September is fast becoming the go-to month for a summer holiday in Europe.
One of the primary reasons is the weather as the scorching summer temperatures start to mellow, while many destinations still enjoy warm and sunny days.
Crowds are another factor. Summer is the peak tourist season and September brings relief from overcrowded streets and long queues for museums, restaurants and attractions.
Travel costs in September can also be cheaper, with airlines and hotels often offering competitive deals as demand decreases.
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Ryanair is currently offering a huge sale to over a dozen European destinations with prices starting from just €16 for flights from Dublin Airport in September and October.
Aer Lingus have also launched a major sale with up to 30% off flights to Europe for travel between October 1, 2023 and March 13, 2024.
With this in mind, the travel expert team at Skyscanner have shared their advice for Irish holidaymakers looking to book a last-minute September break.
The travel agency’s Travel Trends and Destination Expert Laura Lindsay told Express: “Compare, compare, compare. Prices are fantastic but it’s always worth doing that extra bit of research not only to save money to make the most of the flights from your chosen departure airport. You might discover you can try somewhere you hadn’t thought of or that was previously out of reach. Also, combining different airlines for the outbound and return legs of your trip can seriously cut costs. Fares don’t have to be booked as returns. Look at flying out with one airline and back with another to save money.”
Laura went on to name the best destinations for a September holiday.
Ibiza, Spain
Laura said: “The first destination I’d recommend is Ibiza. Even if you don’t want to go clubbing, there are many other things to do on this beautiful Balearic island. Take a walk along the historical centre of Dalt Vila, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, populated with 16th century, Renaissance bastions. Stroll the old marketplace and of course, check out Ibiza’s best beaches to take your pick of sand and sun.”
Temperatures can be as high as 27C in Ibiza in September while the island’s hotspots are likely to be less crowded than the peak summer season.
Croatia
Laura continued: “Another September favourite is Croatia. The crescent-shaped Adriatic country is famous for its Gothic Renaissance cathedrals, Soviet Era landmarks, and old cobblestone towns.
“Croatia is also blessed with endless shores surrounded by lush forests, where you can enjoy an extension to your summer stretched out on secluded coves. Head to Kraljicina beach, on the island of Nin, for its long strip of sand and beach bars, or find the 800+ yards of sandy strip surrounded by pine trees at Sakurun beach.”
Croatia has many hotspots to discover. Tourists looking for a city break could explore the delights of Zagreb or Split.
Albania
Laura explained: “Albania is definitely rising as a real contender. With beaches which rival its Mediterranean neighbours and culture galore, it’s one to watch.” Albania is a diverse country with beaches, cities and mountains to explore.
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