Travel smart in September/October: plenty of summer

Carmen

Travel editor at Reisedrop · 2026-09-28

For many travellers from Austria, September and October are the most sensible time of year: the sea is still warm, the days are often settled, and at many destinations prices drop noticeably without the quality of the trip falling away to the same extent. From Vienna in particular, plenty of Mediterranean destinations are easy to reach at this time. If you can stay flexible on weekdays, hotel category and exact location, you’ll often get the best balance of weather, peace and budget.

Why the shoulder season in early autumn works so well

The big advantage of these weeks isn’t just the price, but the overall experience. Beaches are quieter, hire cars are easier to find, restaurants less crowded, and excursions more pleasant because the worst of the heat has passed. At the same time, the basic promise of a summer holiday often remains intact: eating outdoors, swimming, long evenings, few rainy spells. Of course, there’s no weather guarantee, but statistically the odds are good enough in many regions to choose this travel period deliberately instead of the most expensive block of summer.

Crete and Rhodes: a safe bet for a late beach holiday

The Greek islands in the southern Aegean are among the most reliable picks for September and often for early October too. Crete scores with its size, solid tourist infrastructure and enough variety between beaches, tavernas and small mountain villages. Rhodes is more compact and practical for travellers who like short distances. Both destinations work particularly well from Vienna for a classic week of sunshine. In terms of price, early autumn is usually more relaxed than August, while the sea in many places remains distinctly pleasant.

Cyprus: when you want to extend summer on purpose

If you’re looking for the highest possible chance of good weather, Cyprus is worth serious consideration. The island often stays summery far longer than many other Mediterranean destinations and therefore works especially well for anyone wanting proper beach days in late September or October. What helps is the combination of a beach holiday, straightforward infrastructure and good excursion options inland. Its character is less romantic and hidden-away than on some smaller islands, but in return it’s reliable and comfortable. For value-oriented travellers, that very predictability is often a strong argument.

Mallorca and the Costa del Sol: straightforward, varied, often better than their reputation

Mallorca gets expensive and crowded quickly in high summer, but in September the island often shows its best side. The water is warm, coves and towns feel more relaxed, and beach days combine easily with walks or a browse around the markets. The Costa del Sol is similarly appealing for travellers who value simple logistics and lots of choice. Neither destination is a secret, but in early autumn that needn’t be a disadvantage: easy access and a wide selection often create the better value.

Antalya and the Turkish Riviera: strong on the overall package

For travellers after a particularly rounded mix of sunshine, comfort and inclusive offers, the Turkish Riviera remains one of the most convincing options. In September and often well into October, conditions there are very suitable for swimming, while many properties are priced more attractively after the peak summer period. That is especially interesting for families or couples who want planning certainty. What matters is an honest expectation: if you’re after authentic small-town romance, you’ll be better off elsewhere. If you want relaxation and straightforward holiday value, this is often the right choice.

Madeira and the Canary Islands as an alternative with an active edge

If a classic beach holiday isn’t the whole point, Madeira and some of the Canary Islands are strong shoulder-season destinations. In early autumn they usually offer mild, pleasant conditions and suit travellers who would rather hike, explore coastal towns and stay active. Madeira is particularly impressive scenically, with more focus on nature than on classic beach days. In the Canaries, much depends on the individual island, but overall the rule holds: if you want to extend summer without having to rely on a heat guarantee, you’ll find a robust alternative here.

How to book smart from Vienna, without sugar-coating it

For departures from Vienna, flexibility is what really pays in early autumn. Travel dates during the week, edge-of-town locations with good transport links, and hotels not directly on the most famous beach are often especially attractive. If you travel with hand luggage only, or compare transfers soberly against car hire, you can save even more. The key is to choose the destination by priority: maximum beach weather points more towards Crete, Rhodes, Cyprus or Antalya; more of a mix of city, food and easy excursions points more towards Mallorca or Andalusia; more nature and movement points more towards Madeira or the Canary Islands.

Discover travel ideas now