Welcome to our curated guide to the best September travel destinations around the world. We’ve hand‑picked seven standout locations for luxury travel in September, offering perfect weather, cultural highlights, iconic events, and extraordinary hotels. If you're seeking September vacation ideas, you'll find inspiration here for your next escape. From sun‑drenched beaches and vibrant festivals to secluded mountain resorts and tropical lagoons, these are the top places to visit in September, ideal for autumn planning with fewer crowds and incredible value.
Mykonos, Greece
In September, Mykonos delivers sunshine, balmy evenings, and clear Aegean waters, perfect for sailing, swimming, or exploring iconic landmarks like the windmills and Little Venice. Discover ancient myths on a boat trip to Delos, unwind at sandy beaches like Kalafatis, and enjoy vibrant nightlife with quieter early evenings, ideal for adventure travel and cultural experiences in September.
Where to Stay in Mykonos?
Cali Mykonos redefines elevated Cycladic luxury with just 40 suites and villas adorned in whitewashed stone and marble. Highlights of the resort include the island’s longest salt‑water infinity pool, private plunge pools in select villas, a hillside helipad, golf‑cart service, and shuttle access to beaches and Mykonos Town.
Guests love the personalized touches—from custom welcome surprises to boat transfers to exclusive beach clubs. Dining is top-tier, with à la carte breakfasts, Mediterranean-fusion dinners, a sushi lounge, and laid-back poolside moments. This year, the resort takes it a step further with a chic Missoni collaboration for the pool area—adding a bold touch of fashion to the serene setting. Perfectly balancing seclusion and island access, it remains a standout among Mykonos resorts.
Madeira, Portugal
September brings mild, sun‑filled days, making Madeira a premier cultural and autumn travel destination. Explore verdant levada trails, garden‑fed cuisine, Funchal’s colorful markets, and dramatic coastal scenery. Thrilling activities in Madeira include canyoning, whale‑watching, and forest hikes, making it one of the best adventure travel destinations in September.Where to Stay in Madeira?
Perched on a clifftop terrace overlooking Funchal Bay, Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel, has hosted royalty and celebrities since 1891. The property spans 10 acres of subtropical gardens with over 500 plant species, offering a calming botanical retreat. Highlights include two outdoor pools (one tidal), tennis courts, a full-service spa, fitness centre, sauna, and steam rooms.
Accommodations comprise 128 rooms and 35 suites, all with private balconies offering ocean views. Dining is a standout: the Michelin-starred William Restaurant, cliffside Villa Cipriani, casual Brisa do Mar over the Atlantic, and a storied afternoon tea tradition on the terrace. Guests can enjoy pilates and botanical art workshops, local excursions, and refined service, an elegant fusion of historic charm and modern prestige, perfect for autumn travel.
New York, USA
New York glows in September. With New York Fashion Week (September 11–16, 2025) bringing the best runway shows, pop‑ups, and exclusive gatherings, the city is a hub for cultural experiences in September. Combine fashion‑week attendance with museum visits, Broadway shows, and Central Park strolls for a dynamic urban retreat.
Where to Stay in New York?
Located steps from major NYFW venues, Baccarat Hotel exudes luxury with crystal‑inspired interiors, suites adorned in Baccarat crystal, and a coveted Forbes five‑star spa. The property’s signature restaurant, Maison Baccarat, provides fine French dining, while the concierge assists with VIP access and event arrangements. Elegant design, central location, and elite services make Baccarat Hotel the definitive base for a luxurious Fashion Week stay.
Positano, Italy
September along the Amalfi Coast is idyllic with warm days, gentle Italian evenings, and vivid blue seas at your doorstep. Spend your time cliffside, exploring rugged paths, sampling local cuisine, and enjoying serene boat rides. It’s a romantic blend of best beach destinations in September and cultural exploration.Where to Stay in Positano?
Villa Treville is secluded boutique retreat built from historic villas once owned by filmmaker Franco Zeffirelli. With only 16 suites adorned with Vietri tiles, Murano glass, and antique furnishings, each offers private terraces or plunge pools overlooking the sea.
Dining is a showstopper: Maestro’s Restaurant sources produce from its own gardens, serving seasonal Mediterranean fare. Enjoy breakfast and snacks in the Club Lounge, and cliffside vibes and lounging at On the Rocks, all with unparalleled sea views. With private boat transfers, spa treatments, and cinematic history, Villa Treville is a serene, exclusive Amalfi hideaway.
Montenegro
September in Montenegro brings warm Adriatic days, perfect for sailing the Bay of Kotor, visiting fortified towns like Kotor and Perast, and hiking in dramatic mountain terrain. It's an excellent choice for travelling in September, with cultural treasures at every turn.
Where to Stay in Montenegro?
One&Only Portonovi is a grand waterfront resort on Boka Bay, fusing modern design with Adriatic grandeur. Accommodations range from rooms to villas, including some with private pools and chef services. The Chenot Espace spa offers holistic wellness programs with hydrotherapy and expert guidance, perfect for active rejuvenation during a vacation.
Dining options include Montenegrin fare by Giorgio Locatelli, Japanese‑Peruvian poolside cuisine, wood‑fired pizzas, and Mediterranean classics across four restaurants. Wellness-focused menus and local-sourced ingredients are a priority at the One&Only Portonovi. Guests enjoy yachting, hiking, cultural tours to UNESCO sites, and bespoke experiences, all crafted for discerning travelers seeking September luxury travel and adventure.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
September marks Bora Bora’s dry season: warm days, calm seas, and sun‑kissed skies. It's a top-tier beach destination for September, ideal for water sports, snorkeling in coral gardens, and indulgent overwater stays.Where to Stay in Bora Bora?
Renowned for its overwater villas, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora features private plunge pools, glass‑bottom floors, and direct lagoon access. Spa treatments are held in secluded overwater pods with panoramic views. The resort offers world-class diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and lagoon cruises. With five restaurants and bars serving Polynesian, French, and international cuisine, and personalized services like villa yacht charters, Four Seasons delivers unparalleled luxury and serenity in French Polynesia.
Venice, Italy
Venice in September is a dream: the summer crowds have thinned, the lagoon city basks in golden light, and temperatures hover around a pleasant 24 °C (75 °F). It's one of the best cities to visit in September, offering gondola rides through quiet canals, baroque churches, and culinary gems tucked into winding alleyways.At the beginning of September, The Venice Film Festival (Aug 27–Sep 6, 2025) transforms the historic city into a cultural mecca. See premieres by Sorrentino, Jarmusch, Baumbach, while strolling canals, visiting art galleries, and savoring Venetian cuisine, ideal for cultural experiences in September.
Where to Stay in Venice?
Housed in a 16th‑century palazzo on the Grand Canal, Aman Venice blends Renaissance elegance with modern minimalism. Suites showcase frescoed ceilings, Murano glass chandeliers, canal‑facing sitting rooms, and private courtyards. The in‑house restaurant serves refined Italian fare in a serene riverside setting.
Aman offers exclusive cultural programming as well, including private gondola tours, art‑and‑food experiences, and preferential access to festival events. It's the quintessential retreat for luxury travelers seeking art, history, and exclusivity.
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From serene coastal hideaways and vibrant cultural capitals to iconic events like New York Fashion Week and the Venice Film Festival, these hand-picked destinations offer unforgettable September vacation ideas for every type of traveler. Whether you're craving luxury travel in September, immersive cultural experiences, or simply the world's best beach destinations in September, this guide is your passport to doing it in style.
