neighbouring Spain. In Portugal you will benefit from a significantly lower average cost for goods and services than in Italy. In Spain on the other hand, you will be overwhelmed by the events, art, culture and natural beauty, all at a very reasonable cost.
Where to go on holiday in September by the sea
As already mentioned, there are many seaside resorts that can be visited in September: from the fresh sand of Friuli and Veneto, to the Riviera Romagnola's Movida, but also Liguria and Tuscany with Cinque Terre and Elba Island, the Marche coastline, the Tyrrhenian coasts, as well as Puglia and Calabria. Of course, the destinations of Sicily and Sardinia cannot be missed, to be rediscovered with the calm typical of September.
Where to go on holiday in September in the mountains
Again, as we have seen, the most popular destinations for a September holiday are the Aosta Valley with its peaks and castles, the Alps and the Orobic Pre-Alps, the unspoilt beauty of Trentino and the Dolomites, but also the entire Apennine arc, with many places to discover in the Abruzzo National Park.
Where to spend a three-day holiday in Italy?
For a truly flashy September holiday, i.e. no longer than a weekend, the most appropriate destinations in Italy are the cities of art. Rome, Florence, Venice, Bologna, Genoa, Verona, L'Aquila, Naples, Caserta, Lecce, Bari, Reggio Calabria, Catania, Palermo, Cagliari: you really are spoilt for choice. But don't forget provincial locations immersed in natural beauty, such as an agritourism in the Tuscan hills, the Langhe and the chalets in Trentino, then the coasts of Lake Garda, the highlands of Abruzzo, the beaches of the Marche, the Sicilian hinterland, the Amalfi Coast, and many more.