Crete, Pantelleria, the Aran Islands, Lefkada and Madeira are among the best European islands to visit in October, with direct return flights from London available from as little as £75.
Travel between seasons is increasingly popular as holidaymakers seek to avoid extreme heat and peak summer crowds. This period, known as shoulder season, falls between a region's busiest months and its off-season. Travel agencies and booking sites report rising demand for Spain, Italy, Portugal and France in September and October, as travellers look for pleasant temperatures and better value.
Crete and Pantelleria
Crete, one of Greece's roughly 6,000 islands, is known for its clear water and beaches, including Elafonissi Beach, recently named the best in Europe. Greece's largest island also offers hiking trails, food, vineyards, monasteries and stone towns. Shoulder season brings mild temperatures and fewer visitors. Notable sites include Preveli Monastery, Toplou Monastery and Samaria Gorge. Late September direct flights from London can cost as little as £75 return.
Pantelleria, a Sicilian island closer to Tunisia than mainland Italy, features black cliffs, turquoise bays and emerald coves. Homer described it as the 'navel of the Mediterranean'. Visitors can taste local wine at Donnafugata, relax in natural springs at Gadir, or take a speedboat along the coast.
Aran Islands and Lefkada
The Aran Islands, off Ireland's western coast, are home to about 1,200 people who speak both Irish and English. The three islands – Inis Mór, Inis Oírr and Inis Meáin – offer limestone landscapes, stone walls, blue flag beaches, cliffs and monastic sites. Visitors can surf, stroll or cycle by day and visit traditional pubs in the evening. Ferries run from Galway City or Doolin Harbour in Clare. Late October trips can coincide with Samhain, the ancient Celtic harvest festival, with the Púca Festival on the mainland.
Lefkada, nicknamed the 'Greek Caribbean', is home to beaches such as Porto Katsiki and Milos, which regularly rank in Lonely Planet's top 10. Kathisma and Egremini beaches are quiet during shoulder season, with water still warm for swimming. Meals such as saganaki, calamari, mussels and grilled octopus with wine cost as little as €16 a head. Lefkada is the only Greek island reachable by car, via a causeway from Preveza airport, served daily by budget airlines from April to October. In winter, a €40 bus from Athens takes four to five hours.
Madeira
Madeira, described as the Hawaii of Europe, has mountains, forest trails and natural pools. Autumn temperatures rarely move outside 20°C to 24°C, the ocean remains swimmable, and local delicacies such as custard apples, passionfruit and chestnuts are in season. By October, direct return flights from London with easyJet are available for £124.
