The two busiest months of summer have come and gone, with children already heading back to school this week. For those who’ve waited patiently to avoid the crowds, and the chaos, now is the perfect time to escape on a peaceful, well-earned break.
September still offers plenty of sunshine and warm weather, especially across southern Europe. And for anyone dreaming of Italy without breaking the bank, there’s one beautiful seaside town that has everything from beaches and amazing restaurants to bargain flights.
The town in question is Ancona, which sits along the Adriatic Sea. It may not be as famous as Venice or Naples, but it has everything needed for a laid-back September escape.
Located at the northern tip of the Conero promontory, Ancona is known for its port, historic landmarks and peaceful atmosphere.
The city centre is full of narrow streets and elegant squares, and many of the top sights can be explored on foot.
Highlights include the Roman-Gothic Cathedral of St Ciriaco, the 2nd-century Arch of Trajan, and the impressive Mole Vanvitelliana, a former quarantine building turned cultural space.
Visitors can stroll through the Cardeto Park overlooking the sea or visit the National Archaeological Museum, which has one of the richest collections in the region.
The Omero Tactile Museum also offers a unique hands-on experience of art through sculptures and models designed to be explored by touch.
Food lovers will enjoy trying traditional Ancona dishes like brodetto, a local fish soup, and the wild mosciolo mussels harvested from the nearby Portonovo coast.
The beaches are also one of Ancona’s biggest draws. Passetto Beach is a favourite among locals and is famous for its unusual rock caves carved out by fishermen.
The more adventurous can hike down to the quiet and rugged Mezzavalle Beach or Scalaccia Beach, both set at the foot of steep cliffs.
September is an ideal time to visit Ancona. According to experts at Travelscoop, daytime temperatures reach around 25C, while nights stay mild at about 19C.
The sea is warm too, with water temperatures averaging 24C, which is great for swimming.
Rainfall is minimal with just four wet days on average expected across the month, and winds are light, making it a calm and comfortable destination for most.
In more good news, getting to Ancona doesn’t have to cost much. Ryanair operates regular flights from London Stansted throughout September, with some tickets priced at just £22 depending on the date.
Other days see fares of £25 or £30, meaning a last-minute Italian getaway is still very much within reach.