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Summers in Europe can be the stuff of dreams, what with the turquoise Mediterranean coastlines, pastel-colored towns dating back centuries (if not thousands of years), and that laid-back lifestyle you couldn’t easily find elsewhere.
On the other hand, it can get unbearably hot.
You don’t want to be out and about exploring a stone-built city when it’s over 90 degrees out––in reality, it feels much, much hotter than that––or spend the night at a modest seaside hotel with no air-conditioning, trusting the sea breeze will help you cool down.
If the latest booking trends are anything to go by, tourists are actively avoiding traditional summer hotspots between June and August, and opting instead to visit in the fall, when the heat isn’t as torrid, prices have dropped a little, and most importantly, crowds have dissipated.
It’s not like the off-season is much colder anyway, particularly in the sun-scorched south, where these 4 European gems are located, boasting summer-like weather well into October––if not later:
Rhodes, Greece
One of the most beautiful vacation islands in Greece, Rhodes is not somewhere we’d be exactly eager to check out in the peak of summer when wildfires ravage its arid hinterland and temperatures can easily hit the 100°F mark.
Instead, we’re saving Rhodes’ storybook capital with the same name, its ancient Lindos Acropolis overlooking an azure Mediterranean, and oasis-like, waterfall-dotted Valley of the Butterflies for September, when it’s still shorts weather out, but not unbearably warm and dry.
In the fall, Rhodes has an average daytime high temperature of 79°F, perfect for sightseeing and catching a tan without risking getting sunburned, dropping to a low of 66°F after sundown, which means alfresco tzatziki and Old Town strolls at night.
Looking for a cheap eat in Rhodes that won’t break the bank?
Head over to Anna’s Place down Ialyssos Avenue, where they serve the best pork gyros and fries––with equally-tasty alternatives if you’re vegetarian or have other dietary restrictions.
Rome, Italy
Though it is fascinating regardless of season, Rome is not somewhere you want to experience in summer, when it’s just too hot to be outside for long, and there’s always long lines of people snaking out of popular attractions, like the Colosseum, Pantheon and the Vatican.
That being said, the ancient allure of its ruins, scenic Tiber riverfront, and picturesque Trastevere alleyways inspire awe year-round, and let’s face it, this is a city made to be explored on foot, and as comfortably as possible.
We’re sticking to the off-season instead, when temperatures sit somewhere between 75 and 82°F, crowding is somewhat less severe, and room rates have dropped a little: on Booking.com, there are as many as 39 hotels listed under $100 a night, going for as cheap as $54.
By the way, if you happen to be in Rome between September 21 and 22, you are eligible for free entry or a symbolic 1 euro pass that grants you access to several of the city’s world-renowned museums as part of the European Heritage Day, so mark your calendars.
Seville, Spain
The historically-charged inland capital of Andalusia, the hottest region in all of Europe, Seville is not the kind of the city you’ll want to be out sightseeing in July or August––it gets unbearably hot, with temperatures often soaring past 100 degrees.
Instead, tourists visiting in the fall enjoy a much more temperate climate, ranging from 64.4 to 86 degrees (still warm, but not inhospitably-warm), and none of the summer chaos whether you’re climbing the medieval Giralda Tower, or exploring the colorful Triana district, you can expect less crowding.
In terms of monuments, Seville is best known for its rich Arab heritage.
The cathedral itself was originally built as a mosque while Andalusia was under Moorish control, and the monumental Plaza de España, a large half-circle square bordering a canal, is probably Spain’s prettiest.
If you want to see something truly unique, however, head over to a hippy Macarena district.
As the name might suggest, this district inspired the 1990s pop hit and currently lives on as a lively Bohemian zone lined by tapas, restaurants, and casual bars.
Ayia Napa, Cyprus
Tucked away in the Eastern Mediterranean, near the Middle East, Cyprus is not the most obvious pick for an American seeking a sunny escape across the pond in September, yet unbeknownst to most, it is where they will find some of the highest fall temperatures.
Cyprus as a whole is a beautiful island worth exploring in depth, dotted with Ancient Greek ruins and boasting 400 miles of pristine coast, though if we were to pick one resort zone, the trendy Ayia Napa would be our first choice of destination:
Not only is it famous for the plethora of affordable beachfront resorts, starting from $95 a night, it is the top beach spot in Cyprus, with white sands straddling turquoise waters that could easily belong in the Caribbean, and a big selection of beach bars.
The fun never ends down by Nissi Bay Beach, a well-frequented venue with a busy event timeline year-round, from foam parties to Deep House nights, and if you’d prefer a quieter spot instead, the Westerly Ayia Thekla Beach has smaller crowds and feels more exclusive.
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Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
