September: the perfect time of the year to go on a sailing holiday

There's a moment every year when summer slows down and gives way to silence, golden light, and the sea breathing again. When the umbrellas close and the beaches empty, the Mediterranean shows itself for what it truly is: authentic, wild, and surprising. This moment is called September.

It's the perfect time to treat yourself to a sailing holiday in September : fewer crowds, still ideal weather, warm water, and accessible bays. Whether it's a sailing cruise or a catamaran experience, setting off this month allows you to experience the sea in a more intimate and relaxed way.
Why September? Because it offers something other months don't: bright but cooler days, a sun that doesn't burn, mild nights perfect for sleeping at anchor, and a steady breeze that makes sailing pleasant. Plus, many skippers offer weekend sailing holidays, and last-minute deals are more plentiful.

It's the perfect time to explore the Mediterranean by boat, away from the hustle and bustle of the high season. Whether you're looking for a romantic experience, a singles sailing trip, or a unique family vacation, September is the ideal time to set sail.

Let's find out what some of the best destinations are:

Maddalena Archipelago, Sardinia

September is one of the best times to sail the Maddalena Archipelago. The water is still warm, the weather stable, and the days long enough to enjoy each stop without rushing. The boats are few, the bays are quiet again, and nature returns to its former glory after the summer chaos.
Caprera, Spargi, Budelli: names that seemed unattainable in July now become accessible, livable, and quiet.
The sailing is pleasant, the wind is often steady, and every anchorage offers the opportunity to truly stop—not just for a swim, but to simply stay.
It is a more authentic Mediterranean, less crowded, closer to how it should be experienced.

Sicily, the Aeolian Islands and Egadi

In September, both the Aeolian and Egadi Islands offer an authentic sailing experience, less crowded than in high season. The Aeolian Islands, with Stromboli continuing to amaze with its volcanic activity and islands like Salina and Panarea offering intense aromas and tranquil atmospheres, are perfect for relaxing stops and nights under clear skies. The Egadi Islands, lesser-known but equally captivating, boast crystal-clear waters and hidden coves ideal for those seeking tranquility: Favignana combines history and nature, Levanzo enchants with its caves, while Marettimo offers peace and seclusion. In both archipelagos, the mild climate and stable winds make sailing pleasant and accessible, while the islands reveal their truest side, far from mass tourism.

Tuscan Archipelago

Another advantage of September is that many captains are more flexible and offer weekends instead of the typical high-season weeks. This makes it possible to plan a shorter vacation without sacrificing a full experience. The Tuscan Archipelago is perfect for this type of stay: Capraia, with its tranquil bays and clear sea, offers the ideal combination of relaxation and nature. In addition to regenerating stops in sheltered bays, the island offers hiking trails that traverse wild landscapes and offer spectacular sea views. So even a weekend can be enough to change the pace, immerse yourself in a unique environment, and return home with the feeling of a true vacation.

Balearics islands

The Balearics are one of the Mediterranean's most popular destinations for a sailing holiday, which is why they're often crowded in summer. With perfect weather, warm water, quieter bays, and more authentic islands, September is once again the ideal month to visit. From Ibiza to Formentera, from Mallorca to Menorca, every route offers an opportunity to discover hidden corners, swim in crystal-clear waters, and sleep at anchor under the stars. Choosing a catamaran cruise or sailing holiday in the Balearics in September means alternating days of gentle sailing with stops at beaches accessible only by sea, charming villages, and harbor-facing bars. All this without the crowds of July and August, and considering that many skippers offer flexible packages even for just a weekend, ideal for those seeking an intense yet brief experience.