The wild coastline of the Costa Brava has an amazing outline, moving from abrupt cliffs to the gentle curves of white beaches. There are plenty of them: wide family-friendly beaches and narrow ones lost in beautiful coves.
However, the beaches are second only to the beauty of the medieval towns and fishing villages. When the sun shines brightly on the walls of buildings, the urban landscape is stunning and enchanting forever. As the sun sets into the clouds, it looks simply mesmerising.
Autumn brings its advantages and disadvantages to the resort, which Kidpassage describes in this article. Is the Costa Brava the perfect place for a beach holiday in September? Won't it be boring? Let's find out!
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Holidays on the Costa Brava in September: pros and cons
The Costa Brava in September is very active at the beginning of the month, but the rhythm of tourist life gradually subsides by its end. Crowds of tourists are thinning in the cities and especially on the beaches. There are no more crowds in parks and shopping and entertainment centres. With the onset of coolness, some regions reduce the cost of accommodation, meals and excursions. For sports recreation centres, the low season begins.
However, the inner life of Spain is full of holidays. Changes are taking place in the business sector: many workers are being released from tourism.
The main advantages of Costa Brava in September:
- by the middle and especially by the end of the month, prices for holidays are reduced;
- low cost of air travel;
- it is still summer weather in this region;
- the swimming season is still on;
- many parking lots are already free;
- predominantly good weather conditions for sports and excursions;
- abundance of vegetables and fruits.
The disadvantages of holidaying in this month are as follows:
- rainy, cloudy and cool days are likely;
- vacation prices at the beginning of the month remain at the summer level;
- the sea often storms.
Without focusing solely on a beach holiday, tourists will leave positive feedback on holidays in the Costa Brava in September. The many attractions, the convenient geographical location and the wide range of leisure activities make up the benefits of this region of Spain.
Costa Brava Weather in September
The weather in September continues to enjoy summer days and comfortable temperatures. Exceptionally smooth and predictable this month, October, brings surprises in the form of rain, thunderstorms and cold winds.
As usual, the weather in early September is lovely, with cloudy skies. A gentle southerly breeze brings in the warmth and scent of the sea. Temperatures on the Costa Brava in mid-September drop by five to ten degrees centigrade during a rainy day or night but soon return to the high summer levels. On days when clouds completely cover the sky, the gentle southern sun continues to warm the atmosphere. Late September is cooler than the beginning of the month but not so cold but not so cold that it interferes with beach holidays. The rare night-time thunderstorms refresh the beautiful southern plants. Some clouds float across the sky.
Air and Water temperature
The daily temperature in Costa Brava in September exceeds +18°C. Global warming, like everywhere else in the world, impacts the local climate, with the days and nights getting warmer every year. The mountains and sea keep the coast in mild climatic conditions.
Air temperature in Costa Brava in September
During the day, you should count on an average air temperature of about +25.2 ° C, the coolness of the night with a slightly warm wind refreshes and invigorates well. The average night temperature in September is +19.2 °C. On the coldest nights, the air temperature is rarely below +11 °C. Hot days are more frequent: the sun warms the air up to +32 °C.
Sea Temperature in Costa Brava in September
The Mediterranean Sea off the Costa Brava is gradually cooling down: the water temperature drops from +23.4 °C to +20.9 °C, giving an average +21.8 °C. Swimming in the cool waters is an absolute joy on a hot day.
Precipitation
The amount of precipitation since September is rising, foreshadowing the lingering autumn rains. But so far, the monthly average of 37.7 mm is inferior to October and November. There are 2 to 8 rainy days per month.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
80% of the time, or 10.3 hours a day, with a day length of 11.8–13.1 hours, the sun shines brightly, practically not hiding behind clouds. Overcast for about five days. There is absolutely clear weather for about one week a month.
Outdoor activities
The Costa Brava not only offers standard holidays, but it also invites sporting activities. The tennis courts call out to enthusiasts for a week of practice games and competitions. Tennis lessons from renowned masters are included in the programme. Individually or in teams, you can participate in mountain and road biking, hiking, running and triathlons. Special children's weeks are held in an active holiday format.
Parents participate in organised tours by bike with a separate seat for a child under the age of 6. Children aged 8-12 participate in adult groups on children's mountain bikes.
Hiking in early September is hotter, but that doesn't stop groups from spending days exploring the wilderness trails of Catalonia. Centuries-old culture, rural lifestyle and tempting culinary delights are the objects of exploration.
On Saturdays, since 2009, stages of an open beach volleyball tournament have been held on the best coast beaches.
Participants are both amateurs and advanced athletes. Gifts, prizes, music, and trophies are included.
Adventure parks are a versatile way to have a great time while on the move. Trails of suspended steps and bridges, tunnels, and slopes are equipped in forests and parks. The low season begins mid-September, and prices are reduced by 10 per cent or more.
The territory of water tourism on the Costa Brava covers all 200 km of the coast, 17 sports and more than 30 diving centres, sailing and windsurfing centres, and three natural parks. Surfing for children from 6 to 11 years old and from 12 to 16 years old is taught at the Roses Surf Center. Private lessons and courses are cheaper at the end of September.
Tour Holidays in Costa Brava
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If you choose a start for a trip to Catalonia, the starting point should be in Palamos. One of the easternmost cities in Spain, near the border with France, arose more than 4 thousand years ago. The ancient Iberian settlement and the medieval castle of Sant Esteve are interesting ruins.
The Fishing Museum in Palamos is where you will find everything related to fishing. Children under ten years old enter free of charge.
65 km from the French border is a charming museum city Girona, the province's capital. It is easy to see the Roman fortress, the Jewish quarter, the Arab baths, the cathedral and the Basilica of St. Felix in one day. The last place holds outstanding works of art. The local interactive Cinema Museum educates visitors on the fundamentals of cinematography.
The villages of the Emporda region have well preserved their medieval appearance — buildings made of cobblestones and modern occupations of residents immersed in the atmosphere of deep antiquity. The entrances to the houses are decorated with unusual forged hammers.
The Toy Museum and the Dali Museum in Figueres feature memorable exhibits that children love. The theatre-museum of a brilliant artist is something that cannot be expressed in words. The illusions and paintings, the ingenious installations, the artsy collection of gold jewellery and the building itself are second to none.
Five mansions in Barcelona house more than 3,500 works by another genius, Pablo Picasso. Barcelona is the final destination of an exciting route.
Beach Holidays
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The five beaches of Lloret de Mar are ideal for families. They are in excellent condition and are cleaned daily. Centers of water entertainment offer many options for outdoor activities. Restaurants and bars are nearby.
Just a short walk from the main beach of Lloret de Mar, at the foot of the medieval castle, lies the magical beach of Sa Caleta. This tiny cove is 15m long and 5m wide, so getting in early is essential before the crowds show up. The soft golden sands are perfect for sunbathing, while the warm and clear waters provide magical conditions for swimming. Due to the small size of the beach, there are no additional services or facilities here, so bring food, water, towels and sun umbrellas.
For those looking for something special, taking advantage of the large and uncrowded El Canadel beach in Palafrugell is recommended. The sea in September is almost always warm and quiet here, so children's and adults' unhurried bathing will take place in complete tranquillity. The usual amenities and even a beach bar are always at hand.
The San Francesc beach in Blanes is so quiet you can hear the wind blowing through the pine branches. The entry into the sea for small children and those who cannot swim is excellent: gentle and relatively shallow. Clear water does not hide the life of the inhabitants of the sea from view.
In L'Estartit, on the beach of the same name, there is a rich atmosphere: many people, music and pleasure boats create constant movement.
The coastline from here to the Sa Riera beach is the most impressive on the Costa Brava.
One picturesque fishing village after another is discovered along the way from the mountains around Begur.
Near Girona airport, there is an idyllic place called Platja d'Aro, and an hour's drive is the almost virgin beach of Tamariu. The colours of the sand and the sea on them look like from the picture.
Family resorts Roses, Sant Antonio de Calonge, Sant Feliu de Guixols, Sant Pere Pescador, La Val d'en Bas, Torroella de Montgri, Castel d'Aro, Tossa de Mar diligently take care of the environmental friendliness of vacation spots by the sea.
Holidays, events and festivals
Holidays on the Costa Brava in September perfectly reflect different periods in the life of the Spaniards, dedicated to harvesting, catches and culinary victories. In early September, bulls run through Medina del Campo. Participants can tickle their nerves by running ahead of these mighty animals.
Besalu continues the knight theme. At the beginning of the month, the city lives precisely as it did in the Middle Ages. Costumes, shop decor, jousting, colourful processions of lords and soldiers, catapult shooting competitions and much more take you back to the past. A medieval fair takes place on the streets.
The Indianos Fair in Begur revives the historical period when many residents left the city, emigrating to Cuba. When they returned, they received the nickname "Indianos". In the markets, merchants lay out overseas products. There are concerts and demonstrations of crafts and Caribbean rhythms performed by Cuban bands. In Cadaques, the same theme is continued.
Castelho d'Ampourhas hosts the Land of the Troubadours festival on the second Saturday and Sunday in September. It is the most important cultural and festive event of the year. It is a multi-genre cultural and entertaining event where residents and visitors enthusiastically recall the past and the town's heyday in the Middle Ages.
At the same time, the Monasterio Ham Fair brings together local producers of Iberian raw pork. Around 10 tonnes of produce are consumed during the tastings. The highlight of the festivities is the jamón slicing competition. For many years, a local man has won the Golden Knife Award as the best professional of his craft.
On September 11, the Costa Brava settlements are painted red and yellow in honour of the Day of Catalonia. All municipal and government offices are open to the public. One of the most exciting spectacles is the pyramids of the Castelles people. Catalan songs, dances, culinary fights, and wine tastings are pleasant holiday components.
At the end of the month, the holiday begins again in Besalu. During the Fiesta Major, children and adults compete in fishing, and the residents go down the river on their own constructed swimming facilities. A kind of regatta is accompanied by laughter and music.
In Peratallada, the traditional herb fair begins. It is educational. Visitors can find specialized stalls that sell fresh and dried food, medicinal plants, sauces, liqueurs and other products based on them.
Cost of vacation
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Prices on the Costa Brava in September tempt tourists to relax. Hotels offer discounts to have time to earn capital during the high season. The rest of the tourist service maintains a downward trend in prices.
Package Tours
The cost of package tours to Catalonia in September is relatively low. Compared to July, the price may fall by half but still exceed the level of October prices by up to 20%.
Accommodation
In early September, the cost of living in the resorts of the Costa Brava remains the same as in August. A decline begins in the middle and end of the month, and accommodation becomes cheaper by 10-15%.
Flight Cost
Air travel in early autumn is rather profitable. The average cost of air tickets in September is 15% lower than the average annual cost and up to 25% from the average cost of August. In October, the trend continues.
Food and Transport
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In September, the standard price for 1 kg of fruit or vegetables is €2-€3. In supermarkets, the prices of basic foodstuffs do not experience seasonal fluctuations. Fast-food restaurants will feed you an inexpensive paella for €7,5-€15, pasta for €10-€12, and breakfast with a drink for €5-€7. A good tourist restaurant will offer the same paella for €18-€23 and a steak with a side dish for €10-€14.
One trip on public transport in small resort cities costs 1,2-2 euros, and in Barcelona — €2,15-€4,5. Taxi fares start at €3-4, with each additional kilometre costing up to €2.5.
A two-hour excursion on a train is an inexpensive option for organized leisure.
Guided sightseeing — from €35 per person, boat trip — from €15.
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Tips for travelling with kids
September does not offer parents the opportunity to holiday with school-age children in any of the world's resorts, but it is for them that the Costa Brava is most suitable. Active holidays are aimed at tourists aged six years and over.
Water and amusement parks are open until the middle of the month. Because the Mediterranean September feels like a summer month, it's a great time to be with the little ones. The clean, landscaped beaches and shallow waters are warm enough for extended stays. The active sun is still dangerous. When heading to the coast, umbrellas and warm clothing are a good idea for overnight stays.
Visit the Costa Brava in September and discover how beautiful and rich Spain is. A few hours or a day or two of bad weather won't stop you from exploring the region's cultural heritage and admiring the wonderful nature.
