The Costa Brava's wild coastline has an amazing shape, going from jagged cliffs to gentle curves of white beaches. There are a lot of them here: wide family ones and narrow ones, lost in beautiful bays.
However, the beaches are inferior in beauty to medieval cities and fishing villages. When the sun illuminates the walls of buildings with bright rays, the urban landscape is stunning and falls in love forever. At sunset, it looks simply mesmerizing in the clouds.
Autumn brings its advantages and disadvantages to the resort, which Kidpassage will tell about in this article. Will the Costa Brava be the perfect place for a beach holiday in September? Will it be boring? Let's find out!
Costa Brava holidays in September: a time of calm
The Costa Brava in September is very active at the beginning of the month , but by its end the rhythm of tourist life gradually subsides. Crowds of tourists are thinning in the cities and especially on the beaches. There are no more crowds in parks and shopping and entertainment centers. With the onset of coolness, some regions reduce the cost of accommodation, meals and excursions. The low season begins for sports recreation centers.
However, the inner life of Spain itself is seething with holidays. Changes are taking place in the business sector: many workers are being released from the tourism sector.
The advantages of rest describe the advantages of the velvet season:
- towards the middle and especially towards holiday prices drop at the end of the month;
- low cost of air travel;
- summer still lasts in this region;
- beach season open;
- many parking lots are already free;
- predominantly good weather conditions for sports and excursions;
- an abundance of vegetables and fruits.
Cons emphasize certain points that you can and do not pay attention:
- rainy, cloudy and cool days are likely;
- prices for holidays at the beginning of the month remain at summer levels;
- the sea often storms.
Without relying solely on a beach holiday, a tourist will definitely leave positive feedback about a vacation on the Costa Brava in September. A large number of attractions, a convenient geographical location and ample opportunities for outdoor activities are the advantages of this region of Spain.
The weather on the Costa Brava in September
The weather in September continues to delight with summer days and comfortable temperatures. Quite even and predictable this month, in October it brings unexpected surprises in the form of rains, thunderstorms, cold winds.
The weather at the beginning of September is fine in summer, with little clouds. A weak south wind brings with it the warmth and smell of the sea. The temperature on the Costa Brava in mid-September during a rainy day or night drops by five to ten degrees Celsius, but soon returns to high summer rates. On days when clouds completely cover the sky, the gentle southern sun continues to warm the atmosphere. At the end of September, the weather on the Costa Brava is already colder than the beginning of the month, but not enough to forget about a beach holiday. A rare night thunderstorm will refresh the beautiful southern plants. Clouds are walking across the sky.
Air and water temperatures
The daily temperature on the Costa Brava in September exceeds +18 °C. Global warming, like everywhere else in the world, has an impact on the local climate: days and nights are getting warmer every year. The mountains and the sea preserve the coast in mild climatic conditions.
Air temperature on the 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 slight warm wind refreshes and invigorates. 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 on the 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 value of +21.8 °C. Swimming in the cool waters is a real joy on a hot day.
Precipitation
Precipitation has been on the rise since September, heralding prolonged 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 & ndash; 13.1 hours, the sun shines brightly, practically not hiding behind clouds. Overcast for about 5 days. A week a month is absolutely clear.
Active holidays
The Costa Brava not only offers a standard holiday, but also invites you to a sports holiday.
Tennis courts convene enthusiasts for week-long practice games and competitions. Tennis lessons from famous masters are included in the program.
Individually or in a team, you can go mountain biking, road biking, hiking, running and triathlon. Special children's weeks are held in the format of an active holiday.
Parents participate in organized bicycle tours with a separate place where a child up to 6 years old is placed. Children aged 8 & ndash; 12 years old master in adult groups trips on children's mountain bikes.
Hiking in early September takes place in a hotter atmosphere, but this does not prevent groups of tourists from exploring the wild paths of Catalonia for days. The objects of study are centuries-old culture, rural lifestyle and seductive culinary delights.
Saturdays since 2009, stages of an open beach volleyball tournament have been held on the best beaches of the coast.
< p> Participants are both amateurs, and advanced sportsmen. Gifts, prizes, music, 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, slopes are equipped in forests and parks. In mid-September, the low season begins and prices are reduced by 10 percent or more.
The territory of water tourism on the Costa Brava covers the entire 200 km of the coast, 17 sports ports, more than 30 diving centers, sailing and windsurfing centers, and also 3 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 become cheaper at the end of September.
Excursion holidays
If you choose to start your trip in Catalonia, the starting point should be in Palamós. 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 Estive are interesting ruins.
- Things to do with kids in the Costa Brava
Fishing Museum is a place where fish hang from the ceiling. Everything related to fishing is here as exhibits. Children under 10 are admitted free.
65 km from the French border is the charming museum town and provincial capital of Girona. It's easy to see the Roman fortress, Jewish quarter, Arab baths, Cathedral and in one dayBasilica of Saint Felix. The last place holds outstanding works of art. The local interactive Film Museum educates visitors on the basics of cinematography.
The Empordà villages have well preserved their medieval appearance. Buildings made of cobblestones and modern occupations of residents immerse in the atmosphere of deep antiquity. The entrances to the houses are decorated with unusual forged hammers.
Toy Museum and Dali Museumin Figueres are distinguished by memorable exhibits that children love. The theater-museum of a brilliant artist is something that cannot be expressed in words. Illusions and paintings, ingenious installations, artsy collection of gold jewelry and the building itself are unsurpassed.
The five mansions of Barcelona house more than 3,500 works by another genius – Pablo Picasso. Barcelona is the final destination of an exciting route.
Beach holidays
The five beaches of Lloret de Mar are perfect for families. They are in excellent condition and are cleaned daily. Points 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. The length of this tiny bay – 15 m, and the width – 5 m, so it is important to get a seat in the morning before the crowds of people appear here. 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 amenities, so food, drinks and sun umbrellas need to be taken care of in advance.
For those whose soul requires scope, it is recommended not to miss the large and uncrowded El Canadel beach in Palafrugell. The sea in September is almost always warm and quiet here, so children's and adults' unhurried bathing will take place in complete tranquility. The usual amenities and even a beach bar are always at hand.
The San Francesc beach in Blanes is so quiet that you can hear the wind blowing through the pine branches. Entry into the sea for small children and those who cannot swim is excellent: gently sloping and fairly shallow. Transparent water does not hide the life of the inhabitants of the sea from view.
In L’Estartit, on the beach of the same name, a rich atmosphere reigns: many people, music and pleasure boats create constant movement.
The coastline leading from here to the Sa Riera beach is recognized as the most spectacular on the Costa Brava.
One picturesque fishing village after another is discovered along the way from the mountains around Begur.
Not far from Girona airport there is an idyllic place called Platja d'Aro, and an hour's drive is the almost virgin beach of Tamariu. The colors of the sand and the sea look just like the picture.
The family resorts of Roses, Sant Antonio de Calonge, Sant Feliu de Guixols, Sant Pere Pescador, La Val- d’en Bás, Torroella de Montgri, Castel d’Aro, Tossa de Mar are diligently taking care of the environmental friendliness of holiday destinations by the sea.
Holidays, events and festivals
< p>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, in Medina del Campo, bulls are driven around the city >. Participants have the opportunity to tickle their nerves by running ahead of these powerful animals.
Knightly themeBesalu continues. At the beginning of the month, the city lives exactly as it did in the Middle Ages. Costumes, shop decor, jousting, colorful processions of lords and soldiers, catapult shooting competitions and much more take you back to the past. A medieval fair unfolds in the streets.
The Indianos Fairin Begur revives a historical period when many residents left the city to emigrate to Cuba. When they returned, they received the nickname “Indianos”. In the markets, merchants lay out overseas products. There are concerts and craft demonstrations, Caribbean rhythms performed by Cuban bands. In Cadaqués, the same theme continues.
On the second Saturday and Sunday of September, the Land of the Troubadours festival takes place in Castello d'Empurhas. It is the most important cultural and festive event of the year. This is a multi-genre cultural and entertainment event, during which residents and visitors enthusiastically recall the past and the heyday of the city in the Middle Ages.
At the same time < strong>Monasterio Jamon Fairgathers local producers of Iberico cured pork. During tastings, about 10 tons of products are spent. The culmination of the holiday is a competition of jamon cutters. For many years in a row, a local resident has won the Golden Knife award. as the best professional in his field.
September 11, the settlements of the Costa Brava are painted red and yellow in honor of Catalonia Day. All municipal and government offices are open to the public. One of the most interesting sights is the pyramids of people “castelles”. Catalan songs and dances, culinary fights, wine tastings are the pleasant components of the holiday.
At the end of the month, the holiday begins again in Besalú. During the Fiesta Major, children and adults compete in fishing, and then the residents go down the river on their own constructed swimming facilities. A kind of regatta is accompanied by laughter and music.
The traditional herb fair begins in Peratallada. It is educational in nature. Visitors can find specialized stalls selling fresh and dried food and medicinal plants, as well as sauces, liqueurs and other products based on them.
Holiday prices
Prices on the Costa Brava in September tempt tourists to relax. Hotels make discounts in order to have time to earn capital during the high season. The rest of the tourist service maintains a trend towards cheaper prices.
Tours
The cost of tours to Catalonia in September is quite low. Compared to July, the price may fall by half, but still exceed the level of October prices by up to 20%.
Hotels
In early September, the cost of living in the resorts of the Costa Brava remains the same as in August. In the middle and end of the month, a decline begins, housing becomes cheaper by 10–15%.
Flight
Air flights in early autumn are very profitable. The average cost of air tickets in September is 15% lower than the average annual level and up to 25% – the level of August. The trend continues in October.
- Collection of family hotels in Costa Brava
Food
In September, the standard price for 1 kg of fruit or vegetables is 2-3 euros. In supermarkets, prices for basic foodstuffs do not experience seasonal fluctuations. Fast food restaurants will serve inexpensive paella for 7.5-15 euros, pasta — for 10 & ndash; 12 euros, breakfast with a drink — for 5–7 euros. A good restaurant for tourists will offer the same paella for 18-23 euros, a steak with a side dish – for 10-14 euros.
One trip by public transport in small resort towns costs 1.2-2 euros, in Barcelona – 2.15 & ndash; 4.5 euros. Taxi service pricing starts from a €3–4€ landing, with each additional kilometer up to €2.5.
A two-hour tour by train for €9 is the cheapest option for organized leisure.
Guided sightseeing – from 35 euros per person, boat trip – from 15 euros.
Recommendations for holidays with children
September does not provide parents with the opportunity to relax with school-age children on any world resorts, but it is for them that the Costa Brava is most suitable. Active holidays are designed for tourists aged 6 and over.
- Vacation with children in the Costa Brava: Kid Passage guide
Until the middle of the month, water parks and many amusement parks are open. Due to the fact that the Mediterranean September feels like a summer month, you can also relax with kids during this period. Clean, well-maintained beaches and shallow waters – warm enough for a long stay. The active sun is still dangerous. When heading to the coast, it is worth taking umbrellas and warm clothes for the night.
Visit the Costa Brava in September and discover how beautiful and rich Spain is. Bad weather for a few hours or a day or two will not interfere with exploring the cultural heritage of the region and admiring the wonderful nature.