img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}If you’re dreaming of your next trip across the pond, but have been waiting for the crowds to dwindle and that scorching weather to cool a little, chances are you’re eyeing September (or even early October) as your travel window.
This summer, Europe has seen overtourism and extreme heat like never before, but it’s no secret that, in only a few weeks, the overall mood will largely shift: no more huge wait lines, town squares flooded with people, and far fewer days pushing 90 degrees and up.
In other words, you can be outside without risking heatstroke.
So if you’re in need of some inspiration, here are 4 underrated destinations in Europe that will see both smaller crowds and pleasant temps this upcoming fall:
Malta
A tiny island in the Mediterranean, about 387 times smaller than the state of New York, Malta boasts fairytale-like fortified towns, imposing Baroque basilicas, and charming seaside villages bounded by turquoise waters.
It may be a tiny country, but it certainly has no shortage of amazing sights to discover:
From its colorful capital, the UNESCO-listed Valletta, home to a richly decorated cathedral, to Mdina, a maze of ocher-colored townhouses surrounded by medieval walls, to Ramla Bay, a scenic stretch of golden sand, it is the quintessential European fall getaway.
Though it can get quite busy in the off-season, most Maltese coastal resorts are relatively quiet from September, and it surely helps that, due to its geographical location at Europe’s extreme south, it still pushes 85°F on most days.
Trogir, Croatia
You’ve probably heard of Split, possibly Croatia’s trendiest coastal city and a nightlife hotspot, but we’re sure you might have glossed over the much-smaller, far more quaint Trogir, only 17 miles north along the Adriatic Coast.
Trogir is a miniature Split, also cut through with winding, cobble-paved alleyways, and peppered with family-owned trattorie serving delicious seafood and Croatian ćevapi. The difference is that it does not attract the latter’s club-goers.
People come to Trogir to soak up the ancient atmosphere, eat gelato down by the coastal promenade, which rings the islet the town occupies, between the mainland and Čiovo Island, and escape the crowds.
By the way, fall is the perfect time to visit Croatia: expect 76°F on average during the day, and overnight lows of 64°F. Plus, the water is still warm!
Syros, Greece
A paradisaical island playing host to idyllic Aegean beaches and claiming the title of capital of the Cyclades, Syros is Santorini’s more offbeat, under-touristed sister.
The largest settlement is Ermoupoli, an elegant town featuring neoclassical mansions and a signature yellow-washed cathedral with a striking blue dome, while the cultural heart of the island is Ano Syros, a medieval hillside settlement topped with a Venetian-built fortress.
If you’re still secretly hoping for a beach vacay in September or early October, you’ll be glad to know Syros has its fair share of uncrowded coastal destinations, with Galissas and Kini to name a couple: expect long sandy beaches, sparkly waters, and balmy temps.
As far as weather goes, Syros sees a lot less rainfall in the off-season compared to mainland Greece, with daytime highs of 79–82°F, and nighttime lows of 68–71°F.
Favignana, Italy
Located some 12 nautical miles off the west coast of Sicily, Favignana is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets, and a truly pristine island yet to be ruined by the masses.
It is primarily a beach getaway, packed with secret coves, teal-colored calas, and natural pools. The most famous of them, Cala Azzurra, offers crystal-clear seas and a bar for a quick, outdoor lunch, and despite being postcard-ready, it sees none of Sicily’s tourist hordes.
Favignana is remarkably petite as well, with a size of only 19.38 square miles, and you can either walk or bike the entirety of the island. It does help that there are several hiking trails and biking paths starting straight from Favignana Town.
Most people visit Favignana as a day trip from Sicily, but we’d strongly encourage you to stay the night (or 2).
It’s not often you find a safe haven as unspoiled as this in Italy, and if it’s any encouragement, it’s still as warm as 77.7°F in the off-season.
Vinicius CostaVini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
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