September - where for decent weather?

[ilyana]

I don't usually go away during the summer, as I don't have kids so don't need to pay the inflated prices, but as this summer has been a bit of a washout, I've started thinking about looking to go away at some point in September after schools are back, for a bit of sun. I'm planning a couple of long-haul trips in winter, so I'd be looking for a short-haul one, max 4 hour flight time, and ideally doable on a budget. I'd want to be there 4-5 nights. I usually pay 600-700-ish for flights and accommodation for this kind of trip, but I know prices have gone up this year, so not sure what's feasible now.

I'd love to go to Greece, but not at all sure of where to even start, with all the islands and interesting city options. I'm a single traveller, so looking for somewhere I'd feel safe and comfortable going for dinner alone and having a couple of glasses of wine (so probably not Athens). I also don't drive, so it would need to be somewhere reachable on public transport from the airport, and walkable once I'm there. I do like to do a bit of cultural stuff as well as beach/relaxing time, so somewhere with options for interesting day tours would be great.

I'm also considering Split in Croatia and have been researching, but am not sure if it will still be very busy/touristy into September? I hate crowds and that vibe where you want to sit down for a drink but every table on every terrace is taken. I'm avoiding Dubrovnik as I'm told it's pretty much like this year round.

I want to avoid mainland Spain, France, Italy and Portugal if possible, just because I've been to them all so many times and would like to go somewhere new. I'm also not really interested in Malta or Turkey but am open to pretty much anywhere else - there might be somewhere I've overlooked!

Palma (Majorca) is one of my favourite cities for a mix of culture, great food and beach / relaxing. Short flight, close to the airport, great availability of flights from all over the UK so generally can find low cost ones, some gorgeous not overtly touristy/British hotels. It’s usually high 20s in September and not too busy / crowded. You might struggle on your budget though, Majorca has got much pricier this year I’ve found.

Corfu Town (Kerkyra in Greek) might fit the bill. Beautiful architecture, good sightseeing, great nightlife. But, it can sometimes (as with many of the islands) get overrun by cruise passengers, so it’s worth checking that there aren’t lots of huge ships calling on dates you’re considering. Fab food though, and just a lovely atmosphere. We’ve stayed at a hotel in the Old Town called Arcadion and would recommend, was good value for money we thought.

Sardinia is at its very best in September. Lovely month to visit and definitely not too crowded, even in Cagliari and Olbia.

I’ve twice been to Menorca in late September and it’s been beautiful and warm. The first time I stayed in Mahon and got the bus to beaches and culturally interesting places. The second time I stayed in Fornells and did trips from there. The flights and accommodation weren’t expensive (Mahon was more pricy), but I choose fairly basic places to stay.
The Algarve is a decent bet too.

It sounds to me as if you would be better off looking at tours for singles organised by some of the big companies such as Riviera or Saga (others are available). Have a look at what they offer - it might at least give you ideas of where to go and what to see. Personally, I’m desperate to do a Seville, Granada and Cordoba tour.

I’d second Corfu town - it’s a beautiful place with lots to do and see. Crete is an easy flight and you won’t need a car if you stay centrally.

Alternatively, have a look at Lindos in Rhodes or Chania in Crete.

Sorry - have you thought of a river cruise? The ship stops somewhere different every day and you aren’t obliged to take the tours, you can go off on your own.

If you book a package they will take you from the airport to your accommodation. Look at Jet2 either city breaks or beach.
Malaga is a lovely city and has great transport links if you wanted to go inland.

Weather wise September is perfect for most places. Some of the northern Greek islands will have a little rain but still be warm.

With 4-5 nights, the smaller greek islands are probably out. If you can make it 6 nights then you could get it to work. Go to somewhere like Sifnos or Anafi. Fly into Santorini, do one night, then ferry to an island for 4-5 nights and back. September is a lot cheaper.

I personally dislike Athens and would not recommend it, unless you are a classicist.

Oh God no, I couldn't think of anything worse! I'm fine with a day tour as a bus trip, but a multi-day, organized trip with strangers is my idea of hell!

I definitely recommend Seville, Granada and Cordoba though!

Thanks! Do you know how I'd check about the cruise ships? I've had trips ruined by those before!

I like the idea of smaller islands and could make it 6 nights, but I'm not sure if it's worth the extra faff vs going somewhere more easily accessible. Will look up the ones you mentioned!

I use Cruise Mapper usually and look at the schedule. It doesn’t look terrible for Corfu in September:

https://www.cruisemapper.com/ports/corfu-island-port-60?month=2023-09#schedule