Enjoying the last days of summer can be the perfect chance for a memorable holiday. If you still have some vacation days left, or if you’ve decided to travel off-peak—away from the crowds and summer buzz—now is the time to take advantage of end-of-season low cost deals on exclusive stays and affordable flights.
Late summer offers plenty of opportunities—whether you’d rather stay in Italy or venture abroad.
Sea, lakes, or art cities: Top end-of-season budget destinations in Italy
If you dream of a seaside holiday with pleasantly mild weather, plenty of sunshine, and less-crowded itineraries, you’ll find great deals for the beaches of Puglia, Calabria, Sicily, and Sardinia—but also along the Ligurian coast. The Riviera Romagnola and coastal Tuscany offer unbeatable options as well. The sea on Elba Island out of peak season has much to offer, as do Ischia and Procida in Campania, two real gems for end-of-summer savings.
If you prefer tranquil waters, Italy’s lakes are perfect even after summer ends, ideal for a quick weekend or a longer break. It’s easy to find value stays around Lake Como, Lake Garda, or—especially for wine tours—the Lake Caldaro area in Trentino.
Charming villages, culture-filled cities, and mountain escapes also make for affordable end-of-summer holidays. Specialized sites highlight budget-friendly options, from higher-altitude stays in Chamois (the highest village in Valle d’Aosta) to fairy-tale landscapes in Trentino’s Valle del Chiese with its mountain farms, glaciers, lakes, and ancient villages.
Italy’s borghi (villages) attract late-summer travelers in search of the season’s best deals: discover gems like Comacchio (Emilia Romagna), known as “Little Venice”, Levanto (Liguria), Chioggia (Veneto), Gradara (Marche), Ortona (Abruzzo), Spoleto (Umbria), Sorrento (Campania), Sperlonga (Lazio), Rodi Garganico (Puglia), Tropea (Calabria), Castelmezzano (Basilicata), and San Giovanni in Galdo (Molise), just to name a few can’t-miss destinations.
Among art cities that are usually pricier during peak season, Rome and Florence always stand out. Tuscany in late summer is a wonderful experience: the weather is still pleasant, temperatures are mild, and deals abound. It’s the perfect moment to craft a unique itinerary through art cities like Val d’Orcia, Florence, Siena, and continue on to Arezzo, Lucca, and San Gimignano.
A late summer break in Rome means stunning colors and unforgettable ambiance. With low-cost flights and hotels, it’s an excellent choice—plus, you can explore nearby areas like Parco dei Castelli Romani and Tivoli.
There are also great wellness deals, especially from the many thermal spa resorts that Italy is famous for.
More seaside escapes and great savings abroad
If you’re looking for value, many international destinations also offer fantastic deals. For beach lovers, consider Greece, Croatia, the Balearic Islands, Portugal, Spain, Egypt, the Canary Islands, Bali, Morocco, and the Maldives.
If you prefer a getaway filled with art, culture, and scenic panoramas, check out cities like Prague, Budapest, and other European capitals as well as Iceland, Ljubljana, or even north to Scandinavia. September is ideal for a tour of the Norwegian fjords—a spectacular natural wonder—combined with visits to Oslo, Stockholm, and Helsinki, all renowned for their cutting-edge green credentials.
Other budget-friendly destinations to consider include Malta, Marrakech, and Istanbul, plus regions such as Jordan and Egypt. Of course, the list of options is even longer and filled with exciting places to discover.
