If you’re already finding yourself cursing the onset of the Great British autumn, take comfort in the knowledge that the sun hasn’t departed for good – it’s just shining somewhere else. And while there’s nothing in the world you can do to bring it back to the UK before the seasons permit, there’s nothing to stop you and yours from taking a well-earned break from the grind and bagging some serious autumn sun.
After all, this just so happens to be one of the cheapest, quietest and generally most brilliant times of the year to take a holiday pretty much anywhere!
If you’re wondering where to go for an autumn getaway or why autumn is the best time to travel, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Why Are Autumn Getaways So Popular?
Autumn travel has surged in popularity — and for good reason.
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Pleasant weather: Many destinations remain warm without the intense summer heat
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Fewer crowds: Tourist hotspots are calmer and more enjoyable
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Better value: Flights and hotels are often cheaper in shoulder season
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Authentic experiences: Local life returns to normal after summer tourism peaks
From autumn sun holidays to cosy cultural breaks, this season opens the door to smarter, slower travel.
Best Destinations for Autumn Getaways
Mediterranean Escapes with Autumn Sun
If sunshine is your priority, autumn is perfect for Mediterranean travel. Southern Europe enjoys warm days well into October, making it ideal for beach lovers and explorers alike.
Destinations such as southern Spain, Greece, Italy and Cyprus offer clear skies, comfortable temperatures and relaxed coastal towns. These locations are especially popular for autumn sun getaways, where you can swim, dine outdoors and explore historic sites without summer crowds.
Sardinia, Italy
Autumn in Sardinia is just stunning on a scale you’ve never before imagined. The weather is glorious, the crowds have departed, and if you time it right, you’ll stumble across a wonderful little secret in the form of Autunno in Barbagia. Across Barbagia from now until December, 27 villages take part in a festival that sees workshops, craft fairs, market stalls, and all manner of fun and games spill out onto the streets. And if that wasn’t enough, local families open their doors to guests and cook up feasts for hungry travellers – it’s an experience like nothing else you’ve come across.
Andalucia, Spain
It won’t be long before double-digit degrees are a thing of the past, but in Spain’s Andalucia, they’re still enjoying an average of 30 °C or higher. This is by far the best time of the year to head out to, as while the sun is still doing its thing, the usual tourist mobs have long-since packed up and gone home. Quiet beaches, warm weather and low prices – what more could you ask for?
Cyprus
And if Spain doesn’t sound hot enough for you, why not give Cyprus and its 33 °C autumn average temperature a try? With some of the most beautiful scenery in the world and a brilliant contrast of cultures, an autumn jaunt to Cyprus can be quite an eye-opener and a surprisingly cheap one at that. And if you really want to push the boat out…no pun intended…consider chartering a yacht for some serious exploration.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik’s only real negative traits are that it not only gets ridiculously overcrowded in the summertime, but also that living costs go through the roof. By contrast, head out in the autumn and you’ll have no trouble finding a quiet corner all to yourself and won’t have to break the bank either…unless you want to. It’s an amazingly laid-back place in the autumn, and temperatures barely dip below about 25C.
Lanzarote, Canary Islands
And finally, the Canary Islands may be a year-round resort, but at the same time, there’s no more attractive travel period than the autumn. Temperatures hover around the mid-20s, living costs drop to bewilderingly low, and the summer crowds are well and truly history. Lanzarote is a beautiful island with so much more to offer than the mainstream tourist resorts populating the brochures – a pretty paradise best visited in the autumn.
Are Autumn Getaways Cheaper Than Summer Holidays?
Yes — in most cases, autumn travel is significantly more affordable.
Airlines and hotels often lower prices after peak summer demand, making autumn a great time to find high-quality stays at reduced rates. This makes it easier to upgrade accommodation, extend your stay or explore destinations that may feel expensive in summer.
For travellers seeking value without compromise, autumn getaways are a smart choice.
What Type of Traveller Is Autumn Best For?
Autumn holidays suit almost everyone, but they’re especially appealing to:
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Couples seeking romantic, quiet escapes
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Families travelling outside school holidays
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Solo travellers wanting safe, uncrowded destinations
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Culture lovers interested in festivals, food and history
If you enjoy relaxed itineraries and immersive experiences, autumn travel delivers an unmatched balance.
Travel Tips for Planning the Perfect Autumn Getaway
To make the most of your autumn holiday, keep these tips in mind:
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Pack light layers: Days are warm, evenings can be cooler
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Book early for popular spots: Shoulder season still attracts savvy travellers
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Check local festivals: Autumn is peak season for food and cultural events
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Be flexible: The Weather is generally pleasant but can vary by region
Planning ahead ensures your autumn getaway is smooth, affordable and memorable.
Make Autumn Your Season for Memorable Travel
Autumn is more than just a change in season — it is one of the most rewarding times to travel. With comfortable temperatures, quieter destinations and excellent value, autumn getaways offer the perfect opportunity to relax, explore and reconnect with new places. From sun-kissed beaches to culture-rich cities, travelling in autumn allows for deeper experiences and unhurried moments. Choosing an autumn getaway means enjoying travel at its most balanced, memorable and refreshing.
