September in Europe: the month the continent gives back

Everyone chases Europe in July, then comes home needing a vacation from their vacation. September is the month I book most for myself.

The sea is at its warmest of the year — it's had all summer to heat up. The crowds have gone home with the school calendars. Tables at the restaurants you read about are suddenly gettable, and the light does that thing it does in every photo you've ever loved from the Amalfi Coast.

What this means for booking: the good properties in coastal Italy, Greece, and southern Spain sell spring and early summer first, then September quietly fills by mid-summer. If you're dreaming of the shoulder season, the best move is to plan it before peak season even starts.

A few spots where September is simply the right answer:

• Amalfi & Puglia — same light as August, half the crowds, better tables
• Greek Islands — sea at its warmest, and the meltemi winds calm down
• Portugal — warm water, harvest season in the Douro, no cruise crush in Porto

If a September trip is on your list, tell me now — I'll watch inventory for you.