School holidays are over and the madness of the departure lounges has faded out making September the ideal month to explore some of Europe’s finest destinations; from hidden bays and beautiful beaches to cities with historic charm or a cosmopolitan vibe. Read on to discover The Luxury Editor’s best places to go on holiday in September.
Ibiza, Spain
Best for: Hidden bays and beautiful beaches
Hailed by many as Europe’s nightlife capital, the stunning Balearic island of Ibiza is the perfect destination for partygoers and there’s no better time to visit than September, which plays hosts to the best closing parties. However, venture off the beaten track a little and you will find that the ‘White Island’ also boasts a wealth of charming pebble beaches and secluded coves, making it ideal for a romantic getaway. The internationally acclaimed nightclubs and DJs of Ibiza Town and Sant Antoni will seem a world away as you settle into one of the island’s spectacular beach restaurants and look on in awe as the sun sets on this idyllic Mediterranean paradise. And if the sea proves too enticing, September is the best time to go scuba diving – expect to see a stunning array of flora, fauna and wildlife, including dolphins, barracudas and turtles.
Our favourite hotels:
Best for sleek sophistication and superb spa – Ca Na Xica
Best for contemporary attention to detail – Bless Hotel
Best for peace, tranquillity and privacy – Can Lluc
Read our Eat Do Sleep Ibiza Guide
Read our Best Luxury hotels in Ibiza Guide
Palma, Mallorca
Best for: Historic charm
With cooler temperatures and fewer tourists than during the peak summer months, September is the perfect time to visit the cultural melting pot of Palma, Mallorca’s capital. As you wander through the enchanting labyrinth of cobbled streets in the Old Town, the city’s rich historical heritage is immediately apparent in the fusion of architecture created by the plethora of invading forces over the past millennium. The highlight is the breath-taking La Seu Cathedral, a gothic masterpiece that dominates the city’s skyline from its perch overlooking the Mediterranean. Foodies amongst you will be spoilt for choice in Palma – the city is host to seven Michelin-starred restaurants, whilst the bustling Mercat De L’Olivar offers a vibrant selection of the highest quality fresh produce.
Our favourite hotels:
Best for decadent romanticism – Can Bordoy
Best for design led rooftop retreat – El Llorenc Parc de la Mar
Best for breakfast by the sea – Boutique Hotel Calatrava
Read our Eat Do Sleep Palma Guide
Read our Best Luxury Hotels in Palma Guide
Rhodes, Greece
Best for: Island escape
The Greek island of Rhodes is eternally enshrined in the history books as the site of the Colossus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Thousands of years later it has lost none of its appeal, having firmly established itself as one of the leading destinations for an island getaway. Sheltered from the notoriously strong winds, the island’s east coast is brimming with a blend of hidden coves and pebbly and sandy beaches where you can relax at one of the many upmarket tavernas or take a dip in the glistening Aegean Sea. Fancy something more adventurous? You would be hard pushed to find a better location for wind and kite surfing than Rhodes’ south coast anywhere in the world and September is in the middle of the season. Although there are no longer any traces of the Colossus, Rhodes is by no means bereft of cultural interest. UNESCO awarded the island’s Old Town the prestigious accolade of ‘World Heritage Site’ in 1988 and, as the world’s oldest inhabited medieval town, it is certainly worth a visit.
Read our guide to the best luxury hotels in Rhodes
Our favourite hotels:
Best for beachfront luxury – Elysium Rhodes Resort and Spa
Best for private luxury – Amathus Elite Suites
Best for relaxation and rejuvenation – Lindos Blu Hotel & Suites
Algarve, Portugal
Best for: Golf breaks
Located on Portugal’s southern coast, the Algarve is a golfer’s paradise. It is no surprise that many of the sport’s leading professionals use the region as an annual training base, given its unique synthesis of a beautiful, sun-kissed coastline and some of the world’s most highly regarded golf courses. If you want to play like the pros, the Dom Pedro Victoria Golf course is a must: designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, this luscious 18-hole course hosts the European Tour’s Portugal Masters event, which has been won by the likes of Lee Westwood and Pádraig Harrington in recent years. After a day on the fairways and greens, why not indulge in the best of Portuguese cuisine? Its location on the Atlantic’s doorstep means the Algarve produces some of the best freshly caught fish you will find in Europe, whilst the region also has a rich wine-producing history, ensuring your time away from the golf is as pleasurable as your time on the course. With temperatures around 30°C and fewer tourists than July and August, September is the best time to book your trip.
Our favourite hotels:
Best for active families – Pine Cliffs Resort
Best for a tranquil retreat – Anantara Vilamoura
Best for space, swimming pools and spa – Vilalara Longevity Thalassa & Medical Spa
Read our guide to the Best Luxury Hotels In The Algarve
London, United Kingdom
Best for: City breaks
With 69 Michelin-starred restaurants, four UNESCO world heritage sites and some of the world’s most iconic tourist destinations, including Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, to its name, it is of little surprise that London is Europe’s most visited destination. A veritable cultural hub, the city is brimming with world-class events throughout the year, but September is one of the best months to visit, due in no small part to Proms in the Park, a quintessential celebration of British culture that draws the Proms, an eight-week programme of orchestral classical music, to a close. September will also see the world of fashion descend on London’s Strand, as the London Fashion Week comes to town. This prestigious event is considered one of the world’s ‘Big Four’ fashion weeks, alongside Paris, Milan and New York, and features a mixture of established and up-and-coming designers attempting to make a splash in the industry.
Our favourite hotels:
Best for art deco and 20’s period furnishings – The Wellesley Knightsbridge
Best for ultra-hip luxury – W London
Best for authentic London luxury and charm – Dukes London
Read our Eat Do Sleep London Guide
Read our guide to the Best Luxury Hotels In London