Good countries to visit in September (2026)

September is a good month to travel if you're looking for fewer crowds, lower prices and more relaxed locals. Many regions experience milder weather at this time of year, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. From Cyprus and Portugal with beautiful beaches and breathtaking scenery, Sicily with its fabulous food, rural charm and character, to Ireland and Copenhagen for cultural landmarks and vibrant nightlife, there's plenty to choose from. Whether you're planning your first trip of the year or you're sneaking in a late summer break, our Gurus have you covered with some great suggestions for family-friendly hotels, chic adults-only escapes and rural delights.

Cyprus

The weather in Cyprus in September is typically warm and inviting, ideal for exploring this charming country after the peak summer crowds have disappeared. There are also several events to enjoy such as a three-day opera performance at the beginning of the month in front of Paphos Castle, while at the end of September the Jazz Festival in Polis brings together musicians from all over the world. With the sun shining for up to 10 hours each day coupled with warm Mediterranean waters, September in Cyprus is also perfect for beach holidays. To help you plan your getaway, our Gurus have highlighted four of their favourite hotels here, including authentic Cypriot houses, a fab family pick with lots of amenities, and two very spoiling hotels with luxurious spas.

• If you're looking for an authentic Cypriot escape, Leonidas Village Houses should suit. Here you'll find an enchanting cluster of stone houses, dotted around lovely gardens and a pool. Expect original masonry and simple rustic-chic furnishings, plus glorious views over Goudi village.
• Almyra, situated on the coast in Paphos, is ideal for families with its kids clubs, creche and children's concierge. There are four freshwater swimming pools, four restaurants, a tennis court, a designer store and a luxurious spa which screens films at night. With direct access to a beach, this a luxurious crowd-pleaser!

• Overlooking beautiful Coral Bay, Thalassa Hotel is just a 15-minute drive from Paphos. This adults-only hotel oozes elegance with gorgeous suites, marble bathrooms, excellent restaurants, an extensive spa and fabulous sea views. If you book a top tier room you'll have your very own butler. A spoiling stay.
• Alasia Hotel in Limassol is another perfect pampering pick with its extensive spa, plus both indoor and outdoor pools. Rooms here are sleek and contemporary with private balconies boasting lovely views. Ideally located for exploring the region's historical sights, but close to beautiful beaches too.

Portugal

From the famous Douro Valley wine harvest to vibrant festivals, September is a great month to visit Portugal. The weather creates perfect conditions for outdoor activities from coastal walks to riverboat tours, and swimming is still possible, especially in the Algarve, where water temperatures are very pleasant. While Lisbon and Porto stay lively, countryside towns like Évora and Braga welcome fewer crowds, ensuring a more relaxed trip. September may be quieter, but popular areas still fill quickly, so let our Gurus help you plan with their top Portuguese picks, including two chic city escapes, an elegant Algarve hotel and a creative boutique stay, 

• Brown's Avenue Hotel is a chic adults-only property in the centre of Lisbon's glamorous Santo Antonio. Perfectly positioned for discovering the capital, it boasts sleek rooms, a library lounge, a restaurant with a terrace, and a rooftop deck boasting a pool and stunning views. There’s also a small museum on-site that houses all the Roman artefacts they found while building the hotel.
• Just minutes from Porto’s vibrant centre, Hotel das Virtudes offers character in spades. Expect exposed stone walls, wooden floors and vibrant artwork. Many rooms come with balconies with excellent views of the Douro River and the Arrábida bridge. The restaurant serves a fusion of traditional Portuguese and international cuisine, while the rooftop bar provides dazzling sunsets.

• Occupying a building that dates back to the 1920s, Grand House Algarve is a charming choice. Interiors blend Art Deco and colonial influences, creating an effortlessly elegant feel. Sitting right on the marina in the heart of the historic town of Vila Real de San António, and boasting wonderful views from its rooftop terrace, this makes for a super stylish stay.
• Arty types will love 19 Tile Ceramic Concept, a boutique hotel blending modern style with local ceramic artistry. Located in Caldas da Rainha, just north of Obidos, it's full of character with bold interiors, a chic restaurant, wellness facilities and even pottery workshops. It's like staying in your very own mini art gallery!

Sicily

As the largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily offers plenty to do and see. From Noto with its incredible views, architecture and history, to the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, a UNESCO World Heritage site that attracts visitors from all over the world. Visiting Sicily during September is an idyllic experience with its beautiful beaches, sunshine and Italian culture, plus festivals and events galore. Whether you want to sightsee, sunbathe or explore the great outdoors, our experts have picked out four of the best places to stay, all offering traditional Sicilian charm and spectacular scenery.

• Dimora Delle Balze is a beautifully converted masseria situated in a gorgeous area of rural Sicily. It features 12 chic rooms with a wonderful blend of old and new. There's a lovely pool, and you're not far from hidden coves with white sandy beaches or beautiful rocky bays, ideal for snorkelling.
• Just six miles from Noto's baroque marvels sits Il San Corrado di Noto. This special haven offers a serene escape with excellent food and lush surroundings. Expect elegant, minimalist rooms, two outdoor pools, a spoiling spa and a tennis court surrounded by citrus trees. A complimentary shuttle runs to both Noto and the hotel’s private beach club.

• Nestled in the heart of the Ragusan countryside, Kinanto Bioresort makes a great off-the-beaten-track holiday hideaway. There are just seven rooms and suites here — the largest accommodates up to five people and has two bedrooms, a kitchen and a balcony, so it's ideal for families or groups. Enjoy the peace and quiet with a lovely pool and garden looking out to the natural landscape.
• Baglio della Luna, just outside Agrigento, is another charming choice. This historic Sicilian house features 23 traditional rooms and is surrounded by sprawling terraces and mature green gardens. It boasts an excellent restaurant, is located just 800m from the beach, and the views over the Valley of Temples are breathtaking.

Ireland

September is the start of autumn in Ireland, which means the school year has resumed, many of the tourists will have left, and the landscapes begin to transform the countryside with the new season. There's still plenty going on, though — the Irish capital welcomes hundreds of arts performances during the fortnight-long Dublin Fringe Festival, and popular sites like the Cliffs of Moher and Blarney Castle can be enjoyed without the summer crowds. A great thing to do this month is to visit the national parks, of which there are six, for stunning early autumn foliage and scenic walks. Accommodation options are pretty impressive too, as you'll discover with our Gurus' picks, including a luxury mansion, townhouse, castle and super-stylish hotel.

• Ballyfin Demesne in County Laois is a beautifully-restored 19th century country mansion at the foot of the Slieve Bloom mountains. Expect luxury in abundance here, with sumptuous interiors, impeccable service, and exceptional dining. There's clay pigeon shooting, archery, falconry and horse riding on-site. You can even have a butler take you out boating on the lake!
• Located in the heart of Georgian Dublin, Number 31 is a wonderful blend of a townhouse to the front, and a modernist mews to the rear. There are 15 glamorous guestrooms, plus contemporary art and a charming central garden. It features a stylish sunken lounge and the area is packed with bars and trendy restaurants — perfect for a chic city break. 

• For a fairytale stay in County Mayo, you can't beat Ashford Castle. The grounds are huge — either go for a complimentary guided walk or explore on your own — and inside is equally impressive. Think opulent fabrics, oak panelled walls, Waterford crystal chandeliers and antiques galore. The entertainment on offer is excellent too, with a cinema, live music, tennis courts and a nine-hole golf course.
• Tucked away in Killarney, Victoria House Hotel is a very stylish pick. Rooms ooze elegance with rich fabrics and contemporary artwork. With an ultra-chic drawing room, acclaimed restaurant and al fresco dining, it has everything you need for a very comfortable stay and with the town centre and a national park close by, there's lots to explore too. 

Copenhagen, Denmark

September is a good time to visit Denmark, and Copenhagen in particular, when the weather is usually mild and you can witness the changing colours of the leaves in the city's green spaces. A bike tour will allow you to cover more ground and visit multiple parks, while indoors, the museums often host temporary exhibitions at this time of year. History and culture are on show at September's GoldenDays festival, and sunset boat tours of the canals are a great way to view the city at night. There's a wonderful variety of places to stay here, from impressive castles on the outskirts of town to very chic city centre hotels showcasing the best of Danish style. Our experts have highlighted four of the best . . .

• Kokkedal Castle is a charming choice situated just outside Copenhagen on the Danish Riviera. An 18-hole golf course surrounds the property, while inside it's very elegant with chandeliers, plush fabrics and an atmospheric dining room. The indulgent spa with indoor pool is the icing on the cake.
• Copenhagen Admiral Hotel is a cool warehouse conversion on the waterfront with views of the Opera House. Expect original features such as huge wooden timbers and thick brick walls, plus excellent Danish food. A perfect blend of historic elegance and contemporary luxury in a great location.

• For a chic and contemporary city centre stay, Hotel Sanders fits the bill. Enjoy cocktails on the rooftop, bistro-style dining downstairs and in-room massages. Within walking distance of the main attractions of the city, as well as plenty of bars and restaurants, it's in a very convenient location.
• Situated in the vibrant Latin Quarter and 500m from Tivoli, SP34 makes a sleek design statement with its Nordic flair and changing exhibitions of contemporary artworks. Add in a rooftop terrace, a private cinema, plus free concerts and DJs on Friday nights, and you have a fab city stay.

Still not sure? 

• Refine your search to include our recommendations for 14 of the Best Resorts on Cyprus, 20 Affordable Hotels in Portugal, 20 of the Best Boutique Hotels on Sicily, The 7 Best Castle Hotels in Ireland or 7 of the Most Romantic Hotels in Copenhagen.
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.