Altea, Lagos or Naxos: choosing a coastal trip for September

September is one of the best months for a coastal trip in southern Europe: the sea has had all summer to warm up, while the August crowds have gone home. But 'coastal' covers a lot of ground. Here's how three of our favourite places compare.

Altea: for slow, romantic days

Altea's whitewashed old town and seafront promenade make it ideal for couples who want long lunches and evening walks more than all-day beach sessions. Beaches here are mostly pebble, so pack water shoes.

Lagos: for beaches and coastline

Lagos has the most dramatic scenery of the three, with sea stacks and grottoes at Ponta da Piedade. It's on the Atlantic, so expect cooler water than the Mediterranean — refreshing for some, a dealbreaker for others.

Naxos: for sandy beaches and island life

Naxos combines long sandy beaches with mountain villages and excellent local food. Getting there takes a ferry or a short flight from Athens, which is part of the charm — and part of the planning.

How to choose

If dining and atmosphere matter most, start with Altea. If you want scenery and sand, look at Lagos. If you want an island and don't mind the journey, Naxos is hard to beat. Not sure? Describe your trip to our discovery tool and compare all three side by side.