It’s no wonder that many experts call September–October the best time for a beach holiday — it’s no longer so hot, the crowds of tourists have dispersed, and prices have dropped slightly.
The “velvet season,” which usually falls in September–October, is a favorite time for seaside holidays for many tourists who are not burdened by a strict vacation schedule or school holidays. At this time, it’s no longer necessary to look for little‑known places to avoid crowds — you can even confidently head to popular destinations, if, of course, you have such a desire.
At the same time, prices for travel services may be falling – both for air tickets and for accommodation.
Moreover, the September–October vacation gives you the opportunity to enjoy the sun and warmth a little longer, even as it gets cooler and rainier.
We have compiled seven wonderful ideas for where to go on a beach holiday during the velvet season of 2026.
Albufeira (Portugal)
This town in southern Portugal is considered one of the most popular and lively resorts in the Algarve region. However, while it’s unbearably crowded and noisy there in summer, during the velvet season — when crowds of young people and family tourists return to their studies or work — you can finally enjoy the local landscapes in relative peace.
Here, tourists can enjoy incredible sandy beaches along the picturesque golden cliffs, where it’s especially pleasant to be at sunrise or sunset. And then there are these narrow streets with white houses, dotted with craft souvenir shops, bars, and restaurants.
Although in September–October there are strong contrasts between daytime and nighttime temperatures in Albufeira, the daytime temperature still remains comfortable, averaging +23…+28 degrees. Yes, there may be slightly more rain than in summer, but sunny days still predominate.
By the end of October, about 500 accommodation options are available in the city on popular websites for finding tourist accommodation, and prices for the simplest double rooms near the beach start at 60 euros per night (including taxes). At the same time, by mid‑October, there are more places available, and prices drop significantly — you can find simple double apartments for 40–50 euros per night.
Bodrum (Turkey)
In July–August, it can get so hot in Bodrum, Turkey, that it becomes impossible to enjoy your vacation there if you want to do something interesting during the day instead of sitting in a hotel with air conditioning. However, in September, the average air temperature remains comfortable for beach holidays at +28…+30 degrees, and in October it averages +23…+26 degrees. At the same time, the sea, which has warmed up well over the summer, remains comfortable for swimming even until October.
The vast majority of tourists in Bodrum who come on package tours from tour operators stay in large all‑inclusive hotel complexes on the outskirts of the city. However, those vacationers who prefer a more peaceful and secluded holiday can also find good options in small boutique hotels in the city’s historic centre. Moreover, during the shoulder season it will be much more comfortable to explore the historical attractions — from the medieval St. Peter’s Castle to the world’s oldest mausoleum.
By the end of September, about 600 private accommodation options are available in Bodrum, and prices start at 30 euros for modest double rooms. By mid‑October, there are slightly fewer options, as some hotels close after the peak season, but prices also drop somewhat — there are even some good options for 25 euros per night.
A separate advantage is that this region attracts significantly fewer “Russian tourists” compared to, for example, Kemer or Antalya.
For more details about a holiday in Bodrum, read our comprehensive article.
Budva (Montenegro)
In fact, by mid‑September, the tourist season in Montenegro is over – even charter flights stop flying there, and Tivat Airport becomes quiet. And it is precisely this time that becomes ideal for those who want to enjoy the Bay of Kotor or other popular tourist destinations without crowds of day‑trip cruise tourists and scorching sun.
In September, the temperature in Budva is still comfortable, ranging from +24 to +26 degrees, whereas in October it drops to +20. At the same time, the nights during this period are already quite cool, and there is a possibility of rain.
By the end of September, more than 650 accommodation options are available in Budva, and prices start at 30 euros for modest double rooms. In mid‑October, you can find options for as little as 20 euros per night.
For more details about holidays in Montenegro, read our comprehensive article.
Mallorca (Spain)
This is not the first summer season on this popular Balearic island to be marked by mass protests against tourists. Some experts are even advising travelers to avoid autumn trips to this region as well. However, I visited Mallorca in October last year and does not entirely agree with such calls.
The thing is that the residents of Mallorca are protesting not so much against tourists as against their numbers and the quality of their stay. Yes, they are not happy about cruise tourists who come to the island for a few hours, litter, create crowds, and spend almost no money. Yes, they are not happy about crowds of noisy young people who party non‑stop in the streets. Yes, they are not happy about budget tourists who “take over” their affordable accommodation via Airbnb. However, they are glad to see responsible tourists who come during the low season and treat local life with respect.
When you arrive in the autumn, you can enjoy Mallorca in peace: without crowds, without sky‑high prices, and without the offended looks of the locals. Instead, you’ll find incredible landscapes, clean beaches, comfortable temperatures, and interesting excursions.
As of mid‑September, you can find more than 1,600 accommodation options across the entire island of Mallorca, with prices starting from 60 euros for double rooms. And by mid‑October, double rooms are available for as little as 40 euros.
For more details about autumn holidays in Mallorca, read our comprehensive article.
Polignano a Mare (Italy)
This small town in the Apulia region is often called one of the most beautiful places in Italy, but in summer its area is simply not able to accommodate everyone. But in the velvet season, you can safely walk along the cozy streets with snow-white houses, linger longer on instagram points and finally come to that small famous beach of Lama Monachile.
In September, this region enjoys a comfortable average temperature of +25, while in October it drops to +20. It’s no longer very comfortable for swimming, but it’s ideal for autumn walks along the coast.
At the same time, if you suddenly get bored in this small town, thanks to the convenient railway connections, you can get to other towns in this picturesque region quite quickly and inexpensively, for example, to Bari, Monopoli or Alberobello.
For more details about this place, read our separate article.
Pula (Croatia)
Like Montenegro, Croatia transitions to a more relaxed holiday season starting in mid‑September — there are far fewer charter flights from tour operators and cruise tourists, and the scorching heat is gone.
The average daytime temperature in Pula in September can range from +21 to +24 degrees, and in October it usually does not rise above +20, while the nights are quite cool. Therefore, the conditions for swimming are no longer the best, but this city has much to offer tourists besides beach holidays – a well‑preserved ancient Roman amphitheatre, cozy bays with crystal‑clear water, and atmospheric restaurants.
By mid‑September, nearly 400 accommodation options are available in the city, and prices for double rooms start at 15 euros. By mid‑October, some seasonal hotels close, but there are still options available for 30 euros per night.
Rhodes (Greece)
In summer, it can get very hot on Rhodes – sometimes the temperature rises above +40 degrees, and devastating forest fires also occur very often, which can ruin the entire holiday. However, in September, the average daytime temperature on the island is +28 degrees, and the sea water is still warmed to +27 degrees. In October, the average temperature on Rhodes is +23…+26 degrees.
At the same time, Rhodes is very convenient for traveling – it’s easy to move from city to city there, either by rented car or by public transport: there’s definitely something to see there, from cozy towns to secret picturesque coves.
As of mid‑September, more than 550 accommodation options are available across the entire island of Rhodes, and prices for double rooms start at 55 euros. By mid‑October, even more options are available, and prices start at 30 euros.
For more details about holidays in Rhodes, read our comprehensive article.
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If you didn’t have time to relax by the sea in the summer, you can still make up for lost time in September–October. And perhaps this vacation will give you even better impressions than the summer one, with its crowded streets, hellish heat, and inflated prices.
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.