Why choose a seaside holiday in September

September is one of the best times to go on holiday. In this particular period, there are still traces of the summer season, but without the typical crowds of June, July and August. What is more, this choice offers a whole host of benefits, from less chaos to more affordable prices, and there is more:

• A milder climate. September is cooler than the summer months, making it more pleasant to visit towns and enjoy outdoor activities. What is more, the cooler weather makes this month perfect for trekking or hiking.
• Fewer crowds. Holiday resorts, particularly those by the sea, are less crowded because families with children have finished their summer holidays and school has started again. You will find shorter queues, and you will be able to make the most of your time.
• A more relaxed atmosphere. Without the hustle and bustle typical of the peak summer season, you can enjoy a more peaceful holiday.
• Affordable prices. September is a time for savings, especially after the August rush: from hotels to flights, prices often fall after the summer peak, with good deals available on both accommodation and transport.
• Warm sea. If you are thinking of going to the seaside, there is no need to worry. September still offers excellent weather for swimming and enjoying the sea, especially in destinations on the Mediterranean.

For the perfect holiday after the peak season in July and August, discover the best September holiday destinations in Italy: in particular, we recommend Forte dei Marmi, Salento and Ortigia.

Forte dei Marmi: elegance, beaches and nature

Forte dei Marmi is one of Italy’s most popular resorts, renowned above all for its beaches and luxury shopping. A historic tourist destination in Versilia, popular with celebrities, the town also offers natural landscapes and cultural activities, ensuring a stay to suit all tastes. Here is a brief guide to what to see in Forte dei Marmi:

• The Lorenese Fort. Known simply as the Fortino, it is the landmark of Forte dei Marmi. Built at the end of the 18th century at the behest of Grand Duke Peter Leopold of Tuscany to serve as a defensive structure and to monitor the coastline, today it represents the heart of the city’s cultural life and hosts art exhibitions, temporary displays and events that bring the city centre to life throughout the year.
• Piazza Marconi. This is the true heart of city life and one of the busiest spots in Forte dei Marmi. Here, every Wednesday and Sunday, the famous market takes place, known throughout Italy for its extensive selection of clothing, accessories, artisan goods and culinary specialities. An experience not to be missed, especially if it is your first time here.

• The seafront and the pier at Forte dei Marmi. A stroll along the seafront is one of the must-do experiences during a stay in Versilia: the path runs alongside the beach, taking in beach clubs, bars and green spaces, offering splendid views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Lastly, the Forte dei Marmi pier – the oldest in Versilia – offers a superb view of the entire coastline and the Apuan Alps, which is even more beautiful at sunset.
• The neighbourhood of Vittoria Apuana and Villa Bertelli. Situated in the northern part of the town, Vittoria Apuana embodies the most refined and residential side of Forte dei Marmi, with its elegant villas nestled amongst the pine woods and quiet streets. This is also the site of Villa Bertelli, a historic residence that has now been transformed into a major cultural centre, which during the summer season hosts concerts, theatre performances, exhibitions and events featuring nationally and internationally renowned artists, helping to make the town a vibrant destination even beyond its beach life.
• The beach at Forte dei Marmi. The leading attraction of this destination. The coastline stretches for around nine kilometres and is characterised by fine sand, a gently sloping seabed and generally calm waters. Here, historic seaside resorts, public beaches and exclusive beach clubs are interspersed with restaurants, bars and amenities, making the resort the ideal destination both for a relaxing holiday and for those wishing to take part in water sports or simply enjoy a day by the sea.

Salento: crystal-clear waters and relaxation as the summer season winds down

Salento is one of Italy’s most popular destinations: here, at the southern tip of Puglia, you can experience nature, history, culture and entertainment. Salento is famous for its beaches, which offer unique views and are considered true corners of paradise: amongst the most famous, we would like to highlight the San Foca coastline, the Grotta della Poesia, Torre dell’Orso and its sea stacks, Porto Badisco, the Baia dei Turchi and, of course, the Faraglioni di Sant’Andrea sea stacks.

Villages and places to visit

It would be a shame to limit oneself to visiting only the most beautiful beaches in this area, given how stunning it is. As a matter of fact, Salento has a way of surprising visitors, thanks in part to its wide array of villages, towns and natural areas, which make sure that every day offers a different experience:

• Otranto, situated at the easternmost point of Salento, is home to the famous Aragonese walls – a mighty defensive enclosure dating back to the 15th century – which include the Aragonese Castle, the Alfonsina Tower and the ramparts overlooking the sea.
• Specchia, considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy thanks to its historic centre, its stone-paved lanes and its location, which offers stunning views of Salento.
• Lecce, the Florence of the South. This town in the Salento region is famous for its rich artistic heritage, with its Baroque-style buildings standing out in particular. Furthermore, the use of local stone creates a golden effect created when sunlight hits the material.
• Castro, the unmissable seaside village famous for its sea caves, foremost among them the Grotta Zinzulusa.

Eastern Sicily: the charm of Ortigia, where sea, history and culture come together

Ortigia is the heart of Syracuse, a jewel on the east coast of Sicily that boasts centuries of history and a multifaceted identity. This place has constantly represented a trading hub over the centuries, bringing Greeks, Arabs, Romans, Spaniards and Byzantines to its shores. A stroll through its streets offers a dive into a unique and vibrant setting where history, culture and tourism come together.

Piazza del Duomo, the heart of the city

Piazza del Duomo is the starting point: regarded as one of the most beautiful squares in Italy, it is home to Syracuse Cathedral, famous for its imposing Baroque façade. The stepped plinth and columns of the Temple of Athena, a striking example of Sicilian Doric architecture, have been incorporated into the building.

The Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia

The Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia also overlooks Piazza del Duomo, so you can reach it with a short stroll. The breathtaking façade of this building, which deserves a special mention, is made of local white stone, whilst inside you can admire the 16th-century painting by Deodato Guinaccia dedicated to Saint Lucy. 

If you would like to see Caravaggio’s famous The Burial of Saint Lucy, the painting is now housed in the Sanctuary of Santa Lucia al Sepolcro.

Maniace Castle

Another architectural gem to include in your itinerary in Syracuse is Maniace Castle, one of the most famous fortifications of medieval Sicily, offering a unique view of the Ionian Sea. Lastly, we recommend a visit to the Tropical Aquarium and the Aretusa Springs: the former is housed in a charming Spanish-style gallery, featuring tropical fish from all over the world, while the latter is situated at the end of the Aquarium and is one of only two papyrus gardens in Italy.

The beaches of Syracuse and Ortigia

Syracuse boasts some of the most charming beaches on Sicily’s eastern coast: just a few minutes from the city centre lie resorts such as Arenella and Fontane Bianche, renowned for their pale sand, crystal-clear waters and ideal conditions for water sports.

Ortigia also offers the chance to explore a unique setting. Here you can visit small coves overlooking the sea, such as Cala Rossa Beach, or relax on Forte Vigliena Beach, two picturesque spots where you can experience the charm of the Mediterranean while surrounded by centuries of history.

Where to stay to make the most of the seaside in September

To finish preparing for your September trip, all you need to do is choose a hotel that can provide you with all the necessary comforts and amenities. We would like to recommend three places to stay – one for each destination – which we are sure will be just right for you!

Where to stay in Forte dei Marmi: UNA Hotels Forte dei Marmi

If you have chosen Forte dei Marmi as your holiday destination in September, we recommend booking at UNA Hotels Forte dei Marmi, a true haven of elegance just a short walk from the town centre.

This 4-star hotel, with over 70 modernly designed rooms, offers its guests a wide range of facilities: the highlight is the refurbished, modern swimming pool, surrounded by the greenery of the garden and perfect for a relaxing swim; just a short walk away are the bar and restaurant, where you can enjoy a drink in peace and quiet. And there is more, because the hotel organises a weekly aperitif in this area during the summer: an opportunity for socialising and enjoying the special atmosphere that the hotel has to offer. In addition, there is an outdoor relaxation area, complete with sofas and white cabanas.

And for those who want to enjoy a bit of sport, the hotel offers two clay tennis courts where you can play while enjoying the sea breeze.

Where to stay in Salento: Posia Retreat & SPA | UNA Esperienze

Posia Retreat & SPA | UNA Esperienze will be your home in Salento next September. This 5-star luxury hotel is situated on the coast, specifically in San Foca (Melendugno), and offers its guests an exclusive experience thanks to its first-class facilities and a special focus on comfort.

The 23 rooms and suites stand out for their great attention to detail and their brightness, with large windows offering a unique view of the Adriatic Sea that stretches as far as the Balkans. Your stay will be enhanced by the spa, where you can enjoy an experience of pure and authentic well-being: you will find a Japanese-inspired open-air space, a relaxation area, a hot tub, a heated pool, a sauna, a Finnish shower and many other facilities designed to restore your physical and mental energy.

 
Round off your experience at Mora Mora Beach, the hotel’s private beach: 150 metres of sand set between the Le Cesine Nature Reserve and the Grotta della Poesia – a little corner of paradise accessible exclusively from the resort, which also features a bistro where you can enjoy a drink or an aperitif on the beach.

Where to stay in Syracuse: Maniace Boutique Hotel Ortigia | UNA Esperienze

Maniace Boutique Hotel Ortigia | UNA Esperienze is the perfect hotel for booking your stay in Ortigia and Syracuse. This property perfectly captures the essence of this Sicilian city, thanks to its refined interiors and meticulously crafted details.

You will notice this right from the start in the 21 comfortable rooms and suites, whose décor draws inspiration from the history and culture of this corner of the east coast. As for the outdoor areas, during your stay you can enjoy the stunning panoramic terrace overlooking the famous Calarossa beach and the property’s private garden. And if you are a food and wine enthusiast, you will be pleased to know that the hotel has a wine cellar stocked with fine regional wines.

What is more, the Maniace Boutique Hotel Ortigia | UNA Esperienze is the ideal base from which to explore Ortigia and its attractions: in just a few minutes, you can reach both Syracuse Cathedral and Maniace Castle.

September is the ideal time to enjoy the Italian coast at a more leisurely pace, while the weather is still perfect. Whether you prefer the historic charm of Ortigia, the crystal-clear waters of Salento or the elegance of Versilia, each destination offers a different way to make the summer last a little longer. UNA Italian Hospitality’s hotels are the ideal starting point for exploring these areas and turning a simple holiday into a truly all-round experience.