‘A haven of soft light, warm sunshine and sandy beaches’: readers’ favourite autumn escapes
In search of autumn festivals, good food and islands where it still feels like summer? We asked you to recommend your best off-season breaks
TL;DR
- Collioure, France, offers a peaceful, artistic haven with soft light and warm sunshine after the summer crowds depart.
- Lisbon, Portugal, provides pleasant October temperatures for exploring the Tagus River and enjoying outdoor cafes.
- St Davids in Pembrokeshire, Wales, offers a tranquil and wild coastal experience with nearly empty beaches.
- Eastern Germany, particularly Görlitz, provides a base for exploring Baroque palaces and unique Devil's Bridges.
- El Hierro in the Canary Islands is a less-trodden, wilder alternative with varied scenery and volcanic swimming holes.
- Woolacombe, north Devon, offers dramatic coastal walks and expansive beaches in the off-season.
- Funchal on Madeira combines coast, culture, and scenery with pleasant weather and year-round open amenities.
- St Abbs in the Scottish Borders is a charming coastal escape known for its rugged beauty and connection to Marvel films.
- Palaiochora on Crete offers nonstop sun on the island's southwest coast, even when the north experiences harsh weather.
- Zaragoza, Spain, comes alive in October with the Fiestas del Pilar, offering cultural festivities, local food, and historical sites.