These are the best places to visit in October, from Indian Ocean islands for fly and flop escapes to European cities for culture-hopping and lip-smacking food.
The best places to visit in October range from ancient European cities to far-flung coves that are just entering their summery stride while the Northern Hemisphere braces itself for winter. Across Europe, the summer crowds are thinning. The heat dials down a notch, the light mellows, and there’s a slow, cinematic shift as a result of the seasonal transition. That said, across the Balearics and the larger Greek islands, direct flights until the end of the month mean beach clubs are still buzzy, bucket list restaurant covers are easier to come by, and sea temperatures are ideal for shoulder season dipping. Mykonos, Crete and Santorini, in particular, benefit from the thinning crowds, as does Menorca – already considered one of the quieter Mediterranean islands by devotees (for the better). In Europe, cities like Seville and Perugia breathe easier – still warm, but no longer blistering. Vineyards across Tuscany and Provence hum with harvest, beaming vintners inviting travellers and locals to swirl full-bodied reds shoulder to shoulder over charcuterie boards and bread baskets. But October’s real charm lies in its contrasts. You can chase the last licks of summer, or usher it in further afield. The dry season begins in Vietnam, Madagascar comes alive with springtime flowers, and the monsoon season lifts in Darjeeling, India. Whatever you’re seeking, you’re search for where to go in October ends here – thanks to a jam-packed selection of editor-chosen escapes.
Cyprus
Temperature: 27°C high; 16°C low
Season: autumn
Flight time from UK: 4 hours 30 minutes
Time difference: GMT+2
October is the sweet spot for discovering Cyprus, the Mediterranean that pleasantly sizzles nicely into autumn, and even what many would regard as the winter months. The summer crowds have thinned, the sun still lingers lazily over golden beaches, and the island slips into its most alluring rhythm. It’s warm enough for poolside lounging by day, and delightful enough for alfresco, jacket-less suppers beside the sea. October is when Cyprus feels like it’s yours. Stroll the cobbled lanes of Lefkara, famous for its lace and lemon-scented courtyards, without the summer stampede. There’s Ancient Kourion, with its cliffside Greco-Roman theatre, which feels even more cinematic under a hazy autumn light. Or head west to Paphos, where mosaics and myths meet by the sea; the UNESCO-listed Tombs of the Kings are particularly evocative in the late afternoon glow. The island’s draw for history buffs is undeniable, but this is also harvest time – ideal for long, lazy lunches in the Troodos Mountains or vineyard visits and plates of slow-cooked lamb, locally-made halloumi and carafes of crisp wine. Active travellers can hike the island’s pine-scented trails, shuffling.
Where to stay: Anassa is one of our favourite hotels in Europe, particularly for families.
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