Where to go on holiday in September

Relax in Los Roques islands off Venezeula

Creative Commons / Marcio Cabral de Moura

Best September holidays for... beaches

Short haul: Cyclades islands, Greece

As the European summer draws to a close, life’s still hot on Greece’s Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea. The volcanic sands of Karmari beach on Santorini glitter under temperatures of 24°C (75°F). The island is the ancient site of a volcanic explosion, with steep red and black rocks overlooking a sunken lagoon. White-washed villages cling on to the rocks like gems, with traditional Oia renowned as a location for romantic meals under a fiery sunset. The dazzling white rock pool of Papafragas beach on Milos is a unique place to cool off, in waters of shifting evervescant colour. Outdoor parties keep the temperature rising on Mykonos, with Paradise beach drawing a young, high-octane crowd. As the season winds down you’ll find more space for dancing on the beach, with bars open until sunrise.

Long haul: Los Roques, Venezuela

A necklace of pristine Caribbean islands lay waiting to be discovered 137km (85 miles) from Venezuela’s mainland, Los Roques offers only one inhabited island, El Gran Roque. There’s plenty of relaxation and little distraction to be found wandering its sandy alleys, dining on Italian-influenced cuisine and sleeping in stucco inns. But you’ll be itching to hire a catamaran and sail off to one of the area’s many isolated islands like Rancisqu or Crasqui. Take umbrellas, chairs and a drinks icebox because once on dry land there’s only miles of flat, powdery sand, crystalline waters and sunshine temperatures of 28°C (82°F). Protected coral lagoons invite swimming and scuba diving while breezy winds and calm waters are perfect for windsurfing and kiteboarding.

Best September holidays for... cities

Short haul: Munich, Germany

A brew of cosmopolitan living, Bavarian tradition, Gothic architecture, and surrounding alpine beauty. There’s always plenty to soak up in Munich but it’s at its boozy best in sunny mid-September. Oktoberfest’s beer tents take over the Theriesenwiese, packed with high-spirited punters guzzling from overflowing steins as oompah bands play on. If you’ve had your fill in the popular Hofbräu-Festzelt beer hall, head to the cobble-stoned Marienplatz. The Old Town’s central square is within walking distance of many attractions, including the enchanting wooden figures of the famous Glockenspiel, and Liebfrauenkirche cathedral. For an insight into modern German art head to the Pinakothek der Moderne, or find high fashion in Residenzstrasse’s boutiques. If the weather holds, the banks of the River Isar in the Englischer Garten are the perfect place to enjoy local delicacies bought from the Viktualienmarkt.

Long haul: Seattle, USA

It may be known as Rain City but Seattle is a lightning rod for musicians and artists. During one weekend in September, the Bumbershot Arts Festival takes place, with over 15,000 visitors checking out groundbreaking art and performances of all genres. The city’s damp temperatures and watery vistas provide the perfect moody backdrop for creative thinkers. Its early 90s grunge hay day may be over but the indie music scene is thriving with live music clubs and new bands to discover most nights of the week. Pike Place Market overlooking Elliot Bay is bustling place for coffee and shopping with pavement cafés, bars, restaurants, and galleries. For another view of the city, take a boat trip around Lake Union or explore the historic buildings of Pioneer Square on a streetcar tour.

Best September holidays for ... outdoors

Short haul: High Tatras, Slovakia

Slovak Tatra Mountains
Creative Commons / daniela.bartosovao

The high peaks rise up to 2,600m (8,530ft) in this part of the Carpathian Mountains in Slovakia. During peak winter season they’ll be abuzz with downhill and cross country skiers. Right now they’re perfect for guided mountain climbing and bear tracking. There are less people on the trails, the air is fresh from soft rains and the forests and meadows are lush with vegetation. Hiking trails can vary from gentle to thrilling – some cliffs can only be passed using chains and footbridges. Around 50 brown bears dwell in the area, along with wolves, red roe deer and the Eurasion lynx. Accommodation is easier to find at this time with resorts in the gateway town of Poprad, or holiday cottages and chalets up in the hills. Weary limbs can be revived in one the spa resorts in Vysoke Tatry.

Long haul: Walker Bay, South Africa

Southern right whales spectacle in South Africa
Creative Commons / nestor galina

A fantastic spectacle takes place this month, overlooked by thousands of people on cliff tops above Walker Bay in South Africa. Around 100 southern right whales converge, leaping out of the water and playing together in the water. This patch of coast is their chosen place to calve each year, and the town of Hermanus holds a celebratory festival. There are boat-based watching safaris and family activities onshore. Fernkloof Nature Reserve lies above the town just waiting to be explored. There are over 60km (37 miles) of walking trails including the Cliff Path nature area with views across the bay, and Mossel River Valley. After a hard day’s hiking, reward yourself with a well-earned glass of the area’s famous dry white wine.