Grab Summer By The Tail: The Best Beach Holidays in Europe in Autumn

The peak of the beach season and holidays in Europe is over, the children have gone to school and the tourists have gone home, but it is still possible to grab the summer by the tail and find warm, reliable sun and good beach weather in September and October. And you don't need to fly to distant islands or wait a whole year for the next summer.  Instead, it's better to opt for an autumn beach holiday in Europe, when prices are lower and there are fewer tourists.

We've collected a few warm spots in Europe where you can relax on the beach in September or October without crowds, at an affordable price, and with perfect air and sea temperatures.

Greece and Cyprus

Home to Zeus and Aphrodite, Crete is the largest island in Greece. It has paradisiacal beaches, electric blue bays, fertile slopes and a summer season long enough for a beach holiday even in October. Cyprus is another island where summer lasts longer than anywhere else in the Mediterranean, making it one of the best places in October for dedicated beach lovers. In autumn, the days are still mostly sunny and warm, and the sea temperature is high enough for swimming. You can walk through ancient temples and small streets without crowds and eat in small family-run restaurants in hillside villages with the locals. The average temperature in September and October reaches 25-27°C.

Croatia

The breathtaking views of Dubrovnik and Split will reward discerning tourists with summer weather even in October. The crowds of cruise ships and Game of Thrones fans disappear, and you can enjoy a stroll around the ancient city walls or a cable car or boat ride in your free time. You can also visit the nearby islands. It is better to do this in the off-season. In autumn, ferry prices drop significantly, so this is an ideal opportunity to visit the three main islands of the Elaphim archipelago: Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan. The beaches here are unusually beautiful and undeveloped, considered by many to be among the best in the region. Visit the seaside restaurants to dine on freshly caught fish and admire the picturesque views. The average temperature in September and October is 23-25°C.

Italy

While autumn paints the hills of Tuscany golden and brings rain to Milan in northern Italy, Sicily and the Calabria region still bask in the sun for most of October. It has some of the best beaches in all of Italy, with silvery sandy shores and clear blue waters of the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas. They say that the further south you go in this country, the friendlier the people are. The Italian seaside villages and hilltop towns offer a warm welcome and a relaxed atmosphere similar to the Italy of yesteryear. At the same time, the sea is still warm and the beaches are extremely quiet as Italian children go back to school. Average temperature in September and October: 24-26°C.

Portugal

Lisbon, Porto and Faro are just a few of the many charming cities that offer good weather, rich cultural heritage and fine cuisine in autumn. The small southern region of the Algarve is particularly well known for its unique nature and climate. In recent years, it has become a hotspot for beachgoers looking for a relaxing European holiday. October is the best time to travel to discover the charming Portuguese coastal towns and hidden undeveloped beaches where the water is still perfectly warm. You can also enjoy many of the cities' cultural attractions and nearby beaches without the crowds. Average temperature in September and October: 24-26°C.

Spain

Mallorca is the most popular of the Spanish islands. It's no wonder that crowds of tourists flock to this mountain paradise with its luxury resorts, island coves and beachfront restaurants. However, despite the increase in tourism during the summer season, this place still remains simple and affordable. Mallorca offers you swimming in cosy, beautiful bays, exploring local markets, visiting artisanal workshops and easy hikes. October is the best time to enjoy Mallorca's simple charms and authentic Spanish. When the crowds of tourists leave and the days become less unbearably hot, Mallorca begins to turn green again from the early autumn rains, the wine and olive harvest begins, and you can feel the local atmosphere. Average temperature in September and October: 25-27°C.