Autumn Holidays on European Beaches: 7 Best Destinations
Summer may be ending at home, but in southern Europe the beach season lasts another month and a half to two months. September and October are even better for a holiday: the heat eases, the sea is warm, and there are fewer crowds and lower prices. Here are seven destinations for an autumn beach break.
1. Cyprus
The warmest sea in Europe in autumn: swimming is comfortable until the end of October, and it hardly ever rains.
Where to go
Limassol: a seafront promenade, restaurants and city beaches.
Paphos: an archaeological park with UNESCO-listed Roman mosaics.
Ayia Napa and Protaras: white-sand beaches, nightlife and calm family coves.
Weather in September and October: air +27-31 °C, water +25-27 °C.
2. Spain
In autumn the south of the country and the Canary Islands are the best choice, as their beach season lasts longest.
Where to go
Costa del Sol (Málaga, Marbella): sandy beaches and a warm sea.
The Canary Islands: warm even in November.
Barcelona: city beaches, the Sagrada Família and the Gothic Quarter.
Weather in September and October: air +24-28 °C, water +21-23 °C.
3. Turkey
Turkey's Mediterranean coast stays warm until the end of October, and all-inclusive hotels are cheaper in autumn than in summer.
Where to go
Antalya: the Kaleiçi old town and the ancient theatre of Aspendos nearby.
Alanya: Cleopatra Beach and a clifftop fortress.
Bodrum: the Aegean coast, coves and yacht marinas.
Weather in September and October: air +28-33 °C, water +25-27 °C.
4. Greece
The Greek islands are especially pleasant in autumn: fewer visitors and still a warm sea.
Where to go
Crete: the Palace of Knossos and Elafonissi lagoon.
Rhodes: a medieval old town and Lindos.
Kos: sandy beaches and easy cycling routes.
Weather in September and October: air +25-28 °C, water +23-25 °C.
5. Italy
For an autumn beach holiday, head to southern Italy and the islands.
Where to go
Sicily: Taormina, Mount Etna and the beaches of Cefalù.
Sardinia: the turquoise water of the Costa Smeralda.
The Amalfi Coast: Positano, Amalfi and Capri.
Weather in September and October: air +24-28 °C, water +23-25 °C.
6. Montenegro
A small country where the mountains come right down to the sea. The swimming season lasts until about mid-October.
Where to go
Budva: the old town, Sveti Nikola island and beaches.
Kotor: the old town, St Tryphon's Cathedral and St John's Fortress.
Bečići: one of the country's longest sandy beaches.
Weather in September and October: air +21-26 °C, water +20-23 °C.
7. Croatia
Historic towns on the Adriatic and islands with crystal-clear water. You can swim until early October.
Where to go
Dubrovnik: the city walls and the main street, Stradun.
Split: Diocletian's Palace and the Cathedral of St Domnius.
Zadar: the Sea Organ, the Greeting to the Sun and the Church of St Donatus.
Weather in September and October: air +20-25 °C, water +20-23 °C.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the warmest sea in Europe in autumn?
In Cyprus and Turkey: in October the water is still about +25 °C.
Until which month can you swim in Croatia and Montenegro?
Usually until early or mid-October.
Why go to the seaside in autumn?
There is no exhausting heat, fewer tourists, and tours and hotels are often cheaper than in summer.
You may also be interested in
Santorini
Kos
Crete
Corfu
Rhodes
A Journey from Bristol Through Southwest England
From the Middle Ages to the Present: A Tour of Brussels
Things to Do in Bristol: The Best Tours for Unforgettable Experiences
An Amazing Journey Through Scotland: Loch Lomond, the Trossachs and Stirling Castle
Ibiza
Majorca
Costa Dorada
Canterbury: Highlights Guide
Costa Brava
Canary Islands
Thailand: The beaches of Phuket and the exoticism of Bangkok
Doolin Cave: Amazing views of Ireland
Galway: A city of castles and cultural treasures
Santorini: Vacation in the heart of the Aegean Sea
The most charming beaches of Ireland
Get an individual tour selection at the best price!
We offer hotels that our experts have personally checked
We follow the offers of all tour operators and find tours at the best price
We guarantee support from a personal manager at every stage of your holiday
How to book a tour
Step 1
Leave a request on the website or message us.
Step 2
A manager will pick options for your dates and budget and answer your questions.
Step 3
Pay online or at the office and receive your travel documents.
Step 4
Set off on your trip, and the manager stays in touch until you are back.