Cyprus, Malta, the Canary Islands, Sicily and Sardinia are just some of the European destinations that deliver warm weather during the autumn and plenty of things to do
Bake Off’s Back to School episode graces our television screens this evening, which means autumn is well and truly underway.
Indeed, the leaf-tumbling, wellie-boot dusting off, specialist-latte-selling season officially began this weekend. For large parts of the UK, it has brought with it a distinct chill.
If you are pining for the balmy days of June, July and August to return, and don’t feel like waiting for the calendar to do its work, then whizzing off somewhere nice is the next best thing.
Here are some of the European destinations that enjoy warm weather in October and can be easily reached from the UK, often without breaking the bank.
1. Cyprus
Average autumn highs: 25–30°C (September–October)
Why go? Cyprus boasts nearly 340 sunny days a year, making it one of Europe’s sunniest spots. Autumn is warm enough for beach days but without the summer crowds. Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa is frequently cited as a top beach choice for its vibrant atmosphere and shallow turquoise waters, while Fig Tree Bay in Protaras is recommended for families due to its calm, shallow waters.
Best areas: Paphos, Limassol, Ayia Napa, or the Troodos Mountains for cooler inland escapes.
Flights: From £19.
2. Canary Islands (Spain)
Average autumn highs: 24–28°C
Why go? Technically located off the coast of Africa, these Spanish islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, etc.) are a safe bet for year-round sun. There are many excellent coastal spots on the islands, perfect for soaking up the sunshine. Playa de Maspalomas on Gran Canaria is a top choice for its iconic sand dunes, while Corralejo’s beaches in Fuerteventura are ideal for water sports and vast stretches of white sand. For a unique volcanic landscape, Janubio Beach on Lanzarote offers some striking views.
Best for: Beach holidays, hiking, surfing, and volcanic landscapes.
Flights: From £13.
3. Southern Portugal (Algarve)
Average autumn highs: 22–27°C
Why go? The Algarve offers golden beaches, charming towns like Lagos and Tavira, and fewer crowds in autumn — plus lower prices than summer. Last year the Mirror’s Julia Banim visited Praia da Falésia in the Algarve. It was recently crowned the best beach in the world by TripAdvisor. “Now, as much as I enjoyed the culinary wonders of this true foodie haven, the most incredible part of my trip had to be my sunset visit to Falésia. And nothing can quite prepare you for how spectacular it actually is,” Julia wrote.
Bonus: Great for golfing and coastal walks.
Flights: From £15.
4. Southern Spain (Andalusia, Costa del Sol)
Average autumn highs: 23–30°C (Andalusia can stay hot into October)
Why go?: Cities like Seville, Granada, and Malaga remain warm, while coastal areas like Costa del Sol are ideal for late-season sunbathing. Seville is best visited in October, when the roasting hot temperatures of the high summer have abated a little. Visiting major landmarks like the Royal Alcázar, Seville Cathedral, and Plaza de España, before exploring the historic Barrio Santa Cruz, is best done in the autumn.
Tip: Autumn is also harvest season, meaning the olives will be perfect.
Flights: From £15.
5. Crete, Greece
Average autumn highs: 24–28°C in September, 20–25°C in October
Why go? Greece’s largest island is still sunny and swimmable in October, with fewer tourists and cheaper rates. Stunning beaches, mountain villages, and ancient ruins abound. Crete is another spot that now gets a little too hot in the summer, meaning some activities are hard to fully enjoy. In October, Crete offers pleasant weather ideal for hiking Samaria Gorge, exploring archaeological sites like the Palace of Knossos, and enjoying beaches such as Elafonissi. Visitors can also experience local harvest traditions, including the Chestnut Festival.
Flights: From £20.
6. Sicily, Italy
Average autumn highs: 22–27°C
Why go? Enjoy rich history, Baroque towns, delicious food, and volcanic views of Mt. Etna — all under the warm autumn sun. The hubbub and intensity of Sicily and its biggest city, Palermo, eases a little come October. The milder climate is ideal for cultural exploration, food festivals, and less crowded sightseeing at major attractions like the Valley of the Temples and Mount Etna. If you
Top picks: Taormina, Palermo, Cefalù.
Flights: From £19.
7. Malta
Average autumn highs: 24–28°C
Why go?: Compact, cultural, and consistently sunny, Malta offers warm seas, historical cities like Valletta, and excellent diving. “While we don’t get spectacular autumn foliage in Malta, the scenery is still beautiful at this time of year. The beaches are cleaner and quieter, and the first rainfall of the season gives the Maltese countryside a bright green hue,” writes Grump Camel, a local Maltese travel blog.
Bonus: English is widely spoken, and flights from the UK are frequent.
Flights: From £17.
8. The French Riviera (Nice, Antibes, Cannes)
Average autumn highs: 21–25°C
Why go? The crowds thin out by September, but the Mediterranean sun still shines. Autumn here is stylish, relaxed, and perfect for seaside strolls. The area has a particularly pleasant mix of hilltop cities like St Paul de Vence and Èze, and beach towns like Menton and Antibes, which will be much quiter come October than just a month before.
Flights: From £19.
9. Sardinia, Italy
Average autumn highs: 22–26°C
Why go? Gorgeous beaches without the summer madness, especially in early autumn. The sea remains warm well into October. You can experience the Italy as it is when the peak tourist season has passed. That means seeing children going to school, locals buying fresh products at the market, old friends chatting with their own dialect.
Flights: From £22.
10. Dubrovnik & Southern Croatia
Average autumn highs: 22–26°C (September), cooling in October
Why go?: The Adriatic Coast is stunning in autumn. You’ll still get beach weather in September, and October is great for sightseeing without the cruise ship crowds. As we reported earlier this year, Dubrovnik has a bit of an overtourism problem, which can make the city feel quite overwhelming during the summer. “As the summer heat dissipates, the Old City of Dubrovnik becomes a tranquil haven. Stroll through the medieval Old Town, traverse the iconic City Walls, and explore historic sites. The soft golden light of autumn enhances the city’s beauty, creating a magical atmosphere for strolling and soaking in the rich history that oozes from every corner,” Dubrovnik Sungardens recommends.
Flights: From £15.
