Travel Photography: Where To Go in September

The peak tourist season in Europe is slowly but surely winding down. At the same time, the weather is cooling down, at least at night when temperatures drop to a comfortable 20°C (68°F). It’s the perfect time to start thinking about famous Mediterranean destinations. September is also a great month to head into the mountains. The summer heat and storms have passed, and at higher elevations, the first touches of autumn color are beginning to appear.

Our September lineup starts with a bang in the Bulgarian Rila Mountains. From there, we head further south to Sicily, where the lively and colorful city of Palermo is certainly worth a visit. After Palermo, it’s off to North America, where the Rocky Mountains glow with golden Alpine larches. Next stop: Marrakesh, a vibrant city that dazzles the senses with its sights, smells, and tastes. Finally, we return to the mountains once more to take in the fall beauty of the Western Tatras.

1. Rila, Bulgaria

© Ondrej Čechvala, Rila, Bulgaria

In the summer, the Balkans can be scorching, even in the mountains. And then there are the thunderstorms. But by September, the temperatures finally start to drop. The forests may not yet be ablaze with fall colors, but more pleasant temperatures make it easier to hike and focus on photography. Rila is a rugged yet accessible mountain range with sweeping views, and the trails aren’t as demanding as those in the neighboring Pirin Mountains. If you’re lucky, you might even come across wild horses.

Rila is best explored on a multi-day trek. You can set out from the village of Borovets and hike for three days to the picturesque Rila Monastery, Bulgaria’s largest Orthodox monastery and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, you’ll find mountain huts right on the ridge that make perfect bases for morning or evening photo shoots.

2. Palermo, Italy

Italy offers just about every type of landscape imaginable. That’s why it so often makes my travel lists. If you’ve already explored northern Italy, heading south feels like entering a different country altogether. Sicily is a world of its own, shaped by European, African, and Middle Eastern influences. Each culture has left their mark, creating a unique cultural blend you won’t find anywhere else in Europe.

Palermo is the bustling, endlessly vibrant capital of Sicily. The streets pulse with energy, vendors selling their wares, people hurrying past, others simply watching the world go by. Keep your camera handy, ideally with a wide-angle lens. Forget polished Milan or wealthy Florence. Palermo is poorer, dirtier, and more chaotic, but also far more surprising and colorful.

3. Rocky Mountains, Canada

© Ondrej Čechvala, Rocky Mountains, Mount Assiniboine, Canada

For many, American nature is the definition of true wilderness. Step outside any mountain town and you’ll quickly lose cell service, see traces of wildlife everywhere, and if you camp deep in the backcountry, you can go days without seeing another soul. The Rocky Mountains are one of these places, stretching across both the United States and Canada.

Ondrej Čechvala, Rocky Mountains, Canada

The Canadian Rockies are vast and remote, but a few hubs serve as convenient starting points. The most accessible is Banff, home to icons like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. But venture beyond these places, and you’ll encounter more wildlife than people. My personal favorite is roaming the wilderness of Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park.

4. Marrakesh, Morocco

If you want to experience something completely different, Morocco is one of the most accessible options. It’s also a good place to test out your approach to photography in the Muslim world. Morocco is relatively open and welcoming to tourists, filled with rich colors, dazzling light, and unforgettable scenes. Still, keep an eye on your gear, as petty theft is not uncommon. Always be respectful when photographing people and carefully assess how they react to being photographed.

Marrakesh’s biggest draw is its old fortified center, the medina. Its narrow, winding streets are not only colorful, but also bathed in amazing light and brimming with unique situations that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

5. Western Tatras, Slovakia

Compared to the High Tatras, the Western Tatras are lower and much less visited, even in summer. In fall, you’ll find even fewer people. The landscapes are just as breathtaking as the High Tatras. However, the trails can be more demanding, particularly Ostrý Roháč or Tri Kopy, where caution is essential.

Unlike the High Tatras, you can traverse the entire Western Tatras ridge, witnessing countless sunrises and sunsets. The ridge stretches about 35 kilometers and usually takes three days to complete. However, the crossing is challenging. If that’s not your style, there are plenty of rewarding one-day hikes.