Europe still has plenty of hot and sunny spots in October, with temperatures typically ranging around 25C. That means it is warm enough to enjoy eating outdoors, wandering around towns, having a sunset cocktail and, if you are lucky, even lazing out on a beach or poolside for a few hours. Here are five destinations worth having on your radar this October.
The Canary Islands offer year-round sunshine
The Canaries offer year-round sunshine, and in October you can enjoy average temperatures of 25C, with some days even still known to reach 27C. Because Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are such popular destinations, there are still plenty of bars, restaurants and attractions that stay open, so there is plenty going on whether you are after some nightlife or just want to go out for dinner.
More outdoorsy types can also get their fill; the weather is cooler than summer, meaning it can be easier to get a decent hike in around the volcanic landscapes, especially if you head out in the morning.
Cyprus and Italy for balmy days
Temperatures in Cyprus range at about 27C in the day and drop down to a pleasant 17C in the evenings, so the weather can be ideal if you are hoping to make the most of the beaches and pools, as well as wanting an evening stroll before dinner. Paphos is where you will find plenty still going on across the bars and restaurants, although the peak summer party crowds have headed home, so it is more of a laidback feel. For those who like a dose of culture, attractions such as the Tomb of the Kings are open to the public.
Italy can be a brilliant destination in autumn thanks to the plethora of historic sights, beautiful towns and villages, hiking trails and of course the amazing food. Temperatures along the Amalfi Coast tend to stay around 25C in October, making it balmy enough to still explore the picture-perfect towns and villages including hotspots such as Amalfi, Positano and Ravello. Meanwhile Sardinia boasts weather between 22-24C, so while it may not be hot enough to lay out on the beach all day, it is still pleasant enough to enjoy a stroll along those pristine golden sands. If you are eyeing up a city break instead, Rome averages around 23C with bouts of sunshine.
Portugal and the Greek Islands
Weather in Portugal does start to cool down in October, but it is still pleasantly warm. The Algarve is where you will find some of the warmest temperatures with averages between 23-25C. Holiday hotspots like Albufeira, Vilamoura and Lagos still have plenty of hotels, bars and restaurants open, although the nightlife quietens down. If you prefer a city break, Lisbon boasts average temperatures of 23C and heaps of sunshine. A word of warning: head over to Portugal earlier in October, as towards the end you can start getting rainy days.
The Greek Islands may be starting to wind down by late October, but there is still plenty to enjoy in the earlier days of the month. Santorini, Mykonos and smaller islands such as Syros enjoy temperatures of around 23C in the daytime, although the nightlife starts to quieten down. Crete and Rhodes are where you will still find plenty of lively atmosphere in the hotels, bars and restaurants, with average daytime temperatures of 24C. Take note to pack a few layers though; evening temperatures can drop to 16C, so it gets a little chillier, especially if you are planning to have a sunset cocktail outdoors.
