Autumn is the
perfect time to get away for a final blast of budget sunshine not too far from
home. With the crowds of holidaymakers thinning, as well as finding a space on
the beach, you’ll be able to enjoy the sights without big queues.
Midday
temperatures will also have dipped, which is makes it easier to explore rural
areas. But best of all, many hotels slash their prices as soon as summer crowds
disperse, meaning you can make big savings on trips to beautiful locations!
Here are our
top 5 places to catch some autumn sun:
Sardinia
Italians traditionally take a break in July and August,
meaning Sardina’s season is relatively short. By traveling in September you
should still be able to bask in temperatures of around 26, but prices will have
dropped significantly and the beaches will be quieter.
Running from September to December, a series of festivals
take place across 27 villages in Barbagia, a mountainous area of inland
Sardinia. Walks are held through the hills and the streets are transformed into
markets, local craftsmen hold workshops, and you can sample truly authentic local
cuisine, or if you prefer, you can just catch some rays on the empty beaches!
For more info about Sardinia visit: http://www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Croatia has risen in popularity as a holiday destination in
recent years and Dubrovnik is extremely busy in the summer months. Good value accommodation
can be hard to find and the streets and beaches can be extremely crowded in the
summer.
In Autumn accommodation and ferry prices drop considerably however,
and the place takes on a more tranquil atmosphere. The weather is less humid,
but temperatures still remain at a more-than-pleasant 25, meaning the sea is
warm enough to swim in and you can still relax on the beach.
To find out more about Dubrovnik visit: http://www.visit-croatia.co.uk/index.php/croatia-destinations/dubrovnik/
Tuscany, Italy
The foodies among you would do well to visit Tuscany in the
Autumn, where you can enjoy fresh figs, grapes, mushrooms, chestnuts, truffles
and olives, as well as whole host of local wines.
In September and October, there should be plentiful sun to
enjoy the pool in the middle of the day, plus Florence and Siena will be less
manic than during the August school holidays, making sightseeing a much more pleasant
experience.
The famous spa town of Montecani is also well worth a visit
if you are looking for somewhere to recharge your batteries.
For more info visit: http://www.turismo.intoscana.it/en/
Rhodes, Greece
Most Greek islands will give you the magic combination of
warm sunshine and less crowds in autumn, but Rhodes is arguable the loveliest
of all at this time of year.
Its narrow alleys, lined with Ottoman mansions, and tranquil
squares are bustling with tourists in July and August, but are much more
peaceful in the Autumn.
Visit the tourist-free green dell in the middle of the
island, where you can spot thousands of brightly coloured insects. With the
thermometer still hovering around the mid to high 20s in September, you can
fully enjoy the sun on the beach, we recommend you head to Kalithea, just 8km to
the south, famous for its natural hot springs.
To find out more about the ‘island of the knights’ visit: http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/greek_islands/dodecanese/rhodes
Malta
The Maltese islands cover an area smaller than the Isle of
Wight, but offer more than you might expect. The area is far enough south to
enjoy glorious sunshine long into the autumn, but it’s also cool enough to be
comfortable while touring the island’s fascinating historical sites.
From pre-historic remains to glorious beaches and crystal
clear waters, Malta is compact place to explore – don’t miss the stunning views
of Grand Harbour and labyrinthine streets of Valetta, the grand Baroque
churches and megalithic temples.
With fewer tourists around, Maltese people are generally
very friendly, meaning you’ll be able to get the local lowdown on these magical islands.
To find out more about Malta visit: http://www.visitmalta.com/
Wherever you are
heading this autumn, get great value travel insurance from
Discount Insurance today!