Wondering where to go for a beach holiday in Europe in October? October is definitely not a month when travel lovers have to say goodbye to the sea, coastal walks, and sunny weather. On the contrary, an autumn holiday and Indian summer have their own unique charm in seaside areas.
Where to go for a beach holiday in October
Temperatures in many destinations are pleasantly summery, the sea is still warmed up from the whole season, and tourist resorts are no longer overcrowded. We holidaymakers can thus enjoy more peace, lower prices, and a more authentic atmosphere without the crowds. A holiday in October offers us the ideal combination of relaxation, well-being, and better conditions than in the middle of the high season.
Sardinia / Dovolenkarka.cz
Today I have prepared plenty of tips for you on where to go for a beach holiday in Europe in October:
Where to go for a beach holiday in Europe in October
I believe that an autumn holiday in Europe by the sea can pleasantly surprise you. While cold days are arriving back home, pleasant summer temperatures still prevail, for example, by the Mediterranean. October in Europe definitely doesn’t mean the end of swimming. As we have seen many times, in many places you can still enjoy the sun and the warm sea without the crowds of tourists.
Looking for a sea where you can still swim in October and soak up the holiday atmosphere? I have tips for you on destinations to head to. Get inspired by my tips on where to go for a beach holiday in October and recharge your energy for the upcoming gloomy months.
1. Greece – Kos
The Greek island of Kos is one of the gems of the Dodecanese archipelago and even in October it offers ideal conditions for a holiday. The warm sea, beautiful beaches, and calmer atmosphere outside the main season will please every holidaymaker looking for relaxation on beaches that are still warm.
Add to that a rich history. This is where Hippocrates was born, and you will find not only ruins of ancient temples or Roman baths but also the picturesque streets of the capital with a fortress by the harbor. Kos is thus a perfect choice for holidaymakers who want to combine relaxation by the sea with discovering Greek history and gastronomy. So if you’re asking where to go for a beach holiday in October, the Greek islands are usually a great answer.
We personally stayed at these resorts:
Grand Blue Beach Hotel
Flights
- I recommend looking for flights from Vienna. Direct flights can be found in October for around 4,000–5,000 CZK, e.g., with Austrian Airlines.
Trips on the island of Kos
2. Greece – Santorini / Where to go for a beach holiday in October
Santorini is one of the most romantic Greek islands and has a special charm in October. Temperatures are still pleasantly summery, the sea remains warm, and you can enjoy the iconic white houses with blue roofs without the tourist crowds. Moreover, the autumn period brings a calmer atmosphere, ideal for walking through the narrow streets of Oia or Fira, watching sunsets over the caldera, or taking trips to the vineyards where the harvest is currently taking place.
Santorini in October offers a perfectly balanced combination of romance, comfort, and a more authentic experience than in the high season. And most importantly, you will have the opportunity to choose from a wider range of luxury accommodation at great off-season prices.
We personally stayed at this boutique resort:
Flights
- You can get to Santorini from Vienna with a direct flight, e.g., with Ryanair, for prices around 2,000 CZK in October.
Trips in Santorini
- Santorini – visit the towns of Oia and Fira
- Santo Wines – a winery with breathtaking views
- Visit Akrotiri, an almost forgotten corner of Santorini
3. Canary Islands – Fuerteventura
Where to go for a beach holiday in the Canaries in October? Fuerteventura is one of those Canary Islands that maintains pleasantly warm weather even in October, with average temperatures around 23–25 °C and long sunny days. This makes it an ideal choice for those holidaymakers who want to extend their summer and enjoy swimming in the Atlantic or lounging on endless sandy beaches.
But the island is also great for more active travelers, offering perfect conditions for windsurfing and kiting, trips to the interior, and pleasant coastal treks. In October, there is also a calmer atmosphere than in the summer season, so you can enjoy Fuerteventura without the rush and overcrowded resorts.
We personally stayed, for example, at this resort:
Flights
- You can find direct flights from Germany or Vienna; they usually cost around 4,000–7,000 CZK.
Trips in Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura: El Cotillo
4. Canary Islands – Tenerife
Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and in October it offers almost ideal conditions for a holiday, with temperatures around 23–26 °C, a pleasantly warm ocean, and plenty of sunny days. Thanks to the island’s diversity, there is something for everyone, from relaxing on golden and black beaches to trips to the volcanic peak of Pico del Teide and picturesque historic towns.
The autumn season also means fewer tourists than in summer, so you’ll enjoy a calmer atmosphere and better accommodation availability. Tenerife in October is a great choice, whether you’re looking for relaxation by the sea or active adventures in nature.
We personally stayed in an apartment in El Poris, with Jana and Tomáš:
- Accommodation tip in El Poris – apartment with an ocean view
- Check other available accommodations in Tenerife
Flights
- You can buy direct flights from Germany, or from Vienna with Wizz, for prices around 4,000–7,000 CZK.
Trips in Tenerife
5. Italy – Sardinia
It might surprise you, but heading to Sardinia in October is actually a better idea than traveling here in September. This June, during our another visit to this divine Italian island, we talked to several locals and they told us how they return here in October, when it’s no longer so windy, the sea is warm, and the off-season conditions are great for traveling and relaxing without the crowds of tourists.
We personally stayed in Sardinia, for example, at this resort with great (including gluten-free) half-board:
Flights
- Search for flight connections from Germany or Vienna, or even from Prague – to Alghero, Olbia, or south to Cagliari.
- Personally, we like to travel to Sardinia by car via ferry and stay for at least 2 weeks
Trips
6. Italy – Tuscany
It’s no secret that Tuscany is our love. We first went on a road trip here by car in the summer of 2010 and since then we return from time to time to visit our favorite places and each time add one we haven’t visited yet. And the autumn atmosphere really suits Tuscany.
Whether you head for the sights in the historic cities of Pisa, Florence, or Lucca, or prefer the Tuscan countryside, you certainly won’t go wrong with your choice. And if you want to go for a swim, the beach promenade in Pisa or the fairytale coast around Grosseto in southern Tuscany will certainly not disappoint you even in autumn.
We personally stayed, for example, in this Tuscan villa:
Flights
- You can get to Tuscany by air from Prague and Germany, or from Vienna. The price of flights regularly ranges around 1,000–3,000 CZK. You can find cheap flights to both Pisa and Florence.
- Personally, we go to Tuscany by car – the trip can be combined with the Dolomites, for example.
Tips for trips and accommodation
7. Slovenian Coast
Where to go in Slovenia in October? The Slovenian coast may not be as extensive as other Mediterranean destinations, but that’s exactly what gives it its unique charm. In October, temperatures are still pleasant, the sea is also still suitable for swimming in good weather, and the atmosphere of towns like Piran or Koper is much calmer than in summer.
You can enjoy the narrow streets of historic towns, cafes with harbor views, and walks along the coast without the crowds of tourists. Thanks to Slovenia’s size, you can also easily combine relaxation by the sea with trips to the interior, whether to the wine regions, which will particularly enchant you in autumn, or to the Julian Alps. The Slovenian coast in October is an ideal choice for those holidaymakers looking for a combination of sea, culture, and a relaxed atmosphere during walks.
We personally stayed in this hotel this June:
Journey
- Head to Slovenia by car; from South Bohemia, it’s about a 7-hour drive. You need to buy both Austrian and Slovenian highway vignettes.
Tips for trips
8. Malta
Malta is an ideal destination for an October holiday because it maintains pleasantly warm weather and a warm sea even in autumn. Thanks to fewer tourists, you can enjoy the historic streets of Valletta, the medieval atmosphere of Mdina, and picturesque fishing villages at a calmer pace.
Where to go for a beach holiday and warm weather in October? Malta attracts you with beautiful beaches and crystal-clear bays that won’t be overcrowded in October. Malta is a great choice for those holidaymakers who want to combine relaxation by the sea with discovering local history and an authentic Mediterranean atmosphere. What you might not know is that autumn is also great for English courses if you want to brush up on, for example, Business English.
I personally recommend this hotel, but in October you will find many others at a great price:
Flights
- Direct flights from Vienna to Malta in October range around 1,000–3,000 CZK with low-cost airlines. Malta is thus my secret tip for where to go cheaply for a beach holiday in October.
9. Cyprus / Where to go for a beach holiday in October
Cyprus is a great choice for an October holiday because it has one of the longest summer periods in Europe. Temperatures often stay above 27 °C and the sea remains beautifully warm. Thanks to this, you can enjoy not only the beaches but also trips without the grueling summer heat. If you haven’t been to Cyprus yet, I think this settles the question of where to go for a beach holiday in October.
Flights
- Direct flights from Vienna to Paphos or Larnaca in October don’t have to cost more than 2,000–4,000 CZK.
From the Paphos area, you can head to the romantic Aphrodite’s Rock or to historic archaeological parks full of ancient mosaics.
If you fly into Larnaca, beautiful beaches, lively promenades, and easy access to the popular resort of Ayia Napa with its famous bays await you. In October, Cyprus also offers a calmer atmosphere than in summer, so a holiday here is an ideal combination of relaxation, swimming, and exploring.
I also recommend visiting Makronissos beach:
10. Spain – Barcelona / Where to go for a beach holiday in October
Barcelona is a city that attracts all year round, but October is particularly magical here. Temperatures still range around a pleasant 20–24 °C, so you can enjoy walks on the beaches and swimming in the sea without being bothered by the summer heat. The atmosphere of autumn Barcelona is completed by calmer streets, shorter queues at Gaudí’s monuments, and more space in cozy tapas bars.
Added to this is a lively cultural scene and the possibility of taking trips to the surroundings, e.g., to our favorite coastal town of Sitges, which is also a great tip for where to go for a beach holiday in October. Barcelona and its surroundings are thus an ideal combination of a city holiday, swimming, and gourmet experiences.
I personally recommend staying near the Sagrada Familia:
Flights
- You can get flights to Barcelona from many airports and they will cost you around 2,000–5,000 CZK depending on the date.
Tips for trips and other accommodation
- Barcelona – 11 places not to miss here
- 7 tips for luxury hotels in Barcelona with a roof terrace and view
- Evening traditional Paella cooking class in Barcelona
- Lamaro Hotel 4* near the cathedral in Barcelona
11. France – French Riviera and Provence
Where to go for a beach holiday in Europe in October? The French Riviera, with direct flights to Nice, is my favorite tip. However, if you head to Southern France by car, it will be ideal to combine trips to the interior with relaxation by the sea.
If you fly into Nice, the charming French Riviera awaits you, and you must not forget to visit, besides Nice itself, also Cannes, Antibes, or luxurious Monaco, just across the border. Personally, we used to go swimming in Monaco while we were staying in Italian Liguria.
>> SEARCH FOR SPECIAL OFFERS ON ACCOMMODATION IN NICE <<
From Marseille, you are close to the beautiful beaches around Cassis and the breathtaking Calanques cliffs. Thanks to fewer tourists, you will enjoy Provence and the French Riviera in October in a much calmer atmosphere and with the possibility of discovering not only the coast but also famous wine regions or historic cities at a more comfortable pace.
I personally recommend this hotel, right on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice:
Hôtel Le Royal Promenade des Anglais
Provence, which is located only 1–2 hours from the coast, also has an unmistakable charm in October; temperatures are still pleasant, the sun shines most days, and the landscape plays with autumn colors. Lavender fields will already be harvested, but I recommend visiting, for example, the lavender museum and heading to one of the local wineries, e.g., in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
- Holiday in Provence – advice, tips, and inspiration
12. Mallorca – Spain / Where to go for a beach holiday in October
Mallorca is a great choice for a holiday even in October. If you’re thinking about where to go for a beach holiday in October, Mallorca is almost an obvious choice. The island maintains pleasant temperatures around 24 °C, the sea is still warm, and at the same time, there isn’t such a rush as in the high season.
After all, we also went to Mallorca for the first time years ago in October and we certainly didn’t regret it. Thanks to the more relaxed autumn atmosphere, you can fully enjoy both relaxation on the beaches and trips to the mountains or picturesque towns.
If you long for a livelier atmosphere, head to the resort of Alcudia, in the north of the island. In Cala Ratjada in the northeast, beautiful beaches and our favorite hotel, just a few steps from the beach, await you.
I personally recommend this hotel, which is for adults only:
Hotel Mar Azul Pur Estil Hotel & Spa
For a calmer and luxurious holiday, Camp de Mar in the southwest of the island is ideal, with a beautiful bay and a relaxed atmosphere. Mallorca in October thus offers a perfect combination of swimming, relaxation, and exploring without the crowds of tourists.
I personally recommend this hotel:
Flights
- There are plenty of flights to Mallorca offered; just choose an airport accessible to you and a special price, where you should fit within 3,000 CZK with a low-cost airline. I personally recommend flights from Germany or Vienna.
Tips for trips
- Camp de Mar – visit a romantic restaurant on a rocky islet and go relax on secret beaches
- Mallorca – tip for a trip to one of the most beautiful lagoons on the island
13. Algarve – Portugal
Algarve in southern Portugal is still bathed in sunshine in October and with temperatures around 23 °C, it offers ideal conditions for us holidaymakers for relaxation and trips along the coast. The most beautiful places to go in the Algarve in October include the picturesque cliffs and caves near Lagos, the iconic Praia da Marinha beach with its azure sea and golden sand, or the dramatic rock formations in the Ponta da Piedade area.
For a perfect experience, I recommend accommodation right by the beach at the luxurious Vilalara Grand Hotel Algarve, which is one of the best-rated in the area and it’s clear that the owners have done a great job here. October is also calmer here than the high season, so you will enjoy the beauties of the region in a more relaxed atmosphere.
My tip – head out for dinner at local fish restaurants and enjoy fresh seafood, fish, or oysters.
Flights
- The ideal way to get to the Algarve is to fly into Faro airport, from where you can easily reach the most beautiful parts of the region. Look for flights from Vienna or Germany. Prices vary, but it shouldn’t be a problem to get an October flight for under 5,000 CZK.
I personally recommend this resort by the coast:
14. Puglia – Italy
Where to go for a beach holiday south to Italy in October? Puglia is a great choice for me if you’re planning a sightseeing holiday with the possibility of relaxing on the coast. Puglia is a great tip for a holiday or a long weekend in autumn. Temperatures range around a pleasant 20–24 °C, the sea is still warm enough for an occasional dip, and the number of tourists is significantly decreasing.
Thanks to this, you will fully enjoy picturesque historic towns like Polignano a Mare with houses perched on cliffs, or the unique stone trulli houses in Alberobello, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Autumn Puglia also attracts with the authentic atmosphere of the Italian countryside and great cuisine.
Look forward to fresh orecchiette pasta as well as local olive oil or wine from local vineyards. I recommend booking a cooking class or a gourmet afternoon. An October holiday in Puglia thus combines relaxation by the sea with culture and unforgettable gastronomic experiences.
15. Croatian Istria – Rovinj, Novigrad, etc.
Where to go for a beach holiday in Croatia in October? Istria is an ideal choice for an October relaxing holiday by the sea because the weather here remains pleasantly warm, the sea is still suitable for swimming, and at the same time, there is a calmer atmosphere than in summer. A great place to visit is romantic Rovinj with its narrow streets, which we personally also visit only outside the main summer season. Walk through the historic town with its colorful houses and beautiful promenade along the sea.
Also worth seeing is picturesque Novigrad, where you can enjoy a relaxed pace, excellent Istrian cuisine, and walks through the historic center. The autumn period is also ideal for gourmets; the truffle and olive oil season is currently underway in Istria, so a holiday here offers not only swimming and relaxation but also unforgettable gastronomic experiences.
I personally recommend these accommodations:
Aminess Maestral Hotel / Novigrad
Maistra Select Island Hotel Katarina / Rovinj
Did my list of where to go for a beach holiday in Europe in October inspire you? Whichever of these destinations you choose, I hope you enjoy your holiday and return home with pleasantly unforgettable experiences.
You might also be interested in:
- 15 tips for trips in the Dolomites
- 9 autumn tips for lakes in Austria
- 11 tips for wellness centers in Austria
- Practical guide to the Seychelles without a travel agency
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