Hidden Mediterranean city just £20 away named the world’s top spot for a last-minute September holiday

September has arrived, and with the school holidays now over, it’s a great moment to squeeze in a last-minute break, enjoy some sunshine, and stretch out summer before the dark evenings return.

While places like France, Spain and Italy are usually the first choices for British travellers, anyone who has visited Venice will know that huge crowds can easily spoil a peaceful holiday.

But there is another destination, often forgotten because of its famous neighbours, that has been named the perfect spot to enjoy warm September weather.

Even better, flights can cost as little as £20.

Sitting at the very top of Croatia, only a short distance from Slovenia and Italy, the Istrian peninsula is one of Europe’s most underrated regions.

With sparkling turquoise water from the Adriatic Sea all around it, it’s ideal for people who enjoy exploring coastlines, local food, and historic towns.

Istria is often skipped in favour of southern cities like Dubrovnik or Split, but it can be a much calmer choice to avoid busy crowds.

Listed as one of Lonely Planet’s top places for September, the guide wrote: “Overflowing with asparagus, olives and oysters, there are few tastier destinations than Istria, the triangular peninsula nudging into the Adriatic in far northwest Croatia.

“And there are few tastier times to explore Istria than September, when grapes are harvested and truffles ripen beneath the forest floor.”

Locals are extremely proud of their truffles, and if you wander around the main city of Pula, you’ll find market stalls and shops full of them, sold as crisps, oils, or even whole pieces.

After building up an appetite, you can stroll through the old city and find its huge Roman amphitheatre.

Often compared to the Colosseum, the Pula Arena is the only ancient theatre where all four side towers are still completely intact.

Like much of Croatia’s coastline, the beaches here are mainly pebbly, with rocky coves, small sandy areas, and plenty of lush greenery all around.

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