Looking for ideas for your holidays in September in Italy? Discover 8 perfect sea destinations to enjoy sunshine, relaxation and authentic atmospheres even after August.
Many travelers wonder: "What are the best holiday destinations in September in Italy? " The answer is clear: the Bel Paese offers still hot beaches, less crowded locations and more affordable prices than the high season.
In this article we bring you to the discovery of 8 perfect destinations for holidays September Italy, from the South to the North, ideal for those who want to extend the summer between crystal clear sea, picturesque villages and unforgettable evenings, but without the crowds of August.
If you are looking for where to go in September to the sea in Italy, here are 8 perfect locations that combine sun, relaxation and good food.
Index of Article
San Vito Lo Capo (Sicily): Caribbean Mediterranean and cous cous festival
San Vito Lo Capo, on the north-western tip of Sicily, is one of the most iconic destinations on the island, known worldwide for its turquoise sea and the spectacular setting of Monte Monaco overlooking the bay.
September is perhaps the best month to find out. The temperatures remain mild and pleasant, often around 28 degrees of day and cooler in the evening, the water maintains an ideal heat for long swims and, above all, the beaches get rid of the crowd that invades the coast in high season. This means having more space to stretch out the towel, enjoy relaxation and live the village with more authentic rhythms.
In the evening, the seafront becomes the heart button: restaurants and trattorias offer freshly fished fish, oranges, panelling and of course cous cous in a thousand variants. After dinner, there are those who choose a drink by the sea, who a walk to the lighthouse to admire the starry sky without light pollution.
In short, San Vito Lo Capo in September is a small paradise: less chaotic, more authentic, still full of energy and with that touch of magic that only Sicily can give. It is the ideal destination for those who want to close the summer in beauty, between sea, tradition and unforgettable flavors.
Why go to September?
San Vito Lo Capo is famous for its white Caribbean sand and crystal clear water. In September the climate is still summer, but without the crowds of August.
What to do in the evening?
Walk on the seafront, typical restaurants where you can enjoy the cous cous fish and quiet evenings in the square.
Cefalù (Sicily): sea, history and authenticity off season
Cefalù is one of those places that manage to merge in a single look millenary history and marine landscapes from postcard. In September, the medieval village reveals all its beauty without the hordes of summer tourists. The sea, which laps the golden beach right at the foot of the old town, invites to endless baths, while the Rocca di Cefalù offers panoramic trekking with finally pleasant temperatures.
In the evening, the paved streets are animated by typical restaurants where you can enjoy fresh fish, caponata and Sicilian desserts. The squares become a stage for concerts, theatre performances or simple chat with residents. It is an intimate experience, which allows you to live Cefal as Sicilians do: slowly, between sea, culture and good food.
Why go to September?
The sea remains warm, the medieval village is lively and you can climb the Rocca di Cefalù with temperatures more bearable.
What to do in the evening?
Dining in restaurants by the sea and enjoy concerts or outdoor shows.
Tropea (Calabria): the pearl of the Tyrrhenian version in the sembrian version
Tropea is the "Pearl of the Tyrrhenian" and in September shines with a special light. The village perched at a peak on the sea offers breathtaking views: the water, which remains warm until October, has nuances from turquoise to emerald, ideal for those who love snorkeling and regenerating baths.
The old town, with its lively alleys, smells of red onion, a gastronomic symbol that is found in salads, focacce and even ice creams. The days run between less crowded beaches and walks to the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola, suspended on a postcard cliff. At sunset, the panoramic bars become the perfect place for an aperitif overlooking the Aeolian Islands.
Why go to September?
The "Pearl of the Tyrrhenian" remains splendid with turquoise waters and picturesque views. September means less tourists and more space on the beaches.
What to do in the evening?
Try the famous red onion of Tropea in a thousand local dishes and walk through the illuminated streets of the old town.
Costa Smeralda (Sardinia): affordable luxury and dream beaches
September is the month when the Costa Smeralda is granted to travellers without excess. The beaches of fine sand – Liscia Ruja, Capriccioli, Romazzino – are still kissed by a warm sun, but finally liveable.
The days run between coves to discover by boat and glamorous villages like Porto Cervo, where the atmosphere becomes more relaxed. Exclusive premises remain open, but prices are less prohibitive than August.
And for those who want to live authentic Sardinia, just a few kilometers in the hinterland to discover small villages, farms with food gallures and patronal parties still very felt. It is the Costa Smeralda that few know: refined, but more accessible.
Why go to September?
In August it is expensive and crowded, but in September you can still find beautiful days and more affordable prices.
What to do in the evening?
Aperitifs in Porto Cervo or dinners in the typical restaurants of the hinterland Gallurese.
Practical Council: rent a car to discover the most hidden coves, often semi-desert.
Ischia (Campania): between sea, thermal baths and Aragonese Castle
Ischia, the green island of the Gulf of Naples, in September becomes a perfect refuge for those seeking sea and wellness. The beaches are still welcoming and the famous thermal parks – Poseidon, Negombo, Castiglione – offer relaxing days between hot pools and Mediterranean gardens.
The Aragonese Castle, illuminated at sunset, dominates the island spectacularly, while the villages of Forio, Sant’Angelo and Ischia Ponte offer restaurants where you can enjoy rabbits or a simple pizza with a sea view. In the evening, between summer concerts and promenades, there is a convivial atmosphere but without the chaos of July and August.
Why go to September?
It combines sea, thermal and nature. The island remains alive thanks to the still open spas and spas.
What to do in the evening?
Aperitif in Ischia Ponte, walk to the Aragonese Castle illuminated, or relax in the thermal pools.
Gargano (Apulia): golden beaches and millenary forests
The Gargano in September is a revelation. The beaches of Vieste and Peschici, usually stormed, become oasis of tranquility, while the white cliffs and the phallus lend themselves to unforgettable boat trips.
But the true treasure is the variety: from hidden coves only reachable by sea, to the forests of the Umbrian Forest, where you walk among secular beech trees in a fresh regenerating silence. The evenings live in the villages, between whitewashed alleys and taverns serving small ears, fresh fish and the famous Apulian oil. September here means authenticity, pristine landscapes and genuine flavors.
Why go to September?
Golden beaches, cliffs and forests make the Gargano a perfect place for those looking for sea and nature together.
What to do in the evening?
Walks in Vieste or Peschici, tastings of typical products (oil, cheese, fresh fish).
Elba Island (Tuscany): between snorkeling and historic villages
Elba in September shows its kindest face. Ferries are less crowded, traffic-free roads and the most famous beaches – Fetovaia, Cavoli, Biodola – become finally enjoyable.
The sea maintains a transparent color that invites you to long days of snorkeling and swimming. But the island also offers history and culture: Medici fortresses, Napoleonic museums, villages such as Capoliveri and Portoferraio with small squares that fill their lives in the evening. It is the ideal month to alternate bathrooms, panoramic trekking and cultural discoveries, without ever giving up Tuscan cuisine by the sea.
Why go to September?
The island of Elba maintains warm waters, less frequented beaches and excellent ferry connections.
What to do in the evening?
Walk in the villages like Portoferraio or Capoliveri and dine in typical trattorias.
Cinque Terre (Liguria): Trekking, wine and bathing
In September, the Cinque Terre offer their most authentic essence. The paths that connect Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore are accessible without the heat oppressively and allow you to admire views from postcard on the Ligurian sea.
The beaches are still perfect for a regenerating bath, while the villages are animated with a slower tourism, made of hikers, photographers and curious travelers. In the evening, beachfront restaurants serve trenettes to the pesto, filled anchovies and local wines such as the Cinque Terre DOC. With less crowd and ideal temperatures, this part of Liguria reveals its most poetic and evocative soul.
Why go to September?
Perfect mix between sea and trekking. The paths are practicable without the warm towers and the most vivable countries.
What to do in the evening?
Dinner sea view in Manarola, aperitif in Vernazza, or photo excursions at sunset.
