'Breath-taking' European city is perfect for a warm and relaxed September break (original) (raw)

September is the start of shoulder season, making it a great time to book a holiday for a fraction of the price. We spoke to some travel influencers who shared their recommendations

This is photo of a viewpoint overlooking one of the lakes in Sete Cidades in The Azores. See PA Feature TRAVEL Shoulder Season. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA feature TRAVEL Shoulder Season.

There are plenty of places in Europe will worth visiting this season

September marks the beginning of shoulder season, which can be a great time book a dream getaway for a fraction of the price of what you might've forked out during the summer.

If you are stuck for ideas of where to go - and you are lucky enough to be able to take the time off during term time - don't fear. These travel influencers have plenty of suggestions about where's best to book right now.

The Azores

For professional adventure photographer Jackson Groves of Journey Era, shoulder season is the perfect time to explore the beauty of The Azores. He believes this cluster of volcanic islands, found in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 1,000km west of the coast of Portugal, is often overlooked but should be on every nature lovers' bucket list.

"This time of year, the Azores offer a serene escape with lush greenery and mild weather, perfect for hiking and exploring," says Groves. "The crowds are thinner compared to the summer months, allowing you to truly connect with the natural beauty of the place."

The adrenaline junkie highly recommends exploring the dramatic landscapes of Sete Cidades, a stunning twin lake set in a massive volcanic crater. "It's the kind of view that makes you feel like you're on another planet," he added. Groves also recommends visiting the hot springs at Caldeira Velha: "Tucked away in a jungle-like setting, it's the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring. For a truly authentic culinary experience, skip the tourist traps and head to local markets or quaint family-run eateries. Try the Cozido das Furnas, a traditional stew cooked underground using volcanic heat."

Ryan from Live The Dash suggests visiting Iceland (

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Jason Groves is a big fan of the Azores (

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Ronda

Lucia Polla from Viva La Vita is smitten with Ronda, a stunning city perched atop a mountain in Spain's Malaga province, especially during the shoulder season. With its breathtaking gorge, charming architecture, and iconic bullring, Ronda offers a wealth of historical splendour.

Polla is captivated by the El Tajo Gorge views, which she says are "breath-taking, no matter the season", but notes that "Ronda is gorgeous in September and October, when the summer crowds have diminished but the weather remains warm. The light during this time accentuates the whitewashed homes and ancient architecture that line the hilltop. It's a lovely city to explore at a more relaxed pace."

Get up early for some Instagram-worthy snaps of the town, which looks particularly stunning in the morning light. And for an unforgettable dining experience, Polla suggests Casa Maria. "They serve fresh, local dishes prepared that day using ingredients from the market," she explains.

Tunisia

Stephanie Parker from Big World Small Pockets has the ultimate tip for thrill-seekers looking for an unforgettable holiday Tunisia. With just a three-hour flight from the UK, Parker was thrilled to find that the North African country was incredibly wallet-friendly.

"There are loads of active adventures you can do, particularly in the north, like kayaking, hiking and cycling. Then in the desert there are some really cool quad bike experiences," Parker said. For those wanting to dodge the tourist traps and have a genuine experience, Parker suggests venturing beyond the well-known resorts.

"I loved Zaghouan. It's a beautiful old traditional town where we stayed in a traditional guest house, ate local food and saw no other tourists. There are also loads of historical UNESCO attractions and very spiritual mosque towns to visit, so it is great for wondering around. You get a great mix of culture, history, outdoor activities as well as that hidden gem element," she said.

The incredible gorge in Ronda (

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Croatia

Meanwhile, Carolin Pilligrath from Breathing Travel recommends island hopping in Croatia for solo travellers seeking a serene autumn escape, steering clear of the crowded spots and discovering the country's lesser-known islands instead.

"While places like Santorini and Vancouver are still popular autumn destinations, I would highly recommend exploring some of these lesser-known treasures. You'll be rewarded with a more authentic and less crowded experience which for me is the true luxury of shoulder season travel," Piligrath said.

Last autumn, she had a fantastic time island hopping around Croatia, describing the weather as "pleasant". She continues: "Croatia's beautiful islands are an absolute delight in the autumn. I had the chance to go island hopping last year and it was such a unique and intimate experience compared to the peak summer crowds. It's the ideal time to truly immerse yourself in the natural beauty and culture. Definitely consider the smaller, lesser-known islands for an even more authentic vibe."

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Iceland

Jade and Ryan, from Live The Dash, encourage everyone to plan a trip to the land of fire and ice. "Many people will wait until November-December to visit Iceland, hoping to see the Northern Lights and to have a traditional winter holiday," say the budget travellers. "However, in September and October, you can still experience the Northern Lights but with fewer crowds and milder weather."

They urge visitors to try the island's ice cream because it's never too chilly for a cone of creamy goodness. "You can't go to Iceland and not have an ice cream," the couple insists. "There is a word in Iceland which translates as ice cream road trip (isbiltur) locals will head to their favourite ice cream shop on the island, get straight back into their cars, and head to a viewpoint or scenic spot to enjoy it."

One destination they particularly enjoyed was Egilsstair, located on the eastern side of Iceland. "It can offer incredible bird's-eye views on a good day and the chance to experience Vok Baths, one of the most special geothermal baths with the option to ice dip in the lake."