Beach vacation in October: Six travel destinations in Europe where it’s still summer
The summer season is being extended: Some popular travel destinations in Europe are extending their seasons due to the warm temperatures. We will introduce you to six quickly accessible beach destinations where the perfect beach holiday conditions still exist even in late autumn.
The one with one
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According to the climate change service of the European earth observation program Copernicus (C3S), September 2023 was the hottest month ever recorded: temperatures worldwide were well above previous record values. And October is currently showing its wonderfully warm side in Europe. Reason enough for some destinations and airlines to extend the summer season.
Popular holiday destinations such as the Greek islands of Rhodes and Crete, for example, have longer flights and many hotels are open well into late autumn. We’ll show you where you can still find wonderfully warm weather and swim without shivering. True to the motto: soak up the sun before the bad weather arrives at home!
Rhodes: Island of the Gods with a medieval town and dream beaches
After the forest fires in July, peace has long since returned to Rhodes. Not the entire island was affected, but an area in the center of the island down to the beaches of Lardos, Kiotari and Gennadi. Expressed in numbers: 85 percent of the island in the southern Aegean was spared from the natural disaster. With the current season extension, the lost income should now be recouped. After all, the 78 kilometer long island has a lot to offer: more than 30 beaches, temperatures on land and at sea between 20 and 24 degrees, around seven hours of sunshine and numerous cultural highlights that will delight even those who don’t like sightseeing.
The medieval old town of the island’s capital, for example, which is dominated by a huge grand master’s palace and surrounded by a five-kilometer-long city wall with mighty gates. Within this UNESCO World Heritage Site, the vibrant life in the narrow streets and historic squares is exciting. The special thing about Rhodes Town is that it also has a beautiful and well-kept beach – right in the city center. Otherwise, the popular sandy and pebble beaches line the east coast all the way down to the south, where the sand dunes of Prasonisi are one of the best strong wind areas for wind and kite surfers. Towards the west coast it becomes more authentic: narrow tar roads and many hairpin bends lead through small mountain villages to lonely beaches in rocky bays.
Crete: Greek superlatives and South Sea dreams
The largest island in Greece also has compelling arguments in autumn and is therefore extending its summer season. The thermometer ranges between 17 degrees at night and climbs to around 24 degrees with an average of seven hours of sunshine per day. The Mediterranean delights with similarly pleasant, warm temperatures of around 23 degrees. In Crete, beach lovers are spoiled for choice between rocky bays on the cliffs, white sandy beaches with a South Sea look, tiny pebble bays and offshore islets.
The palm beach of Vai in the east and the beach of Elafonissi in the west of the island are known as the dream beaches par excellence. There are no palm trees in the nature reserve there, but there are fine, white sand and crystal-clear water in shimmering shades of blue and green.
Mainland Spain: Andalusia and its deserted beaches
In the south of Spain, in Andalusia, lies the province of Almería – with cliffs made of volcanic rock, secluded bays, fishing villages and seaside resorts along the Mediterranean coast. The area is one of the warmest regions in the country, which is why ideal beach conditions still exist here even in late autumn. The holiday resort of Roquetas de Mar is internationally known, especially among package holidaymakers. There is a lot going on on the most beautiful beaches of the Costa de Almería in the summer months, but when the holidays end in September, peace returns in many places.
The average temperatures are calibrated for summer: around 30 degrees during the day, at night it cools down to 18 degrees and you can sleep well without sweating. The water temperatures of up to 24 degrees enable chill-free swimming along the 217 kilometer long Costa de Almería – from Adra in the west up to Pulpí in the northeast.
Canary Islands: dream weather on Fuerteventura
The second largest and easternmost of the Canary Islands is a paradise for beach fans and surfers: Fuerteventura is only 100 kilometers from the African continent, which makes it the warmest of the seven islands – thanks to its desert-like and dry climate. In autumn this means: pleasant daytime temperatures between 25 and 27 degrees, at night the values only fall just below 20 degrees. The Atlantic not only shines in surreal turquoise tones, but also with average temperatures of 22 degrees. Almost 150 kilometers of wide and bright sandy beaches make Fuerteventura the perfect destination for beach fans who like to have their own personal beach.
Example: Sotavento Beach on the Jandia Peninsula, Cofete Beach or Playa Bajo Negro, which are considered the most beautiful on the island. But water sports enthusiasts such as wind, wing and kite surfers as well as wave riders will also find conditions here that are only found in a few places in Europe – from beginner waves to big waves to flat water areas and strong wind zones.
Portugal: Algarve – coastal beauty with record sunshine
Even in October, the south of Portugal still has everything that beach vacationers dream of: 200 kilometers of spectacular cliffs, secluded bays, endless sandy beaches, surfers’ paradise, the most hours of sunshine in Europe and refreshing Atlantic water. The contrasting coast from Germany can be reached in three hours by flight, which is divided into three regions: West Coast, Rocky Algarve and Sand Algarve. Until well into autumn you will be treated to daytime temperatures of up to 23 degrees and seven hours of sunshine per day.
If you like it even warmer, choose one of the beaches protected by high rocky cliffs, such as the picture-perfect “Praia da Marinha” near Carvoeiro. The furrowed limestone cliffs glow a warm honey yellow and form bizarre formations such as caves, arches and domes. The big advantage of the rocks – in addition to their extraordinary appearance – is that they keep out cool north winds in the off-season and make sunbathing possible even in the winter season. Colorful fish and seahorses cavort in the water in the reefs.
Cyprus: Island with beauty, love and sunshine guaranteed
Here the Greek goddess of beauty and love emerged naked from the sea. The sun shines here 340 days a year. Cyprus is the perfect bathing destination for the German autumn. Due to its location south of the Turkish Riviera, the third largest island in the Mediterranean is blessed with an eternally long summer that lasts from March to November.
In October the sun shines in the sky for around nine hours every day and causes temperatures to rise to 26 degrees. And even higher, 28 degrees were measured. The sea is tempting at 25 degrees, which is almost reminiscent of Caribbean values and feels wonderfully warm. Another advantage: At this time of year, the party crowd has also left the most famous beaches near Agia Napa in the southeast and there is peace and quiet on the turquoise water.