September is the start of autumn in Spain with gradually falling temperatures, and shorter, wetter days. However, it's still likely to be quite warm enough to enjoy a little sunbathing and get in some time on the beach.
The average temperature in September in Torrevieja is 23C, with highs of 28C. The sea is still a very pleasantly warm 23C, so a dip in the ocean isn't out of the question. The highest temperature ever recorded in the area at this time is 35C (quite a comedown from 40C in August, but by no means cold), and temperatures are likely to reach above 30C on several days in September. There are also still around 10 hours of sunshine on average in the month, so a little sunbathing on the beach is perfectly possible. The Costa Blanca generally has quite low humidity and on the coast, pleasant sea breezes, which do mediate the high temperatures somewhat. Overnight the temperature will fall, but not significantly, to an average low of around 18C.
It's a similar story across the country, warm but somewhat cooler than previous months. Just up the coast in Benidorm the average temperature is 24C, with similar highs of 28C. It's usually slightly cooler in the north of Spain and in Madrid, for example, the average temperature in September is 22C. However, cities and built up areas often have a microclimate of their own, which in Madrid leads to slightly elevated highs of around 29C. With increased humidity levels, and without the benefit of refreshing coastal breezes, it will feel very much hotter inland.
Autumn sees increased levels of precipitation across the country, and though this is very much the rainy season, it's unlikely to be too wet.
Torrevieja has rainfall averages of 31mm over 3 days in September, which is quite low in comparison with even resorts like Benidorm, just a few miles up the coast. Benidorm, in fact, has a rainfall average of 76mm over 8 days in the month; almost double that in Torrevieja. Any showers are likely to be short lived and thundery, causing very little disruption.
Bennecke Michel Apartment is a typical holiday rental apartment in Torrevieja, self-catering, clean, homely décor, with a lovely outdoor pool and garden. It boasts WiFi and an enviable location just 3.9 km from the Marina. The accommodation includes TV, air conditioning and balcony, and full kitchenette with dishwasher and microwave. You can enjoy sea and garden views from the window, and there's free parking nearby if you've rented a car.
If you're looking for accommodation that's just a little different, the Marina Floating Home is a fabulous alternative to hotels, villas and apartments. With several boats in the Marina, there are plenty of facilities on site, including a nightclub, grocery deliveries, water sports and fishing. The boats come with TV and air conditioning, a full kitchen with dishwasher and a microwave, and of course, enjoy sea views from every window.
La Zenia, south of Torrevieja, is popular year round with tourists and locals alike. At Christmas they host brass bands on the sand, and in the summer it's thronged with sun seekers laid out to bake in the sunshine. The restaurant offers a range of snacks and cold drinks and there are often vendors plying ice creams and watersports during the summer months.
The long, sandy beaches at Guardamar, to the north of Torrevieja, consistently win the coveted Blue flag awards for their cleanliness, safety and facilities. They are known for being some of the best stretches of sand in the country and are likely to be very busy during those peak summer months. The nearby high street offers shops, cafes and restaurants to keep you entertained when you get fed up of sunbathing.
Kennedy's on Calle Dinamarca, 9, Playa de los Locos, behind Murphs bar and just by Los Locos beach is a family run establishment with friendly service, homemade meals, and big screen TVs. The new décor has really cleaned the place up. It's very family friendly, and the owner's make birthday cakes for kids and serve slush puppies for the little ones (or for grown ups!).
For great steaks or pizza, try El Muelle on Paseo Juan Aparico. Right on the seafront, the location can't be beaten. They offer special menus at different times of the year, and while it can be a little pricy, the ingredients are all fresh and local, the chefs some of the best in the area, and they give the food a very special, uniquely Spanish twist.
If you're going to be in Barcelona in the evening, don't miss the Magic Fountains. When work on the Great Universal Exhibition of 1929 was under way, the organizers felt that it needed something special to make it stand out. Carles Buigas submitted his project for a "colossal, daring and costly piece of work", which heralded the discovery of a new art: the art of light. The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc opened on the 19 May 1929, and continues to delight visitors to Barcelona today. The fountain delivers a spectacular display of colour, light and water acrobatics with musical accompaniment every Thursday to Sunday in the summer months and every Friday and Saturday during the winter.
Madrid is one of Spain's most fabulous cities, and a great place to visit if you fancy a trip a little further afield. For a real taste of history, visit the Palacio Royal. Take a tour through the state rooms, marvel at the exquisite architecture, and, if you're lucky, you might just catch a glimpse of the colourful changing of the guard in full parade dress. The French-inspired Jardines de Sabatini lie along the northern flank of the Palacio and are a delightful stroll on a hot day.
Benidorm Island is an islet located off the coast of the holiday city of Benidorm, not too far from Torrevieja, and noted for its large peacock population. The rock has been the backdrop for the TV series Benidorm, and is synonymous with the landscape of its namesake town. A boat leaves every hour from Benidorm port during high season. Once you get there, and you've taken a stroll through the nature reserve, stop for an ice cream or some tapas in the restaurant, or take a trip on the Aquascope (it's included in the price of the crossing). The Aquascope looks like a big yellow submarine, though it doesn't actually go underneath the water. In the glass-lined bowels of the vessel, you'll be able to see some of the astonishing marine life in its natural habitat, including starfish, squid and schools of fish.
