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Home | Elegant Traveller | What Are the Best Holiday Destinations for September and October?

Elegant Traveller

What Are the Best Holiday Destinations for September and October?

schedule4 Minute Read

01-Jun-2025 Lou Fox

What Are the Best Holiday Destinations for September and October?

From serene beach hideaways to unforgettable safaris and cultured city retreat, discover the most luxurious and sun-drenched escapes for September and October...

As the crowds thin and temperatures begin to mellow, September and October open the door to some of the most rewarding and luxurious travel experiences. This season offers the best of both worlds-fewer tourists and often better value-without compromising on weather or exclusivity.
For many of us, this period brings ideal conditions. Many destinations in Europe bask in a golden glow, while further afield, regions like Southern Africa and Southeast Asia enjoy dry, safari-perfect weather. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, romance, or family fun, early autumn offers endless options for indulgence.
Read on to discover some of our favourite places to visit in the Autumn season.

What Are the Best Holiday Destinations for Couples?

Dreaming of a romantic escape where crowds are thin and the atmosphere is pure enchantment? If you're planning a holiday full of romance, September and October are prime months for destinations that thrive in the quiet season calm, meaning you can escape the summer rush while still enjoying glorious weather. Whether it's wine tasting in Tuscany, a sunset boat trip along the Amalfi Coast, or a spa retreat in the Seychelles, the options are as diverse as they are dreamy.
Chianti vineyard landscape in Tuscany
Chianti vineyard landscape in Tuscany
Santorini
Santorini
For couples craving a European getaway, the Greek Islands, especially Santorini and Milos, still shimmer under warm sunshine in September. These destinations offer quiet beaches, cliffside dinners, and crystal-clear waters. Come October, consider the Portuguese Algarve or Italy's Puglia region, both offering tranquillity and charm with a romantic flair.

What Are The Best Beach Holiday Destinations?

Craving sun, sand, and sea? Early autumn is one of the best times to chase the last of the European summer or venture further afield to tropical beach paradises.
In September, the best beach holiday destinations include Greece's lesser-known islands like Naxos or Paros, Croatia's Dalmatian Coast, and southern Spain's Costa del Sol. These regions enjoy extended summers, with sea temperatures remaining warm and skies staying clear.
Tenerife, Canary Islands
Tenerife, Canary Islands
Peaceful Beach in Mauritius with Boats
Peaceful Beach in Mauritius with Boats
By October, if you want to stay in Europe, consider Cyprus and the Canary Islands -both are still hot, especially the southern coasts. For those willing to fly longer, the Maldives and Seychelles are entering their dry seasons, offering postcard-perfect beaches and luxury overwater bungalows.
Mauritius is another exceptional long-haul option at this time of year. Located in the Indian Ocean, it enjoys warm, dry weather in September and October-ideal for exploring its soft white beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and world-class resorts. Spots like Belle Mare and Le Morne offer serene, picture-perfect shorelines, while Flic-en-Flac on the west coast is perfect for sunsets and snorkeling. It's a refined destination that balances natural beauty with top-tier hospitality.
Whether you're after quiet coves, beachfront resorts, or scenic boat trips, September and October deliver some of the best beach holiday destinations for a refined, sun-soaked retreat.

What Are The Best Family Holiday Destinations?

Luxury family holidays in September and October offer the perfect balance between comfort, entertainment, and enriching experiences. With the school year just beginning and October half term on the horizon, it's an ideal window to escape the ordinary-without sacrificing sophistication.
For early autumn escapes, destinations like the Algarve, Greece, and Crete offer premium family resorts with private villas, dedicated children's clubs, and seamless concierge services. These locations blend laid-back Mediterranean charm with modern luxury, ideal for multigenerational travel.
Sani Adventure Park in Greece
Sani Adventure Park in Greece
Family at Atlantis The Palm in Dubai
Family at Atlantis The Palm in Dubai
October's half-term opens up further possibilities. The Canary Islands-particularly Tenerife and Lanzarote - remain sun-drenched and family-friendly, featuring five-star beachfront resorts with award-winning spas and Michelin-recommended dining, all within easy reach of the UK. For families seeking a culturally immersive experience, consider Marrakechor Istanbul, where elegant riads and curated private tours ensure both adventure and comfort. The Arabian Gulf also offers guaranteed sunshine and ultra-luxe resorts in Dubaiand Abu Dhabi. These cities blend modern glamour with desert adventures, from dune safaris to private yacht charters, creating memories that transcend the typical half-term break.

Where Are The Best Places To Go For Sun?

When the British weather begins to turn, the desire for sun-drenched serenity intensifies. Fortunately, there are many elegant destinations where summer lingers well into autumn.
In September, the Mediterranean remains a haven for sun-seekers. Southern Italy, the Balearic Islands ( Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera), and Cyprus still boast balmy temperatures, ideal for alfresco dining, leisurely coastal strolls, and boutique shopping. These locations also provide an added layer of exclusivity in the post-peak season, when the pace slows and the ambiance becomes more refined.

What Are The Best Safari Holiday Destinations?

For those in search of life-affirming experiences wrapped in elegance, a luxury safari holiday in September or October offers the perfect blend of adventure and exclusivity. These months mark the dry season in many parts of Southern and Eastern Africa, when wildlife viewing is at its absolute peak.
Kenya's Masai Mara and Tanzania's Serengeti are particularly exceptional in early autumn. The Great Migration is still in motion, and luxury lodges such as Angama Mara or Singita Serengeti House offer panoramic views, private game drives, and gourmet bush dinners under star-lit skies. South Africa also beckons for those seeking a one-of-a-kind safari experience, with Sabi Sands and Kruger offering high-end safari lodges that rival the world's best boutique hotels.

What Are The Most Popular Holiday Destinations in Autumn?

Some destinations consistently rise to the top for autumn travel-and for good reason. These are the places where glamour, comfort, and unforgettable experiences effortlessly converge.
In Europe, Italy continues to captivate. Tuscany's rolling hills turn golden in September and October, setting the stage for truffle-hunting excursions and vineyard tastings from Florenceto Montalcino. Meanwhile, the Amalfi Coast, quieter after the summer surge, offers cliffside villas and stylish coastal strolls amid lemon-scented air.
Elsewhere, the Greek Islands remain a stronghold for luxury in September, especially Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini. By October, the spotlight shifts to the Canary Islands and Madeira-both warm, stylish, and perfect for a refined escape with world-class wellness retreats and Michelin-level cuisine.
The Gothic Quarter in Barcelona
The Gothic Quarter in Barcelona
Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, Tuscany
Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel in Tuscany
For those who prefer cobblestones to coastlines, city breaks in early autumn offer a stylish alternative. The weather is pleasant, the streets are less crowded, and cultural calendars are in full swing. Cities like Paris, Barcelona and Marrakech thrive in early autumn, offering cooler temperatures, cultural events, and fewer crowds at five-star accommodations. Barcelona's rooftop terraces and seaside promenades invite sun-soaked strolls through October, while Paris, ever the emblem of elegance, is at its cinematic best in September. Enjoy a curated museum tour, indulge in haute cuisine, or relax with a café crème on a quiet boulevard as the leaves begin to fall. Each city promises not only iconic landmarks, but rich experiences crafted for the cultured traveller: art, gastronomy, and indulgent downtime.
For further travel inspiration, our luxury online travel blog is filled with first-hand travel tales, expert destination guides and more. To book your luxury holiday beyond expectations, talk to our team.
Lou   Fox

Lou Fox

Content Executive

Ready with a guidebook and my camera, I've been lucky enough to travel all over the world. From learning to dive in Egypt to traversing the theatres and museums in NYC, I'm passionate about exploring the planet and writing about what the world has to offer.

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