For many, September is when the lazy, hazy days of summer are replaced with the hustle and bustle of back to school and work. But it doesn’t have to be this way. For couples (particularly those who are child-free), it can be the ideal time for a getaway; think fewer crowds, gorgeous weather and shoulder season pricing. So, where are the best places to visit in September for couples? We’ve rounded up our favourite spots for a romantic trip for two, be it the sun-drenched Greek islands, Morocco’s coastal cities or culture-rich Andalucia…
- Tuscany, Italy
- Dodecanese Archipelago, Greece
- Porto and the Douro Valley, Portugal
- Andalucia, Spain
- The Aegean Coast, Turkey
- The Atlantic Coast, Morocco
- Nusa Tengarra Islands, Indonesia
Tuscany, Italy
Come September, school is very much back in session, so Europe is (thankfully, for child-free couples) devoid of tiny tots and families on tour. Why not make the most of the lack of crowds and head to ever-romantic Italy? Tuscany, in particular, flourishes this month. From the Renaissance beauty of UNESCO-recognised Florence to the Medieval architecture of Siena and the rolling Tuscan hills, it’s one of the best holidays for couples in September.
It’s also the grape harvest season, or vendemmia, so wine lovers will be in their element – think wine festivals (we like the Festa dell’Uva), tastings and live music galore. Whether world-class art, architecture or gastronomy tickles your fancy the most, Tuscany delivers on every front.
Image by Rhiannon Taylor
Dodecanese Archipelago, Greece
As the nights draw in and temperatures start to dip in the UK, escaping to sunnier climes has never looked more enticing. And where better to escape to than Greece? In September, you’ll skip the sweaty height-of-summer heat and can enjoy the best weather of the year; we recommend making a beeline for the sunniest spot in the country, the Dodecanese Archipelago.
The islands’ surrounding sea is bath-warm thanks to the searing heat of July and August, and air temperatures have cooled to a comfortable level. Sample delicious wines in Karpathos (it’s harvest time in Greece, too), explore the sun-soaked Medieval treasures of Rhodes or catch the last month of festivities at Symi’s cultural festival with your loved one. There’s no shortage of romantic things to do in this delightful destination for September couples' holidays.
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Image by Yianni Mathioudakis / Unsplash
Porto and the Douro Valley, Portugal
Portugal's second city, Porto, is a beautiful base for a laid-back stay with your beloved, bursting with cute cobbled streets and azulejo-tiled buildings. Get your bearings on a private tour for two with a local guide and don't miss a trip to one of the historic port cellars, where you can learn about (and, most importantly, taste) the city's most famous export.
Once you've had your fill of city strolling, venture out to the Douro Valley for pretty vineyard terraces etched into the steep hillsides. Amp up the romance with a river cruise on an elegantly restored boat from the 1950s, where you can sip on local wines and feast on fresh cheeses. As you drift along the Douro, soak up the stunning views and balmy September sun.
Image by rh2010 / stock.adobe.com
Andalucia, Spain
Next up on our list of the best places to visit in September for couples is Andalucia. This sun-kissed Spanish region is a dreamy destination bursting with beauty, culture and historical intrigue. Whether you catch a fiery flamenco show in Seville (or learn the moves yourself in a private lesson), marvel at Moorish architecture in Granada and Cordoba, or hop between hilltop pueblos blancos (white villages), where better to enjoy each other’s company?
Of course, lovers can also spend plenty of time lounging in the sun on the Costa del Sol’s golden sands (we like Playa de Burriana in Nerja). It’s true that no trip to Andalucia is complete without sampling the local produce, so follow a day of sunbathing with a tasty tapas crawl or wine tasting in the countryside.
Image by Imren Tutuncu
The Aegean Coast, Turkey
September holidays for couples don’t get much better than Turkey’s sparkling Aegean Coast. From exploring the ancient Roman city of Ephesus and the Ottoman streets of lively Izmir, to cruising the coastline’s cerulean-blue waters on a gulet (traditional wooden sailing boat), this scenic slice of Turkey boasts a winning combination of fascinating history and beautiful nature.
Head inland to spend the day discovering the gorge in sublime Saklikent National Park, stroll along the waterfront in Marmaris, tour Bodrum’s historic castle or get acquainted with the region’s sensational sandy beaches – you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to activities.
Image by anemone / Fotolia
The Atlantic Coast, Morocco
Come September, Morocco’s sweltering summer temperatures have dissipated (on the coast, at least), making it a wonderful time for couples to explore coastal cities, including Tangier, Rabat and Casablanca. Sip on mugs of mint tea in historic cafes, get lost in labyrinthine medinas and shop ‘til you drop in the bustling souqs – there’s plenty of atmosphere to soak up.
Fancy basking on a balmy beach? Head to the laid-back city of Essaouira for golden sandy stretches where you can surf and swim to your heart’s content (the Atlantic Ocean is at its warmest in September). Plus, the city boasts a UNESCO-listed medina, so you can get your culture fix too.
Image by Chalffy / Getty Images / iStockPhoto
Nusa Tenggara Islands, Indonesia
Keen to head further afield? Indonesia's Nusa Tenggara islands (including Lombok, Flores, Komodo and Sumba) are among the best places to visit in September for couples. Whether you’d rather relax on paradisiacal beaches or discover vibrant coral reefs and myriad marine life in the deep blue, these islands have you covered.
For couples searching for a little more adventure, hike up active volcanoes like Mount Rinjani, search for fearsome Komodo dragons in Komodo National Park or marvel at Flores’ colourful Kelimutu crater lakes. Sunny skies and dry weather predominate throughout September, so you’ll have glorious conditions, however you spend your time.
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Image by Kevin Charit / Unsplash
Written by Hannah Whitehall | Header image by Pauline Chardin
