Where to Go in Europe for September Sun and Beaches with Kids ๐
Where to go in Europe in September for a 1-2 week family trip, with:
- Reliably warm and sunny weather: ยฑ25 degrees ๐
- Beautiful beaches that are good for swimming with little kids, preferably sandy ๐
- Delicious local cuisine ๐ฝ
- Interesting sights and culture to explore ๐
- Direct flights from Amsterdam โ๏ธ
- (PS - we didn't consider mainland Portugal, as we find the sea there too cold to swim ๐ฅถ)
1. Sicily ๐ฎ๐น
- Why go: Vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, food.
- Getting there: KLM, Transavia & Alitalia offer direct flights from Amsterdam to Catania.
- Where to stay: Taormina - a charming town with easy access to attractions.
- What to do: Enjoy a puppet theatre show, explore ancient ruins like the Valley of the Temples.
- Beaches: Spiaggia di Mondello and Giardini Naxos.
- What to eat: Arancini, Pasta with fresh seafood, Cannoli.
2. Amalfi Coast ๐ฎ๐น
- Why go: Breathtaking scenery, delightful towns, relaxed coastal vibe.
- Getting there: KLM offers direct flights from Amsterdam to Naples.
- Where to stay: Sorrento - convenient base with family-friendly amenities.
- What to do: Take a boat tour along the coast, explore Pompeii's ruins.
- Beaches: Fornillo Beach and Maiori Beach.
- What to eat: Pizza Margherita, Fresh seafood, Limoncello.
3. Ibiza ๐ช๐ธ
- Why go: Vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, surprisingly family-friendly.
- Getting there: KLM & Vueling offer direct flights from Amsterdam to Ibiza.
- Where to stay: Santa Eulalia - a quieter family-oriented area.
- What to do: Visit Aquarium Cap Blanc, explore the historic Dalt Vila.
- Beaches: Talamanca Beach and Cala Llonga.
- What to eat: Paella, Tapas, Ensaimada (pastry).
4. Mallorca ๐ช๐ธ
- Why go: Diverse landscapes, consistently warm climate.
- Getting there: KLM offers direct flights from Amsterdam to Palma de Mallorca.
- Where to stay: Alcudia - family-friendly and easy access to beaches.
- What to do: Visit Palma Aquarium, explore the Cuevas del Drach (Dragon Caves).
- Beaches: Playa de Muro and Cala Agulla.
- What to eat: Sobrassada (sausage), Tumbet, Ensaimada.
5. Crete ๐ฌ๐ท
- Why go: Rich history, stunning beaches, (almost) always sunny in September.
- Getting there: Transavia offers direct flights from Amsterdam to Heraklion.
- Where to stay: Chania - combines history and beautiful beaches.
- What to do: Visit the Knossos Palace, explore the Samaria Gorge.
- Beaches: Elafonissi Beach and Balos Lagoon.
- What to eat: Dakos (barley rusk salad), Gyro, Loukoumades.
6. Corfu ๐ฌ๐ท
- Why go: Lush nature, historic sites, family-friendly beaches.
- Getting there: Transavia offers direct flights from Amsterdam to Corfu.
- Where to stay: Paleokastritsa
- What to do: Visit Aqualand, explore the Old Fortress in Corfu Town.
- Beaches: Glyfada Beach and Sidari Beach.
- What to eat: Pastitsada (stew), Bourdeto (fish dish), Sofrito (veal).
7. Zakynthos ๐ฌ๐ท
- Why go: Stunning landscapes, beaches, boating.
- Getting there: Transavia and TUI offer direct flights from Amsterdam to Zante (Zakynthos).
๐๏ธ
Read our deep dive post from our trip to Zakynthos with Kids ๐ฌ๐ท
8. Cyprus ๐จ๐พ
- Why go: Pleasant climate, rich history, family-friendly attractions.
- Getting there: Transavia offers direct flights from Amsterdam to Larnaca.
- Where to stay: Limassol
- What to do: Visit Fasouri Watermania waterpark, explore the ancient city of Kourion.
- Beaches: Nissi Beach and Fig Tree Bay.
- What to eat: Souvlaki (grilled meat skewers), Halloumi cheese, Loukoumades (honey pastries).
9. Madeira ๐ต๐น
- Why go: Lush landscapes, mild climate, exotic location.
- Getting there: Transavia offers direct flights from Amsterdam to Funchal.
- Where to stay: Funchal - central and family-friendly.
- What to do: Visit the Madeira Theme Park, explore the Monte Palace Tropical Garden.
- Beaches: Formosa Beach and Prainha de Caniรงal.
- What to eat: Espetada (skewered meat), Bolo do Caco (bread), Black Scabbard fish.
๐ We'll pick one of these locations to visit in September, and write a detailed post about it. Make sure you're subscribed to get it!