As summer begins to fade into the memory banks, September presents a new opportunity for travellers seeking sunshine, warm seas and luxurious beach resorts. With temperatures remaining wonderfully high across much of Europe, holiday makers can enjoy all of this without the peak season crowds with the majority of schools welcoming back pupils to their classrooms.
If you are one of these aspiring holiday makers who is looking for the hottest place in Europe in September for a luxury break, then there are several destinations to take into consideration which consistently offer exceptional weather conditions at this time of year.
Although exact temperatures can vary slightly from year to year depending on seasonal weather patterns, there are still a number of destinations which consistently rank near the top of the charts when it comes to identifying the hottest places in Europe in September. We asked our Luxury Travel Specialists to put together a list of the destinations they'd recommend for a Sun holiday in Europe during September which promise glorious sunshine, stunning beaches, crystal clear waters and the chance to experience incredible luxury:
1. Cyprus - Highs of Around 32 Degrees
Often ranked as the hottest place in Europe in September, Cyprus enjoys average daytime highs of around 32 degrees alongside around eleven hours of daily sunshine. The Mediterranean Sea has spent the entire summer warming up, making September one of the best months for swimming, snorkelling and enjoying long afternoons on the beach.
Cyprus boasts some of Europe's most spectacular beaches. Nissi Beach near Ayia Napa is renowned for its powder-soft golden sand and shallow turquoise waters. Coral Bay near Paphos meanwhile offers another superb stretch of sand that's perfect for relaxing beneath the September sun.
Elegant Resorts features a superb collection of luxury hotels in Cyprus which are perfectly positioned to take full advantage of the beautiful weather. This includes properties such as Anassa and Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Limassol. Both offer direct beach access, allowing guests to step straight from their hotel and onto pristine sands. These luxurious beach resorts combine exceptional accommodation with world-class spas, gourmet dining and spectacular sea views.
Beyond the beaches, September's warm weather is perfect for exploring the Troodos Mountains, discovering traditional villages, visiting ancient archaeological sites such as Kourion or enjoying vineyard tours during the early grape harvest season. The warm evenings also create ideal conditions for alfresco dining overlooking the Mediterranean.
2. Costa del Sol, Spain - Highs of Up to 31 Degrees
Southern Spain remains wonderfully warm throughout September, with the Costa del Sol regularly recording highs of up to 31 degrees. Stretching along Andalucía's beautiful coastline, this sun-soaked region has long been one of Europe's premier luxury beach holiday destinations.
The Costa del Sol offers close to 100 miles of coastline featuring everything from lively Blue Flag beaches to peaceful hidden coves. Marbella's Golden Mile is home to several outstanding beaches where soft sand meets calm Mediterranean waters. Elegant Resorts has a number of luxurious beachfront hotels in its handpicked collection of accommodation options in this region including the Marbella Club Hotel and Puente Romano Beach Resort. Both of these hotels provide guests with direct access to the beach so they can spend their days alternating between relaxing beside elegant pools, strolling along the shoreline or enjoying watersports in the warm Mediterranean Sea.
September also provides excellent conditions for playing golf without the intense heat of midsummer. The Marbella Club Hotel has its own 18 hole championship golf course created by world-renowned architect Dave Thomas which offers incredible facilities and views.
The slightly cooler conditions also make tours of nearby picturesque whitewashed villages such as Mijas and Casares even more enjoyable at this time of year, providing tourists with yet more options to consider adding to their bespoke September holiday itinerary.
3. Antalya, Turkey - Highs of Up to 30 Degrees
Turkey's spectacular Antalya region continues to offer beautiful weather throughout September, with temperatures frequently reaching high of 30 degrees. Combining dramatic mountain scenery with beautiful beaches and ultra luxurious holiday resorts, this stretch of the Turkish Riviera offers everything needed for a truly unforgettable sun filled escape.
The beaches in Antalya, such as the famous Lara Beach, are particularly popular during September thanks to their long stretches of golden sand and exceptionally warm waters. One of the best accommodation options available here is the ultra exclusive Bijal where guests can enjoy staying in luxurious villas with their own private pools and take advantage of a wide array of on-site facilities and activities with something to appeal to all ages
If you do find the time to explore the wide region, you'll have the chance to visit the remarkably preserved Roman theatre at Aspendos, wander through the ancient city of Perge or take a cruise along the spectacular coastline.
4. Malta - Highs of Up to 29 Degrees
Despite its relatively small size, Malta remains one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe during September thanks in part to its high temperatures which regularly reach 29 degrees during daytime hours.
Apart from the heat, the island combines fascinating history with beautiful coastlines and invitingly warm waters, making it an excellent choice for a luxury autumn getaway. Golden Bay and Mellieha Bay are among Malta's most popular sandy beaches, offering calm waters ideal for swimming and paddleboarding. The famous Blue Lagoon on nearby Comino remains wonderfully warm in September and is often considerably quieter than during the peak summer months.
Elegant Resorts has a number of luxurious accommodation options to choose from here including The Phoenicia Malta which is perfectly positioned for exploring the island while remaining within easy reach of Malta's stunning coastline.
September's pleasant temperatures are perfect for exploring Malta's UNESCO-listed capital Valletta, wandering the silent streets of Mdina or taking boat trips to discover dramatic sea caves and hidden coves. Divers will also find conditions close to perfect, with excellent underwater visibility and comfortably warm sea temperatures.
5. Crete, Greece - Highs of Up to 29 Degrees
Completing our list of the hottest places in Europe in September is Crete, Greece's largest island, where temperatures regularly climb to around 29 degrees. With its spectacular beaches, dramatic landscapes and a rich history, Crete provides an exceptional combination of relaxation and exploration all in one tailor made holiday package.
Elafonissi Beach, famous for its pink-hued sand, remains one of the island's greatest attractions, while Balos Lagoon and Vai Beach offer equally breathtaking coastal scenery. The warm sea temperatures throughout September create ideal conditions for swimming, sailing and snorkelling.
Elegant Resorts offers a handpicked collection of exceptional luxury hotels across Crete, including Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection and Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas. Both enjoy privileged waterfront locations with direct access to private or exclusive beaches, allowing guests to enjoy peaceful surroundings and magnificent views across the Aegean Sea.
The warm September climate is also perfect for exploring Crete's cultural attractions. Visitors can discover the fascinating Palace of Knossos, hike through the impressive Samaria Gorge or sample authentic Cretan cuisine at traditional tavernas overlooking picturesque harbours. Vineyard tours also become increasingly popular during the island's grape harvest season.
Plan Your Next September Getaway in Europe
So, if you're searching for the hottest place in Europe in September, these five destinations consistently rank near the top of the list. Not only do they offer high temperatures, but they also promise travellers access to gorgeous beaches, exceptional seaside resorts and an array of attractions and activities so you can take full advantage of the beautiful weather away from the crowds associated with the summer months.
The Luxury Travel Specialists at Elegant Resorts are ready to help you create a tailor-made September holiday designed entirely around your preferences. From selecting the perfect beachfront resort with direct or private beach access to arranging bespoke experiences and personalised itineraries, our experienced team will carefully plan each item on your itinerary so you can experience your perfect September getaway just a short flight from home. Get in touch with our well travelled experts today to start the exciting planning process for your next tailor made adventure.