Holidays 
Cruises 
Flights 
Hotel Only 
Deals 
Destinations 
Extras
Travel information
Help CentreList
7 nights
Where to go for autumn sun
Chase the autumn sun with our top destination picks.
It’ll soon be time to pack away those barbecues and flip flops. But if you fancy prolonging summer just that little bit longer, take a look at these great autumnal spots. Who says you have to fly half-way around the world to feel the heat?
The Canary Islands
The Canaries are fast becoming the destination of choice for those seeking year-round sun beams. The islands are in the Atlantic Ocean, about 100 kilometres from Africa. And, although they officially belong to Spain, each one has a personality all of its own. Exceptional sands come courtesy of Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura, while forested La Palma and La Gomera serve up the greenest scenery. As for Lanzarote, it’s defined by the spectacular Timanfaya National Park, where the vistas consist of ancient volcano craters. And if you’re looking to stay up all night, Tenerife majors in neon bars and clubs.
Stay at… Hotel Riu Palace Maspalomas in Gran Canaria.
Stay at… Hotel Riu Palace Maspalomas in Gran Canaria.
Cape Verde
Who? What? Where? Ok, so Cape Verde might not take up many column inches at the moment – but that’s all about to change. These islands, just off the west coast of Africa, are made of proper Robinson Crusoe stuff. There are 10 isles in total, but only 2 currently welcome holidaymakers – Sal and Boa Vista. Expect pastel-hued villages that haven’t been touched by tourism, and snow-white beaches that look like they belong in the Caribbean. The best part? You can fly here in less than 6 hours.
Stay at… Hotel Riu Touareg, on the island of Boa Vista.
Stay at… Hotel Riu Touareg, on the island of Boa Vista.
Cyprus
Cyprus is the Med’s original love nest. Mark Anthony skipped the jewellery and presented the island to Cleopatra as a sign of his affection. And who needs diamonds when you’ve got an 800-kilometre-long coastline and pine forests straight out of a storybook? Today, there are plenty of stylish resorts to enjoy your trysts in. On the west coast, towns like Paphos and Limassol give you cobbled alleyways to wander down hand-in-hand and traditional tavernas where the only way to dine is by candlelight. Over in Protaras in the east, local musicians strum guitars along the seafront promenade.
Stay at… Hotel Atlantica Bay, in Paphos.
Stay at… Hotel Atlantica Bay, in Paphos.
Turkey
Turkey’s got it all – think ancient history, bazaars packed with treasures, and blue lagoons made for snorkelling. Southern regions like Dalaman and Antalya specialise in lively seaside resorts, sandwiched between gold sand and green hills. Head further north to places like Izmir, and the towns get more peaceful. You’ve got a mass of millennia-old sights scattered among the regions, as well. Some of our favourites include the ancient theatre of Aspendos, the mud baths of Dalyan, and the city of Ephesus.
Stay at… TUI BLUE Ephesus in Kusadasi.
Mexico
Ok, so you’re looking at a slightly longer flight time, but if you do fancy a long-haul break in the next month or two, you can’t go wrong with Mexico. Whether you’re hankering after the lively beaches of Cancun, or dreaming about the Mayan ruins of the Riviera Maya, this place is hotter than a jalapeno pepper all year round.
Stay at… El Dorado Seaside Suites, by Karisma, in the Riviera Maya.
Stay at… El Dorado Seaside Suites, by Karisma, in the Riviera Maya.
Are you planning on heading to sunnier climes in September or October?
Find out where’s hot in September, where’s hot in October and check out some more of the best places to visit in autumn.
Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.
Author: Elle Hammond
Last updated: 06.03.2024
Find out where’s hot in September, where’s hot in October and check out some more of the best places to visit in autumn.
Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.
Author: Elle Hammond
Last updated: 06.03.2024