Best European Holidays by Ferry

Imagine the gentle sway of the deck as a cool sea breeze brushes your face and the city skyline melts into the glittering horizon. This is the magic of ferry travel in Europe, where every voyage is more than a transfer, it’s an experience in itself. Step aboard and you’ll find a front-row seat to some of the continent’s most breathtaking scenery.

Sail through Norway’s dramatic fjords, drift between sun-kissed Mediterranean islands, trace coastlines steeped in history and uncover secret coves that can’t be reached by land. Whether you’re looking for culture, adventure, or relaxation, Europe’s ferries invite you to slow down, drink in the views, and make the journey part of the holiday.

Perfect Destinations for a Beach Holiday in Europe

Sicily

Sicily is a beach lover’s dream: long ribbons of soft golden sand, crystalline waters, and hidden coves framed by dramatic cliffs. While summer can be lively, September brings a calmer rhythm. This is perfect for those who crave peace and a slower pace. With fewer crowds, you’ll have space to stretch out on the sand, chat with friendly locals, and indulge in Sicilian cuisine at restaurants that are quieter (and often more affordable) than during peak season. Imagine lingering over a plate of pasta alla norma or freshly grilled swordfish, accompanied by a glass of local Nero d’Avola, while the sun sinks into the Mediterranean.

Sicily’s ports are gateways to a world of adventure. From Palermo, Messina, Catania, and Trapani, ferries connect not only to mainland Italy but also to enchanting islands like Pantelleria, the Egadi, Aeolian, and Pelagie archipelagos, as well as international routes to Tunisia and Malta.

• Sunshine hours (September): 8–9 per day 
• Air temperature: ~28 °C by day, 19 °C by night 
• Sea temperature: Around 24 °C, perfect for long swims

Corfu & the Ionian Islands

Corfu, the jewel of the Ionian Sea, is an island where emerald landscapes meet sapphire waters. Its coastline offers everything from wide, family-friendly sandy beaches to secluded pebble coves tucked into lush groves of cypress and olive trees. The island’s nickname, “the green island,” is well earned as winter rains give rise to abundant flora, creating a landscape that feels softer and more romantic than the stark beauty of the Cyclades.

Couples should make time for the legendary Canal d’Amour. Local lore promises that if you swim through the channel together, you’ll stay together forever. Beyond romance, Corfu’s Venetian fortresses, pastel-hued villages, and buzzing tavernas ensure there’s as much to discover inland as there is on the shore.

Corfu’s ferry port on the eastern coast makes island hopping effortless. Regular sailings connect to Italy, Albania, the Greek mainland, and fellow Ionian isles like Lefkada, Paxi, and Meganisi. With a ferry ticket in hand, you can weave together a holiday that blends beaches, history, and culture across multiple islands.

• Sunshine hours (September): 9 per day 
• Air temperature: ~29 °C by day, cooling to 17 °C at night 
• Sea temperature: Around 23 °C

The Balearic Islands, Spain

Few archipelagos capture the imagination quite like the Balearics. From the cosmopolitan buzz of Ibiza to the laid-back charm of Formentera, the islands offer something for every kind of beachgoer. Mallorca’s Es Trenc is beloved for its Caribbean-like waters and soft sand stretching for miles. On Formentera, Playa de Ses Illetes ranks among the most beautiful beaches in the world, while Ibiza’s Cala de Benirràs is famed for its sunset drumming sessions, a nightly ritual that has become a magnet for free-spirited travellers.

Menorca, quieter than its siblings, hides some of the most pristine coves in the Mediterranean, while the tiny island of Cabrera remains blissfully untouched, accessible only by boat. And don’t be surprised if you stumble across a nudist-friendly stretch of sand.

Ferries crisscross the Balearics with ease. Routes connect the islands to mainland Spain, such as the Palma to Denia ferry, Ibiza to Valencia ferry, or Formentera to Barcelona, as well as between the islands themselves. This makes island hopping not just possible but irresistible, giving you the chance to sample Mallorca’s mountains, Ibiza’s nightlife, and Formentera’s barefoot tranquillity in a single trip.

• Sunshine hours (September): 8–9 per day 
• Air temperature: 27 °C by day, 18 °C at night 
• Sea temperature: 22–24 °C

Perfect Destinations for Festivals in Europe

Bergen Food Festival & Norwegian Cider Festival – Bergen, Norway

Set amid towering mountains and sweeping fjords, Bergen hosts one of Scandinavia’s most mouth-watering events: the Bergen Food Festival and the Norwegian Cider Festival. For two days, the city centre transforms into a vibrant marketplace where local producers showcase their finest cheeses, seafood, baked goods, and award-winning apple cider. Participating restaurants provide special menus inspired by regional ingredients, while hands-on workshops led by famous chefs give visitors the opportunity to pick up tips and tricks from the best in the business.

It just so happens that Bergen is also one of Europe’s busiest ferry ports, making it easy to reach the festival by sea. Short crossings such as Rosendal to Bergen or Flesland to Bergen take under two hours, while longer routes like Stavanger to Bergen or the international Hirtshals (Denmark) to Bergen ferry, reward travellers with spectacular views of Norway’s rugged coastline. For the adventurous, hiking trails also connect Bergen with Oslo, creating the perfect multi-style Norway holiday.

• Where? Nordre Nøstekaien 1, 5011 Bergen, Norway
• When? 5–6 September 2025 
• What? Local specialties, cider tastings, cooking workshops, family activities, and culinary shows

Visualia Festival of Light – Pula, Croatia

Every September, Pula’s historic streets and Roman amphitheatre are bathed in a kaleidoscope of colour during the Visualia Festival of Light. Cutting-edge light installations and audio-visual displays transform the city into an open-air gallery, offering a magical spectacle that’s fun for all the family. From interactive projections to large-scale 3D mapping shows, this Croatian festival of light celebrates art, technology, and imagination in equal measure.

Getting to Pula is simple thanks to excellent Adriatic ferry connections. Sail from Croatian ports like Mali Lošinj or Zadar, or arrive directly from Italy on the popular Venice to Pula ferry route. A ferry trip across the Adriatic Sea not only sets the stage for the festival but also makes for an unforgettable start to your Croatian holiday.

• Where? Across the city of Pula, Croatia 
• When? 18–20 September 2025 
• What? Light shows, sound installations, interactive displays

Golden Days Festival – Copenhagen, Denmark

For a fortnight each September, Copenhagen comes alive with one of Scandinavia’s largest cultural celebrations: the Golden Days Festival. With over 200 events and more than 100 partner venues, including museums, concert halls, cinemas, and cultural centres, the festival explores a different theme each year. In 2025, the spotlight is on love, inspiring exhibitions, concerts, lectures, theatre performances, and film screenings across the city.

The Rostock to Gedser ferry provides the fastest sea crossing from Germany, with onward travel via the E47 taking you straight into Copenhagen. Combining ferry travel to Denmark with the festival makes for a seamless cultural escape, blending history, science, and art in one of Europe’s most dynamic capitals.

• Where? Venues across Copenhagen, Denmark 
• When? 5–21 September 2025 
• What? Multi-venue cultural program exploring the theme of love

Perfect Destinations for Hiking Holidays in Europe

Sardinia

When most people think of Sardinia, their minds leap straight to white-sand beaches and turquoise bays. But little do they know that this Italian island is also a paradise for hikers, offering routes that wind through nature reserves, oak forests, rugged mountains, and hidden coves. Whether you’re a beginner seeking a gentle coastal stroll or an experienced trekker aiming for mountain peaks, Sardinia has something for you.

Highlights for hikers: 

• Capo Figari Nature Park – A varied hike through Mediterranean scrubland with spectacular sea views.
• Monte Pino – A panoramic trail that takes you high above the Gallura region. 
• Cala Luna – One of the island’s most famous bays, accessible via adventurous trails that reward you with a dip in crystal-clear waters. 

What to know: Many trails are only partially signposted, so an offline map or GPS app is essential.

The Croatian Islands – Coastal Paths and Olive Groves

The Croatian islands are best known for sun, sea, and summer festivals, but beyond the beaches exists a network of hiking trails that reveal a quieter, more authentic side of island life. From mountain climbs with panoramic views to leisurely coastal promenades, the islands of Brač, Korčula, and Lošinj are particularly rewarding.

Highlights for hikers: 

• Vidova Gora, Brač – The highest peak on the Adriatic islands, offering jaw-dropping views of Zlatni Rat beach. 
• Sudbinska Luka, Korčula – A trail leading to a secluded seaside hamlet framed by olive groves. 
• Lošinj Coastal Walks – Gentle trails following the shoreline, ideal for combining fresh air with a swim. 

What to know: The terrain can be hilly and sometimes steep, so allow plenty of time and energy for ascents.

The Isle of Skye, Scotland

No list of hiking holidays would be complete without Scotland, and the Isle of Skye is its crown jewel. September is a magical time to visit: the heather is still blooming, the air is crisp, and the island’s dramatic landscapes feel even more mystical.

Getting to the Isle of Skye is an adventure in itself. Travel through the Highlands by car or train, passing shimmering lochs and the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct (famous from the Harry Potter films), before taking the ferry from Mallaig to Armadale. From there, Skye’s hiking playground unfolds.

Highlights for hikers: 

Talisker Beach – A short but stunning walk to a wild bay backed by cliffs. 

Neist Point Lighthouse – One of Scotland’s most photographed spots, perched on a dramatic headland.

Oronsay Island – Reachable at low tide, this walk combines tidal adventure with wildlife spotting.

Plan Your Holiday in Europe

Whether you choose the sunlit trails of Sardinia, the coastal paths of the Croatian islands, or the rugged beauty of Scotland’s Isle of Skye, now is the time to explore Europe by ferry.