Still Hot: The Best Places to Visit in Europe in September

Guest blog written by Bea Meitiner. 

September might just be the best-kept travel secret in Europe. The heatwave tourists have gone home. The kids are back in school. Prices start to drop. And yet… the sun still shines. It’s like Europe is taking a deep breath and saying, “Finally, let’s enjoy this.”

But before you pack your floaty dresses and vineyard dreams, a word of caution: mosquitoes haven’t packed up for autumn just yet. They’re still lingering by lakes, buzzing through valleys, and throwing tiny, high-pitched parties in hotel rooms across the continent.

So if you're looking for the best places to visit in Europe in September, you're in luck. We’ve got sun. We’ve got culture. And yep, we’ve got some very good reasons to pack your incognito.

Greece: Sun-Soaked Shores and Mythical Adventures

Greece in September feels like you’ve been let in on a secret. The summer crowds have vanished, but the sunshine hasn’t. The beaches of Crete are still kissed by 27°C days. The sea? Warm enough for lazy swims well into the evening. The Peloponnese is a history lover’s dream, with ancient ruins and mountain villages practically to yourself. And in Rhodes, the island breeze carries the scent of pine trees and grilled octopus as you sip wine in a quiet taverna, wondering why everyone else went home already.

It’s a time of slower mornings, golden afternoons, and those dusky evenings where the light makes everything look like a painting.

Just one tiny tip? Pack a decent insect repellent. Greece is still blooming in September, and in lush inland areas, especially where there’s water, mosquitoes can be a mild nuisance. They’re hardly a reason not to go, but they are a reason to be prepared.

Italy: Sun-Soaked September and Endless La Dolce Vita

When it comes to the best places to visit in Europe in September, Italy is a strong contender, especially the southern gems. The intensity of summer has mellowed, but the warmth lingers in the air, the sea is still inviting, and the crowds have thinned just enough to let you breathe it all in.

In Puglia, golden beaches stretch out with barely another towel in sight. In Sicily, the grape harvest is underway, and the scent of citrus and sea salt fills the air. Along the Amalfi Coast, pastel villages bask under hazy sunsets and you can finally take in the view without weaving through busloads of people.

September in Italy feels like a secret whispered to those who know better. You’ll still get all the sun-drenched charm, minus the chaos.

And yes, in more rural or coastal areas, the odd mosquito might make an appearance. It’s not a reason to worry, just a gentle reminder to come prepared so the only thing biting is your first forkful of pasta.

Spain: Golden Light, Late Nights, and Space to Breathe

Spain easily earns its place among the best places to visit in Europe in September. The intense heat of midsummer softens into something far more pleasant, and with fewer tourists around, you can actually hear the flamenco in Seville, wander the Valencian coast at your own pace, or claim your corner of paradise in the Balearic Islands.

It’s the season of second winds: festivals are still happening, beach bars are still open, and locals are finally coming out to enjoy their country again. Whether you’re strolling palm-lined promenades, tucking into tapas in tucked-away plazas, or road-tripping through Andalucía’s hilltop villages, September offers the best of Spain with a little more room to enjoy it.

Mosquitoes can still pop up here and there, especially in greener coastal areas or if you're staying near rivers or wetlands, but nothing that should deter you from soaking up all that sunshine and sangria. A little protection goes a long way.

Portugal: Slow Days, Salty Skin, and Sunset-Tinted Tiles

Portugal in September is effortlessly cool. The beaches of the Algarve are still basking in sunshine, the Atlantic is finally warm enough for long swims, and the clifftop trails are begging to be explored without the scorch of midsummer.

Further north in Alentejo, golden fields stretch into the horizon, interrupted only by cork trees and the occasional whitewashed village where time seems to move a little slower. It’s the kind of place where lunch turns into late afternoon wine, and where your biggest decision is whether to head to the coast or stay inland under the stars.

It’s a time for spontaneity, soft light, and seafood eaten with salty fingers. If you're venturing off the beaten path or staying near still water, mosquitoes might make a brief appearance, but they’re more of a passing nuisance than a deal-breaker.

France: Vineyard Vibes, Rosé Sunsets, and Golden Hours Galore

France consistently ranks among the best places to visit in Europe in September, and for good reason. The summer crowds have drifted home, but the sunshine lingers, bathing everything in a warm, golden glow. In Provence, the markets are still bustling with olives, cheeses, and late-season peaches, while the hills roll gently under the weight of grape harvests. Down on the Côte d’Azur, the sea is calm, the beaches are quieter, and the vibe shifts from flashy to effortlessly chic.

It’s a time for road trips through wine country, slow afternoons on cobbled terraces, and magical evenings where everything feels touched by sunlight and simplicity.

In some southern regions, particularly near water or shaded gardens, the occasional tiger mosquito can make an appearance. They’re hardly a reason to skip the wine and wanderlust, just a reminder that smart packing can make golden hour even more glorious.

Croatia: Adriatic Blues, Island Hopping, and Ancient Alleyways

September in Croatia feels like the summer secret you wish you’d discovered sooner. The chaos of peak season fades away, but the sun still lingers over the Dalmatian Coast, warming cobblestone streets, vine-draped terraces, and crystalline waters that practically beg for a swim.

Wander the historic alleyways of Dubrovnik without weaving through a sea of selfie sticks. Island-hop around Hvar, Korčula, or the quieter Elaphiti islands, where sleepy fishing villages and secluded coves offer the kind of peace that’s hard to come by in July.

It’s a month for slowing down, soaking up golden light, and rediscovering spontaneity, like joining a sunset boat ride just because it feels right.

Occasionally, after rainfall or near still water, you might notice a few mosquitoes hanging about. Nothing major, but a small reminder that even paradise has a few buzzing gatecrashers.

Bonus Destinations: The Underrated Gems Still Serving Summer

Montenegro

Tiny but mighty, Montenegro offers rugged coastline, majestic mountains, and glassy lakes that look like they’ve been Photoshopped. In September, it’s all yours, with warm days, quiet beaches, and a wild, unpolished charm that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon something secret. Just watch out near Lake Skadar or wooded inland areas, where still water means the occasional bite.

Turkey (Aegean Coast)

Turkey in September is all silky sunsets, turquoise bays, and bazaars still buzzing with life. The Aegean Coast is a dream: warm, affordable, and deeply delicious. Whether you’re sailing in Bodrum or relaxing in Fethiye, the heat sticks around, and so can the bugs. It’s nothing dramatic, just worth a little forethought.

Cyprus

With temperatures often hovering around 30°C, Cyprus is still clinging to summer while the rest of Europe slips into autumn. Think golden beaches, historic ruins, and lazy seaside dinners that stretch long into the night. Mosquitoes? They haven’t booked their return flight just yet, so it’s wise to be a step ahead.

Why September Sun Means Mozzies Still Matter

Here’s the thing: every single destination on this list is worth visiting in September. The crowds are gone, the prices are friendlier, and the weather is, dare I say it, perfect. But here’s the plot twist most travel blogs don’t tell you: mosquitoes don’t follow the school calendar.

As long as the days are warm and there’s a bit of standing water (hi, romantic fountains, riverside hotels, and olive groves), mozzies are still on the guest list. And in some places, especially in southern Europe and near nature, they’re surprisingly persistent. I’ve learned the hard way that just because it feels like the end of summer doesn’t mean the biting has stopped.

Now, are mosquitoes a reason to cancel your trip to the Greek Islands or forgo that villa in Puglia? Absolutely not. But they are a reason to be prepared.

Because nothing ruins a sunset glass of wine like a sudden itchy ankle… or that unmistakable high-pitched buzz in your bedroom at 2 a.m.

I once saw a quote that said “If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito in your room”.

My Not-So-Secret Weapon: Why I Always Travel with incognito

I’ve been travelling for years, across jungles, coastlines, mountain villages, and cities where the mozzies come at you like they’ve trained for it. And I’ve tested everything. Creams. Sprays. Those sticky coils that smell like a science lab. Even garlic tablets (don’t ask).

So when I say incognito is the only repellent I pack, I mean it.

Here’s why:

• It actually works. Like, really works.
• It’s DEET-free, so I don’t feel like I’m melting plastic…or my skin.
• It’s made from plant-based PMD (Citrepel 75), which is the only other active ingredient approved by the WHO, CDC, and NHS.
• And, huge bonus, I doesn’t ruin your clothes, or leave you smelling like a chemical experiment.

My Non-Negotiables (They Go in Every Bag)

1. Spray – The MVP. I use this on every inch of exposed skin, especially ankles, shoulders, and behind the knees.
2. Suncream & Repellent Combo – One step instead of two, and it works for hours. Great for beach days.
3. Room Refresher – Forget toxic plug-ins. This freshens your room and keeps mozzies out.
4. Bracelet – Not a magic fix, but great for extra protection, especially when you forget to reapply.

Also Handy, Especially If You're a Magnet Like Me:

• Shampoo & Body Wash – Normal products often attract mosquitoes. This neutralises your scent in the best way.
• Aftersun Moisturiser – Hydrating and keeps you protected if you missed a spot.
• Roll-On – Great for top-ups during the day or if you’re travelling light.
• Zap & Ease – If you’re the kind of person who always misses that one patch (hi, me), this calms the sting instantly.

Final Thoughts: Sunsets, Slow Travel… and Staying Bite-Free

So yes, September is one of the best times to visit Europe. The light is golden, the crowds are gone, and the vibe is finally in tune with slow, meaningful travel. But don’t let your guard down completely.

A single mosquito bite can turn your dream dinner into an itchy, arm-slapping mess. And let’s be honest, nothing kills the romance of a seaside sunset quite like a whiny buzz in your ear.

Luckily, with incognito’s plant-based, DEET-free range of mosquito protection, you don’t have to sacrifice your skin, your scent, or your sustainability standards.

·       Spray before you head out.
Use mozzie-neutral shampoo and bodywash.
Freshen your room without chemicals.
Moisturise and protect your skin, all in one.

Because the best memories in Europe shouldn’t include bites.

Ready to Travel Smart?

Wherever you’re headed this September, be it a vineyard in Sicily, a tucked-away cove in Crete, or a pink-sunset terrace in Portugal, pack your adventure spirit and your incognito. Your skin (and your sleep) will thank you.

Shop the full incognito range [here]
Explore our travel kits, sprays, skincare, and room care, perfect for Europe’s sunniest late summer escapes.

About the Author

Article written by product advocate Bea Meitiner.

Bea is the adventurer behind Bea Adventurous, a travel blog dedicated to helping people explore the world more meaningfully. From solo safaris in Africa to road trips across Europe, she shares practical tips, hidden gems, and the occasional travel mishap, all with a big dose of honesty and humour. A firm believer in deeper, more conscious travel, Bea’s mission is simple: connect more, consume less… and never forget the insect repellent.