The best places for a last-minute sunny autumn break

October and November are the perfect months to escape the UK's gloomy weather

(Image credit: Alamy / David Noton)

published 1 October 2024

As the nights draw in and the weather gets gloomier, the idea of an autumn break starts to feel all the more appealing. October and November are the perfect months to leave the UK behind in search of some last-minute sun. From France to Morocco, these balmy destinations offer respite from the cold – without the summer crowds.

Provence

Throngs of tourists flock to Provence to see the lavender bloom over summer, but come autumn its vineyards are a "vibrant ochre", said Sarah James in Condé Nast Traveller. The season of "wine and truffles", it's one of the best times of year to visit for foodies; the markets are piled high with "harvest spoils", and the "slow-paced villages" are far less crowded. For a luxurious stay, it's hard to beat Coquillade – a beautifully restored Provençal village in Luberon, home to a collection of sprawling suites and outdoor hot tubs looking out over its vineyards.

The "honey-hued baroque towns" on this beautiful island wind down over autumn, with "thinned crowds and warm winds blowing in from the Sahara", said Roselyn Wikely in the London Evening Standard. Spend a week exploring Noto, Scicli and Modica in Sicily's Val di Noto region; the charming towns are filled with shaded cafes, independent boutiques and art galleries. Consider booking a room at the "stylish and secluded" Dimora delle Balze, just outside Noto.

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Throughout October, "sun-seekers can be found bathing in the Algarve's hot weather along the region's wealth of beaches, bays and coves", said Chris Wilson in The Independent. Located in the southernmost region of continental Portugal, the area is home to scenic hiking trails, which are ideal for exploring during the autumn when the "temperatures are not so intensely hot". One of the most popular walking routes is the Via Algarviana path which connects Cabo de São Vicente and Alcoutim, running through a series of picturesque towns along the way.

Cyprus' "dazzling southern coast" is an excellent choice for "autumn sun-seekers", said Sarah James in Condé Nast Traveller. In Limassol, "savour sunset suppers" in the eateries around the old harbour, or "lounge by the sea" on one of the "idyllic" beaches. It's also well worth taking a trip to the ancient Greek city-state of Kourion, and sampling wines in the nearby vineyards "once the midday heat passes".

A "bright, buzzing city layered with thousands of years of history", Istanbul is another great spot for an autumn break, said Rebecca Ann Hughes in Time Out. In October, the weather is "pleasant without being too hot", so you can explore "without breaking a sweat". Days can easily be filled visiting the city's incredible buildings from the "glimmering golden dome" inside Hagia Sophia to the "sweeping Bosphorus Strait lined with lavish palaces".

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Irenie Forshaw is a features writer at The Week, covering arts, culture and travel. She began her career in journalism at Leeds University, where she wrote for the student newspaper, The Gryphon, before working at The Guardian and The New Statesman Group. Irenie then became a senior writer at Elite Traveler, where she oversaw The Experts column.