Carmen
Travel editor at Reisedrop · 2026-09-28
For many German holidaymakers, September and October are the underrated best time to travel. The biggest summer rush is over, temperatures remain pleasant across many Mediterranean regions, and package holidays often feel far more sensibly priced than during the school-holiday weeks. From Frankfurt, Munich or Berlin in particular, there is usually a solid choice of direct flights and hotel availability at this time. If you can stay flexible on departure day, hotel category or transfer time, you will often end up with a holiday that feels much closer to high summer than to the end of the season.
Why the shoulder season in early autumn works so well
The appeal of these weeks is simple: many destinations still deliver most of the summer weather, without the full force of peak season. Beaches, restaurants and excursion spots are less crowded, hire cars are easier to use, and even popular resorts feel a little more laid-back. That is especially attractive for families not tied to school holidays, couples and best agers. On top of that, the return of the package holiday works in this period’s favour, because flights, hotel and transfers are often bundled more transparently and predictably than with a late independent booking.
Turkish Riviera: the obvious winner for a beach holiday
For the German market, the Turkish Riviera remains one of the most dependable options in early autumn. Around Antalya, Side, Belek or Alanya, the sea is usually still pleasantly warm, the days are often settled, and many hotels continue to operate with a good level of service. If you value predictable overall costs, this is usually a good fit, especially with all-inclusive concepts. In September, it often still feels unmistakably summery; in October, conditions are usually milder and more comfortable for excursions. For travellers departing from FRA, MUC and BER, the flight choice is generally convenient.
Mallorca and Spain’s coasts: short journey, long season
In September, Mallorca is almost a textbook case of shoulder-season travel: warm water, plenty still open, but far less pressure than in August. The Costa del Sol and, in part, the Costa Blanca also work well deep into October if the aim is a mix of beach, city and gastronomy. For German travellers, the practical advantage lies in the short flight times and the high frequency from many airports. If you do not absolutely need to stay right on the most famous promenade, you can often find the better overall package a little further out.
Greece: islands with staying power rather than extreme heat
Greek destinations really come into their own in September. Crete, Rhodes and Kos often still offer very reliable beach weather, while the height of the summer heat has already eased. That makes holiday days more active and more comfortable — for light walks, evenings in tavernas or trips into the hinterland, for example. In October, it is worth taking a closer look at the specific island and hotel location, because wind, water temperature and the end of the season vary noticeably. For classic beach holidays with good tourist infrastructure, the larger islands are usually the safer choice than smaller destinations that wind down early.
Portugal, Cyprus and Aegean alternatives for a little more peace
If you want to look beyond the top sellers, early autumn brings some interesting alternatives. The Algarve stands out for its light, cuisine and relaxed rhythm, even if the Atlantic is cooler than the Mediterranean. Cyprus, by contrast, is often a strong choice for anyone looking for as much warmth as possible even in October. Also worth considering are Aegean coastal towns in Turkey or slightly quieter Greek regions, where value for money outside the peak weeks often feels more convincing than in the best-known hotspots.
How to book smart: secure early, but do not plan too rigidly
Because early booking has become more popular again recently, it is worth looking at autumn trips earlier than many people think. Good family rooms, popular beach hotels and attractive flight times are often the first to go, even if the travel period is considered better value. At the same time, do not focus only on the lowest starting price. More important are suitable departure times, short transfers, reliable catering and a location that suits the type of trip. With package holidays in particular, the real value often shows in the overall comfort — not just in a seemingly small booking advantage.
Who benefits most from travelling in September and October
The biggest gains are for travellers who are not tied to school holidays or who deliberately want to avoid the main holiday rush. Couples often find the most pleasant mix of warmth and calm, families with younger children appreciate the milder temperatures, and remote-working holidaymakers can combine beach days with dependable infrastructure. If you want to balance sunshine, a beach break and budget sensibly, early autumn is often the better choice than a peak-summer departure. In short: less bustle, often more quality in the experience, and an overall more sensible travel package.
Discover travel ideas now
Fancy exactly this? Zazou, our travel assistant, puts flights, hotels and a route together in seconds - and tells you honestly when it gets cheaper.
Plan this trip with Zazou