Travel expert Simon Calder has named the 10 best places in Europe for holidays this September. Writing in his newsletter, he and his team selected what he described as "optimum locations" for an escape to the Med in autumn.
While millions of Brits return from abroad this weekend, "crafty" travellers will be heading in the opposite direction. Perks highlighted by the writer and broadcaster include fewer crowds and the Mediterranean Sea being at its warmest in September.
Croatian coast and ancient wonders
Mr Calder said the Croatian coast is "much more agreeable" when temperatures ease. He highlighted Istria in the north, where vines and olives are "reaching ripe perfection". The peninsula is shared by Croatia, Slovenia and Italy, though most of the area is Croatian.
Resorts such as Opatija to the north east and Rovinj in the west are "more appealing", according to Mr Calder. Two further Croatian travel hotspots were identified: Split and Dubrovnik. Their "ancient wonders" are "easier to appreciate" in September. Hill walking on the island of Hvar is "likely to be an easier prospect" than when Mr Calder did so in July.
Visitors to Split can see ancient Roman ruins, beaches and seaside culture. Dubrovnik, about 142 miles (230km) south, features medieval city walls, palaces, a cable car and Stradun, the main route through the city's Old Town.
Hiking in Corsica and northern Spain
Hiking in Corsica and northern Spain is "at its best" in September, according to the travel expert, who said he will tackle a stretch of the Camino Primitivo in the middle of the month. The oldest pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, the Camino traverses about 200 miles of northern Spain.
Corsica is said to be one of the continent's best spots for hiking. It includes the GR20 long-distance trek, which continues for some 125 miles from Calenzana to Conca. A less intense option is Mare e Monti, which combines the mountain and coastline, while a popular day-long hike is Trou de la Bombe.
Santorini, Amalfi and Mediterranean isles
Santorini and the Amalfi Coast are "improved" without the A-listers and their acolytes in September, according to Mr Calder. Highlights on the Greek island of Santorini include the cliff-top capital, Fira, and Oia, with its blue domed churches and views at sunset. Italy's Amalfi Coast offers picturesque villages, terraces of citrus fruits and high-end shops, with popular spots including Positano, Amalfi and Ravello.
Mr Calder said Malta, Sicily and Crete remain appealing all the way through to November. Known Malta highlights include the capital city Valletta, the fortified Mdina to the west of the island and Comino Island's Blue Lagoon. Sicily's cities and sites include Palermo, Taormina, Syracuse, Agrigento and Mount Etna. Towns popular with travellers include Ragusa, Noto and Modica. Places widely recognised as unmissable on Crete include Chania Old Town, Elafonissi Beach and the ancient ruins of Knossos Palace.
