Best Countries To Visit In September

September forms a major travel-lust month. Why? Because it becomes an ideal month to visit most places in the world. With the Autumn Equinox (in Northern Hemisphere) falling in this month, the seasons change. The transition of summer to autumn in Northern Hemisphere and winter to spring in Southern Hemisphere make September ideal with good weather, lots of tourist opportunities and a great holiday cheer, even by the locals. While the coastal destinations like Greece and Italy become ideal for beach-relaxation, the landlocked ones like Turkey are cool and dry with clear skies; the isles like Scotland and Ireland boast of some great warm weather while countries like Iceland near the North Pole become ready to shower their wonder of the Northern Lights on the world. 

And hence is produced this longer than usual list of best countries that are well visited in September. From Portugal to Bali, Croatia to Wales, England to Turkey, your itinerary has too many lucrative options to choose from!

Croatia

Situated on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, Croatia is a part of Eastern Europe and is home to a thousand islands and more. It is a major tourist attraction for the Dynamic Alps, the medieval charm of its capital city Zagreb, lots of museums and the Gothic and Renaissance architecture of its coastal cities. September is a great time to visit Croatia as the temperature is on the warmer side and days are long, with 13 hours of sunshine. Some major festivals fall in this month, including the Zagreb Theatre Festival, Outlook Fest (a homeland music festival) and Varazdin Baroque Evenings.

Things to Do: 

You should start your trip by touring the Plitvice Lakes National Park, known for its chain of 16 terraced lakes, waterfalls and limestone canyon. Retreat to Hvar island in the Adriatic Sea, for a relaxed summer weekend, to explore the 13th-century walls, fortresses and Renaissance architecture. You can also go beach-hopping at Dubovica and other inland lavender fields. There is also the island of Vis, just off the Dalmatian Coast, renowned for its beaches, sea caves and Roman ruins. For the history nerd in you, visit Diocletian’s Palace, Catherdral of St. Dominius, Euphrasian Basilica and St. James Cathedral. Don’t forget to go to the Roman Amphitheatre in Pula, dating back to 1st Century. 

How to Reach: 

Croatia’s major International Airports include those in Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik and Pula. From India, you will not get a direct flight to Croatia but many connecting flights are available by carriers like Lufthansa, Air India, Jet Airways, Air France etc. You can also reach Croatia by rail from European cities like Austria, Germany, Greece, Serbia etc. Or you can drive up yourself. Buses are also available for inter-country travel within Europe.

Portugal

The country that made ‘Port’ or Porto Wine a famous commodity world over since the 18th Century and has its borders defined since the early 12th Century, Portugal is Europe’s oldest country. It is home to football fanatics and stadiums, as well as Christiano Ronaldo. A visit to this country is bound to be a mix of history, architecture, beaches, churches and of course, FOOTBALL. September marks the end of summer in Portugal and hence ensures amiable climate, with 22°C average day temperature, the lowest being 17°C at nights.

Things to Do:

Venture into Lisbon for some centuries-old trams, the heritage walks down Baixa district, and the opulence of the city centre. In Porto, see the Douro river divide the city, explore the seaside suburbs right out of the renaissance era, and traipse in and out of a burgeoning collection of contemporary cafes, restaurants and bars. Do take a mouthful of Portugal’s national drink - Port. Harry Potter fans, do visit Livraria Lello bookstore, inspired by Hogwarts.

Spend a weekend at Madeira Island, visit the Estádio Municipal de Braga stadium that is carved out of a rock and Fado Bars, playing the traditional Portugal music called ‘fado’ or fate. 

How to Reach: 

Lisbon, Portela and Humberto Delgado form some of the main International Airports in Portugal. When travelling from India, you can catch a direct flight to Portugal from Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore or Goa. The major airlines operating on this route include Air France, British Airways, Air India and Jet Airways among others. European countries like Spain and France run regular buses to Portugal, namely, ALSA and Auto Res. Ditto for rail networks. Or you can hire a cab. 

Greece

One of the oldest civilisations and home to the tales of Greek Gods, this is a country that is often referred to as the cradle of Western civilisation. With Athens as its capital, Greece still preserves iconic landmarks and monuments, even ruins that date back to 5th Century BC. A visit to Greece is best timed in the month of September as the temperatures are amiable and the sun is golden. The Mediterranean sea is azure and everything seems perfectly pressed to give you the holiday of your dreams. 24°C is the average day temperature in Athens with a drop to 19°C by night.

Things to Do: 

You would mostly be landing in Athens, the Greek capital and hence it is best to explore some iconic sights here like the National Archaeological Museum, Parthenon and the Acropolis. You can spend some time on the island of Santorini, soaking in picture perfect vistas with the white-washed houses for backdrop. Or explore the island of Mykonos. You can also take a stroll down Europe’s oldest city, Knossos of Crete. Go to Olympia in Peloponnese for the famous archeological site by the same name, visit Thessaloniki for the best nightlife in Greece. You must also trek up the mountain of Gods, Mt. Olympus in Macedonia, if not for the thrill of hiking then for the sheer rush of being a part of the legendary greek mythology.  

How to Reach:

The main airport of Greece is located in Athens and is called the Elefthérios Venizélos International Airport. Air France, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Jet Airways, Gulf Air, Aeroflot etc ply regular flights from India to Athens. Many ferries and cruises also ply to the coast of Greece and its islands, like the ones from the Italian ports of Bari, Trieste and Venice. Or from Cyprus, Israel and Turkey. Buses as well as trains also run from major European counties.

England

The country that gave the world Shakespeare and Magna Carta, David Beckham and Benedict Cumberbatch, England is a marvel of rich history, wonderful cities and quiet moors. The month of September becomes a boon in terms of mild sunshine, dry weather and overall trailing of summer warmth. The average temperature is 16°C and the possibility of showers is much lower than usual. There are also some major fun festivals this time of the year, like the Nordic Walks in Yorkshire, Sense and Sensibility Festival dedicated to Jane Austen in the city of Bath (Somerset) and the Tour of Britain in Cotswold.

Things to Do:

Explore London to the fullest with the Big Ben, London Bridge, Thames, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Palace of Westminster, Windsor Castle, Madam Tussaud and Stonehenge among other attractions. Take a tour of Statford Upon Avon to see William Shakespeare’s birthplace, tour the museum and maybe sit for a small presentation about this renowned playwright. Other good cities to explore are Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Bristol and the university centres of Oxford and Cambridge. 

You can also take a road trip down the hamlets of Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire. Yorkshire is another beautiful tranquil getaway if you just want to book a Bed & Breakfast and loll around in bed after hours of evening walks and teas by the stream. 

How to Reach: 

London being one of the top cities and business hubs of the world, is well equipped with International and Domestic airports; Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted being the most important ones. You can opt for any of the following airlines for a direct flight from India to London - Air India, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Jet Airways. You can also take the ferry from France across the English Channel or the train. While in London, public transport like the underground tube and buses are a cheaper way to travel instead of taking cabs (black cabs are filthy expensive). For short distances you can walk it off if the weather is dry.

Italy

Italy’s farmer’s pie ‘Pizza’ and the humble ‘Pasta’ have been known worldwide in street as well as gourmet cooking. What is surprising about this small European country is its natural beauty that is coupled with a deep love for art and architecture that is steeped in history. September is the best time to explore the country and its many breath-taking cities in bright sunlight, mild temperatures, and enjoy classic handmade pastas and sauces as well as savour the different wines. 

Things to Do:

Roam in Rome. A cliche statement, but charming nonetheless; a vacation in Italy must naturally begin with touring its capital. Check out the Colosseum and Trevi fountain in Rome, lunch at one of the many corner cafes, lick gelato while treading the cobbled roads of Rome and visit the Vatican City too. For a rundown in history and renaissance, you must head to Florence, the home of Leonardo Da Vinci. The city is filled with artefacts, sculptures of David, the Duomo and the Uffizi Gallery. Go to Venice, the city of canals, for Gondola rides and Milan to see the latest fashion trends of Italy. Check out the Leaning Tower of Pisa, spend an idyllic day or two at the lyrical ‘Isle of Capri.’ Sicily is another great island to visit, as is the Amalfi coast. 

How to Reach:

Rome, Florence, Pisa, Milan and Sicily all boast of International airports. When taking a flight from India, you have options of direct as well as stopover flights from Mumbai, Delhi etc. Air India, Lufthansa, Emirates and British Airways are some of the regular aircraft carriers plying these routes. Venice, Ancona, Bari and Brindisi are major ports where ferries and cruises dock and you can also catch ferries to travel to islands like Sicily or Sardinia. Italo Rail or Euro Rail connect Italy to most other European countries and the roads are also a good bet.

Ireland

Famous for giving the world W. B. Yeats, Oscar Wilde, Guinness beer, Celtic rituals, elves and oh, omens; Ireland is a land of many mysteries. It is lovingly called the emerald Isle for its dark green meadows and is dotted with many a ruins and castles. During the month of September, Ireland becomes cool and almost sunny. With 9-13°C range, bright seas and cool lands, Ireland becomes ready to be explored. Festivals like Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival in County Clare, Oktoberfest (for beer lovers) in Dublin and Dingle Food Fest in Cork are some enjoyable ones. 

Things to Do:

Explore the hustle and bustle of cities like Dublin, Cork, and Galway. When done with all the contemporary life of bars, pubs, restaurants, museums and hotels, head out to the desolate isles and glaciers that fringe Ireland. Visit castles like the Cahir Castle, roll down emerald meadows, catch sight of seals that are said to be good omens of faeries and take a cruise down river Shannon. There are some amazing cliffs to ‘hang out’ at, like the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare. Explore County Kerry, Skelling Islands, Dingle Peninsula, and the Guinness Storehouse to see firsthand how the famous Irish beer is brewed. There is also the Ring of Kerry that must be undertaken on a leisurely drive to witness the historical landmarks and sceneries of Ireland. Finally, the mighty Dublin Castle mustn’t be missed.

How to Reach:

Ireland has 4 international airports - Dublin, Shannon, Cork and Ireland West. When coming in from India, you can take one of the direct flights from Delhi or via Dubai/ Abu Dhabi. Mumbai also plies regular flights with aircraft carriers like Etihad, Jet Airways, Air India, Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines. If travelling by road from England or any other European country you have Bus Eireann, Ulsterbus and Eurolines for bus services. Irish Rail and Northern Ireland Railways connect all of Ireland to train services in the Great Britain. You can also reach Ireland by ferry services from France, Great Britain and Wales.

Scotland

Scotland is part of the United Kingdom since the bloody battle of Culloden of 1746. Although home to some very chic and contemporary cites like Edinburgh, Inverness and Glasgow, Scotland is still known as the country of highlanders, those handsome viking-like warriors that wore kilts. September here marks the start of autumn and warm, sunny days trail into cool ones, with temperature ranging from 15 to 17°C. The Edinburgh Antiques Collection Fair, Pitlochry Highlands Games and the Largs Viking Festival make this month quite interesting. 

Things to Do:

You can explore Cairngorms and Northwest Highlands, Loch Ness and its story of the Loch Ness monster, Loch Lomond and the beautiful Isle of Skye. For a haunting history of those Jacobites that were martyred in the bloody battle of Culloden, spend an afternoon at the Culloden moor. The museum is also a reminder of Scottish bravery and the misery that befell their culture after the Battle of Culloden. For some major castle and city tours, explore the cities of Glasgow, Inverness and drink some great Whiskey that is patent of this region. You must also visit the Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh castle and shop at Princess Street in Edinburgh. The famous Netflix show Outlander, that has been shot in Scotland, is still being filmed; hence don’t miss the specially arranged Outlander Tour of all the locations they shoot at.

How to Reach: 

Some major Scottish airports include the Aberdeen International Airport, Glasgow International Airport, Edinburgh Airport, Glasgow Prestwick International Airport, Inverness and Dundee Airport. There are no direct flights from India to Scotland, however, you can take a stopover flight from Mumbai to Edinburgh. Air India and British Airways are two major carriers from Mumbai to Edinburgh. National Express bus service runs regular buses between Scotland and other cites of UK and National Rail System is the integrated Scottish and Great Britain rail system. One of the best ways though is to hire a car and drive up to Scotland from London.

Wales

Wales is a stunning country in the southwest of Great Britain. It has been known for the flourishing of the Great Industrial Revolution in Britain and the coal and miners’ industry boom in the late 18th and early 19th century. Wales is also a country of hauntingly beautiful rugged coastline, tall mountains, a distinctive Welsh language and Celtic culture. September becomes of the greatest times to visit Wales, not the least for its trailing end of summer. Wales celebrates a string of summer festivals. From the Gladfest to Ironman Wales to the Goodlife Experience, you will be spoilt for choice. 

Things to Do:

Attend the said festivals, tour the cities of Wales, hike its country-side and feel like you are living in the novels of Poldark. Cardiff is a refined city on Welsh coast, abound with medieval castles, gothic architecture, modern buildings and a burgeoning nightlife. You can also visit the Snowdonia National Park, suffused with lakes, hiking trails and a railway line that takes you up to the peak that is called Snowdon. The Conwy castle and Cardiff Castle are also worth exploring. Beaumaris Castle is often referred to as Britain’s most technically perfect castle and deserves many accolades. Also must-visit is the Big Pit National Coal Museum. It also houses an actual working coal mine. Pembrokeshire, Anglesey and the walled town of Conwy make for some amazing getaways as well. 

How to Reach:

There are no direct flights to Wales from India but one-stop and two-stop flights from Mumbai to Cardiff, with stopovers in the Gulf or a European country. The best way to travel to Wales however is taking a flight out to London and then catching a domestic flight to Cardiff International Airport or taking a bus/ train/ hiring a car for a road trip down to Wales. The gushing waterfalls, expanses of meadows and dots of ruins make for one amazing experience while riding the train.

Switzerland

The country of lakes and snow-capped mountains, Switzerland is renowned worldwide for its cheeses, chocolates, 'banks' and breath-taking sceneries. It is a mountainous region in Central Europe and is home to the imposing Alps and many many amazing lakes. The country sees very cold winters and mildly warm summers, with September seeing the last of the summery heat. You can except mild days and cool nights, with dry climate for a great outdoorsy holiday.  

Things to Do:

Visit the many cities of Switzerland, including Zurich, Basel, Geneva, and the capital Bern. Lucerne’s Wooden chapel bridge and Bern’s Zytglogge clock tower are some famous tourist spots. Explore Interlaken, visit the great Mt. Titlis and don’t miss the famous adventurous Titlis walk. Paddle boarding in Lake Geneva and rides at Rhine falls are also adrenaline-inducing, as is admiring the beauty of Chillon Castle and cable car rides across Matterhorn (Zermatt). Imbibe the magnanimous views and thrilling cable car rides at Pilatus, go paragliding and skiing at Jungfrau and enjoy some quiet time at Lake Lucerne. Eat Swiss chocolates and loads of cheese dishes to your heart's content and pick up your favourite watch from the many Swiss watch brands.

How to Reach: 

You can fly into Zurich, Geneva, or Basel airports from almost anywhere in the world, including India (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore). Jet Airways, Oman Air, Air India, Emirates and British Airways run regular direct and connecting flights from India. For internal transport, Switzerland is very well-connected by trains, across all of Europe. You can also hire cars or take domestic flights.

France

Cradling the fashion capital of the world, as well as some pretty exotic food and ‘dames,’ France is a small country in western Europe that has been reckoned as a power in Europe since time immemorial. It is home to the iconic Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum and the Palace of Versailles. If these aren’t your idea of a superb vacation for September, then what can be? Because in this autumn month, the country becomes extremely sunny and vibrant with colours and love. With an average temperature of 15°C, France becomes most suited for all the outdoorsy fun that you are looking forward to. 

Things to Do:

From walking down the cobbled streets of quaint medieval villages to partying it up in Paris, from walking past some of the best brands on the streets of Nice and Paris to touring tourist spots like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum and Notre Dame, your days will be filled with sunshine and happiness here. Go for some wine tastings in the French Alps or Burgundy, explore Lascaux’s ancient drawings, there is Lyon’s Roman theatre and the imposing Palace of Versailles for those that love history. Nice is another great destination for its pebbled beaches and long stretches of walks, with great French cuisine on offer and sights that take your breath away. Also, do visit the French Riviera including Cannes, Saint Tropez and Monaco, to relax in the lap of nature and luxury. For some retro love, head to Moulin Rouge, which is a 19th Century cabaret. 

Disneyland of Paris is another coveted spot to spend a day, as is a two-day trip down to Corsica (Tin Tin fans, Tamasha fans, yes, this is THAT Corsica!).

How to Reach:

The two major international airports of France are in Paris and the other in Orly (south of Paris). Air India, Gulf Air, Jet Airways, Air France, British Airways and Singapore Airlines operate direct and indirect flights to France from New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai etc. For waterways, you will need to reach England and then take a boat or ferry across the English channel (from Calais to Dover). The Eurostar connects France to various European cities via rail, while you can also choose to hire a car or take a bus. 

Turkey

The country of Turkey is a beautiful amalgamation of eastern as well as western culture. Why wouldn’t it be? After all, it straddles the two continents of Asia and Europe, becoming a confluence of the two ways of life. With its cultural connections going back centuries to Greece, Rome, Persia, Syria and the Byzantine, Turkey is what once was called the ‘Ottoman Empire.’ Today Turkey makes for one beautiful paradise that nature has blessed with bounty. The month of September marks the beginning of autumn in Turkey and hence tourist influx. With rains almost receded and 8 hours of sunshine, the temperature range is 20-31°C.

Things to Do:

Do visit the 17th century blue mosque of Hagia Sophia which has huge domes and Christian mosaic in Istanbul. There is also the Topkapı Palace, the former home of sultans of Turkey and the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. Also, do make it a point to drive across the Bosphorus strait that slices Istanbul into two. There are also grand bazars in the old market and Spice bazar that sells exotic spices, dried fruits, jewellery, souvenirs and the famous Turkish ‘Kahve’ or coffee. Also visit Ankara Castle and Pamukkale town (renowned for its mineral-rich thermal waters on white terraces). Also worth exploring are Hierapolis, an ancient Roman spa city, Cappadocia and the rugged region of Mardin. Also, wherever you are in Turkey, don’t forget to treat yourself to their special ice-cream called dondurma. 

How to Reach: 

Turkey has two main International airports, namely, Istanbul's Atatürk International Airport and Ankara's Esenboğa Airport. Non-stop fights from Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore ply to Turkey, Emirates being a major player. You can also drive into Turkey from many European nations including France, Germany, Italy, Greece etc. While internally, there are buses and domestic flights, as well as cars, taxis, ferries and boats for travel. 

Bali

Bali is a scenic Indonesian island, known worldwide for its forested volcanic mountains, rolls of rice paddies, pristine leisure beaches and coral reefs. The month of September sees the gradual trailing end of dry season and 26°C average temperature. Rainfall is low, at 40mm. That means, you have all the beautiful beaches, long stretches of sands and water sports at your disposal, not to forget the brilliant vistas that become perfect picnic spots on days that are dry or with light drizzle. 

Things to Do:

The seaside city of Kuta with its popular beaches is known for cheery bars. You can also relish the 'luxury-living' in towns like Sanur, Nusa Dua and Seminyak. There are also many a temples in Bali, with its rich heritage of Hinduism as well as Islam. Tanah Lot is believed to be the island's most iconic temple, perched on top of a huge boulder, surrounded by the aqua sea. You can also visit Uluwatu, one of Bali's most important sea temples, located atop a cliff edge in the southwestern Bukit peninsula. Besakih Temple, also called as the 'mother temple' is perched on the slopes of Mount Agung and is the largest of all Balinese temples. It is dedicated to Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu.

For a vista of endless roll of paddy and rice fields, head to Ubud. You can also stop at Ubud Monkey Forest nearby for Bali’s grey long-tailed macaque. Also worth exploring are sights like Mount Batur and the Caldera Lake, home to volcanic eruptions. The Bali Safari & Marine Park is also one of the most coveted tourist places here and Bali’s largest animal theme park.

How to Reach:

Ngurah Rai International Airport is the main International Airport in Bali. India has a lot of direct as well as connecting flights to Bali from cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore etc. Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Air Asia, Cathay Pacific, Garuda Indonesia, Malaysian Airlines are some regular players. For waterways, the best way is to take a cruise or ferry from Singapore or Malaysia. Or you can drive from Malaysia or Papua New Guinea.

Iceland

Iceland, a Nordic island nation, is a brilliant manifestation of the paradox ‘fire and ice.’ 

With its dramatic landscape sheathed in ice and volcanoes that spew hot Lava every now and then, it is a real wonder. It also boasts of a string of geysers, hot springs and lava fields. Most of the population of Iceland resides in the capital city of Reykjavik, which, surprisingly, completely runs on geothermal power and is home to the National and Saga museums. During September, Iceland is still in thrall of a waning summer and hence the temperatures are quite warm with less crowds. Average temperature is 8°C and a day is general 14 hours long. This becomes the idea time to see the Northern Lights.

Things to Do:

Vatnajökull and Snæfellsjökull national parks form two protected areas for glaciers. After the autumn equinox (20th September), you have better chances of spotting the Northern Lights. You will be lucky if you spot them in the capital city of Reykjavik, although a better and more sure-shot option is to travel to Seltjarnarnes, where there is less city light and no pollution. You can also check out the animals on Puffin Island (Akurey and Lundey), only half a mile away from Reykjavik. They have the most gorgeous, cute, cuddly colonies of Puffins. Go hiking by the Dynjandi Waterfall, spend a day on Rauðasandur Beach and also go swimming in the Blue Lagoon. It is a geothermal spa, rich in silica and other minerals, known to treat a range of skin disorders.

Last but not the least, visit the Viking World to see a replica of a Viking ship, salvaged from 9th century. It is called the Icelander, and its claim to fame is the voyage it undertook sailing across the Atlantic in 2000. 

How to Reach:

Iceland is well connected via air, Keflavik International Airport being a major terminal. Iceland Air and Iceland Express are two of the most popular airlines operating across the country. You can take one-stop fights from Mumbai, New Delhi and Bangalore to Iceland or the other better way is to travel to London and then take a direct flight to Keflavik. Waterways are now well developed to Iceland but airway is the most preferred mode of transport.