Based on booking data from Ferryhopper, the leading ferry booking platform, certain European coastal destinations show the most dramatic transformation during shoulder season travel.
Christos Spatharakis, CEO of Ferryhopper, offers valuable insights from their customer data for travellers wanting to know which European coastal destinations truly shine during this period.
“Our booking analytics show that not all destinations benefit equally from September travel, but certain European coastal areas see the highest customer satisfaction scores when summer crowds disappear,” explains Spatharakis. “Our travellers consistently report these destinations reveal their authentic character in September in ways that peak summer tourism completely masks.”
Based on Ferryhopper’s customer feedback and booking trends, here are destinations that deliver the strongest shoulder season advantages:
Greek Islands: Santorini and Mykonos
These iconic islands return to their authentic Greek character in September. Crowds don’t block the famous sunsets, local tavernas serve traditional menus instead of tourist fare, and visitors can walk through Oia’s narrow streets without being pushed along by masses of people. Temperatures remain ideal at 24-26°C with perfect sea conditions.
Italian Riviera: Cinque Terre
Travellers regain access to the trails connecting the villages during this time. Instead of avoiding the coastal walks due to summer heat, they can take advantage of the cooler weather to hike the region, explore each village, and experience its character first hand.
Croatian Coast: Dubrovnik and Split
These UNESCO World Heritage sites transform from crowded tourist attractions back into living cities. Visitors can explore ancient walls and historic centres without fighting crowds, and local restaurants reopen with full menus and attentive service that summer’s chaos makes impossible.
Italian Island: Sardinia
This Italian island becomes a completely different destination when summer crowds disappear. Visitors can enjoy spectacular beaches like Costa Smeralda and Cala Goloritzé in peace, whilst temperatures remain perfect at 25-28°C. September brings traditional festivals like Autunno in Barbagia and seasonal delicacies like Cannonau wine and artisanal cheeses that showcase authentic Sardinian culture.
Spatharakis concludes: “Our post-trip survey data consistently shows these destinations don’t just have fewer crowds in September—our customers report they become completely different places. The travellers who book these locations during shoulder season through our platform experience what locals have always known: these places are at their most beautiful and authentic when they’re not performing for peak season tourists.”