The summer season may be over but that doesn’t mean you have to wait another year for your Vitamin D fix. This time next week you could be sunning yourself on the golden beaches of Rhodes or tucking into the tastiest Cypriot cuisine with the locals — sounds better than those cold, dark nights right?
Whether you want somewhere for the whole family or exclusively adults, we’ve got plenty of last minute scorchers to pick from. And, the best part is they’re all in Europe which means they’re all within easy reach…
Crete
Average October temperature – 20⁰C
Average October rainfall – 14mm
Flight time – Approx. three hours
Forget conker picking, we’re all about picking the best sunbathing spot to work on that winter glow and Crete certainly has plenty of them! In fact, there’s 650 miles’ worth of Cretan coastline to go around and at this time of year, there will be less of the crowds.
Starting with the east of the island, here sunbathers can combine their tanning time with liquid lunches in the squares of Agios Nikoloas and Elounda. As for the west, there’s the Chania area where you can tie in laying on the beach with its historic old town which remains lively all year round. While in the middle region you’ve got Rethymnon and Heraklion, both with beach time at the top of their priority lists. Don’t worry, all this beach talk comes with toasty temperatures of up to 23⁰C. That applies to the sea water too, they’re more than warm enough to take a dip in!
Where to stay in Crete?
[deals simple=”no”]Crete October blog[/deals]
Croatia
Average October temperature – 17⁰C
Average October rainfall – 49mm
Flight time – Approx. two and a half hours
Croatia has recently become the number one destination on everyone’s bucket list, particularly since the award-winning TV series Game of Thrones used the Adriatic gem as their backdrop. And with that comes an obvious increase in crowds. Prefer to have the sights all to yourself? Postpone your summer getaway until October instead, that way you’ll be outside the height of peak season and have less people to contend with. That also means, less people intruding on those Instagrammable holiday snaps!
Though the weather is cooler to what you’ll find in the summer months, it’s the perfect time to get out and explore. Tick the likes of Krka Waterfalls, Plitvice Lakes and a whole load of island hopping off your list while the suns not as hot and there’s fewer people in sight.
Where to stay in Croatia?
[deals simple=”no”]Croatia October blog[/deals]
Cyprus
Average October temperature – 23⁰C
Average October rainfall – 5mm
Flight time – Approx. four hours
Although we wouldn’t usually associate swimming, snorkelling and soaking up the sun with the month of October, in Cyprus it’s possible. Days are still hot, meaning you can still comfortably take advantage of its 64 Blue Flag beaches and translucent waters. That’s if you’re not too busy heading inland to climb the scenic Troodos mountains or tucking into some unforgettable Cypriot food with the friendly locals. Did we mention that the islands famous waterpark, WaterWorld keeps its doors open in October too?!
For those night owls, the party scene of Aiya Napa may have quietened down by this point, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still get your cocktail fix in the beachfront bars in the lively spot of Nissi Beach.
Where to stay in Cyprus?
[deals simple=”no”]Cyprus October blog[/deals]
Ibiza
Average October temperature – 20⁰C
Average October rainfall – 26mm
Flight time – Approx. four houts
Just a short two-and-a-half-hour flight from the UK, you’ve got the famous White Isle, Ibiza. With pleasant temperatures hovering around the twenty mark, it’s the perfect place to catch the last of the summer sun.
The party atmosphere may be dialled down at this time of year, but that doesn’t mean the Halloween celebrations don’t exist. Ibiza is huge on the spooky season, with its super-clubs, beach clubs and even restaurants all joining in on the fancy dress and spooktacular fun!
Beyond the nightlife you’ve got the UNESCO marked old town lined with high-end restaurants, harbour front bars and colourful hippy markets, many of which stay open all year round. Plus, visiting in October means there will be much less crowds to comprehend with.
Where to stay in Ibiza?
[deals simple=”no”]Ibiza October blog[/deals]
Italy
Average October temperature – 12⁰C
Average October rainfall – 38mm
Flight time – Approx. two hours, twenty minutes
October is considered one of the best times to explore the ins and outs of the Italian boot, as it is during this month that you’ll find less crowds along with cheaper holiday deals. While it may not be as sun-drenched as the summer, it’s still pleasant just without the humidity. But, that doesn’t mean you have to leave your favourite swimwear behind, in fact temperatures can often surprise you and get out sporadically hot, particularly in the south.
The brilliant thing about Italy is, no matter which part of the boot you opt for, the food will be superb. By holidaying in Italy in October, you can wine and dine with the locals themselves and find out all there is to know about la dolce vita, AKA the good life they live. You can also join in on the foodie festivities at the White Truffle Festival and the Euro Chocolate fest, where you can swap those toffee apples for all things cocoa-covered!
Where to stay in Italy?
[deals simple=”no”]Italy October blog[/deals]
Majorca
Average October temperature – 17⁰C
Average October rainfall – 13mm
Flight time – Approx. two and a half hours
The King of the Balearic Islands, Majorca is a long-standing Spanish favourite and we can certainly see why. Although October marks the end of its summer season, that doesn’t mean that it becomes idle, in fact it’s arguably one of the best times to visit.
With the beach clubs starting to wrap up it means you get to experience a true taste of the Spanish culture, history and lifestyle. Since October is Majorca’s harvest season you’ll find traditional fairs taking place across the island with the likes of folk music, markets and the delectable local produce, including the best-loved topic, wine! The island has around 70 wineries in total with many opening their doors for tours and tastings. Sipping on your favourite vino in 20-degree heat beats those crisp autumn afternoons right?!
Where to stay in Majorca?
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Rhodes
Average October temperature – 22⁰C
Average October rainfall – 11m
Flight time – Approx. four hours
Since it’s the largest Dodecanese island and one of Greece’s top sellers, you can expect the best of the best in Rhodes. Let’s start with its impressive line-up of attractions that will keep you occupied this October. We’re talking about its ancient ruins all the way back from the Trojan War, its classical architecture and its mesmerising medieval churches. You’ll find them all dotted around its old city, and you can tick off the largest medieval city in the whole European continent while you’re there!
The beach more your thing? Good news, Rhodes has plenty of sandy sweeps up its sleeve. From the party hangout Faliraki to the dormant Blue Flag at Pefkos. Or you’ve got the island’s east coast with sands that are almost footprint free, especially at this time of year. That doesn’t mean it’s not hot though, temperatures still sit above the toasty twenties – fancy turning up the heat this Autumn?
Where to stay in Rhodes?
[deals simple=”no”]Rhodes October blog[/deals]
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