September offers perfect conditions for beach lovers seeking fewer crowds and ideal weather. The Mediterranean comes alive with destinations like Greece, Croatia, Spain, and Italy providing warm waters and golden sunshine. Turkey, Cyprus, Malta, Portugal, Morocco, and Egypt round out the perfect coastal escapes.
Keep reading as we uncover the best beaches to visit in September that combine perfect weather, fewer tourists, and unforgettable experiences.
List of Contents
- 1. Navagio Beach, Greece: Shipwreck Paradise
- 2. Zlatni Rat, Croatia: The Golden Horn
- 3. Cala Comte, Spain: Ibiza's Hidden Gem
- 4. Cinque Terre Beaches, Italy: Cliffside Charm
- 5. Kaputaş Beach, Turkey: Turquoise Perfection
- 6. Nissi Beach, Cyprus: All-Day Paradise
- 7. Golden Bay, Malta: Dramatic Coastline
- 8. Praia da Marinha, Portugal: Limestone Wonderland
- 9. Legzira Beach, Morocco: Red Arch Spectacle
- 10. Ras Um Sid, Egypt: Red Sea Paradise
Navagio Beach sits on Zakynthos island, accessible only by boat. The white limestone cliffs frame turquoise waters so clear you can see the shipwreck resting on the sand below.
I arrived at sunrise one September morning when the beach was empty except for the rusted remains of the Panagiotis. The silence was broken only by waves gently lapping against the bow. That moment made me understand why Greeks call this place “heaven on earth.”
The water temperature hovers around 24°C in September—perfect for swimming without the August crowds.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: June-August
- How to get there: Boat tours from Porto Vromi or Zakynthos Town
- Entry fee: None
- Suggested stay: 2-3 days in Zakynthos
- Nearby spots: Blue Caves, Turtle Beach, Zakynthos Town
2. Zlatni Rat, Croatia: The Golden Horn
This unique beach on Brač island changes shape with wind and tide. The white pebble spit extends into the Adriatic like a finger pointing toward Hvar island.
Croatian locals told me the secret: visit at 4 PM when afternoon light turns the pebbles golden and windsurfers catch the thermal winds. September brings reliable breezes perfect for water sports.
The beach offers both calm and active sides—choose your adventure.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: July-August
- How to get there: Ferry to Bol from Split, then 20-minute walk
- Entry fee: None
- Suggested stay: 2-4 days
- Nearby spots: Bol Marina, Vidova Gora viewpoint, Supetar
3. Cala Comte, Spain: Ibiza's Hidden Gem
Cala Comte faces west on Ibiza's quieter coast. Three small beaches connect at low tide, creating tide pools perfect for exploring.
The sunsets here rival any Caribbean destination. I watched families from Madrid teaching their children to snorkel in the shallow coves while couples from Barcelona shared bottles of local wine on the rocks above.
September means warm water, clear skies, and space to breathe.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: June-August
- How to get there: Bus or taxi from Ibiza Town (30 minutes)
- Entry fee: None
- Suggested stay: 3-5 days in western Ibiza
- Nearby spots: Es Vedra viewpoint, San Antonio, Cala Bassa
4. Cinque Terre Beaches, Italy: Cliffside Charm
Five villages cling to Italy's Ligurian coast, each offering unique beach experiences. Monterosso has the largest sandy beach, while Vernazza offers a small harbor perfect for diving.
Local fishermen in Riomaggiore taught me to spot the best swimming spots—look for areas where locals hang their towels on the rocks. September brings calm seas and perfect visibility for underwater exploring.
The hiking trails between villages provide stunning coastal views between beach sessions.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: June-August
- How to get there: Train from La Spezia to any of the five villages
- Entry fee: Cinque Terre Card required for trails
- Suggested stay: 3-4 days
- Nearby spots: Portovenere, La Spezia, Lerici
5. Kaputaş Beach, Turkey: Turquoise Perfection
A narrow staircase carved into cliffs leads down to this 200-meter stretch of white sand. The beach sits between Kaş and Kalkan on Turkey's Mediterranean coast.
Turkish families from Ankara arrive early morning to claim spots under the natural shade of the canyon walls. The water here reaches 26°C in September—warmer than most European destinations.
Come prepared for the 187-step climb back up, but the crystal-clear water makes every step worthwhile.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: July-August
- How to get there: Drive or take minibus between Kaş and Kalkan
- Entry fee: None
- Suggested stay: 2-3 days in Kaş or Kalkan
- Nearby spots: Patara Beach, Kaş harbor, Kalkan old town
6. Nissi Beach, Cyprus: All-Day Paradise
This Blue Flag beach in Ayia Napa combines soft white sand with shallow, warm waters. A small island sits 100 meters offshore, reachable by walking through knee-deep water.
Cypriot locals avoid July and August heat, returning in September when temperatures drop to comfortable levels. The beach clubs operate with smaller crowds, making it easier to find prime spots.
The water stays warm through October, extending swimming season long after northern Europe turns cold.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: June-August
- How to get there: Bus or taxi from Larnaca Airport (45 minutes)
- Entry fee: None
- Suggested stay: 4-5 days in Ayia Napa
- Nearby spots: Cape Greco, Famagusta, Larnaca Salt Lake
7. Golden Bay, Malta: Dramatic Coastline
Malta's largest sandy beach sits below dramatic cliffs on the island's northwest coast. The beach faces west, creating spectacular sunset viewing conditions.
I met a Maltese grandmother who told me her secret: September brings the clearest water of the year after summer storms settle the sediment. The beach becomes a local favorite again as tourists head home.
Rocky platforms on both sides provide excellent snorkeling opportunities in calm conditions.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: June-August
- How to get there: Bus 44 from Valletta or rental car
- Entry fee: None
- Suggested stay: 3-4 days in northwestern Malta
- Nearby spots: Għajn Tuffieħa Bay, Mdina, Rabat
8. Praia da Marinha, Portugal: Limestone Wonderland
Double-arched limestone formations frame this Algarve beach consistently ranked among Europe's most beautiful. Golden cliffs contrast with emerald waters in a setting that inspired countless postcards.
Portuguese surfers from Lisbon told me September offers the perfect combination—warm water for swimming and occasional swells for surfing. The summer crowds thin out, leaving more space to appreciate the natural architecture.
Arrive early to claim spots in the shade of the limestone arches.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: July-August
- How to get there: Drive from Lagoa (15 minutes) or Albufeira (20 minutes)
- Entry fee: None
- Suggested stay: 3-5 days in central Algarve
- Nearby spots: Benagil Cave, Carvoeiro, Lagos
9. Legzira Beach, Morocco: Red Arch Spectacle
Natural red sandstone arches frame this Atlantic beach south of Agadir. The dramatic formations create intimate coves perfect for escaping crowds.
Moroccan families from Casablanca make September pilgrimages here when temperatures cool from summer highs. The Atlantic stays refreshingly cool while air temperatures remain comfortable for all-day beach sessions.
Local fishermen launch traditional blue boats from the beach each morning, adding authentic culture to the stunning scenery.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: June-August
- How to get there: Drive from Agadir (1.5 hours) or organized tours
- Entry fee: None
- Suggested stay: 2-3 days in Sidi Ifni area
- Nearby spots: Sidi Ifni, Tiznit, Anti-Atlas Mountains
10. Ras Um Sid, Egypt: Red Sea Paradise
This Sharm El Sheikh beach offers world-class snorkeling directly from the shore. Coral reefs begin just meters from the beach, hosting tropical fish in crystal-clear waters.
Egyptian dive instructors recommend September as the perfect time—water visibility exceeds 30 meters and temperatures stay comfortable for long snorkeling sessions. The summer heat subsides while water remains warm.
House reefs here rival expensive boat trips elsewhere, making it a snorkeler's dream destination.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: December-February
- How to get there: Taxi or bus from Sharm El Sheikh airport (15 minutes)
- Entry fee: Resort or day-use fees may apply
- Suggested stay: 4-7 days in Sharm El Sheikh
- Nearby spots: Naama Bay, Mount Sinai, Ras Mohammed National Park
September transforms beach destinations across the Mediterranean and beyond into perfect coastal escapes. Water temperatures remain ideal while crowds disperse, creating intimate experiences impossible during peak season.
Your September beach adventure awaits—warm waters, golden sunshine, and memories that last long after summer ends. Pack light, arrive early, and prepare for the best beaches Europe and North Africa offer when the timing is perfect.
