September is still summer: six plans to make the most of it

We are at that time of year when two irreconcilable factions return to battle: can September be considered summer?

Calendar maximalists say that the season, it doesn't end until The 21st. So yes, September SHOULD be considered "summer".
Beach and mojito purists revolt: it's back to school, back to the office, back to reality. No month is more traumatic. September is the death of summer.

If you ask us… we're as depressed as the rest of us… If it weren't for the fact that September is also a great month to stretch out getaways and holidays until the body, the days off and the heat can't take it anymore.

MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY WEEKEND

Just as the beaches are emptying, hotels are slashing prices to salvage what's left of the season, the heat is subsiding but not too much, and your favorite places are being decolonized… You appear.

via GIPHY

September is the refuge of the shy tourist, the one who loathes crowds, the bargain hunter, the office worker who enjoys their empty city in August. It is the last refuge of summer.

Because we still have the torrent of appealing places that Spain offers once August winds down (September in Belgium doesn't sound so appealing)
Because the heat is still holding out (thank goodness for that, global warming)
Because with a spare day off, a Friday when you get off work early, or a weekend when you get up early, you can put together a proper getaway.

For all these reasons, today we bring you Six ideas to help you stretch out your vacation:

1. BEGUR AND THE COSTA BRAVA

Think of the Costa Brava in August. What do you see? Not a single square meter to lay out your towel and a 45-minute traffic jam just to get to the beach and park your car.

September is the solution to your problems. Yes, the Costa Brava is everything that's been written about it and much more, but it's best without the crowds, and if you have a weekend waiting for you in Begur. Sa Tuna, Sa Riera, the cove of Aiguablava... unbelievable waters, some of the best beach restaurants in Spain, and peace and quiet.

If you have the time and it fits, you can finish it off with the Salt Festival in L'Escala and its amazing anchovies.

2. THE ALGARVE

Last week of September, Olhão, a small fishing village in the Algarve. Temperature? 32ºC.

The Algarve 🇵🇹 It's practically begging for a weekend getaway to cap off the year's holidays. For several reasons: its rocky coves; its fresh fish at every beach bar you find; cities like Faro or Lagos; or its endless Atlantic beaches like Amado. or Borteira.

Summer ends there, in all its glory.

3. VEJER AND THE CADIZ COAST

Cádiz has everything:

Beaches? As many as you want, and not just Bolonia: Zahora, Zahara de los Atunes, Barrosa, Conil, ...
Mountains? Take the car and go for a drive through Grazalema, the wettest spot in Spain.
Culture? An evening in Jerez, a visit to a winery, and the next day a tuna tasting in The CamperoWhite villages? Vejer (top), Arcos a stone's throw away or Tarifa (the most festive).

Cadiz has flow, good vibes in the air and the feeling that summer is a constant state of mind.

4. The Matarraña

The interior also offers cool retreats for a long weekend. The Matarraña region is the best example. Sheltered by the Ports of Tortosa and Beceite, it's a mountainous corner between Aragon and the coast, dotted with charming villages and idyllic natural pools.

You have swamps that look like miniature seas (Grief), brutal waterfalls (Portellada Leap) and gorges with turquoise waters (The Parrizal).

It is the “Mediterranean”, compressed into the mountains.

5. From Xàbia to Calpe

Impassable between July and August, Cabo de la Nao is cleared of humanity at this time of year.

Steep cliffs above Moraig or Granadella beach; the ecological walk between the Peñón de Ifalch and the beach of La Fustera; Moraira and its rocky coves; and the viewpoint of Symbol, with the cove of the same name right below and always empty (because in theory you can't go down but you can).

Nothing you don't already know. But it tastes so much better at the best time of year.

6. The Upper Douro

And to wrap things up, back to the mountains. The Sierra de Soria, way up north, where you only reach if you've made a point of going there, has some of the most breathtaking spots on the Iberian Peninsula. Coves galore: the Duero River still runs warm and you can swim or in the pools that you create in La Caldera; and you also have countless natural pools, like those of Salduero, with a great atmosphere.

And if your adventurous spirit awakens, you can climb up to the Neila Lakes, with a spectacular viewpoint towards the Urbión Peaks and Sierra Cebollera; or climb up to the Black Lagoon, surrounded by Scandinavian-style forests.

In conclusion, whatever your destination, sea or mountains, while the heat is still lingering and you want to embrace the spirit of summer for one more weekend, we encourage you to do it. Pack your suitcase, don't overthink it, and head out the door.

Your body will thank you for it in October.

P.dOf course, for a weekend toiletry bag and to save you from a pinch, take our Handsomefyer SunEven though the sun isn't as strong, it still burns that innocent little boy's face.