⛱️ Sea, soft sun and low season: 15 resorts for families with kids

The velvet season begins exactly when the July heat subsides. In southern Europe, the sea is still warm, and the beaches are noticeably emptying out. Traveling with children this month is calmer and cheaper than at the height of summer. We've put together 15 destinations worth visiting with a child and noted the resorts, beaches, and weak spots for each.

The Mediterranean Sea stays above +20 °C in September, and near the coast of Antalya it warms to almost +30 °C (according to seatemperature.info, 09/14/2026). Swimming is comfortable even with toddlers.

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Comparison: 15 destinations for September

💡 In short:

September opens the low season: the sea is warm, and there are fewer people on the beaches than in August.
If you're traveling with children, choose sandy beaches and a gentle slope into the water, because swimming is harder on rocks and in deep water.
Look for the warmest sea in Cyprus, the UAE, Tunisia, and Greece.
Weather and water temperature: checked on 09/14/2026, based on data from the sea temperature service.

Destination	Beach	September weather	Who it's for
Greece	sand and pebbles, gentle slope	dry and warm	families with preschoolers
Spain	wide golden sand	like summer	active families
Turkey	sand and coves	warm without heat	families with toddlers
Italy	sandy Adriatic coast	mild and sunny	sightseeing lovers
Tunisia	white sand and shallow water	very hot	those who love heat
Montenegro	pebbles in coves	comfortable	calm families
Bulgaria	wide sand	warm and dry	budget-conscious families
Israel	sand and breakwaters	warm	those traveling in autumn
Cyprus	sand and coves	hot and sunny	those who swim until October
UAE	white sand and shallow water	hot	those who love service
Vietnam	yellow sand	warm and humid	tropical lovers
China (Hainan)	white sand	stuffy	those not bothered by humidity
Croatia	mostly pebbles among pines	dry and sunny	nature lovers
France	sand of the Côte d'Azur	warm	those who want a short flight
Malta	sandy Mellieħa	warm	families with toddlers

1. Greece: Crete and Rhodes

Crete and Rhodes are warm in September, but without the stuffiness of July. The coastlines are cut with coves framed by rocks and pines, and the mountains add height to the landscape. White sandy beaches and a gentle entry into the water make swimming with children safe. You won't have to look for shade: the heat eases, and the sun stays soft.

The islands offer different kinds of vacations. Rhodes is convenient for calm families, while Crete is more about nature and long beaches. There's plenty of entertainment: almost every hotel has playgrounds, and evening strolls along the promenade keep you out late.

Beaches: sand and pebbles, gentle slope into the sea.
Who it's for: families with preschoolers, because the water is warm and there are few waves.
The catch: reliable warmth holds in the first half of the month; by late September the evenings are cooler.

See hotels in Greece on Trip.com

2. Spain: Costa Dorada near Barcelona

Rocky headland and beach among pine trees

Spain extends summer into September: the air is warm, the sea is heated, and the beach season has no intention of closing. For a trip with children, Costa Dorada near Barcelona is convenient. Here you'll find wide beaches with golden sand, quiet coves framed by low cliffs, and a shallow sea.

Leisure options are also varied: an amusement park, a dolphinarium, a water park, and playgrounds will cover any cloudy day. Barcelona is nearby, so you can easily add a short excursion to the beaches.

Beaches: wide sand, quiet coves, gentle slope.
Who it's for: active families, because besides the beach there's a big city and parks nearby.
Prices: Costa Dorada hotels are easy to compare on Trip.com via the link below.

Find a hotel in Spain

3. Turkey: Antalya, Kemer, and Belek

Konyaaltı Beach in Antalya with mountains in the background

Turkey remains a favorite for family vacations, and in September it's especially good at it. The velvet season removes the heat and evening stuffiness, and the tourist crowds noticeably thin out. According to the official tourism portal of Turkey, Antalya, Kemer, and Belek are among the country's main resorts.

The Mediterranean coast offers sandy beaches with cozy coves and a gentle slope. Around you are mountains, pine forests, palm-lined avenues, and orange groves. The hotel base is huge: from budget four-star properties to family complexes with water parks.

Beaches: sand, coves, gentle slope.
Who it's for: families with toddlers, because the hotel infrastructure is designed for children.
The catch: Kemer and Belek have many all-inclusive hotels, and there are almost no wild stretches of shoreline.

Hotels in Turkey on Trip.com

4. Italy: Adriatic coast

Gabicce Mare beach and green headland above the Adriatic

Italy lets you combine beach time and sightseeing: some of Europe's best beaches and ancient cities are right nearby. In September the weather is mild, the sea is warm, and the vegetation is still lush. The Adriatic coast is the better choice for a family trip. It has clean sandy beaches and a shallow sea.

You get calm swimming and a solid standard of hotels. From the seaside towns, it's easy to take day trips to Roman and Renaissance architectural landmarks.

Beaches: sand, shallow sea.
Who it's for: families with school-age children, because there are many historic cities nearby.

See hotels in Italy

5. Tunisia: Hammamet and Monastir

Monastir bay and beach from the Ribat tower

Tunisia draws visitors with white-sand beaches and the turquoise water of the Mediterranean. The resorts of Hammamet and Monastir are convenient for families: a long stretch of sand, a gentle slope into shallow water, beach equipment, and playgrounds.

Tall palm trees line the waterfronts, with Arab buildings featuring arches and domes visible between them. You can add variety to your beach vacation with a trip to historic fortresses or an excursion to the Sahara Desert.

Beaches: white sand, shallow water, gentle entry.
Who it's for: families who love heat, because it's still very warm here in September.
The catch: it's hot and humid during the day, so midday is best spent in the shade or by the pool.

Hotels in Tunisia on Trip.com

6. Montenegro: Budva and its bays

Panorama of Budva with red roofs and the sea

Montenegro impresses with its nature, mild climate, and clean beaches. Mountains and forest reserves with lake valleys cover most of the country. In September the weather is comfortable, and the beach season on the Adriatic can stretch into mid-October.

The resort of Budva is surrounded by high hills with dense vegetation. Pebble beaches lie in sheltered bays that protect the shore from waves and cold currents. You can wander through a maze of narrow streets while your child discovers playgrounds and quiet parks. There are plenty of hotels, villas, and historic buildings here.

Beaches: pebbles in bays, almost no waves.
Who it's for: low-key families, because the shore is protected from waves and wind.

Accommodation in Montenegro on Trip.com

7. Bulgaria: Albena resort

Panorama of Albena resort with hotels, beach and sea

Bulgaria offers a budget-friendly vacation on the Black Sea. The nature here is diverse: mountains, cliffs, forest valleys, caves, and wide stretches of coastline. In the first ten days of September it's warm and dry, with no more exhausting heat.

The crowds thin out, but the beach season continues. Albena is a good fit for a trip with a child: on one side the town is surrounded by hills with forest reserves, on the other there are well-maintained sandy beaches. Parks with playgrounds and rides give you more to do beyond the sea.

Beaches: wide sand, gentle entry.
Who it's for: budget-conscious families, because accommodation and food here are usually cheaper than on the Greek islands.
The catch: Albena is built up with hotel complexes, so there are no quiet village streets nearby.

Hotels in Bulgaria on Trip.com

8. Israel: Netanya and Ashdod

Netanya promenade park with gazebo and palm trees

Israel is a good choice for a warm vacation on the Mediterranean. The resorts of Netanya and Ashdod draw visitors with golden sandy beaches, hotels, and entertainment for every taste. The cities are known for their palm-lined promenades full of flowers.

There is plenty for a child to do here: cultural attractions and amusement parks. The wide beaches with fine sand are equipped with loungers, umbrellas, and play areas. A gentle entry and even bottom make swimming easy, while artificial breakwaters calm the waves.

Beaches: fine sand, breakwaters.
Who it's for: families who want to combine the sea with sightseeing.

Hotel options in Israel

9. Cyprus: Protaras

Cyprus lies in the eastern Mediterranean and welcomes tourists almost year-round. It has sandy beaches, nature reserves, historical sites, and entertainment. In September the air stays hot and the water remains warm.

Protaras is a convenient choice for a vacation with children: a quiet resort of low-rise hotels and villas. The coastline is cut into bays framed by small rocks. The beach slopes gently, the depth increases gradually, and there are almost no waves. A walking path runs along the coast, and you can easily find playgrounds.

Beaches: sand, bays, almost no waves.
Who it's for: families with toddlers, because the sea entry is gradual and safe.

Cyprus hotels on Trip.com

10. UAE: Dubai and Sharjah

Dubai beach with skyscrapers and Ferris wheel

In the UAE you can expect well-maintained beaches and high-end hotels. The waters of the Persian and Oman gulfs are dotted with artificial islands, and the coastlines are built up with skyscrapers. In September the heat is intense, and the water in the gulfs is warm. Shady palm alleys and air conditioning in hotels provide relief from the midday heat.

Dubai and Sharjah are well suited for a vacation with children. The beaches are equipped with loungers, umbrellas, and changing rooms. Soft white sand, shallow water, and a gentle bottom make swimming safe. The promenades are decorated with lawns and exotic plants, so you will find a pleasant place for an evening stroll.

Beaches: white sand, shallow water.
Who it's for: families who value service and warmth, because the hotels are designed with children in mind.
The catch: it is hot during the day, so walking with a child is more comfortable in the morning and evening.

UAE hotels on Trip.com

11. Vietnam: Nha Trang

Nha Trang beach and high-rise hotels by the sea

Vietnam attracts with tropical jungles and ancient culture. The emerald South China Sea washes wide stretches of shore with fine yellow sand, while palms and conifers grow along the beaches.

Nha Trang is small in size but offers a clean sea, scenic nature, and high-end hotels. A well-maintained promenade is surrounded by palm alleys. For children there are entertainment venues and a large amusement park with a water park, dolphinarium, and oceanarium on Vinpearl Island, so you definitely will not get bored.

Beaches: yellow sand, gentle entry.
Who it's for: families who want the tropics and an amusement park.
The catch: September here is humid, and rainfall increases sharply.

Nha Trang hotels on Trip.com

12. China: Hainan island and Sanya

Sanya Bay promenade with palm trees and hotels

Hainan attracts with tropical nature and upscale hotels on well-kept grounds. The island offers well-maintained beaches, bays with lush vegetation, mountains, nature reserves, botanical gardens, and fruit plantations. The weather in September here is tough: heat and high humidity.

The island's main resort is the city of Sanya. The coastline is surrounded by palms, conifers, and high hills. The white-sand beaches have a gentle entry into the sea. Along the promenade you will find shopping centers, hotels, and restaurants for every taste.

Beaches: white sand, gentle entry.
Who it's for: families who want a warm sea until winter.
The catch: in September it is stuffy and humid here, and the air feels like a steam room.

Hainan hotels on Trip.com

13. Croatia: Central Dalmatia

Split waterfront and cathedral bell tower from the sea

Croatia is known for its eco-friendly resorts on the Adriatic. Rocky shores are cut by coves and bays framed by pine groves. For a beach vacation with kids, September works best: the weather is dry and sunny.

Resort areas are concentrated in the Central Dalmatia region. The beaches here are mostly fine pebble, with a gentle, gradual entry into the water. This is a land of national parks, coniferous forests, secluded coves, and an archipelago. Distinctive towns stretch along the coast between the mountains and the sea, so you can easily combine swimming and sightseeing walks.

Beaches: mostly fine pebbles, gentle entry.
Who it's for: families who love nature and quiet.
The catch: most beaches are rocky and pebbly, sand is rare.

Hotels in Croatia on Trip.com

14. France: Nice, Antibes and Saint-Tropez

Panorama of Nice harbor with breakwater and lighthouse

France leads the tourism industry, and the French Riviera is among its family destinations. The velvet season here is more comfortable than summer: sun, dry weather, and less bustle. Air and sea temperatures stay warm.

Beyond Nice and Cannes, it's worth taking a closer look at Antibes and Saint-Tropez. Golden beaches, stunning promenades, park areas, hotel complexes, and cozy cafes give you a relaxed vacation without the crowds.

Beaches: sand and pebbles, promenades.
Who it's for: families who want a short flight and mild weather.

Hotels on the French Riviera on Trip.com

15. Malta: Mellieha

Malta lies in the very heart of the Mediterranean. The island consists of rocky shores cut by bays and coves. Its small area is densely packed with architectural complexes from different historical eras. You can swim here almost year-round: the sun is warm, rainfall is low, and the sea stays warm.

For a vacation with kids, Mellieha in the north of the island is convenient. The resort is known for its long stretch of sand with hotels and restaurants along the shore. Gentle beaches and the shallow waters of the bay give you safe swimming. Kids will enjoy the ancient fortresses and medieval palaces.

Beaches: sand, shallow bay waters.
Who it's for: families with toddlers, because the water entry is gentle and safe.

Hotels in Malta on Trip.com

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Where is the warmest sea for swimming with kids in September?

The warmth lasts longest in the UAE, Tunisia, and Cyprus. The waters of the Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean stay warm until October, so swimming is comfortable even with toddlers. Keep the daytime heat in mind: choose morning and evening hours, and at midday take shelter in the shade of your hotel or a water park.

Where can you go with a child on a budget in September?

The most affordable options in this selection: Bulgaria and Montenegro. In Albena, accommodation and food are usually cheaper than on the Greek islands, and the beaches are wide and sandy. In Budva, you get calm coves and short walks to the sea. Both countries suit families who are watching their budget.

Where is there less rain in September?

Dry weather prevails in Greece, Cyprus, the UAE, and Israel. In these countries, September is a continuation of summer, so you'll hardly need an umbrella. On Hainan and in Nha Trang, by contrast, it's humid and rains often, so tropical destinations are better planned with flexibility.

Which resorts have sandy beaches and a gentle entry?

Sand and a gradual entry into the water are found in Albena, Costa Dorada, Protaras, and Mellieha. At these resorts, the sea near the shore is shallow and the bottom is even, so kids can comfortably walk into the water. If you have toddlers, choose places like these, and save Croatia's rocky beaches for another time.

When is it better to go to the sea with kids: in September or in summer?

In September, you get warm water without the July heat and fewer tourists on the beaches. The sun is milder during the day, evenings are easy for walks, and accommodation prices are usually lower than at the peak of the season. Summer is worth choosing for those who want maximum water temperature and long daylight hours.

Resorts for a seaside vacation with kids in September on the map

All destinations in this selection are gathered on one map: it's easier to compare where you'll end up and how long the trip to the sea will take.

Where to relax with children by the sea in September

Places on the map

1Greece Crete and Rhodes, white beaches and gentle entry into the water
2Spain Costa Dorada near Barcelona, wide golden sand
3Turkey Antalya, Kemer and Belek, velvet season without heat
4Italy Adriatic coast, sandy beaches and excursions
5Tunisia Hammamet and Monastir, white sand and shallow water
6Montenegro Budva, pebble bays with almost no waves
7Bulgaria Albena resort, wide sand and gentle entry
8Israel Netanya and Ashdod, fine sand and breakwaters
9Cyprus Protaras, a gentle stretch of beach with almost no waves
10UAE Dubai and Sharjah, white sand and shallow bays
11Vietnam Nha Trang, yellow sand and the Vinpearl amusement park
12Hainan Sanya, white sand, heat and high humidity
13Croatia Central Dalmatia, sand and fine pebbles in the bays
14France Nice, Antibes and Saint-Tropez, golden beaches of the French Riviera
15Malta Mellieħa in the west of the island, gentle beaches and shallow water

In short: what's worth booking

In September, those who book flexibly come out ahead: the weather is still summery, but prices are already autumn-like. If you have little kids, go for the sandy beaches of Albena, Costa Dorada, or Protaras. If you want warmth through October, look at Cyprus, the UAE, and Tunisia. For calm bays, Budva and Central Dalmatia are a good fit. For the tropics, head to Nha Trang or Hainan, but be prepared for humidity.

If you have young children: go for Bulgaria or Cyprus.

If you have school-age kids: go for Greece or Italy.

If you're on a tight budget: go for Bulgaria or Montenegro.

Hotels and apartments for your dates are easy to compare on Trip.com: find a hotel for September.

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