Europe’s most beautiful beaches are ideal for a sunny autumn holiday
If you shudder at the thought of hitting a crowded beach in July or August, you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t have to endure the hottest, busiest months to enjoy the sun and sand of the Mediterranean. Fall is the new summer, at least for those in the know.
September and October—and even November in some places—offer a golden opportunity to hit some of Europe’s best beaches once the heat has passed, the kids are back in school, and the tourists have gone home. Forget the windy beaches of Ireland or northern France, where cool, rainy weather is eager to ruin your fall plans. Instead, set your sights on the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean in Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Malta, Croatia, or Cyprus.
Summer may be winding down, but your beach days aren’t. Here are 13 of Europe’s best beaches that are warm enough to enjoy in the fall.
Cala Comte, Ibiza, Spain
Forget Ibiza’s party scene — October is when the island shows off its more laid-back side. Cala Comte is a local favorite, with turquoise waters and golden sands offering a quiet getaway as summer winds down. In October, the island sees temperatures in the mid-70s, perfect for beach lovers looking to soak up the sun without the chaos. Expect to be surrounded by nature, enjoying the serenity of Ibiza in its low-season glory.
Glyfada Beach, Greece
Locals often head to Glyfada Beach to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, according to European travel expert Clare Watkins of luxury travel company Red Savannah. “Tucked away on the Athens Riviera, it has a long season and visitors can enjoy beach time while exploring the classic sights of Athens without the crowds of the low/low season when the temperatures are very pleasant,” she says.
Here, white-sand beaches meet a lively marina with the buzz of fishing boats bringing in the day’s catch. Come here to soak up the sun and enjoy souvlaki at one of the many traditional Greek tavernas. Plus, you’re just a short walk from Athens’ iconic sights, without the crowds in the summer. If you’re looking for a place to stay that exudes old-school charm, check out the new One&Only Aesthesis, a rebirth of the Asteria Beach Club that hosted celebrities in the ’50s and ’60s. (Rates start at $704 a night.)
Although the One&Only brand does not participate in loyalty programs, this property is part of the Luxury Hotels + Resorts collected through American Express Travel. If you have The Platinum Card® from American Express and book through Amex Travel, you’ll receive perks like a $100 credit toward qualifying charges, noon check-in (where available), room upgrades at check-in (where available), and late check-out (subject to availability). You can earn 5 American Express Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on prepaid stays at this hotel when you book through amextravel.com with Amex Platinum (terms apply).
Papagayo Beach, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
Located off the west coast of Morocco, Lanzarote’s Papagayo Beach is a warm and sunny haven while mainland Europe cools down. October brings summer-like weather to this Canary Island, with temperatures hovering around the 80s and sunshine almost every day. Whether you’re into surfing, diving or just sunbathing, Papagayo offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, all set against the backdrop of dramatic volcanic landscapes.
San Vito Lo Capo Beach, Sicily, Italy
Come October, most of Sicily’s beaches are yours, and San Vito Lo Capo is no exception. This beach is a two-mile stretch of powdery white sand that leads straight to the towering Monte Monaco. The crowds have disappeared, leaving you to enjoy the Sicilian sunshine, with temperatures in the mid-70s. Whether you’re lounging on the beach or hiking up the mountain for breathtaking views of the Castellammare Bay, this place offers peace and adventure. The hike is easy—it takes about an hour and a half to reach the top.
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Baia dei Turchi, Puglia, Italy
Puglia is Italy’s best-kept secret, especially in the fall when the crowds have thinned out but the sun is still shining. Baia dei Turchi, with its crystal-clear waters and dramatic limestone cliffs, is the perfect spot for a peaceful escape. Temperatures hover comfortably in the 70s and 80s, perfect for swimming or lounging on the beach. “Puglia is the jewel of southern Italy and offers a triple whammy: great food, crystal-clear waters and warm, friendly locals,” says Julie Durso, director of private travel for Europe at Scott Dunn, a luxury travel agency. She recommends staying at the Borgo Egnazia resort, open through November, to take advantage of special low-season rates of around $861 a night, less than half the high-season rate. The resort also participates in Amex’s Premier Hotels + Resorts program.
Marinha Beach, Lagos, Portugal
If you’re looking for a picture-perfect beach in Portugal’s Algarve region, Marinha Beach is the place to be. Imagine relaxing on golden sands, with iconic cliffs providing a stunning backdrop. October still brings plenty of sunshine, although the Atlantic Ocean can be too cold to swim. But don’t worry—when the tide is out, you can wander to the rocks jutting out of the water and go on an adventure hunting for marine life. It’s like a natural treasure hunt, no swimsuit required!
Kamari Beach, Santorini, Greece
Santorini has extended its tourist season this year, according to Ashley Hall, senior travel advisor for Europe at Scott Dunn. “Santorini is one of the most popular Greek islands, and it’s even more magical without the crowds,” she says. Where should you go specifically? Santorini’s Kamari Beach may not have the classic white sand, but its unique black volcanic pebbles and crystal-clear waters make it a standout. Visiting in October or November means you’ll have the place mostly to yourself, with temperatures still hovering around the mid-70s. Stroll along the promenade, enjoy fresh seafood at a beachside taverna, and take in the island’s rugged beauty—all without the summer crowds.
Golden Bay, Malta
Malta is often the underdog in the European beach scene, but the island has everything you could want from a Mediterranean holiday. “Malta doesn’t necessarily have an extended season, but it’s often overlooked and stays open most of the year,” says Hall. “It’s still quite warm in November.”
Golden Bay has warm sand and even warmer water until November, with temperatures hovering in the comfortable 70s. With fewer tourists, you can really appreciate Malta’s mix of history, culture and relaxation in the sunshine. Combine your beach day with exploring ancient temples and relaxing in a beachside cafe as the sun sets.
Bitez Beach, Bodrum, Türkiye
October is when Bodrum’s beauty really shines. With its crystal clear waters and golden sunshine, Bitez Beach is where locals relax as summer gives way to autumn. The Aegean Sea remains warm, often reaching highs of 70 degrees, perfect for a relaxing swim or a boat ride along Turkey’s lush coastline.
Monte Cogoni Beach, Sardinia, Italy
You will find countless possibilities for a beach holiday on the Italian island Sardiniabut the south of the island is where the weather and water are at their warmest come autumn. For beach-friendly sunshine, warmer water and gentle winds, it’s best to visit the island in mid-October. Monte Cogoni Beach is one of many within easy reach of Cagliari, the island’s capital. After enjoying the white sand and clear waters, visit the pond behind the sea, where flamingos often congregate.
Anthony Quinn Bay, Rhodes, Greece
Rhodes is one of those Greek islands that never seems to stop, even in October. Anthony Quinn Bay is a hidden gem with pine-covered cliffs plunging into crystal clear waters. It’s not the easiest beach to get to, but that’s part of the charm. You’ll be rewarded with one of the most stunning locations on the island. The pebbly shoreline may not be the best for barefoot walking, but the stunning views make up for it. With temperatures still in the mid-70s, it’s the perfect spot for a peaceful fall getaway.
Banje Beach, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Croatia There’s no shortage of sandy and rocky beaches; in fact, Banje Beach isn’t the most remote or exotic stretch of sand in the country. But this pebble beach is just a short walk from Dubrovnik’s walled city centre, meaning you can combine beach time with a visit to the main tourist attractions when the weather cools at night. Plus, seeing the clear blue waters with the red-roofed buildings and stone walls in the distance during your beach trip makes for a memorable trip.
Blue Lagoon, Cyprus
Located in the eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus is the place to be if you’re chasing the sun deep into autumn. The Blue Lagoon is a natural pool near the Baths of Aphrodite, where the water is so clear you’ll feel like you’re swimming in a giant sapphire. The weather is still hot in October, often reaching 80 degrees, making it ideal for snorkelling or sunbathing. Whether you arrive by boat or brave the rough roads in a 4×4, this beach will feel like your little slice of paradise while the rest of Europe cools down.
The last line
It’s not too late to take a sunny fall beach vacation. While most of Europe is gearing up for cooler fall weather, there are still places where you can soak up the sun — and enjoy a relatively deserted beach vacation — in September, October, and even November right now.
And if this isn’t the year for a fall European beach vacation, bookmark these destinations so you have something to look forward to next year.
