11 European beach spots for late summer sun

1. Cyprus

Average September temperature: 25C | Average highs: 29C

Temperatures can reach 30C in Cyprus in September – perfect if you're seeking some late summer sun. And whether you’re looking for hidden and remote or exuberant and loud, Cyprus delivers on it all.

Party seekers can’t go wrong with buzzing Ayia Napa, where beaches such as Konnos and Nissi are offset by beach bars and watersports, while Coral Bay in Paphos is a great family choice with a gorgeous sandy beach and shallow waters.

If you're looking to escape the tourist trail, venture to Lara Bay. Close to the striking Akamas Peninsula Nature Reserve, it’s best reached by safari or 4x4. The journey is worth it: this north-western part of the island is home to loggerhead turtles, pretty sandy stretches and panoramic views.

2. Malta

Average September temperature: 25C | Average highs: 28C

Malta has beach breaks covered. Its main coastal resorts – as well as some of its best beaches – are located in the north, including Mellieha Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha and Golden Bay.

More secluded spots can be found on the island’s tip, such as Paradise Bay and Armier, or you can head to nearby Gozo, which is separated from the mainland by a 5km (3 miles) stretch of sea.

Minimal development has enabled the beauty of Gozo to remain intact with one of the most striking beaches being Ramla il-Hamra – a large stretch of red sand that contrasts the verdant green countryside surrounding it.

For the quintessential Malta experience, join a Blue Lagoon boat tour to the tiny island of Comino.

3. Crete, Greece

Average September temperature: 24C | Average highs: 27C

Crete always delivers on splendid stretches of sand and lush scenery, and you can count on it for September sun too – this southerly Greek island holds on to summer’s heat well into October.

Balmy temperatures and dwindling crowds make beach-hopping a dream. Balos Lagoon is famous for its turquoise waters and white sands (you can reach it by venturing down a dirt track or by taking a boat from Kissamos), while Elafonissi’s pink shores provide a natural rose-tinted photo filter.

As for where to stay, pick Chania for old-town charm, Agios Nikolaos for family fun or Malia for late-night revelry.

4. Ibiza, Spain

Average September temperature: 24C | Average highs: 28C

There’s far more to the White Isle than neon lights and pounding beats, and Ibiza’s northern side boasts some of the most picturesque beaches in the Balearics.

Portinatx and Puerto San Michael sit amid pine-clad hills and are popular with families and couples. Santa Eulalia, meanwhile, is the style icon of the southeast coast with a grand marina, galleries and two spotless beaches.

For a little more nightlife, Playa d’en Bossa and San Antonio offer beach-basking by day and a multitude of venues by night.

5. The Algarve, Portugal

Average September temperature: 23C | Average highs: 29C

With an abundance of exceptional beaches, the Algarve is superb sunbathing territory for a hot September holiday in Europe.

Spanning 30km (18 miles) of coastline, Albufeira is one of the region’s most popular resorts. Away from its glorious stretches of sand, you can get lost in its atmospheric old town or head to one of the many restaurants and bars in the bustling new town.

Laidback Lagos is the place to be for surfing and low-key escapes, or stay in the sleepy fishing village of Alvor for heaps of great restaurants, shops and sheltered sandy nooks.

6. Tenerife, Spain

Average September temperature: 23C | Average highs: 27C

Tenerife is ideal for late summer sun seekers, with temperatures still sizzling well into September.

Eleven of its beaches have Blue Flag status, with a combination of wide sweeping stretches and smaller, more intimate volcanic sand beaches.

Those looking for vibrant nightlife after a hard day’s basking will find it at resorts such as Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos, or you can keep it chill with a sundowner at Las Teresitas – its beach has fine yellow sand imported from the Sahara Desert, making it one of the few on Tenerife where you won’t see the usual black, volcanic sand.

7. Sardinia, Italy

Average September temperature: 22C | Average highs: 26C

You can take your pick of silver, gold or white sands on Sardinia’s 1,000km (621 miles) of coastline.

Located on the aptly named Emerald Coast, stunning Baia Sardinia has crystal-clear waters and powder-white sands. Alternatively, you can mingle with the glitterati at Porto Cervo, which oozes glamour and offers plenty of opportunity for working on that celebrity tan.

Alghero, in northwest Sardinia, has a strong Catalan influence and San Giovanni beach – also known as ‘the lido’ – borders the town. However, for a beach with a real wow factor, Maria Pia is just five minutes away by car and has a stretch of ice-white sand, haloed by scented pine forests.

If one Sardinian beach just isn’t enough for you, take a boat tour to spend a day cruising coastal highlights.

8. Croatia

Average September temperature: 21C | Average highs: 26C

Croatia is blessed with several outstanding islands that are perfect for a late summer sun escape, most of which can be visited by taking a ferry from cities on the mainland, such as Split or Dubrovnik.

Stiniva, on the picturesque island of Vis, is within easy reach by ferry from Split. Accessible by hiking a steep path or by taxi boat from the nearby Rukavac Cove, this exquisite patch of coastline is well worth the effort.

Hvar is the place to visit for glamourous, sun-drenched stretches and trendy bars, while you’ll find protected forests, olive groves and two stunning saltwater lakes on scenic Mljet.

9. Corsica, France

Average September temperature: 19C | Average highs: 24C

Home to a diverse landscape of forest, vineyards and horseshoe bays of white sand and crystal-clear waters, Corsica is another great choice for September sunshine.

The views from hilltop Porto Vecchio are hard to beat, and its photogenic beach and historic old town make it a hit with holidaymakers – picture vibrant pavement cafés, restaurants and designer boutiques.

Calvi is another superb resort, characterised by its lofty citadel and 6km (3.7 miles) milk-white beach. Claimed by the locals to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, its marina is usually full of impressive yachts and is a top spot for people-watching.

10. Turquoise Coast, Turkey

Average September temperature: 25C | Average highs: 31C

Turkey’s Turquoise Coast has got every type of beach break going – even in September.

Antalya has some of Turkey's biggest and best beaches, including action-packed Lara Beach where the sun-loungers are as bountiful as the watersports options, and Konyaalti, a 6km-long (4 miles) Blue Flag beach framed by the Taurus Mountains.

Marmaris is where the party scene is, so you won’t struggle to find a lively restaurant, bar or beach club on its whopping 10km (6 miles) bay. You could also make a day of it by joining a party boat cruise from the harbour.

For the type of turquoise water and pine-fringed sand that makes your Instagram feed, make a beeline for Olu Deniz’s Blue Lagoon.

11. Kefalonia, Greece

Average September temperature: 22C | Average highs: 26C

Kefalonia’s shimmering Ionian shores and its bargain holiday deals are equally as tempting in late summer.

Look to Katelios, Lassi or Lixouri for the best package prices – all make the line up for the cheapest resorts in Greece this year and are classic seaside staples. Think pretty patches of sand, watersports and ice-cream shops.

Wherever you stay, a trip to Myrtos Beach is a must. Reachable by a long winding road, is one of the best in the country, with pure white pebbles that glisten against the lush green mountainside.

If you can tear yourself away from the sand, Kefalonia’s countryside is rife with adventure. Hike Mount Ainos, trot through forest trails on horseback or go in search of ancient monasteries.