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September is a great time for a holiday. With much of Europe still enjoying warm weather (but not too hot), September is the ideal time to get away and make the most of the summer sun. Avoid the school holiday crowds, enjoy far better availability and much cheaper prices.
These five destinations are our best places to travel in September 2024. All of them are just a short-haul flight away, and with no visas required, all you need is your passport. And just in case you don’t have one of those, the first of our best places to travel in September destinations is right here in the British Isles.
Isle of Man
Less than an hour’s flight away, with daily services from London (Heathrow, Gatwick and City) plus 8 other British cities, it’s a wonder that most British travelers have never been to the Isle of Man. Add in magnificent nature, over 10,000 years of history, a unique folk culture, fantastic food and the fact the Isle of Man is essentially its own country.
We’ve got 6 great reasons to make the Isle of Man your September 2024 destination. And if you’re looking for just one more reason, the Isle of Man is the only place you can find the Manx Loaghtan which looks a little too much like a devil sheep for my taste.
The Isle of Man’s capital, Douglas, has a population of just 26,000 people, making it one of the smallest capital cities in the world. Despite its size, Douglas is home to a great selection of hotels to suit all budgets and some excellent restaurants. Don’t miss sampling some of the best Fish & Chips in Britain.
Island highlights include the iconic Manx Electric Railway, the Laxey water wheel (the largest working waterwheel in the world), and Peel Castle. For nature lovers, Groudle Glen is a must. However, if you want to delve into the traditional Manx lifestyle, a visit to Cregneash heritage village has to be on your Isle of Man hit list.
Berlin
Germany’s cosmopolitan capital is the perfect destination at any time of year. With centuries of history, world-class dining and a vibrant nightlife scene, Berlin is city break heaven.
Visiting in September will give you the chance to experience Berlin Beer Week. Running throughout the first week of September, Beer Week is Berlin’s answer to Oktoberfest which is held in Munich. Sample a huge selection of craft brews and take a beer cruise along the River Spree to see the sights.
Along with beer, Berlin is famous for Currywurst. Invented in the city in 1949, it takes the classic German sausage to a whole new level. Served with a curry ketchup, invented by Berliner Herta Heuwer who mixed traditional ketchup with curry powder, and a side of French fries, Currywurst is simple but undeniably delicious. Today, you can even get Halal or vegan variations of the dish.
Don’t miss a trip to Alexanderplatz, home to the World Clock and Fernsehturm, a TV tower with an observation deck. History buffs will rejoice at the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag building and Checkpoint Charlie.
More recent additions to the city’s never-ending list of attractions include the Jewish Museum and Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. They pay homage to the lives taken during one of the most turbulent periods of German, and world, history.
Berlin is one of those cities where you often walk past history without realizing it. To get the most out of your trip, we strongly recommend joining this Berlin city tour.
Less than a two-hour flight from London, you’ll find several daily flights from London and numerous regional airports to Berlin. In case it isn’t yet clear, Berlin is one of the easiest and best places to visit in September.
Athens
The Greek islands are a popular destination for British travelers, and reaching them often involves a stopover in Athens. Whilst the islands are, and always will be, amazing (especially Milos, one of our favorite Greek islands), the Greek capital Athens is a destination in its own right and shouldn’t be overlooked.
At just a four-hour flight from London, Athens is the perfect September destination for British travelers.
Once the capital of the Ancient World, Athens is one of the most culturally significant cities in the world. With top sights including the Acropolis, Parthenon and Ancient Agora, all of which date back over 2,000 years, Athens is a real must-visit for any history lover.
Add in some fascinating museums, including the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture, Athens City Museum and the National History Museum, any trip to Athens will have a packed itinerary. Away from the history books, Athens is great for making the most of the late summer sun in its gorgeous parks, gardens and on its stunning beaches.
What’s more, Athens is a great place to enjoy traditional Greek food. From carb-heavy gyros and pastitsio to Greek salads and moussaka, Greek cuisine is a feast for the tastebuds. Make sure you leave room for some baklava, one of the country’s most famous sweets. That said, Greece and Türkiye have been arguing over who invented it for centuries.
If you are considering a short break to Athens this September, don’t miss our ultimate local’s guide to 3 days in Athens.
Madeira
Dubbed “the pearl of the Atlantic,” Madeira is Portugal’s answer to an island paradise. Sitting almost 700 miles off the Portuguese coast, Madeira is a subtropical delight with stunning beauty and a rich cultural identity.
With white, sandy beaches, crystal-clear water and towering mountains, Madeira is heaven for nature lovers. Its main city, Funchal, is home to the stunning Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption. You’ll also find the fascinating Quinta das Cruzes museum where you can learn more about the island’s culture.
Although you’ll find all the staples of Portuguese cuisine here, Madeira has a rich food heritage of its own. Sample favorites like black scabbardfish, espetada (meat cooked on a wooden skewer) and bolo da caco, a Madeiran bread served with garlic butter.
Under a four-hour flight away, with service from London and all major British airports, Madeira is within easy reach of British travelers. Temperatures hover around the early twenties in September, making Madeira one of the best places to travel in September.
Galway
On Ireland’s west coast, Galway is the gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way. Brimming with Irish culture and famously warm hospitality, Galway is perfect for an Irish getaway. And it’s without the crowds of Dublin or Belfast.
September is a great time to visit Galway as it is when the Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival is held. Celebrating the best in Irish seafood, a visit to the festival offers the chance to sample some of the best and freshest oysters and seafood in Galway.
Away from the food, don’t miss a trip to Salthill, Galway’s relaxed and charming coastal playground. The City Museum is the place to go to learn a little about the city’s history. Best of all, you’re only a short hop to the Cliffs of Moher – easily the highlight of any trip to Ireland.
Easy access from Shannon and Dublin airports make Galway quick and easy to reach. Both have daily cheap flights from London and several other major British airports.
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