Travel tips
Why shoulder season is the best-kept secret in European travel
By Amelia Hart · 28 July 2026 · 6 min read
Fewer crowds, better rates and restaurants that still have a table. Here is how to time it properly.
Everyone wants the Mediterranean in August, which is exactly why August is the worst time to go. The shoulder seasons — late April to mid June, and September into October — give you warm water, open kitchens and half the crowds.
Where it works best. The Amalfi Coast in late May is a different place to the same coast in August. Greece holds its warmth well into October. Southern Spain is comfortable from March.
Where to be careful. Some island properties close entirely outside high season, and ferry timetables thin out. This is where planning earns its keep: we check sailing schedules and closure dates before recommending a base.
The money. Expect 25 to 40 per cent off peak rates on the same room, and far better availability for the restaurants worth booking.