Where to Go in Europe for September Sun and Beaches with Kids ๐ŸŒž

Where to Go in Europe for September Sun and Beaches with Kids ๐ŸŒž

Where to go in Europe in September for a 1-2 week family trip, with:

  • Reliably warm and sunny weather: ยฑ25 degrees ๐Ÿ˜Ž
  • Beautiful beaches that are good for swimming with little kids, preferably sandy ๐Ÿ–
  • Delicious local cuisine ๐Ÿฝ
  • Interesting sights and culture to explore ๐Ÿ›
  • Direct flights from Amsterdam โœˆ๏ธ
  • (PS - we didn't consider mainland Portugal, as we find the sea there too cold to swim ๐Ÿฅถ)

1. Sicily ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น

  • 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 ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น

  • 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 ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ

  • 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 ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ

  • 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 ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ท

  • 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 ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ท

  • 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 ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ท

  • Why go: Stunning landscapes, beaches, boating.
  • Getting there: Transavia and TUI offer direct flights from Amsterdam to Zante (Zakynthos).
๐Ÿž๏ธ
Read our deep dive post from our trip to Zakynthos with Kids ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ท

8. Cyprus ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡พ

  • 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 ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น

  • 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.

๐Ÿ‘‰ 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!

Subscribe to TripsKids

Sign up now to get access to the library of members-only issues.
Jamie Larson
Subscribe