Where to Go in September and October

Counting down the days to your next trip? We’ve got you covered this autumn with our round-up of Europe’s best destinations to discover in September and October…

September

Germany: All eyes are on Munich when Oktoberfest, the world-famous German beer festival, pitches up in Theresienwiese from mid September to early October.

 

Pack your Lederhosen and get ready for an extravaganza of giant pretzels, Oompah bands and of course, gallons and gallons of ice-cold beer. Prost!

 

Flights to Munich

Ireland: A combination of mild weather and lively events makes September one of the best months to visit Ireland. The party kicks off in Stradbally Co. Laois with the Electric Picnic festival.

 

Heading west, Galway welcomes visitors from around the world to raise a toast at the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival.

 

Meanwhile in Dublin, it’s all go as Croke Park plays host to thousands of sports fans for the GAA All-Ireland Championship finals.

 

Flights to Dublin

Italy: In Tuscany, foodies can look forward to an autumn feast of fresh figs, mushrooms, truffles and olive oil, while in Milan it’s a case of handbags at dawn when the fashion pack rolls into town for Fashion Week.

 

Always wanted to see Venice? The city is at its most romantic in September, with beautiful sunsets and ethereal mists veiling the canals.

 

Flights to Venice

Portugal: Locals will tell you September is the perfect time to plan a beach break in the Algarve or Lisbon Coast. The sea is still warm, there’s still a stretch in the evenings and best of all, beaches are virtually deserted.

 

Playing away? Surf is more consistent off the Atlantic coast and mild autumn temperatures make this the perfect month for a round of golf in the Algarve.

 

Flights to Faro

Greece: Make the most of cooler temperatures in Athens and explore the iconic wonders of Ancient Greece without the long queues and sweltering heat of high summer.

 

Up for an island hopping adventure? Paradise isles such as Santorini and Mykonos continue to bask in balmy weather throughout September and can be reached within a short 40-minute flight from the Greek capital.

 

Flights to Athens

October

Italy: Fly to Rome in October and you’ll find the eternal city bathed in autumn’s honey-coloured light. As it’s no longer peak season, there’s no need to battle your way through selfie sticks at the Trevi Fountain, The Spanish Steps and the Colosseum.

 

Wander the beautiful Trastevere neighbourhood at your own pace and enjoy cheaper rates at hotels and accommodation throughout the city.

 

Flights to Rome

Spain: Seville sizzles during June, July and August but if you play your cards right and plan a trip in October you’ll be able to fully appreciate the cobbled streets of the Santa Cruz quarter and the magnificent Alcázar Palace without breaking a sweat.

 

Autumn sees Ibiza’s major clubs winding down for another season. Enjoy one last tune at the closing parties which take place in the first week of October. Dreaming about chilling by the pool? Sunshine and sangria await in Lanzarote, Tenerife and Fuerteventura.

 

Flights to Seville | Ibiza

Denmark: With crisp autumn weather in the air, the Danes fully embrace their cosy ‘hygge’ traditions.

 

Wrap up warm, October is the perfect time to fall for the charms of Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, snuggle up with a hot drink at Nyhavn or see the sights made famous by Hans Christian Anderson. Meanwhile in Billund, there’s half-term thrills galore at Legoland.

 

Flights to Copenhagen

Malta: It may be hat and scarf season at home, but in the Mediterranean, the island of Malta is kicking back to temperatures in the mid twenties.

 

It’s warm enough to swim in the sea and there’s plenty of ancient and medieval sights to explore in around the cities of Valetta and Mdina – you’ll probably even recognise a few of them from Game of Thrones.

 

Flights to Malta

 

Heading away this September or October?  Tag you photos #RyanairStories for a chance to appear in our Instagram feed.

 

- Fiona Hilliard