I migliori posti da visitare in ottobre per il sole d'autunno: Sardegna, Sicilia e oltre

Ottobre potrebbe segnare l'inizio della stagione delle spezie di zucca per alcuni, ma per i cercatori di sole tra noi, è ben lontano dalla fine dell'estate. Infatti, se sai dove andare in Europa, è probabilmente uno dei mesi migliori per viaggiare—meno folle, prezzi fuori stagione e giorni ancora caldi, perfetti per mattinate lente, nuotate in mare e cene all'aperto. Questa guida è per coloro che non sono ancora pronti a scambiare il costume da bagno con le sciarpe—per quelli che aggiornano Skyscanner come fosse uno sport, cercando quel punto ideale in cui l'estate si prolunga un po' di più! Che tu desideri la vita insulare in Sicilia e Sardegna, il fascino costiero della Costa del Sol o esplorare gemme meno note come la Riviera Albanese e la Baia di Cattaro, questo itinerario ti porterà in posti dove il sole si presenta ancora ma le folle no. Dai rilassarti su spiagge tranquille a sorseggiare vino locale con vista sul mare, queste destinazioni offrono un approdo più morbido in autunno. Uno in cui i tuoi sandali potrebbero ancora essere più utilizzati delle scarpe da stivali! Quindi, se non hai ancora finito con capelli salati e pelle baciata dal sole, ecco esattamente dove andare.

Negozi di souvenirs sul mare nel porto veneziano di Chania

Se l'idea di ottobre perfetto per te coinvolge spiagge di sabbia bianca, acque turchesi e frutti di mare così freschi che puoi assaporare l'aria di mare—la Sardegna dovrebbe essere in cima alla tua lista. Questa isola italiana sembra un sogno mediterraneo, e in ottobre, si gode ancora di un luminoso sole mite con temperature diurne di 21–23°C (70–73°F). Abbastanza caldo per giornate in spiaggia, ma abbastanza fresco per esplorare senza scioglierti nei sandali. Inizia da Cagliari, la capitale rilassata dell'isola, dove edifici dai colori pastello si adagiano dolcemente sulle colline e caffè locali offrono ottimi caffè da gustare. Dedica le mattine a passeggiare nel quartiere Castello, visita il mercato di San Benedetto per rifornimenti per picnic (ovvero formaggio e vino) e prenditi il pomeriggio lentamente alla spiaggia di Poetto, dove i locali continuano a prendere il sole molto dopo che i turisti se ne sono andati. Più a nord, la Costa Smeralda porta un lato più sfarzoso della Sardegna: boutique di designer, yacht di lusso e calette con acqua così limpida che sembra filtrata (ma non lo è). Ma non lasciarti ingannare dal glamour—una volta che ottobre arriva, le folle estive scompaiono e potrai goderti alcune delle spiagge più belle *quasi* tutto per te. Noleggia un'auto, percorri le strade costiere al tramonto e scopri perché questa porzione di Sardegna è diventata una meta preferita del jet-set. Ottobre in Sardegna è tutto incentrato su ritmi più lenti, tramonti tardivi e quella sensazione di sapere di essere in un luogo speciale—senza dover condividerlo con tutti gli altri.

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

Se ancora inseguite l'estate in ottobre, Sicilia è uno dei posti migliori in Europa per farlo. Con temperature diurne tra 22 e 25°C (72 e 77°F) e temperature del mare intorno ai 23°C (73°F), è abbastanza calda da nuotare, esplorare e godersi ogni pasto all'aperto. E credetemi, vi verrà voglia di mangiare fuori qui. Catania è una base eccellente se arrivate in aereo. È un po' caotica nel modo migliore, con un'energia cruda che sembra più vissuta che raffinata. Qui si respira un vero ambiente locale, soprattutto al mercato del pesce La Pescheria, dove i venditori gridano l'uno sull'altro mentre cerchi di decidere quale formaggio comprare. Dedica le mattine a passeggiare nel centro storico (le viste dalla Chiesa di San Giuliano sono incredibili!) e le sere a mangiare pasta di pesce con vista sull'Etna in lontananza. È il tipo di posto che si percepisce ruvido e autentico e che non cerca di impressionarti, il che lo rende ancora più speciale. Se il mare è in cima alla tua lista, dirigiti a sud verso la Riserva Naturale di Vendicari o a Fontane Bianche, che sembrano ancora estate anche a metà ottobre. Oppure, sulla costa occidentale, San Vito Lo Capo è noto per la sua sabbia bianca e il mare turchese, e in ottobre non sarà affollato come una sardina. Cefalù, sulla costa nord, è anche un'ottima scelta se vuoi un mix di spiaggia e fascino del centro storico senza dover guidare troppo fuori Palermo. Sicilia in ottobre ha quel mix perfetto di bel tempo, meno turisti e cibo che ti fa chiedere perché non vivi in Italia a tempo pieno. Se cerchi un posto che sembri ancora vivo ma non sovraffollato, Sicilia è un sì facile.

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

Se cerchi giorni caldi, spiagge selvagge e una destinazione che sembri ancora un segreto, Corsica è uno dei posti migliori in ottobre. Il clima è ancora piacevole con massime giornaliere intorno ai 21°C (70°F), e mentre l'isola sta ormai chiudendo per la stagione, è esattamente questo che la rende così interessante. Meno folle, poche code, solo te, il mare e forse una o due paste! Inizia da Ajaccio, capitale della Corsica e luogo di nascita di Napoleone, dove le strade sono piene di palme e il profumo di canistrelli appena sfornati si diffonde da ogni panetteria. L'atmosfera qui è più rilassata rispetto alla Francia continentale, e c'è abbastanza da fare per mantenere l'interesse senza sentirsi troppo impegnati. Visita il centro storico al mattino, prendi un caffè al porto e, se hai un'auto, dirigiti a Plage de Capo di Feno per il pomeriggio. Le spiagge vicino ad Ajaccio sono sottovalutate, e anche in ottobre, potresti trovare tratti di sabbia tutto per te. Se sei veramente qui per le spiagge, vai a sud a Palombaggia e Santa Giulia, vicino a Porto-Vecchio. Sono perfette, con acque turchesi poco profonde e sabbia bianca soffice. Sono più affollate in estate, ma in ottobre sono calme e tranquille, con solo qualche locale e qualche camper parcheggiato vicino. La costa occidentale ha anche alcune meraviglie come Plage d’Arone vicino Piana, perfetta per un lungo bagno e un pranzo pigro. La Corsica in ottobre è ideale se vuoi il sole senza stress. È il tipo di posto dove i piani rallentano naturalmente e ricordi quanto sia bello semplicemente sedersi, mangiare bene e nuotare quando ti pare. Prepara il costume, noleggia un'auto e preparati a dire "perché non sono venuto qui prima?"

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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