There are several advantages to taking a vacation in September.
Summer is in full swing, but experienced tourists know that September is the perfect month for a summer vacation, when the summer crowds have already left and the streets are not as hot.
Experts from the world’s largest travel publisher, Lonely Planet, have selected six of the best places in Europe to visit in early autumn 2026, along with suggestions for what to do there.
“In September, the summer tourist influx in Europe subsides, and the temperature begins to drop slightly. This is the perfect time to explore everything the continent has to offer, from cozy English villages to sparkling Turkish coastlines,” the authors note.
The 6 Best Places in Europe to Travel to in September 2026
1. The Cotswolds, UK: for rural recreation
The hilly landscapes of this region, which hide historical towns and stone villages in their crevices and valleys, have long attracted city dwellers seeking an English idyll. By visiting this region in September, you can not only avoid the crowds of bus tours, but also enjoy the rural beauty as the leaves begin to turn color.
2. Istria, Croatia: for cycling
This triangular peninsula, which juts out into the Adriatic Sea in the far north-west of Croatia, is rich in asparagus, olives, and oysters. However, the best time to explore Istria is in September, when the grapes are being harvested and the truffles are ripening under the forest floor. To fully enjoy these delights, you can whet your appetite by cycling along the coast.
3. La Palma, Spain: for hiking
The northwestern outpost of the Canary Islands offers tourists some of the most impressive and diverse hiking routes, with a total of about 1,000 km of hiking trails. September promises hikers a consistently sunny sky, but cooler weather, as well as a better selection of accommodation after the peak summer season.
4. Bologna, Italy: for gourmets
The nickname “La Grassa” (Fat Girl) gives you an idea of what to expect in Bologna – it seems that life here revolves around food. In September, the weather in the region is still warm enough for outdoor dining, which allows you to comfortably enjoy the beginning of the season of the best autumn products: mushrooms, pumpkins, game and chestnuts.
5. The Turquoise Coast, Turkey: for boating
This place is very popular among cruise lovers – on the waters of the Aegean and Mediterranean coast of Turkey from Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye. On the way they make stops to visit historical sites or just swimming in the clear sea. By September, the temperature (and the number of tourists) here pleasantly decrease, but the water is still warm.
6. Transylvania, Romania: for a car trip
The Transfagarasan Highway is often referred to as the best road in the world, and it’s hard to argue with that. This majestic 90-kilometer route, with its steep turns and high passes, was built in just four years by dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu to provide a military route through the mountains between the Romanian regions of Transylvania and Wallachia, but it has since become a popular tourist destination. September is the best time to drive along its winding roads, when the weather is mild (the road is closed from October to June due to snow), and the autumn colors illuminate the hillsides.
Konstantin is an acclaimed travel writer, celebrated for transforming ordinary journeys into extraordinary narratives. With years of experience exploring diverse destinations across the globe, his work blends vivid storytelling, cultural insights, and practical advice to inspire wanderlust and guide readers toward unforgettable adventures.
As a key contributor to enjoythetrip.org website, Konstantin has built a loyal readership through their expertise in uncovering both iconic landmarks and off-the-beaten-path treasures. He specializes in providing travelers with honest, actionable tips, whether it’s finding the best resorts in Maldives, exploring cultural hubs like Paris, or diving into the natural wonders of Croatia.