September is a fantastic month for a holiday in Spain. The summer heat, which can discourage staying in some cities and areas of the country during July and August, finally begins to loosen its grip; the largest crowds of tourists disappear from beaches and monuments and prices are more accessible.
We have prepared a guide with the best destinations for a holiday to Spain in September. Whether you seek a beach break, city escape or a couples getaway there is something for everyone.
Ibiza
Ibiza does not need much presentation. It is one of the most popular and desired destinations for a summer holiday, but when the high season reaches its peak, it can feel very busy. In September, the island offers all its splendour, but with smaller crowds. It's the perfect time to enjoy the island with a calmer atmosphere, whilst staying faithful to the pure essence of the island: a perfect mix of beaches and clubs.
In September, the weather in Ibiza is still good, typically summery, with warm temperatures and a high percentage of sunny days. Spend the day enjoying the most beautiful beaches of the island and rent a beach house in Ibiza in destinations that may be too expensive or overly crowded in the high season, such as Eivissa, Santa Eularia or Portinax.
In the evening, Ibiza continues to be a fantastic place for those who love to party, even in September. The parties are still in full swing, and the best destinations on the island for nightlife are less crowded than in the summer. The end of the month is usually the start of the "closing parties" period when huge celebrations are organised by the most famous clubs before the winter break. During these weekends, the top clubs host famous DJs and tourists take advantage of the occasion for the last party weekend.
La Rioja
September is harvest time. For wine and gastronomy lovers, this is a month full of unmissable activities and events. In Spain, the wine region par excellence is La Rioja. This region produces some of the finest wines in the peninsula and is home to a great gastronomic tradition. Towards the end of the month, the city of Logroño hosts the Fiesta del Vino, a very popular and crowded event, certainly the most important event of the region dedicated to wine.
With the arrival of autumn parties and events throughout La Rioja, visitors can enjoy the fascinating rural landscapes of the region and get to know its rich gastronomic tradition. Don't miss the "Mercado de la Vindimia" in the small and pretty village of Ollauri, an event that includes visits to wineries and vineyards with numerous activities. Another famous event in the area is the "Festival del Chorizo" celebrated in the town of Baños de Río Tobía and dedicated to one of the most famous products in the region - Chorizo. The "Mercados Medieval y del Camino festival" celebrated in Santo Domingo de la Calzada is focused on the agricultural and craft traditions. Its program includes numerous activities, shows and craft markets.
Thanks to its landscapes, traditions and the distance that separates the region from more touristy destinations, La Rioja is a perfect region for a rural stay in Spain.
Barcelona
September is a month of celebration in Barcelona, with a large number of events and things to do. After celebrating its most famous festival, the "Festa Major de Gracia" in August, the city hosts several other popular events, unmissable for those who want to get closer to the authentic side of city life in Barcelona.
The "Festa Major d’Horta", usually takes place in the first week of September and is celebrated in the district of the same name, located north of the centre. It is a little-known party, perfect for immersing yourself in the authentic life of a typical Barcelona barrio. The program includes theatre performances, dances and street concerts, in addition to the inevitable correfoc (fire-runs), a large number of children's activities and gastronomic events. The following week is the "Festa de Poblenou" with a similar program it is held in the district north of La Barceloneta beach.
The celebrations continue throughout the month of September with one of the most popular festivals in Barcelona, the "Festa de la Mercè", dedicated to the patron saint of the city - Virgen de la Merced - to which a basilica in the Gothic Quarter is dedicated to. The festival is partly religious and partly secular and takes place in various areas of the historic centre. The program includes correfoc, Castellers, parades of Gigantes, concerts, traditional dances, fireworks with music, and much more.
To end September in style, do not miss the "Festa Major de la Barceloneta", celebrated on the 29th of September in one of the most popular areas for renting a holiday apartment in Barcelona. The festival includes costumed street parades and the neighbourhood is decorated for the occasion. There are also traditional music concerts on the beach, during which many locals drink rom cremat ("burnt rum"), a drink made with rum, coffee beans, sugar, lemon peel and cinnamon.
Costa Blanca
In the summer, the Costa Blanca is one of the most lively destinations for beach holidays in Spain. Its most popular tourist locations are also perfect for a holiday at any time of the year, thanks to the favourable climate and a large number of activities available. It is not surprising that it is one of Spain's favourite destinations for ex-pats who settle here to enjoy its splendid beaches at virtually every time of the year.
One of the best places on the Costa Blanca for a holiday in September is Altea. This lovely town is located just a few kilometres from Alicante and offers comfortable beaches, a beautiful old town and many things to do. In September, Altea hosts the celebration of the Moros y Cristianos festival; a re-enactment of the victory of the Spanish King and Queen over the Arabs during the Reconquista. This is celebrated in many places on the peninsula, but the Costa Blanca is famous for hosting the best versions of this celebration.
In Altea, this festival coincides with the celebrations dedicated to the patron saint of the city, San Blas. The event is a mixture of religious celebrations and historical re-enactments that take over the streets for five days of parades, music, gastronomy and fireworks.
San Sebastian
September is a busy month in the beautiful city of San Sebastian, with the celebration of some of the most important events in the calendar. The city hosts some interesting international events, as well as traditional celebrations, perfect for getting to know the unique culture of this region.
The month starts with "Euskal Jaiak", the Basque culture festival. This event is dedicated to the folklore of the region, with performances of Basque sports such as cutting the trunks, lifting stones and Basque pelota. The program also includes a rowing regatta with traditional rowing boats and the Bandera de la Concha, very popular and heartfelt. Of course, during the festival, the fantastic gastronomy of the region is also celebrated, with particular regard to cider, one of the most popular products of the region.
The festive month continues with the celebration of "Donostia Kutxa Kultur Festibala" music festival (also known as KKF), and it ends with the prestigious Film Festival, one of the most important on the European film scene.
If you prefer to be with outside nature than in crowded streets with parades, head to the beaches of San Sebastian. In September, the beaches are less crowded, and you can enjoy the last of the summer in the north before the autumn rain arrives. If you love surfing, don't forget that September is one of the best months to stay in San Sebastian, thanks to the arrival of the autumn swells.
Seville
In the height of summer, Seville can be a difficult city to visit. The temperatures can be very high, pushing the Sevillians themselves to seek refreshment on the beaches nearby on the Costa de la Luz. With the arrival of autumn, the summer certainly does not end in the city, but the temperatures drop just enough to allow those who visit it to enjoy its treasures without suffering in the heat. Renting a holiday apartment in Seville in September is ideal for those seeking a cultural holiday in a lively and hospitable city.
There are many activities available. In addition to sight-seeing around the historical centre and the most famous barrios (Triana, Macarena, etc.), you can't miss La Bienal, one of the most important flamenco festivals in Spain. The event is celebrated in "odd years" and generally lasts throughout the month, with many shows and side events. If you are visiting the city in an "even year", don't worry, there are always concerts and venues with opportunities to get closer to this fascinating artistic expression.
In September, the city also offers some interesting events for sports enthusiasts, such as "Nocturna del Guadalquivir", an amateur race that runs through the historic centre at night as well as the "Gran Semana Anglo-Arabe", which is perfect for horse racing fans, with competitions and exhibitions celebrated in the Parque del Alamillo.
Lanzarote
If you are looking for ultimate relaxation on your holiday to Spain in September, consider staying in Lanzarote. The island offers a fantastic climate all year round, incredible beaches and, with the arrival of autumn, beaches are less crowded.
Lanzarote has destinations to suit every type of holiday. For beaches and sun, head towards the splendid coves of Papagayo or the long stretches of sand of the area of Playa Blanca. If you want to switch up days at the beach with cultural visits, go to Arrecife or Teguise and admire their unique architecture and wander around the markets. Don't miss Jameos del Agua, the masterpiece from the artist Cesar Manrique.
Nature is the protagonist in Lanzarote, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. In addition to relaxing on its beaches, you can recharge your batteries by trekking around the Timanfaya National Park, where you can admire impressive volcanic landscapes. It is worth mentioning that Lanzarote is home to one of the most unique areas of Spanish wine production. La Geria, is spread over volcanic land, and uses ancient techniques for irrigation and to protect the vines from sea breezes; if you visit the island in September, be sure to participate and a wine tasting tour.