STORIES

Late summer is a sweet spot for travel. The crowds have thinned, the heat has eased, and coastal towns across Europe reveal a softer side – slower days, quieter harbours, and light that lingers just a little longer on the water. Beyond the usual resorts, there are places where history, culture, and unspoiled beauty meet the sea. Here are six secret shores to seek out this September.

Mani Peninsula, Greece

Few places in Greece feel as untouched as the Mani Peninsula. At its southern tip, stone-built villages tumble towards wild, rocky coves where the Aegean meets the Ionian Sea. Myth and history linger in the air: this was once the land of ancient warriors and feuding clans. Today it’s all about hidden beaches, dramatic sunsets, and a sense of remoteness that feels rare in the Mediterranean.

Where to stay: Kyrimai Hotel – a restored 19th-century fortress with sea-facing rooms and a celebrated restaurant serving Maniot cuisine by the water’s edge.

Opatija, Croatia

Opatija has long been a coastal retreat, once the summer playground of Austro-Hungarian aristocracy. Its belle-époque villas line the Lungomare promenade, where you can wander for miles along the Adriatic with views of the islands on the horizon. Late summer is the best time to explore its gardens, sip coffee on café terraces, and dip into the clear, pebbled coves just beyond the town.

Where to stay: Hotel Agava Opatija – a 19th-century villa with elegant rooms, a leafy café-terrace, and a central location that places the promenade on your doorstep.

Dingle, Kerry, Ireland

On Ireland’s wild Atlantic coast, Dingle feels like the end of the world – in the best way. Colourful shopfronts, traditional music pubs, and fishing boats bobbing in the harbour set the scene. Beyond town, the Dingle Peninsula offers windswept headlands, prehistoric sites, and golden beaches that, in late summer, you may have almost to yourself.

Where to stay: Dingle Benners Hotel – the oldest boutique in town, full of period character, antique furnishings, and the cosy welcome that Dingle is famous for.

Ionian Coast, Taormina, Italy

Perched high above the Ionian Sea, Taormina is Sicily’s most celebrated coastal town – and in September, when the summer throngs have faded, it’s at its most alluring. The ancient Greek theatre still frames views of Mount Etna and the bay below, while winding lanes hide family-run trattorias and artisan shops. Down by the coast, the beaches are quieter, perfect for a last swim of the season.

Where to stay: Hotel Villa Schuler – an elegant villa set in botanical gardens, with panoramic views over the Bay of Naxos and Etna.

Setúbal, Portugal

Just south of Lisbon, Setúbal is a working port city with a lively local spirit and some of Portugal’s most spectacular coastline on its doorstep. From here, ferries cross the Sado River where pods of resident dolphins play, while the beaches of Arrábida Natural Park glow golden against turquoise water. In late summer, the seafood is at its freshest – grilled sardines, fried cuttlefish, and oysters from the estuary.

Where to stay: Rio Art Hotel – a family-run historic hotel in the town centre, with artistic décor and a warm, personal welcome.

Kulla Peninsula, Sweden

Often called the “Tuscany of Scandinavia,” Sweden’s Kulla Peninsula is a patchwork of vineyards, orchards, and craggy coastlines overlooking the Öresund Strait. Late summer brings ripening apples, crisp sea air, and quiet walking trails that trace the shoreline. It’s a destination for those who like their seaside calm, with a glass of local wine in hand and the North Sea glittering beyond.

Where to stay: Villa Brunnby – a historic manor surrounded by apple orchards, with tranquil rooms and easy access to the peninsula’s vineyards and coastal paths.