Best Places to visit in October for Autumn Sun: Sardinia, Sicily & Beyond

October might mark the start of pumpkin spice season for some, but for the sun-chasers among us, it’s far from the end of summer. In fact, if you know where to go in Europe, it’s arguably one of the best months to travel—fewer crowds, off-season prices, and still-warm days perfect for slow mornings, sea swims, and al fresco dinners. This guide is for those of us who aren’t quite ready to swap swimsuits for scarves—for the ones refreshing Skyscanner like it’s a sport, looking for that sweet spot where summer lingers just a little longer! Whether you’re craving island life in Sicily and Sardinia, coastal charm in the Costa del Sol, or looking to explore underrated gems like the Albanian Riviera and the Bay of Kotor, this itinerary will take you to places where the sun still shows up but the crowds don’t. From lounging on quiet beaches to sipping local wine with a sea view, these destinations offer a softer landing into autumn. One where your sandals might still get more wear than your boots! So, if you’re not quite done with salty hair and sun-kissed skin, here’s exactly where to go.

Souvenir shops on the water in Chania's Venetian Harbour

If your idea of a perfect October involves white-sand beaches, turquoise water and seafood so fresh you can taste the sea air—Sardinia should be at the top of your list. This Italian island feels like a Mediterranean dream, and in October, it’s still basking in mellow sunshine with daytime highs of **21–23°C (70–73°F)**. Warm enough for beach days, but cool enough to explore without melting into your sandals. Start in **Cagliari**, the island’s laidback capital, where pastel-hued buildings spill down the hills and local cafes offer delicious coffee to enjoy. Spend your mornings wandering the Castello district, stop by the San Benedetto market for picnic supplies (aka cheese and wine), and take the afternoon slow at **Poetto Beach**, where locals are still sunbathing long after the tourists have left. Further north, the **Costa Smeralda** brings a glossier side of Sardinia: think designer boutiques, luxury yachts, and coves with water so clear it looks filtered (it’s not). But don’t be fooled by the glitz—once October rolls around, the summer crowds vanish and you’ll have some of the prettiest beaches *almost* to yourself. Hire a car, take the coastal roads at golden hour, and discover why this stretch of Sardinia became a jet-set favourite in the first place. Sardinia in October is all about slower rhythms, late sunsets and that sweet-spot feeling of knowing you’re somewhere special—without having to share it with everyone else.

POIs

• Grande Pevero beach
• Capriccioli beach (East)
• Mercato Civico di San Benedetto
• Bastione del Palazzo Viceregio, Rivellino Sabaudo
• Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta e Santa Cecilia
• Bastione di Saint Remy
• Taboo Pizza & Italian Kitchen

Products

• Costa Smeralda Boat Tour by Hybrid Boat with Swim Stops &Aperitif
• Boat Tour at Devil's Saddle: 4 Swim Stops, Snorkeling & Prosecco

If you're still chasing summer in October, Sicily is one of the best places in Europe to do it. With **daytime temperatures between 22 and 25°C (72 to 77°F)** and **sea temperatures around 23°C (73°F)**, it’s warm enough to swim, explore, and enjoy every meal outside. And trust me, you’re going to want to eat outside here. **Catania** is a great base if you’re flying in. It’s a bit chaotic in the best kind of way, with a raw energy that feels more lived-in than polished. There’s a proper local feel here, especially at **La Pescheria** fish market, where stall owners shout over one another while you try to decide which cheese to buy. Spend your mornings walking around the old town (the views from **Chiesa di San Giuliano** are amazing!) and your evenings eating seafood pasta with a view of Mount Etna in the distance. It’s the kind of place that feels gritty and authentic and doesn’t try to impress you, which kind of makes it even better. If beach time is high on your list, head south to the **Vendicari Nature Reserve**, or to **Fontane Bianche**, which still feels like summer even in mid-October. Over on the west coast, **San Vito Lo Capo** is known for its white sand and turquoise sea, and in October you won’t be packed in like a sardine. **Cefalù**, on the north coast, is also a great shout if you want a mix of beach and old town charm without having to drive too far from Palermo. Sicily in October has that perfect mix of good weather, fewer tourists, and food that makes you wonder why you don’t live in Italy full-time. If you’re after somewhere that still feels alive but isn’t overrun, Sicily is an easy yes.

POIs

• Prestipino Duomo
• Chiesa di San Giuliano
• Giardino Bellini
• Cattedrale di Sant'Agata
• Monastero di San Benedetto
• La Pescheria di Catania ('a Piscarìa)
• Riserva naturale orientata Oasi Faunistica di Vendicari
• Fontane Bianche
• Cefalù
• San Vito Lo Capo

Products

• Boat tour Giardini Naxos Taormina Isola Bella Blue Grotto
• Favignana and Levanzo, Egadi islands tour by boat from Trapani

If you’re looking for warm days, wild beaches and a destination that still feels like a bit of a secret, **Corsica** is one of the best places to be in October. The weather is still comfortable with **daily highs around 21°C (70°F),** and while the island is winding down for the season, that’s exactly what makes it so good. Less crowds, few queues, just you, the sea and maybe a pastry or two! Start in **Ajaccio**, Corsica’s capital and Napoleon’s birthplace, where the streets are lined with palm trees and the scent of freshly baked canistrelli comes wafting out of every other bakery. The vibe here is more relaxed than mainland France, and there’s just enough going on to keep things interesting without feeling busy. Visit the old town in the morning, grab a coffee by the port, and if you’ve got a car, head out to **Plage de Capo di Feno** for the afternoon. The beaches near Ajaccio are underrated, and even in October, you’ll likely have stretches of sand to yourself. If you’re really here for the beaches, head south to **Palombaggia** and **Santa Giulia**, near Porto-Vecchio. These are the postcard-perfect ones with shallow turquoise water and soft white sand. They do get busy in summer, but in October they’re calm and peaceful, with just a few locals and the occasional campervan parked nearby. The west coast also has some stunners like **Plage d’Arone** near Piana, perfect for a long swim and a lazy lunch. Corsica in October is ideal if you want sunshine without the stress. It’s the kind of place where plans slow down naturally and you remember how nice it is to just sit, eat well and swim when you feel like it. Pack your swimwear, rent a car and get ready to say “why didn’t I come here sooner?”

POIs

• Musée Fesch
• Chapelle impériale - Cappella imperiale
• Cathédrale Santa Maria Assunta
• Plage Saint-Francois

Products

• Canyoning The Verghellu Canyon in Corsica
• Afternoon in Scandola and creeks of Piana with stop in Girolata

Gibraltar is one of those places that surprises people. Most travellers only pop in for a few hours, but if you stay longer, you’ll realise it’s a proper gem. In October, the weather is still lovely with **daily highs of 22 to 23°C (72 to 73°F)** and plenty of sun. The cruise ships slow down, the summer rush is over and the whole place just feels more relaxed. If it’s your first time, start by hiking the **Rock of Gibraltar**. You can take the cable car up, but I’d recommend walking it if you’re feeling up to it. The **Mediterranean Steps** are the most scenic route, and although it’s a bit of a workout, the views are unreal. You’ll get panoramic views over the Strait of Gibraltar, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to Morocco. Just bring water, wear good shoes and try to go early to avoid the midday heat. Once you’ve earned your lunch, head down to **Catalan Bay**. It’s an old fishing village tucked away on the east side of the Rock with colourful houses and soft sand. Even in October, locals are still swimming. Grab a bite at a beachside restaurant and just enjoy the view. **Sandy Bay** and **Eastern Beach** are nearby too if you want a change of scene. What I love most about Gibraltar is that it’s this mix of British, Spanish and something entirely its own. You’ll hear people switch between English and Spanish mid-sentence, and there’s something kind of charming about ordering fish and chips next to someone having tapas. If you want sunshine without going too far and a destination that feels both familiar and completely different, Gibraltar in October is an easy yes.

POIs

• Europa Point
• Sandy Bay
• Catalan Bay
• Grand Casemates Square
• Mediterranean Steps

If you're looking for somewhere that still feels like summer but with a hint of autumn in the air, the **Bay of Kotor** is a brilliant choice. In October, you can expect **daytime highs around 19 to 21°C (66 to 70°F),** which is perfect for exploring without overheating. The cruise ships start thinning out, the crowds fade and what you’re left with is peaceful, dramatic scenery and cosy old towns that are even better without the chaos. **Kotor** is the main hub and it’s exactly the kind of place that makes you want to get lost on purpose. The Old Town is a maze of stone streets, tiny squares and cats absolutely everywhere. Walk up to the **San Giovanni Fortress** for those iconic views over the bay. It’s a climb, and yes, your legs will feel it the next day, but the view from the top is completely worth it. Go early or late for the best light and fewer people. Just a short drive away, **Perast** is postcard-perfect and honestly feels like it hasn’t changed in a hundred years. It’s tiny but beautiful, with baroque palaces and little jetties where you can sit with a coffee and watch the boats come and go. Take a short boat ride out to **Our Lady of the Rocks** for a different view of the bay. It’s touristy but still lovely, especially when it’s not full of tour groups. Further west, **Herceg Novi** has more of a local vibe. The town stretches uphill, so be ready for some stairs, but it’s worth it for the sea views and historic buildings. There’s also a long seaside promenade lined with cafes and small beaches if you fancy a swim or just want to chill by the water. Kotor in October is calm, scenic and a little bit moody in the best way. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down naturally. Bring a jacket for the evenings, grab a glass of local wine and enjoy the fact that you're somewhere beautiful without the crowds.

If you want sun that sticks around into October, **the Costa del Sol** is always a safe bet. With **daily highs between 21 and 24°C (70 to 75°F)** and over 300 days of sunshine a year, this part of southern Spain doesn’t really get the memo that summer is over. Beaches are still busy with locals, restaurants are buzzing, and it still feels like holiday mode even when the calendar says autumn. **Málaga** is a great starting point. It’s more than just an airport city and honestly deserves more credit. The old town is full of life, the food scene is great, and the beach is walking distance from just about everything. If you like a bit of culture with your sunbathing, visit the Picasso Museum or climb up to **Gibralfaro Castle** for some of the best views over the city and coast. Further down the coast, **Marbella** offers a more polished vibe. Think palm-lined boulevards, stylish boutiques and people who look like they stepped out of a catalogue. But even if you’re not there to splash out, the old town is beautiful and surprisingly chill. You can wander the whitewashed streets, stop for tapas and still find some quiet moments away from the crowds. If you want somewhere a little slower, **Estepona** is a solid choice. It has a laidback feel with colourful murals, floral balconies and one of the prettiest seafront promenades in the region. The beaches are clean and calm, and in October, they are mostly local. **Nerja** is at the eastern edge of the Costa del Sol and has more of a small-town feel. The views from the **Balcón de Europa** are reason enough to go, but the nearby **Cueva de Nerja** is also worth visiting if you like a bit of adventure mixed in with your beach days. There are plenty of quiet coves and walking trails in the area too, perfect if you feel like stretching your legs after all the tapas. The Costa del Sol in October is easy, sunny and full of good food. It is one of those places that doesn’t need a filter and always delivers, especially if you want that last bit of warmth before the darker evenings kick in.

If you want to squeeze out the last bit of summer without flying too far, **Chania** is a brilliant choice. Located on the western side of **Crete**, it still feels warm and sunny in October with **daytime highs of 21 to 23°C (70 to 73°F)** and around **seven hours of sunshine a day**. You can swim, wander, eat outdoors and still get that golden light that makes everything look better. The town itself is stunning. **Chania Old Town** is one of my favourite places to just wander aimlessly. It’s all narrow alleys, pastel buildings and balconies covered in bougainvillaea. The **Venetian Harbour** is postcard-perfect, especially at sunset, and you’ll find loads of waterfront tavernas where you can eat fresh seafood while watching the boats bob around. Spend a morning at the **Municipal Market** if you want to snack your way through local cheese, olives and honey. Then head over to the **Maritime Museum** or walk out to the lighthouse for the view back over the harbour. It is the kind of place that feels easy to love straightaway. If you’ve got a few extra days, rent a car and explore some of the nearby beaches. **Elafonissi** is known for its pink-tinged sand and shallow turquoise water. Even in October, it still feels like summer, especially earlier in the month. **Seitan Limania** is another one that looks like it belongs in a travel ad, with a steep zigzag path down to a small cove. It is not the easiest beach to get to, but it is absolutely worth the effort. For something different, drive up into the **White Mountains** for traditional villages, quiet cafes and mountain views. **Theriso** is a good one for a day trip if you want a total change of pace from the coast. Chania in October is all about balance. Sunny but not sweltering, lively but not crowded, and just the right mix of beach days and little adventures. It is the kind of place where you could easily stay longer than planned and not regret it for a second.

If you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to summer but want somewhere a little different from the usual Mediterranean picks, the **Albanian Riviera** should absolutely be on your radar. In October, the weather is still lovely with **daytime highs of 20 to 22°C (68 to 72°F)** and the sea is usually warm enough for a dip. The summer crowds have disappeared, and you get to see a quieter, more local side of the coast. **Sarandë** is the main hub in the south and a good base if you want a mix of sea views, decent food and easy day trips. You can walk along the promenade, eat fresh seafood for less than the price of a cocktail in London, and take a quick trip over to **Butrint National Park**, which is full of ancient ruins and very few people. Sarandë also has good links to **Corfu**, so it is ideal if you’re already in Greece and want to try somewhere new. Just down the road is **Ksamil**, which has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. The sand is pale, the water is crystal clear, and in October you can truly enjoy it without crowds taking up all the sunbeds. It is small and relaxed, with beach bars that stay open as long as the weather holds. Definitely the place to go if you want to swim and do absolutely nothing for a few days. Further north, **Himarë** has more of a backpacker vibe but still feels authentic and unspoiled. The beaches here are long and open, with clear water and mountain views in the distance. It is also a good place to try traditional Albanian food in small, family-run restaurants. If you want to hike, there are great trails between villages and along the coast. **Vlorë** is the biggest city along the Riviera and has a bit more going on. The seafront has had a facelift in recent years, and while it is not as polished as other places on the Med, that is kind of what makes it interesting. It is a mix of beach and city, and if you’re into history, there are some good museums and Ottoman-era architecture to check out. The Albanian Riviera in October is a bit of a hidden gem moment. You still get sun, sea and that end-of-summer magic, but without the chaos or the price tag of places like the French or Italian Rivieras. It is the kind of place you leave already planning to come back!

In October, boutique hotels and resorts offer a perfect blend of comfort and local charm, often with fewer crowds and more personalised service. Staying in these places allows you to soak in the mellow ambience and enjoy stunning views without the summer rush. The quieter season means you can enjoy the facilities and surroundings at a leisurely pace, often with off-season rates that provide great value. October stays bring a unique atmosphere: Booking during this shoulder season often means more availability and more affordable rates, even at higher-end hotels!

Products

• Leiro Residences - Preferred Hotels & Resorts

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