In need of some European travel inspiration for September? Summer has passed, the best of the weather is gone, and the planes aren’t as full as they once were; it’s the ideal moment for a getaway!
September is that month when things start to die down in Europe, but it’s still a favorable time to go away. There’s still a possibility for some sunshine, and the crowds slowly disappear from popular attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Colosseum. Plus, with fewer tourists around, accommodation frees up, giving you the chance to pick up some last-minute bargains you wouldn’t dream of in August.
Europe is a big continent, so choosing one spot to head away on your holidays is a tough choice (a good one, though). Do you stick to the west or go further east? We’re here to give you some ideas! Keep reading to find our picks for the best locations in Europe to fly to in September.
The Albanian Alps – The Best Place for an Active Holiday
Looking for a cheaper alternative to Switzerland? The Albanian Alps is the solution. Also known as the Accursed Mountains, this range of peaks dominates the north of this Balkan country and is a haven for those after an active holiday. It’s crazy how many people don’t know that Albania actually has its own Alps, and to be honest, they’re just as stunning as any other country’s, and they cost a fraction of the price to visit.
You’ll find some of Albania’s biggest mountains here, including the notorious Maja Jezercë at a height of 2,694 m (8,839 ft). If you’re more of a leisurely walker, the Valbona to Theth hike will be more your style, as it’s less strenuous and more of an enjoyable walk overall. Depending on the route you take, it’s around 15-16 km one way, but it’s not as tough as it sounds as long as you take plenty of breaks. You’ll pass through traditional villages and take on steep ascents while passing by snow-drenched summits; just watch out for bears on the way; there have been some sightings in the past.
In my experience, I found it better to start the hike in Valbona and hike to Theth because there’s more to do there. Besides taking on more thrilling trails, you’ll have the option to visit the amazing Theth Church, have a dip in the beautiful Blue Eye, and climb up to the top of the Reconciliation Tower (LEK 150.31 entry fee (€1.50)).
To reach the Albanian Alps, head over to Komani Lake Ferry Berisha’s website and buy a direct ticket to Valbona, which costs €12. You’ll fly into Tirana Airport and take two buses (Buses – LU-NA sh.pk and 3B) to Gazheli Petrol. You’ll have to buy two tickets, each cost LEK 40 (€0.40).
From there, the bus will bring you to the Komani Lake ferry terminal to catch the boat; tickets cost LEK 881.85 (€8.80) if you book online in advance, or it’s LEK 1002.10 (€10) in person. The ferry trip takes around three hours to reach the next stop, where a van will be waiting for you in Fierze to take you to Valbona; the tickets for this leg of the trip cost LEK 801.68 (€8), and the journey is around an hour long.
Porto, Portugal – Couples September Choice
First, Lisbon captured the attention of travelers seeking the Portuguese experience, but Porto is becoming a hot alternative, especially for couples looking for a romantic getaway.
Porto is located in the north of Portugal; it’s a city characterized by old-age colored buildings with terracotta roofs wedged on the banks of the Duoro River and stoned paved avenues with al fresco dining areas overflowing onto them.
In Porto, food and wine are superior. You’ll be spending a good chunk of your time with your other half devouring fried cod balls (pastéis de bacalhau) while sipping on some locally produced port for as little as a few euros. I think the best way to lean into the culinary scene here is by taking a food tour with a local guide. Yes, they’re expensive, with most tours priced at around €75, but if you’re a foodie, it’s well worth the splash; all your dishes are included, and you get to dine the local way.
You can pack a lot for a weekend trip to Porto in September. Pay a quick visit to Sao Bento Station (free entry) to marvel at the tiles that depict the history of Portugal’s history. Take on the Porto pilgrimage by walking over the fabulous Ponte de Dom Luís I to watch the boats sail down the Duoro. Whatever you do, make it your mission to go watch a fado show at Ideal Clube de Fado; the tickets cost €20, and they come with a free glass of port wine to enjoy during the performance.
Unless you’re coming from Lisbon, you’ll be flying into Porto’s airport (Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport), which has metro and bus connections to the city. Taking the metro is the easiest option; tickets are priced based on the zone you get off at, but you should expect to pay around €2 for the 35-minute journey.
Valetta, Malta – The Place With the Best Weather
While most of Europe is coming out of its high temperatures in September, Valetta in Malta still has average highs of 29°C throughout the month.
This cute Mediterranean capital was awarded the European Capital of Culture in 2023; when you get here, you’ll see why. It’s brimming with history; ancient sites like Saint John’s Co-Cathedral (€15 entry fee) and Upper Barrakka Gardens (free entry) on Saints Peter and Paul Bastion are sure to awaken the historian within you.
Wait until you walk through Valetta’s streets, though; no wonder great movies like Jurassic World Dominion and Munich were shot here. The Baroque architecture will transport you back to a different era altogether; in my opinion, Valetta’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is easily justified.
Be sure to go over to Valetta’s little brother Gozo on the ferry if you have time. Return tickets can be purchased online with Gozo High-Speed Ferries for €12.50, or single fares start at €7.50. Despite being so small, there’s a lot to see there, from the Ancient Citadella to the gorgeous Bażilika Tal-Madonna Ta’ Pinu Mill Gharb. Additionally, you’ve got quite a few accommodations there, too, for a fair price. If you book a little in advance, 2 nights in a well-rated hostel will only set you back €38.
Valetta is home to Malta’s only airport, Malta International Airport, and there are direct bus connections from there into the city. The fares are priced at €2.50 during the day and €3 at night for the 20-minute journey, and your ticket is valid for two from the moment you validate it. When you get onboard, you’ll be able to buy them from the driver.
Bring Your Friends to Bologna, Italy
No matter when you visit Rome and Venice, they’re always going to be busy, but the buzzing university city of Bologna doesn’t get near the attention it deserves. There’s a real lack of tourists here, which is great because you get to experience the local way of life, a rare occurrence in a country as popular as Italy.
Bologna is the 7th largest city in Italy. It’s a place of contrasts; you’ll notice a real focus on technology and innovation while also being a location shaped by a political focus. But all this aside, one thing you can’t take away from Bologna is the mouthwatering dishes. As you can tell by the name, the famous bolognese hails from here, along with tortellini, mortadella, and tagliatelle al ragu.
I always say that Bologna is like a walking gallery, between the fascinating medieval structures and the incredible porticoes, which stretch nearly 60 km through the city and on the outskirts. Best of all, the weather conditions here in September aren’t as intense, so you won’t have to keep running for cover from the heat.
Bologna Airport (Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport) is a 28-minute bus ride from the center. There is a monorail service too, but the fares are a little pricey, so the bus is a better alternative. A one-way ticket costs €9.80, and you’ll be brought to the central point of Piazza Malpighi. The bus number is 949, but if you arrive at night, you’ll have to take the Marconi Express 940; tickets for this service are more expensive, costing €12.80.
Enjoy a Cheap Break in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Awh, Mostar, I get goosebumps every time I see pictures of this gem along the Neretva River. It’s arguably Bosnia’s most touristy place, but coming in September allows you to experience it all to yourself without the crowds. The Old Town itself is quite small, so, during high season, it can be unbearable, especially with the heat,
The vibrant center of Mostar’s old town is where all the action happens; it’s your typical Ottoman quarter with a bustling bazaar and carefully constructed mosques peeping out over the traditional buildings. However, the Stari Most (the Old Bridge) is the main attraction here; there are a bunch of divers that jump from the 30-meter structure into the Neretva. Usually, they wait until they get enough tips from passersby, but if you grab a traditional Bosnian coffee at the nearby Najstariji Kafić and wait, you’re bound to catch a dive or two from the window.
Many people visit Mostar on a day trip from Dubrovnik or Sarajevo, but I think you should spend a few extra days to do some excursions. One I recommend is the Siege of Mostar tour; you’ll get to learn about the city’s complex history and the siege that took place here in the early 1990s with an expert local guide. Prices start at around BAM 68.45 (€35) but vary based on the operator.
If you’ve had your fill of the city, consider taking a trip to Blagaj Tekke, a religious Islamic building tucked away on the Buna River underneath a group of towering cliffs that are 240 meters high. There’s a BAM 9.78 (€5) entry fee to go inside the building, but I personally think it looks better on the outside. Blagaj Tekke is only around a 12 km drive from Mostar and can be accessed by public buses 10 and 11. The pickup point in the city is at the United World College beside the Spanish square. A one-way fare only costs BAM 2.10 (€1.07).
Mostar International Airport has some season routes that run until October, so if you’re coming in September, you’re in luck, but you can only fly from a handful of destinations like Rome and Zagreb. The taxi ride from the airport takes less than 10 minutes to get into the city and fares usually cost between BAM 9.78 (€5) and BAM 13.69 (€7). Those who can’t fly into Mostar’s airport can pick Sarejvo as a starting point instead. There’s a direct train from the city, which takes about two hours to get to Mostar, and tickets BAM 11.90 (€6.09) one way. The trains are nice and modern, so you’ll be in for a comfortable ride.
Lock in the Dates for Your September Getaway in Europe and Fly to One of These Destinations
There’s a growing number of people who are refusing to holiday in Europe during the summer; it’s hot, expensive, and jam-packed. Whereas in September, things are less chaotic, all the finest destinations get a chance to breathe again, and everything just feels a bit more authentic.
Any of these locations in September are great vacation options. You’ll find an option here for every type of traveler; are you the active type? The Albanian Alps will be an excellent pick for you. Or, if your idea of a nice trip is eating local foods you’ve never heard of in quaint alleyways, I know you’re going to fall in love with Porto.
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