September is one of the best months to travel around Italy: the sea is still warm enough for swimming, the peak-season heat is fading, and the grape harvest begins in many regions – often accompanied by festivals and events that only take place at this time of year. Here are ten destinations that make a late-summer trip to Italy particularly worthwhile in 2026, from regions already featured on the blog to new destinations:

1. Lake Como

Why September: Quieter villas and gardens, pleasant temperatures around 75–79°F, and fewer day-trippers along the lakeside promenades.

Lake Como is at its most relaxed in late summer: the large tour groups of peak season have left, while the water is still warm enough for swimming. It’s the perfect time to explore the villas and gardens around Bellagio, Varenna, and Lenno at a slower pace or take a boat trip across the lake without the summer crowds.

Find tips and details on the best places to visit, things to do, and the best time to go in our guides:

• 48 Hours at Lake Como: Your Perfect Dolce Vita Weekend Getaway
• 20 Unforgettable Highlights at Lake Como
• Best Time to Visit Lake Como: Weather, Tips & Events Throughout the Year

2. Sardinia

Why September: Sea temperatures around 75°F, significantly quieter beaches than in August, and lower accommodation prices.

Sardinia is a true late-summer secret: the sea is still beautifully warm, while the packed beaches of the Costa Smeralda and southern Sardinia are noticeably quieter than during peak season. If you skipped August because of the prices or crowds, September is the perfect opportunity for a beach holiday with considerably more space to yourself.

Discover more about Sardinia’s different coastal regions in our guides:

• Sardinia Bucket List: 10 Unforgettable Experiences You Can’t Miss
• Exploring Sardinia’s East Coast
• Best Time to Visit Sardinia

3. South Tyrol

Why September: Stable mountain weather, significantly fewer hikers on popular trails, and the beginning of the traditional cattle drives.

September is one of the best hiking months in the Dolomites: the days are usually still clear and stable, while popular routes such as the Tre Cime di Lavaredo are noticeably quieter than in midsummer. Toward the end of the month, the traditional Almabtrieb season begins in many places, when cattle decorated with flowers and bells are ceremonially brought back down to the valleys – a beautiful extra experience if you happen to be there at the right time.

Find all the details on routes and timing here:

• The Perfect 4-Day Road Trip through South Tyrol
• The 17 Best and Most Unique Things to Do in South Tyrol
• The Most Beautiful Hikes in South Tyrol

4. Venice

Why September: The Venice Film Festival (September 2–12, 2026) and the Regata Storica (September 6) create an especially vibrant atmosphere, followed by the first cooler evenings after the summer heat.

Venice transforms into one of Italy’s most exciting destinations at the beginning of September: the Venice Film Festival brings international cinema and celebrities to the Lido, while the first Sunday of the month traditionally hosts the Regata Storica – a historic rowing regatta accompanied by a spectacular procession of traditional boats along the Grand Canal. If you plan your trip around these dates – or deliberately travel afterward to avoid the biggest crowds – you’ll experience a much livelier side of Venice than at many other times of year.

5. Tuscany – Chianti

Why September: The beginning of the Vendemmia (grape harvest) and the Chianti Classico Wine Festival in Greve in Chianti (2026: September 10–13).

September is harvest season in Tuscany: the vineyards around Chianti typically begin their Vendemmia between mid and late September, and many wineries offer special tours or even opportunities to experience the harvest firsthand. At the same time, the Chianti Classico Wine Festival takes place in Greve in Chianti, bringing numerous local wineries and their wines together in one place. It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience the region through both its food and its landscapes.

6. Piemont – Langhe

Why September: Peaceful rolling vineyards during harvest season, just before truffle season begins in October.

The Langhe around Alba and Barolo are painted in rich shades of green and gold in September, while winemakers begin harvesting the grapes for Barolo, Barbaresco, and other renowned wines. If you want a little taste of what’s coming later in the year, the famous Alba White Truffle Fair begins on October 10–11, 2026 – a good reason to extend your trip by a few weeks or keep the region on your list for a later autumn getaway.

7. Cinque Terre

Why September: Significantly less crowded hiking trails between the five villages, while the sea is still warm enough for a refreshing swim after your hike.

Cinque Terre is one of Italy’s most visited – and most crowded – destinations in August. In September, things noticeably calm down. The coastal trails between Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore are much more enjoyable to explore, and taking a dip in the sea after a hike is still perfectly possible.

8. Amalfi Coast

Why September: Shoulder-season prices with summer temperatures and quieter roads along the winding coastal route.

The Amalfi Coast is famous for its congested roads during the height of summer – but in September, traffic noticeably eases while Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello continue to enjoy beautiful summer weather. The price difference compared with August can also be significant, making September one of the best times of year to experience the Amalfi Coast without quite as much of the peak-season chaos.

9. Sicily

Why September: Still-warm seas – often above 77°F – the beginning of the grape harvest on Mount Etna, and less intense heat than in midsummer.

Sicily stays beautifully warm well into September, and the sea around Taormina and the eastern coast often remains inviting for swimming well into October. At the same time, the grape harvest begins on the slopes of Mount Etna for the region’s increasingly renowned Etna wines, making winery visits particularly interesting during this time of year. If you want to avoid the oppressive summer heat, September gives you a clear advantage in Sicily.

10. Apulia

Why September: Warm sea temperatures, significantly fewer Italian holidaymakers than in August as the school holidays end, and a more authentic travel experience.

The Salento region in southern Apulia is hugely popular with Italian holidaymakers in August. In September, the crowds begin to disappear while the sea remains beautifully warm. The region’s characteristic trulli villages, the Baroque city of Lecce, and the turquoise coves around Polignano a Mare can all be explored at a much more relaxed pace.

Our conclusion: Whether you’re hiking in South Tyrol, experiencing the grape harvest in Tuscany, or taking one last swim in Sicily or Apulia – September often shows Italy at its most enjoyable: warm enough for beaches and swimming, but without the intense heat and crowds of midsummer. If you haven’t yet explored one of the regions we’ve already covered in detail – Lake Como, Sardinia, or South Tyrol – our travel guides are the perfect place to start.

Which of these 10 destinations is still at the very top of your 2026 travel list?
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