As the summer sun has now set, Google searches for “October holiday” have skyrocketed, reaching 80,000 in the past month and marking a 28% month-on-month increase. But where might these searches lead travellers to?
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Villa holiday company Solmar Villas analysed 105 destinations to find where delivers best on great weather – including the likelihood of rain, alongside affordable flight fares across October and November.
In its study of the best destinations for autumn sun in Europe, Cyprus dominates the top of the list. The Mediterranean island takes the top four spots, thanks to its sunny weather, which usually sits between 24C and 29C.
“Whilst we can’t predict the weather, this data is as close as we can get to determining the best spots for the perfect autumn-sun holiday,” Sharon Bradbury, Managing Director at Solmar Villas, said.
“Cyprus seems to be a clear winner, other locations on the list are also fantastic choices based on your personal preferences.”
Cyprus as the go-to choice
Ayia Napa takes first place in the ranking. With an array of beach offerings, it was highlighted that during the autumn season visitors can enjoy its "more relaxed side" with no more than an average of just 2.3 wet days each month from September to November.
The other Cypriot destinations featured include Limassol, which ranks second. Famed for its nature trails, beaches and being a prime yacht destination, Solmar says Limassol is “perfect for those who love a combination of city and coast”.
Third on the ranking, Larnaca is described as a “peaceful port city”. Here, the Finikoudes promenade is lined with palm trees and surrounded by the sands of the Finikoudes Beach.
Meanwhile in fourth place, Paphos is ideal for history buffs. The Archaeological Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, containing monuments and remains from the Roman era and the Middle Ages. Visitors can also marvel at the floor mosaics, which are considered to be among the finest across the eastern Mediterranean.
Try the Canaries
For holidaymakers keen to escape wet weather and "if you want as close as you can to a guarantee of no rain”, the Canary Islands “are it".
The study also highlighted that in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, which ranked sixth and seventh on the list, the average highs sit around 26C. The former features more than 150km of sandy beaches and turquoise waters, while the latter, a volcanic island, is known for its landscapes of lava fields, rolling mountains and rock formations.
Greece and Malta
The remaining destinations on the list are Greek and Maltese, with the Athens Riviera, Rhodes and Kos ranking fifth, eighth and ninth respectively. Rounding out the list is Malta.
The Athens Riviera is a 70km coastal stretch of long beaches and coves alongside an array of waterfront dining concepts. Rhodes' Old Town, with its picturesque alleyways and historic stone-paved Street of the Knights, is considered one of the world's best preserved medieval towns. In Kos, the mountainous settlements offer panoramic views of the island.
Malta, the archipelago’s largest island, is also a draw for set-jetters, destinations that once served as filming locations for Games of Thrones scenes. The cobblestoned streets of the old capital of Mdina were the backdrop of the series. Meanwhile, the city’s bastions offer sweeping views across the island.
Top 10 best destinations for autumn sun in Europe
- 1. Ayia Napa, Cyprus
- 2. Limassol, Cyprus
- 3. Larnaca, Cyprus
- 4. Paphos, Cyprus
- 5. Athens Riviera, Greece
- 6. Lanzarote, Spain
- 7. Fuerteventura, Spain
- 8. Rhodes, Greece
- 9. Kos, Greece
- 10. Malta, Malta