Once school starts, families disappear from the coast and many owners consider the year over. It is a common mistake. September offers the warmest sea of the year, quiet beaches and pleasant temperatures, and it attracts a traveller who books thoughtfully and looks after the property.
The guest changes, not the demand
The profile in September and October differs from August: couples without school-age children, retirees from northern Europe, groups of friends and professionals working remotely for a few days by the sea. They travel outside peak dates precisely because they can choose, and they often stay midweek, which helps to fill the days that are no concern in summer.
What this traveller values
- Peace and quiet, and a terrace to enjoy the still-long evenings.
- A reliable wifi connection and a comfortable place to work.
- A well-equipped kitchen: guests cook at home more than in August.
- Proximity to golf courses, hiking routes and historic town centres.
"The shoulder season does not fill itself as August does, but those who work it well add several weeks of income that the competition lets slip."
Adjusting the strategy
Keeping August prices in September leaves the property empty; applying winter ones gives money away. The shoulder season needs its own rate, shorter minimum stays and flexible arrival days. It is also worth reviewing the listing: highlight the mild climate, the workspace and autumn activities rather than centring everything on the pool.
A long autumn ahead
On the Costa del Sol the good weather lasts well into November, and autumn marks the start of the best time of year for golf. Properties that adjust their strategy in time link the end of summer with the winter season without blank weeks.
Does your calendar empty after August?
We review your listing and your shoulder-season rates and propose a specific plan for the coming months.
Speak to an Adviser