Late summer is the perfect time to get away as a couple, after the summer hordes have gone home and the children are back at school. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite spots for a September break or holiday with a partner, near and far.
September is seen as the best month to visit the southernmost tip of the African continent, with great weather and the best wildlife sightings – breaching whales not least among them. Indeed, the Hermanus Whale Festival (30 September to 2 October 2022) celebrating the return of southern right whales to the coastal waters of southern Africa is a brilliant way to spend a few days, with the eponymous fishing village given over to eco and marine exhibitions, live music, a street parade and more. Alternatively, or as part of a longer holiday, come earlier in September for the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 (9–11 September).
September in this region famous for its castles and its wines is harvest season – a delightful time of year to visit, with the chance to witness the vendanges (grape harvest) as well as taste wild mushrooms, admire the autumnal colours settling on the foliage, and soak in the balmy weather and absence of crowds. Grape harvest tours at local wineries allow you to see grape-picking by hand and/or machine and follow the various stages of production.
Late summer is the perfect time to discover this blissful corner of southern Italy – milder than in the heat of summer but with the sea still warm enough for a dip. It’s also free of the crowds that may still be seen in the more touristy northern regions, leaving sights such as Lecce, dubbed the ‘Florence of the South’ for its baroque splendours, for you to enjoy almost to yourselves. And beyond the ancient towns oozing heritage and glorious churches, Puglia offers up divine landscapes to explore: swathes of olive trees, the lush Valle d’Itria, the ancient Forest of Umbra and the region’s often-unpeopled beaches.
The crowds will be dwindling but the weather still warm on this 200km stretch of Mediterranean coastline in the province of Alicante province in southeast Spain, meaning you’ll have more space to spread out on those lovely beaches. Alicante itself has plenty to offer, from museums of modern art and archaeology to nightlife worth staying up late for, while Denia is a foodie hotspot, and the atmospheric old towns of Xàbia (Jávea) and Altea are great for an amble.
The Bavarian capital is most famous for its Oktoberfest beer festival – back for the first time in two years for 2022 from 17 September to 3 October, with longer hours to make up for lost time! As well as beer tents large and small, serving global and local beers, there’s a funfair with rides ranging from a big wheel to a hi-tech rollercoaster and stalls including strongman games and the famous Vogelpfeifer (‘bird whistler’).
Come to the Veneto capital on its 100 small Adriatic islands in September and you are guaranteed a romantic atmosphere free of the summer crowds - perfect for exploring the Renaissance and Gothic palaces, wandering the iconic canals and seeing the other sights. This is also the month for Venice’s famous film festival, La Biennale di Venezia (31 August to 10 September), taking place at the Venice Lido and promoting global cinema and including retrospectives of and tributes to major figures in the industry.
To book your September getaway, get in touch today.
There are so many great reasons to experience certain destinations in the shoulder seasons – that sweet spot between a region’s peak season and off-season. Think fewer crowds and queues for major attractions, better-value flights and other travel, and a more authentic experience of the destination. We’ve put our heads together to share a few of our favourite places that can be just as good or even better outside of high season.
Seeing the world, or parts of it, by cruise is more popular than ever as people realise just how fantastic it can be to float from place to place, discovering more than one destination in a single trip. Our Travel Counsellors say, ‘There’s a cruise ship to suit everyone, and yes you can get off at every port, as many times as you like!” If you’re in any doubt over whether a cruise is right for you, there are mini cruises of just a couple of nights that will help persuade you.
