Summer is ending? According to the calendar, yes, but in reality the sun and warmth are replaced by autumn rains and coolness not everywhere. We have chosen seven places where you will still have time to swim to your heart’s content, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, and also get a dose of vitamin D from the gentle sun.
Russia, Sochi
In summer, the main southern Russian resort is crowded – and in September the picture does not change too dramatically. Of course, there are fewer people on the beaches – children go to school, students also leave – but many, on the contrary, take a vacation to enjoy the wonderful velvet season in Sochi. And they can be understood: the summer heat is replaced by a comfortable +26 °C, and the sea cools down slowly and until the end of the month remains approximately the same temperature as the air.
All popular entertainment is open until the end of the season – it lasts until mid-October. And “Sochi Park” and “Skypark” are waiting for tourists all year round, while in September there are fewer people here, and thanks to the weather it’s easier to stand in queues. It’s a special pleasure to go in the second half of September to the mountains of Krasnaya Polyana, where nature is already beginning to change colors from bright green to all shades of yellow and red.
How to get there
The fastest, most convenient and inexpensive way is to fly by plane. Prices for round-trip tickets with luggage in September start from 6,000 rubles*, the journey takes 3 hours 50 minutes.
Where to stay
- Apart-hotel “Metropol” (score 9.2) – from 8,900 rubles* per double room per night.
- Three-star Dolphin Resort by Stellar Hotels (rating 8.8) – from 11,600 rubles* per double room per night.
- Four-star hotel “Flight of the Seagull” (rating 9.2) – from 17,000 rubles* per double room per night.
Abkhazia, Gagra
Autumn in Abkhazia does not come according to the calendar, but makes itself known only towards the end of September. Before this, the country delights with warmth and sun: the average temperature is +24 °C, and the water is sometimes even warmer, and you can often swim until October.
It’s comfortable to relax in the fall on the so-called Abkhazian Riviera – in Gagra. There are modern comfortable hotels, entertainment, and many cafes and restaurants. In addition, it is convenient to go on excursions from the city, especially since in September, when the summer heat recedes and there is still little rain, sightseeing will bring special pleasure. In the vicinity of Gagra itself, it is worth visiting the picturesque ruins of the castle of the Prince of Oldenburg and the Abaat fortress. You can also go to explore the New Athos monastery and the cave of the same name, get to neighboring Sukhum with its beautiful botanical garden and, of course, go to Lake Ritsa.
How to get there
The fastest and most convenient way is to fly to Sochi by plane, and from there take a bus or taxi to the border with Abkhazia.
You can also travel from Sochi to Gagra by high-speed Lastochka, you will spend about three hours on the way.
Entry rules
Travelers from Russia will only need an internal or foreign passport, no visa is required.
Where to stay
- Hotel Kontinent Gagra (rating 8.9) – from 8,100 rubles* per double room per night.
- Four-star Grand Hotel Gagra (rating 8.7) – from 10,800 rubles* per double room per night.
- Four-star Hotel Abaata (rating 8.9) – from 11,300 rubles* per double room per night.
Portugal, Algarve
Officially, the holiday season in Portugal ends on September 15, but you can come later, especially if we are talking about the southern province of Algarve. By the way, this is where some of the most comfortable Portuguese resorts are located – Albufeira, Portimao and Vilamoura. In September there is a real velvet season here: pleasant +26 °C during the day, minimal rain. But the water in the Atlantic Ocean, even in summer, rarely warms up above +22 °C, which, however, does not interfere with enjoying the local beaches.
Unlike the Lisbon Riviera, which offers sightseeing and plenty of excursions, the Algarve is all about lazy relaxation by the ocean. The region is an almost continuous strip of beaches with a gently sloping sandy entrance to the sea in the east and picturesque rocky shores in the west. Most local entertainment is in one way or another related to water: they offer yacht trips, diving, snorkeling and even shark hunting. And if you wish, you can visit neighboring Spain and Morocco.
How to get there
There are no direct flights from Moscow to Faro airport, you will have to get there with two transfers – first to Lisbon (there are also no direct flights), and only then to the main city of the Algarve. The minimum travel time will be 20 hours, round-trip ticket prices start from 90,000 rubles*.
You can also travel from Lisbon to the Algarve province by train, the journey will take about 4 hours. Such a road will be more difficult, but cheaper: an air ticket from Moscow to Lisbon and back costs from 80,000 rubles*, and you can get to Faro by train for 12–15 euros (about 130 rubles*).
Entry rules
Travelers from Russia require a Schengen visa and a passport valid for at least 3 months after the end of the trip. You also need medical insurance.
Where to stay
- Apart-hotel Flamingo Apartments (rating 8.2) in Portimao – from 8,800 rubles* for standard apartments per night.
- Three-star Lagoa Hotel (rating 9.0) in Lagoa – from 12,300 rubles* for a double apartment per night.
- Four-star hotel Real Bellavista Hotel & Spa (score 8.1) in Albufeira – from 21,000 rubles* per double room per night.
Israel, Eilat
September in Eilat can hardly be called a velvet season, because there is full summer with daytime temperatures of about +35 °C, and the Red Sea warms up to +27 °C. But, of course, compared to the August heat, the resort is very comfortable, especially since the evenings already bring pleasant coolness. By the way, the swimming season here lasts right up to December.
The main thing people go to the Red Sea in Israel for is amazing snorkeling. Eilat is located in a bay protected by mountains, and you can swim in clear water watching fish forever. In addition, diving, water skiing and a variety of boat excursions are popular here. But sightseeing tours should be left for October, when the sun is not so hot during the day. True, you won’t find an abundance of ancient locations here: tourists are offered a visit to an ostrich farm, an underwater observatory with many aquariums, and the Dolphin Reef park. And not far from the city you can visit Timna Park, opened at the site of archaeological excavations.
How to get there
From Moscow you can fly to Tel Aviv. Prices for round-trip tickets in September start from 50,000 rubles*; the journey will take you about 5 hours. And Eilat is easily accessible by train.
Entry rules
There is an agreement between Russia and Israel on visa-free entry of citizens. You can stay in the country for 90 days within six months. For the trip you will need a valid passport and medical insurance.
Where to stay
- Hotel Ahla Dive Time (rating 9.0) – from 12,400 rubles* per double room per night.
- Three-star Palms Hotel Eilat (rating 8.2) – from 19,000 rubles* per double room per night.
- Four-star Isrotel Agamim Hotel (rating 8.7) – from 42,000 rubles* per double room per night
Italy, Sicily
In September, the almost unbearable summer heat in Sicily finally disappears – but the weather cannot be called cool either. During the day, the thermometer sometimes shows up to +33 °C; by the end of the month there is a relative cooling – up to +20 °C. The water remains very warm and pleasant, on average +26 °C. In general, the beginning of autumn is a great time for a beach holiday and for exploring the beauty of this region.
And there is something to see here. Sicily is not such a small island, and it will take at least a week to cover all the interesting things. Many, of course, go to the famous Etna – the volcano has shown its character in recent years, but you can still climb to the top by cable car. Explore ancient Syracuse, relax in the resort of Taormina, stroll through beautiful Catania and, of course, take a tour of Palermo, the capital of the island. Among the natural beauties, we also note the unusual Scala dei Turchi – a dazzling white cliff jutting out into the sea.
How to get there
To visit Italy, Russian tourists will need a valid passport and a Schengen visa. You may also be asked to show medical insurance upon entry.
Entry rules
From Moscow to Palermo, the capital of Sicily, you can fly by transfer in Istanbul. The cost of round-trip tickets in September starts from 58,000 rubles*, travel time is at least 14 hours.
Where to stay
- Hotel Elephant’s Smile B&B (rating 9.1) in Catania – from 10,000 rubles* per double room per night.
- Four-star De Stefano Palace Luxury Hotel (rating 8.4) in Ragusa – from 14,900 rubles* per double room per night.
- Three-star Hotel Mediterraneo (rating 8.1) in Palermo – from 16,900 rubles* per double room per night.
Greece, Crete
One of the largest Greek islands is loved by Russian tourists for its beautiful nature, interesting excursions and excellent infrastructure. And September can be called one of the best seasons here: during the day the air warms up to +25 °C, and the water until the end of the month is a little cooler – about +24 °C. There is almost no rain, the sun is shining, but not burning like in August.
It is not surprising that beach holidays are the most popular in Crete – there are many suitable places for this on the island. But in September you can finally go on excursions, for example, to explore the Palace of Knossos, explore the Samaria Gorge or study the exhibits of the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. And if you are traveling with the whole family, be sure to visit the Water City water park and Dinosauria Park – the children will definitely be delighted.
How to get there
There are no direct flights from Moscow to Heraklion, the capital of Crete. You can get there with two transfers, the minimum travel time is 10 hours. Prices for round-trip air tickets in September start from 76,000 rubles*.
Entry rules
Travelers from Russia will need a Schengen visa, passport and medical insurance.
Where to stay
- Apart-hotel Elianthos Villas (rating 8.3) in Vamos – from 11,100 rubles* per double room per night.
- Two-star hotel Blu Acqua (rating 8.3) in Agios Nikolaos – from 11,000 rubles per double room per night.
- Five-star hotel Rethymno Mare & Water Park (score 8.0) in Skaleta – from 26,000 rubles* per double room per night.
Turkey, Marmaris
Marmaris is called one of the most European resorts in Turkey: mainly the British, Dutch and Germans vacation here. It is also popular with young people who choose noisy night parties – however, if you want, it’s easy to find a quiet hotel away from the clubs. The main thing is to choose a hotel outside the city.
In September Marmaris, almost nothing has changed compared to summer. Although no, there are fewer tourists, and prices have dropped – but otherwise there is the same heat, especially in the first weeks of autumn. During the day, the thermometer can show up to +33 °C, and the sea is warmest – about +25 °C, so you want to spend almost all your time near the water. And if you get tired, you can go to the water park, explore the ancient fortress of Marmaris and the Old Town, or admire the dancing fountains.
How to get there
The airport closest to Marmaris is in Dalaman, where direct flights fly from Moscow. A round-trip ticket in September will cost from 27,000 rubles*, the journey takes a little more than 5 hours. From the airport to Marmaris about 110 km, you can get there by taxi, bus or transfer from the hotel. The trip will take one and a half hours.
Entry rules
Russian tourists will only need a valid passport to travel to Turkey. You can stay in the country for up to 60 days without a visa.
Where to stay
- Three-star Maris Beach Hotel (rating 8.4) – from 12,000 rubles* per double room per night.
- Five-star hotel Lalila Blue Suites (rating 8.6) – from 20,500 rubles* per double room per night.
- Four-star Poseidon Hotel — Scene Concept (rating 8.2) – from 23,700 rubles* per double room per night.
*Prices are current at the time of publication.
