This stunning island, less than five hours from the UK, has been named the best destination for October sun
14:50, 24 Sep 2026Updated 14:54, 24 Sep 2026
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Beautiful European island named best destination for autumnal sun(Image: Getty Images)
As the weather starts to drop and we head further into autumn, you may be looking for somewhere to jet off to for a week or two in order to enjoy some sun. Some of our favourite summer destinations can always carry a bit more of a weather risk in autumn, and British holidaymakers are increasingly likely to get caught in the rain while away.
With this in mind, the travel experts at Solmar Villas have looked at average weather patterns across Europe to determine the top 10 destinations for sun between September and November. Topping the list was Ayia Napa in Cyprus, with the beautiful island taking all four top spots, with Limassol and Larnaca in second and third, respectively, and Paphos in fourth.
It is perhaps unsurprising that Cyprus topped the list with an average of just 2.3 wet days per month during autumn, and an average temperature of 24°C to 29°C.
According to Skyscanner, the flight fare can be as little as £31 one-way, and will take around just four and half hours for most UK flyers.
Ayia Napa may be best known for its summer party scene, but in the autumn it begins to quieten down (although there certainly is still some nightlife for those wanting some), and you’ll certainly get a much better price than in party season.
The resort town is full of stunning beaches, from Nissi Beach with its beautiful white sands, and the clear waters of Makronissos Beach.
Taking to TripAdvisor, a September visitor to Nissi Beach wrote: “Nissi Beach is heaven just around the corner! Probably one of the most popular beaches in Cyprus—and for good reason.
“Crystal-clear water, beautiful soft sand, and that creamy, turquoise texture that makes you feel like you’re in paradise. Add the amazing atmosphere and beautiful people, and you have the perfect beach experience.”
While an autumnal visitor to Makronissos commented: “The most beautiful beach, clean, lots of sunbeds, clear warm waters, absolutely amazing. The best beach we found. Lovely atmosphere. Bravo municipality, this beach and its staff do you proud. The sunbed prices are the same on every beach, ten euros for a set, so cheap compared to most places, bravo.”
With Wowcher you can buy a 4* holiday to Marrakesh including a hotel stay and return flights from £59pp from October 5-9.
Seville, Spain
One of the best things about Seville is that it’s less than three hours away from the UKCredit: Alamy Stock Photo
Under three hours away from the UK, Seville is Spain’s fourth-largest city with lots to offer from its tasty tapas and fabulous flamenco.
Not to mention in early October temperatures tend to sit around 26C on sunny days.
Top spots to see include Plaza de Espana – and pop by El Rinconcillo, the city’s oldest tapas bar where a huge glass of wine barely costs £3.
With loveholidays, book a stay at the Ilunion Alcora Sevilla which has sweeping views of the city, and a luxury swimmingpool.
A four-night stay between October 19-23 starts from £279pp with return flights to London Gatwick.
Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
Dubbed to be super popular next year (so get ahead of the game), Sharm El Sheikh is in Egypt.
The resort city on the Red sea has world-class reefs, incredible beaches and average highs of 31C in October.
Sharm El Sheikh has world-class reefs and incredible beachesCredit: Getty
For Brits, it has lots to offer alongside its sunshine like all-inclusive hotels and waterparks.
With Wowcher, there’s an offer for a seven-night 4* all inclusive Sharm El Sheikh getaway with return flights – the hotel has a spa, sauna, gym, tennis courts and watersports.
Book a stay at the Sharm Club Beach Resort from £299pp
Antalya, Turkey
Antalya has bright blue seas and can be as high as 26C in OctoberCredit: Getty
If you’re seeking autumn sunshine, why not look in what has been called ‘paradise on earth‘?
To make it even better, the average flight time from the UK is around four and a half hours.
There’s a current offer with Wowcher for a 4* Antalya getaway in a sea view hotel stay with breakfast and return flights included.
Book a stay from 5-8 October from £159pp.
Limassol, Cyprus
In Limassol, the largest waterpark is Fasouri Watermania WaterparkCredit: Alamy
Five hours away from the UK is the city of Limassol in Cyprus which has daytime highs of 27C next month.
Some favourite sunbathing spots include Kourion Beach and Pissouri Beach which has been described as a “beautiful rustic pebble beach with pristine water.”
With loveholidays, you can book into the Troodos Hotel which is minutes from Mount Olympus and is surrounded by natural beauty.
A seven-night holiday between October 5-12 starts from £369pp.
Reggio Calabria, Italy
Head to southern Italy for warm weather and vineyard toursCredit: Getty
In just three hours, you could be basking in the Italian sunshine in Reggio Calabria with city with sun, beaches, mountains, waterparks and lots ofhistory.
Not to mention there are highs of 26C in October and Brits can fly directly to Reggio Calabria from London Stansted and return fares start from under £30.
As southern Italy is the perfect place for vineyards, there are even vineyard tours and wine tastings for £20.
You can book a getaway with loveholidays to La Bussola a hotel with huge swimming pools and plenty of space to sunbathe.
A seven-night break between October 4-11 starts from £270pp.
Tenerife, Canary Islands
Tenerife has golden sand beaches and a huge Thai-themed waterparkCredit: Getty
The Canary Islands are a safe option for autumn sunshine, and in October, the island of Tenerife has highs of 26C.
The island also has hundreds of beaches, coastal towns with bustling promenades and head up to Mount Teide National Park on the cable car.
Siam Park, an enormous Thai-themed waterpark is open throughout next month too.
It has high-speed slides, family zones, beaches and plenty of swimming pools.
With Wowcher, book an all-inclusive break to Tenerife from October 5-8 including return flights from £169pp.
Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
Fuerteventura is the sunniest Canary IslandCredit: Getty
Tenerife’s trusty neighbour, Fuerteventura has the same high temperatures – and can actually be cheaper.
On the second largest Canary Island, you can explore a number of beaches like Playa de Matorral, Corralejo and Playa Bajo de la Burra.
It’s easy to take a boat excursion out into the waters and go snorkelling to spot colourful fish and sometimes even stingrays.
Also make sure to check out Acua Water Park and hike on Corralejo Natural Park.
With Wowcher, book an all-inclusive break to Fuerteventura including return flights from £179pp.
Sousse, Tunisia
Sousse is a coastal city in Tunisia and lots of pretty beachesCredit: Corbis via Getty Images
It’s no secret that Tunisia is a top spot when it comes to staying sunny during autumn.
In October, daytime highs can reach 28C – perfect sunbathing weather.
Sousse in particular is known for its sandy beaches and modern marina with boutique shops and boat trips.
Tunisia is relatively cheap too with a pint of beer costing less than £2.
With loveholidays, book a seven-night break between October 9-16 to Riadh Palms which has an enormous swimming complex – prices start from £415pp.
Dubai, UAE
Dubai has highs of around 35C in October making it the ideal autumn getawayCredit: Stefan Tomic
In the UAE, Dubai offers all the delights of an autumn getaway from its many luxury hotels to its thrilling waterparks and exotic beach clubs.
You can do all this next month while enjoying highs of 35C – and Emirates offers direct flights to Dubai which get there in seven hours.
Don’t forget to hit the shops or head to the Grand Souk for tasty treats like stuffed breads.
Or try a Iranian falooda — a sorbet-like dessert made of thin rice noodles and syrup.
With Wowcher, book a break to Dubai (a four or seven night stay) including breakfast and return flights from £449pp.
In terms of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the FCDO no longer advises against travel to the UAE, but warns that “the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable”.
