15 Best Places to Swim in Europe in September

1. Corfu, Greece

Corfu is one of my favorite Greek islands. It’s lush, green, and dotted with stunning beaches. 

While the island is a very popular summer holiday destination, visiting in the shoulder season, like I did, offers an even better experience!

September is a wonderful time to visit as the water is warm, and the island quiets down just enough to explore without waiting in line for every attraction.

Paleokastritsa is one of the most popular places to stay in Corfu for swimming, with crystal-clear water and dramatic coastline. However, the island is quite small, and if you rent a car in Corfu, you can hit most beaches on the island in a week.

2. Dubrovnik, Croatia

September is one of the best times to visit Dubrovnik, with warm sea, sunny weather, and fewer tourists than peak summer months.

Dubrovnik is a small town, and most of the things to do are in the city center, so you can easily take a swim break midday. I absolutely love places with beautiful beaches within walking distance!

You can swim at city beaches like Banje or walk a little further to find quieter spots like Sveti Jakov. 

If you’re up for adventure, hop on a kayak tour along the City Walls or take one of the iconic Dubrovnik boat tours to the nearby islands, where you can swim in hidden coves.

3. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is one of my favorite destinations to recommend to those who want a mix of city life and beach time. However, I’d definitely skip visiting Barcelona in July and August when it’s the busiest. 

In September, the Mediterranean is still warm, and the vibe is more relaxed post-summer. Locals are back in the city for work and school, so it feels more like a real city.

Swim at Barceloneta Beach right in the city or hop on a train to Sitges or Ocata for clearer waters and a more local atmosphere.

4. Lagos, Portugal

The Algarve coast is a paradise of sea caves, golden cliffs, and turquoise waters. I visited the Algarve without a car in late October, and the sea was still great for swimming.  

While the entire coastline is quite lively in the summer, I noticed that smaller towns can be a bit too quiet for my liking in the shoulder season. 

So, I suggest staying in Lagos or Albufeira, especially if you don’t have a car. Both cities are right on the beach and have great public transport connections, so you can explore the region.

Some of my favorite beaches are Praia do Camilo and Praia Dona Ana. Also, you can skip kayaking along the rugged coastline or join one of the boat tours to the Benagil Cave.

5. Santorini, Greece

It’s safe to say most people don’t visit Santorini for beaches. However, Santorini has quite a few unique swimming spots, including the Red Beach and black sand beaches in Perissa and Kammari.

I spent 3 days in Santorini in September, and the weather was perfect for swimming. I even got sunburnt on a hike from Fira to Oia because I thought the sun wouldn’t be that strong in late September – it was.

Don’t expect an empty island; Santorini is still very busy in September. You can join one of Santorini’s boat tours to enjoy a dip away from the crowds while admiring the unique landscapes. 

6. Nice, France

It doesn’t get more glamorous than the French Riviera, and Nice in September offers all the charm without the chaos of peak season. 

Sunny days stretch well into the month, and you’ll love how accessible the beach is. I stayed in a hotel near the beach and went for a dip every morning and evening of my trip to Nice!

Swim off the pebbled beaches along the Promenade des Anglais, or head to one of the private beach clubs for a more comfortable setup. 

Want something quieter? Take a short train ride to Villefranche-sur-Mer, Cap d’Ail, or even Antibes for stunning coves and less crowded beaches. 

Between swims, enjoy long lunches, colorful markets, and art museums, it’s the perfect beach-city combo.

7. Bodrum, Turkey

When it comes to affordable beach destinations in Europe, Turkey is always near the top of the list.

While prices have gone up in recent years, visiting during the shoulder season still offers excellent value for money.

Bodrum in September is sun-soaked, less crowded, and still buzzing enough to feel alive.

The beaches near the city center are lovely, but you can also take a short drive or boat trip to discover private coves and quieter bays. The sea stays warm well into autumn here, and boat tours make it easy to find the best swimming spots.

8. Split, Croatia

While the weather can be unpredictable on the northern Croatian coastline, Split is ideally located to have plenty of sunny beach days in September. 

The largest Croatian coastal town is a perfect base for combining culture with sea dips. Bačvice Beach is the go-to spot in the city, but you’ll find even better swimming on day trips to nearby islands like Hvar or Brač. 

The ferry system is quick and easy, and the sea stays comfortably warm all September long. After all, island hopping is one of the activities that should be on your Croatia itinerary, and shoulder season is the best time to enjoy it without crowds.

9. Albania

Albania is one of Europe’s most underrated coastal gems and is quickly rising in popularity as one of the last truly affordable beach destinations. 

But in summer, it can get extremely crowded, and the combination of intense heat and underdeveloped infrastructure can make it a bit overwhelming.

So, what can you do? Visit in September, of course! 

Head to the Albanian Riviera, places like Ksamil, Himarë, or Dhermi, for turquoise water, dramatic cliffs, and relaxed beach bars.

September is arguably the best time to visit as the prices drop, beaches clear out, but the sea is still warm and stunning.

10. Crete, Greece

Greece’s largest island is one of the best places to visit in Europe in September. Crete offers long beach days, warm weather, and none of the peak summer chaos well into September. 

The sea is warm and crystal clear, perfect for swimming at jaw-dropping beaches like Elafonissi, Balos, and Seitan Limania. It’s still hot enough to enjoy the water, but without the intense crowds and inflated prices of July and August. 

Renting a car is the best way to explore the island’s diverse coastlines, just don’t forget water shoes for the rockier beaches if you don’t want worry about where you step. 

And if you’re into sightseeing, Crete has plenty to offer: ancient Minoan ruins like Knossos, charming old towns like Chania and Rethymno, mountain villages, and dramatic gorges to hike. 

11. Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor Bay isn’t your typical beach destination; it’s a fjord-like setting surrounded by towering mountains. But the water? Still and glassy. Perfect for a swim with a view.

The Montenegro coastline has become popular in recent years as a budget-friendly alternative to Croatia, but the prices have definitely increased recently. You don’t have to worry about it, though, if you visit in September! 

Prices are dramatically lower than in July and August, making Montenegro one of the cheapest beach destinations in Europe.

12. Sicily, Italy

In Italy’s southernmost region, the weather in September hardly makes it a cozy place to visit in the fall.

Sicily still feels like summer well into the month, and swimming in its warm, clear waters is an absolute dream.

I visited Sicily in August years ago, and trust me, you’ll be grateful for the few degrees cooler weather in September. 

My favorite spot on the island is definitely Cefalù, but staying in Palermo is also a great option, with the famous Mondello Beach just a short trip away. If you rent a car, you can explore the entire island easily and find hidden gems all along the coastline.

13. Valletta, Malta

Malta stays hot and sunny throughout September, and cheap flights from all over Europe make it a fantastic late-summer escape. 

Valletta, the capital, is a great base for both sightseeing and swimming. You’ll find rocky swim spots all around Sliema and St. Julian’s, and sandy beaches just a short bus ride away. 

Don’t miss a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon on Comino—it’s one of the most beautiful swimming spots in Europe. 

Malta also offers unique snorkeling and diving opportunities, with shipwrecks and caves to explore. 

Also, Malta is a great sightseeing destination, with a picturesque old town and impressive ruins throughout the island.

14. Marbella, Spain

The Costa del Sol lives up to its name in September, with warm, sunny weather and sea temperatures perfect for long swims. 

Marbella blends luxury and laid-back beach vibes, offering something for everyone. Relax on the sandy shores of Playa de la Fontanilla or explore the more natural surroundings of Cabopino Beach with its dunes and marina. 

The town itself is full of charming old streets, upscale restaurants, and lively nightlife, so you can mix beach days with cultural experiences and evening entertainment. September’s milder crowds make Marbella an ideal time to enjoy the sun and sea in style.

15. Canary Islands, Tenerife

While technically closer to Africa than mainland Europe, the Canary Islands are a fantastic option for swimming in September. 

I was in Tenerife last September, and the weather was perfect, warm and sunny, but not unbearably hot. It’s ideal if you like to combine beach time with exploring volcanic landscapes, charming towns, and scenic hikes. 

After a day out, diving into the Atlantic felt like the perfect reward. The sea stays pleasantly warm, and beaches are less crowded than in peak summer. 

If you’re after guaranteed sun and swimmable seas in September, Tenerife is a no-brainer.

Where to Swim in Europe in September?

Most places in Southern Europe are still great beach destinations well into September. In fact, I’d argue that most places are more enjoyable to visit in September than in July or August!

Greek islands and the Algarve region are some of my favorite places to visit in September, as they’re still very lively, the weather is great, and the sea is warm. At the same time, they’re not nearly as crowded as they are in the peak summer season.