Published: 29th August 2024.
It has been an incredible summer with soaring numbers for travelers to the Mediterranean and the mountain ranges such as the Alps. At the same time overtourism has become a hot keyword, with destinations being swamped with tourists. So many, in fact, that some cities around Europe have active campaigning to limit the number of incoming tourists on a yearly basis. On the flip side of the coin, more travelers are seeing the value in going to places with less tourists. We simply want to find some peace and relaxation, and souvenir shops or overpriced restaurants with meagre selections simply don’t resonate with tourists anymore (if they ever did).
But where will you go on vacation in late summer or autumn?
Chances are that you are still looking to squeeze in another vacation this late summer or in the autumn.
Check our fresh tips for your vacation this late summer. Carefully picked where you can expect less crowded places and yet find real cultural treats with unique local charm, for arts, city architecture, and evening entertainment.
Istria in Croatia
This peninsula in Croatia has more to offer than the beach towns along the coast. Split or Pula anyone? Yes, those coastal towns are well known. But did you know that the entire stretch of the coastline in Istria has sights and places to visit?
There is an added bonus to visiting Istria in September. The grape harvest season starts and truffles are becoming ripe. So it’s a foodie’s dream destination.
If you are up for historical sights, then certainly go to Pula and check out the Roman amphitheater. But that is basic. Instead, head over to Poreč, a Roman castrum town. Or head over to the Brijuni islands which is a national park and visit the remains of two Roman villas in the Verige bay on the island Veli Briju.
Bologna in Italy
This university city in the north of Italy has historically played an important role in Europe. The university of Bologna was founded in 1088 (yeah, only a few decades after the vikings visited America).
Bologna is considered to be the oldest university in the western hemisphere. But do not get to caught up with books and literature. Instead, walk out on the Piazza Maggiore and sit down for a cold beverage as you gaze at the Palazzo del Podestà, a palace that is still in use. Originally built in the year 1200, it was Romanesque in design before redesigned according to Renaissance ideals in the end of the 15th century.
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Edinburgh in Scotland
Scotland sits neatly above England, with its stunning highlands and lochs (lakes), more than 31400 of them, make Scotland a wonder for those seeking to get closer to nature. Edinburgh in September is a city that has just seen plenty of festivities. The fringe festival has come to its conclusion, and slowly the city is preparing for the autumn months. From mid September you can take in the full autumn color grandeur of the nature around Edinburgh.
A solid recommendation is to combine outings into the surrounding nature with visiting a few of the +380 bars in Edinburgh, that serve local brews and have unique histories. Scots are known throughout the world as very hospitable and easygoing, so engage in some conversation and learn about the depth of the Scottish history and culture as you chat with the locals or staff in these bars.
Porto in Portugal
Some distance away from Lisbon, Porto indeed draws many tourists in summer. But towards the late summer and autumn you can soak up the sunshine and check out the retaurant scene in a slightly less hectic setting. Facing the Atlantic Ocean, you can expect warm temperatures into September, and definitely stroll around in your summer gear, like shorts and t-shirt.
Whereas other more northern destinations are welcoming autumn properly, the seasons take longer to turn in Porto. Here, the late summer warmth is still prevalent and you can find that most outdoors activities are still possible, but without the mad hectic times of July and August.
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