September Holidays

September is the secret weapon in any savvy traveller's calendar. With the school holiday rush behind us and the autumn chill still far off, it's the perfect time to bag some seriously good September holiday deals. Whether you're checking out where's hot in September and craving a sizzling beach retreat, a culture-packed city break, or a swanky mountain hideaway, September's got you covered. Off-peak travel often means quieter spots, shorter queues, and better prices, so there's more left over for Lays crisps and Fanta Lemon with your toes in the sand.

Cheap September Holidays

A cheap 2026 holiday in September is a total win: scorchio weather without the scorchio prices, fewer crowds, and no screaming school holibobbers in sight. It's basically peak vibes without the peak-season chaos.

The reason September holidays tend to be cheaper is simple: demand drops off a cliff once the school bell rings. That means lower flight prices, better hotel availability, and more room to negotiate on the good stuff. Turkey holidays and Greece holidays are especially good value in September because the weather's still properly hot but the summer surcharges have gone. You'll find four- and five-star hotels at prices that would barely get you a three-star in August.

Top destinations for September holidays

Each September holiday has its own charm, but we’ve rounded up the best to make planning a breeze. From European beach spots to cultural hubs, here’s where to head for a top-tier getaway.

Greek Islands

The Greek Islands in September? Proper paradise. The weather’s still sizzling without the swelter, the crowds have thinned, and you get that authentic island vibe.

• Must-Try - Greek cuisine is all about sharing plates. Don’t leave without trying a classic mezze spread - think tzatziki, dolmades, olives, and grilled octopus. A Greek salad (the real deal, with those juicy island tomatoes and feta) and moussaka are a must.

• Best Spots - Mykonos is still in party mode but a little less packed - ideal for beach clubs and late-night spots without the mad crowds. Santorini’s sunsets are as jaw-dropping as ever, but September brings a quieter charm, perfect for a romantic escape. Rhodes is perfect for families with young children looking for a chilled getaway.

• Top Tip - take advantage of ferry connections between islands. It’s often cheaper in September, so consider a mini island-hopping adventure - Santorini to Naxos or Mykonos to Paros make for easy, scenic day trips.

Barcelona

Barcelona delivers on all fronts in September, with golden beaches, buzzing festivals, and plenty of tapas. The city’s vibe is as vibrant as ever, with something for every type of traveller.

• Must-Do - La Mercè, Barcelona’s biggest street festival, kicks off in late September with parades, live music, fireworks, and the famous castellers (human towers). It’s free and fabulously festive.

• Foodie Highlight - don’t leave without trying patatas bravas, jamón ibérico, and some seafood paella by the beach. A quick pintxo tour (mini tapas) around the city is also a must for any foodie.

• Best Beaches - Barceloneta is bustling, but a short trip north to Ocata Beach brings calm, clear waters and more space to spread out.

Turkey

Turkey in September is ideal for those craving a mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. With its stunning coastline, bustling cities, and ancient sites, Turkey offers an experience that’s both exotic and familiar. And the weather? A dream.

• Must-Try Food - Turkish cuisine is rich, varied, and delicious. Don’t leave without trying simit (a sesame-crusted bread), gözleme (a savoury Turkish flatbread), and a kebab or two from a local eatery. And of course, finish off with a cup of Turkish tea or coffee!

• Fun Fact - Turkey has a history that spans thousands of years, with ancient ruins like Ephesus that rival those in Greece and Italy. September is a fantastic time to visit these sites, with milder weather and fewer tourists.

• Top Tip - take advantage of Turkey’s shopping scene - whether it’s haggling at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, picking up unique ceramics in Cappadocia, or getting a pair of hand-crafted leather sandals in Antalya, the markets are a treasure trove for unique finds.

September holiday ideas...

...for families

September isn’t just for solo travellers or couples - it’s a prime time for family holidays too. After the school crowds disperse, family-friendly resorts and destinations become a bit more chill, and prices get more budget-friendly.

• Canary Islands: Known for family-friendly resorts with pools, slides, and kids’ clubs galore, the Canaries are a top choice for families in September. The weather is a solid 24-28°C, perfect for beach days and park visits.

• Costa del Sol, Spain: The whole area is family heaven in September. Málaga’s stunning beaches and kid-friendly attractions - like Bioparc Fuengirola or the Picasso Museum - make it ideal for a proper good family holibob.

• Greek Islands: Corfu and Crete have loads of all-inclusive family resorts, meaning you can relax knowing everyone’s looked after. Crete’s Rethymno Beach and Rhodes’ Water Park are kiddo favourites.

... for adventurers

For those craving a bit of adrenaline, September is the perfect month to get active. With cooler temps and fewer crowds, it’s ideal for hiking, cycling, watersports, and more.

• Tenerife, Canary Islands – September means clear skies for tackling Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak. The trails are quieter than summer, and paragliding off the coastal cliffs at Adeje is properly exhilarating. Book a Tenerife holiday and you've got volcanic landscapes, whale watching, and black-sand beaches all in one trip.

• Madeira, Portugal – Famous for its levada walks (mini aqueduct paths), Madeira's lush landscape and rugged coastline make it perfect for trekking and exploring. September's mild weather ensures you'll stay comfy while taking in the views.

• Algarve, Portugal – The Algarve in September is an outdoor playground. Sea kayaking through the grottos near Benagil, coasteering off the cliffs at Sagres, or cycling the Ecovia trail along the coast: the weather's still hot but not punishing, and the Atlantic is at its warmest.

... for foodies

September is a prime time for food lovers. With harvest season in full swing, markets are brimming with fresh produce, and food festivals showcase the best local bites. Here are three top destinations for those craving a culinary adventure:

• Tuscany, Italy – Tuscany in September is a dream for wine and food fans. The grape harvest (vendemmia) is in full swing, offering vineyard tours and wine tastings aplenty. Don't miss the chance to hunt for truffles or indulge in pasta dishes featuring this prized delicacy, best enjoyed under the Tuscan sun with a glass of Chianti.

• Crete, Greece – Crete holidays in September mean ripe tomatoes, freshly pressed olive oil, and grilled lamb that's been slow-cooked since the morning. Head to Chania's old harbour for seafood mezze, or find a family-run taverna in the hills above Rethymno where the menu is whatever they've grown that week. The Cretan diet is legendary for a reason.

• Marrakech, Morocco – Marrakech in September is still warm but the worst of the summer heat has passed, making it perfect for getting lost in the souks and eating your way through Jemaa el-Fnaa. Tagine, pastilla, and freshly squeezed orange juice for pennies. The spice markets alone are worth the trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

More great deals

Looking for more inspiration? Browse our cheap holidays for the latest deals, check out our all-inclusive holidays for everything-sorted packages, or see where's hot in September for a full temperature breakdown by destination.

Whether you're looking for a last minute beach break or planning ahead for the summer hols, like a big friendly towel when you're changing at the beach, we've got you covered.

Holidays in other months

• January Holidays

• February Holidays

• March Holidays

• April Holidays

• May Holidays

• June Holidays

• July Holidays

• August Holidays

• October Holidays

• November Holidays

• December Holidays