As the summer draws to a close and the realisation that winter is soon upon us suddenly kicks in, October can be a largely gloomy time of year. But, it doesn’t have to be.

Flee falling British temperatures and head to warmer climates with an October holiday. 

Wondering which countries are hot in October? We’ve rounded up our favourite places in Europe and beyond, which make for an attractive autumn escape. Better yet, there are also loads to see and do in these destinations too. Whether you’re holidaying as a family on a half-term break or seeking some early winter sun with your partner, these places to go in October may even make the month feel like the new July…

1. Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

This popular stretch of coast in southern Croatia is still hot in October. Comprising gorgeous pebble beaches and quaint port towns that conceal cool artsy districts and unmatched seafood spots, you won’t be left wanting for excitement here. As night descends, quiet streets become a hive of activity with a hip bar culture.

Weather: Max: 24 degrees (approx.) | Min: 14 degrees (approx.)

Highlights:

  • A haven for nature lovers, you can enjoy cycling, hiking, swimming and snorkelling along this gorgeous Mediterranean coastline peppered with rocky outcrops and lush forest.
  • Settle down in the evening at a konoba (tavern) and try some traditional fare paired with superb wine.
  • Taking place in October are Split Film Festival, where creatives of the film industry descend on the city, and the Good Food Festival in Dubrovnik which offers organised gastronomic routes and wine tastings.

Where to stay: check out our stunning villas on the islands of Brač and Hvar.

Read more: Where to stay on the Dalmatian Islands or our Dalmatian Coast travel guide.

 

2. Algarve, Portugal

Although the peak season is already over, there’s still plenty to do around the Algarve as it’s still one of the hot destinations in October. This month is generally the time of the harvest, so there are various harvest festivals celebrating a (hopefully) successful season. One of the biggest is Feira de Santa Iria, a religious festival with a long history. You can expect carnival rides, food stalls, and even live music.

Weather: Max: 25 degrees (approx.) | Min: 14 degrees (approx.)

Highlights:

  • Take advantage of the cooler temperatures and venture along some of the Algarve’s many walking trails. Visit the stunning Ria Formosa nature reserve or, if you’re feeling really adventurous, hike the mountains of Monchique.
  • In October, the Algarve is home to one of the most important golfing tournaments in Europe – the Portugal Masters Golf Tournament. See some of the best players in the world and watch the experts compete for the Masters Title.
  • The country’s geography makes surfing in Portugal a popular year-round activity, even during October. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or about to tackle your first wave,  the Algarve is the ultimate place to hop on a surfboard.

Where to stay? No matter your travel party size, we have stunning villas available all across the Algarve

Read more: Take a look at our Algarve Travel Guide and our pick of the top properties in the Algarve.

 

3. Costa del Sol, Spain

The Costa del Sol is always a good idea. It’s in the name. Sunshine is pretty much year-round in this eternally popular corner of the world and there no time like the end of the season to catch some rays as the throngs of tourists start to trickle away. All along this coast frequented by a well-heeled clientele, you’ll find incredible restaurants with Michelin stars, unending activities and sumptuous places to stay.

Weather: Max. 26 degrees (approx.) | Min: 13 degrees (approx.)

Highlights: 

  • You can’t miss the town of Marbella with its numerous golden beaches, throbbing nightlife and a beautiful backdrop of the Sierra Blanca mountains. Nearby, there’s also the flashy resort town of Puerto Banus with its boutique-lined marina, filled with jaw-dropping gin palaces.
  • If you can tear yourself away from the coast, head into the hills for achingly gorgeous hikes among rolling pine forests and stumble upon tiny traditional towns and villages or pueblos.

Where to stay? We’ve got a wide variety of villas to rent on the Costa del Sol, so why not check them out and treat yourself?

Read more: see our top 10 properties on the Costa del Sol and the best beaches in the area.

 

4. Kalkan, Turkey

Turkey is a country not only with one of the world’s best cuisines (in our opinion!) but also a gateway to both Asia and Europe. Its southern coast buzzes with beautiful and exciting resort areas with stunning beaches and turquoise waters, but you’ll also find a multitude of hidden beauty spots and natural wonders.

Weather: Max: 28 degrees (approx.) | Min: 15 degrees (approx.)

Highlights:

  • You simply cannot holiday to Turkey and not experience Turkish massage and hammam. There are numerous excellent spas in the Kalkan area to indulge in for a full afternoon from which you will leave clean, refreshed and glowing.
  • For those more in search of adventure, Kalkan is known for its awesome offering of water sports. The craggy coastline offers exceptional snorkelling and scuba opportunities, or explore above the water by kayak or join a sailing trip.
  • The area also has a choice of beach clubs – the ideal spot to dunk into the azure water from a platform in between sun-tanning sessions with a cocktail in hand!

Where to stay? From cottages to villas, check out our beautiful holiday villas in Kalkan.

Read more: take a deep dive into the area with our Kalkan travel guide  and find out the best beaches in the area.

 

5. Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Lanzarote can get rather windy, but it’s barely ever cold there. In fact, it’s one of the most popular hot countries in October. There’s a wide choice of sites and attractions to visit for both children and adults, making the island an ideal destination for a family holiday in October.

Weather: Max: 26 degrees (approx.) | Min: 18 degrees (approx.)

Highlights: 

  • Spend your Sunday morning at the famous Teguise Market, the largest market of all Canary Islands. Market stalls sell handmade goods, clothes, and jewellery. After a wild shopping spree, Playa Garita beach is the perfect spot to recover.
  • Lanzarote is known as the Hawaii of Europe, thanks to its epic surf spots. From October, the waves get even bigger and better! Grab your board and take advantage of the low-season lack of crowds – Famara Beach is one popular surfing area.
  • Forget four wheels, the best way to get around Lanzarote is via camel. Head towards the southwest of the island and Timanfaya National Park to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime camel ride experience.

Where to stay? Did you know we offer villas to rent in Lanzarote? Collect your friends and family and relax by your own pool in the hot Canary Island sun.

Read more: The Local’s Guide to Authentic Lanzarote.

 

6. Morocco

Morocco enjoys high temperatures for most of the year, and visiting in October can actually be a more pleasant experience than during the summer months when the heat is far more than us Brits are used to!

Weather: Max: 28 degrees (approx) | Min: 15 degrees (approx)

Highlights

  • Take advantage of the cooler weather and explore the stunning Atlas Mountains. You’ll find various tours and guides wherever you’re staying in Morocco, which are recommended if you want to make the most of the experience and discover more about the diverse terrain and hidden hilltop villages.
  • A hugely populated and dense city, Morocco’s capital of Marrakesh can be uncomfortable during the height of the summer. However, October is therefore the ideal time to slowly take your time and stroll the streets of the city, sampling spices, and other traditional wares.
  • For a taste of the local culture, head to the Erfoud Date Festival. This three-day festival happens every October in the town of Erfoud and celebrates the end of the date harvest. Thousands of local farmers, producers and tourists attend, making a lively and unique experience.

Where to stay? From traditionally inspired abodes to sleek and modern homes, check out our villas to rent in Morocco now.

Read more: Top Day Trips From Marrakesh

 

Now you know which countries are hot in October, what’s stopping you from grabbing your holiday journal and getting planning? The late autumn sun is already waiting for you!

 

RELATED POSTS:

Top 15 eco-friendly villas in our collection

11 reasons why you need to visit Croatia 

Top 10 things to do in Marrakesh

 
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