Relaxing end-of-summer holidays: 4 Mediterranean destinations best enjoyed in the autumn

Think the sunny holiday season is over once August comes to a close? Think again. From Sicily to Paros, there are so many glorious getaway destinations with the perfect warm weather in late summer and autumn. If you are looking to avoid the crowds, then this time of year might be perfect for your next holiday. After a couple of years of travel restrictions, you deserve to go on one more holiday and make the most of the sun before winter sets in.

Our 4 favourite late summer holiday destinations and autumn holiday destinations

Don’t unpack your suitcase just yet. Here are our favourite destinations for a late summer or autumn getaway.

1. Autumn holidays in Sicily

Sicily has a very special place in our heart. It was the first destination we offered and it’s still one of our all time favourites. It’s a fabulous place to visit all year round — including the autumn months, where you’ll still enjoy warm temperatures in the mid-20s Celsius (around the high-70s Fahrenheit).

It’s truly a gastronome’s paradise. Sicily boasts its own unique cuisine, which changes with the seasons. Autumn is when the local grapes and olives are harvested, and is the perfect time to visit one of the many artisan groves for a tasting. You’ll find plenty of kiosks selling roasted chestnuts from September onwards, which is the perfect nibble to indulge in as you explore the local cities.

What’s more, now is the time of the traditional autumn herding of sheep from the mountain pastures to the valleys below - transumanza - signalling the recommencement of ricotta production. Why not celebrate this delicious food by visiting a local cheesemaker for a hands-on cheese-making demonstration or tasting, organised for you by our team of experts?

Sicily is famously home to the dramatic scenery of Mount Etna, a popular destination for hikers. With breathtaking views, we think it’s well worth the effort, and the slightly cooler temperatures of autumn - along with the rich autumnal yellows, reds and oranges you can only see this time of year - can make an excursion all the more appealing. Aside from walks, we can facilitate your exploration of the mountain in a variety of exciting ways, from an off-road 4x4 trip to a helicopter tour or wine tasting. Contact our team if you would like us to plan the perfect Think Experience or guided tour for you.

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Discover more of Sicily with our downloadable inspiring itineraries

• Cefalu and northeast Sicily

• Ionian Riviera

• Menfi and southwest Sicily

• Northwest Sicily

• Val di Noto and southeast Sicily

2. Autumn holidays in France: The island of Corsica

Corsica boasts more than 1,000km of varied and enticing coastline, making it the perfect place for a beach holiday. Later in the summer and the autumn are great times to visit, as it still features plenty of sun and a lively atmosphere but without the crowds that the middle of the prime holiday season can attract.

Corsica’s beaches are an explosion of colour and the perfect backdrop to any photos you wish to take while on holiday. Take, for example, Palombaggia, where you will find soft white sands, pink granite headlands, blue-hued waters and green pine forests.

Uncover all of what Corsica has to offer with our Corsica guide.

There are also plenty of interesting towns to explore, both during the day and as nighttime approaches. One that can’t be missed is the historic port town of Bonifacio. Thanks to its location jutting out into the sea, Bonifacio offers 360-degree views of the Corsican coastline and the beauty of the Mediterranean. The town itself is filled with cafes and shops to explore, and is the perfect place to try dishes you won’t find anywhere else, like civet de sanglier, a type of wild boar casserole.

Autumn is the ideal time for a Corsican wine holiday, and Bonifacio offers unparalleled experiences. The annual harvest is in full swing, and the town boasts special local wines beloved by all who try them. We particularly recommend visiting the vineyard of Domaine Zuria, and would love to facilitate a guided tour for you, allowing you the opportunity to sample their fresh and delicious variety of whites.

To truly take in the majesty of Bonifacio, we recommend seeing the town by boat and sipping your favourite local wine with your loved ones while watching the sunset. Please get in touch if this sounds like an excursion you would be interested in — we would love nothing more than to arrange a Corsican boat trip for you.

Discover our villas in Corsica

3. Late-summer holidays on Corfu

If you’re looking for late-summer sunshine, Corfu is another ideal destination. It stays pleasantly warm throughout the summer months and facilitates a relaxing holiday by the sea. 

Situated in the Ionian Sea just off the Greek mainland, Corfu is a fantastic destination whether you’re looking for culture or simply relaxation. Our villas provide the perfect place to take in the beauty of the island, and make for ideal bases from which to explore.

Want even more inspiration for your Corfu holiday? Download our inspiring itinerary here.

No holiday to Corfu would be complete without a visit to a local taverna. There you will find the most delectable local dishes - not to mention a warm welcome from the staff. You will find a selection of delicious restaurants and mouth watering meals across the island, many of them by the beaches with crystal clear waters.

If you can tear yourself away from the coastline, then we recommend visiting the town of Old Perithia, up in the hills. It dates back to the fourteenth century and is now a protected heritage site. There, you can learn about the history of the island before either heading into the mountains to explore or making your way down to the beach to relax.

September and October are the ideal time to enjoy a taste of ‘secret’ Corfu, exploring its most unspoiled spots. Discover hidden beaches, local traditions and olive harvests on a guided tour, put together for you by our team.

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4. Autumn holidays on Paros

The autumn months are some of the best times to visit the irresistible Cyclades Islands, and one of our favourites this time of year is Paros. 

From the ancient Greek gods to today’s Hollywood stars, anyone who’s anyone flocks to the Cyclades each summer — but many people don’t know that it’s the perfect autumnal destination as well, thanks to its sunny and warm climate. 

With rows of beautiful white buildings and blue domed roofs, the towns of Paros are as stunning to look at as they are fun to explore. If you’re looking for a great place to stop for a drink, we recommend Sante Cocktail Bar, where you can enjoy one of their signature cocktails while listening to the playlist on offer. Where better to soak up some of the Cyclades’ famous nightlife?

Paros is also the perfect base from which to explore the nearby islands of Mykonos, Kea and Syros (for those who enjoy September’s fashion weeks, we can facilitate a guided tour of a beautifully restored textile factory dating back to 1918) should you wish to add a splash of variety to your holiday — all you have to do is decide which to visit first.

Indulge in our Paros accommodation

Amazing autumn holidays and lovely late summer holidays with The Thinking Traveller

It’s certainly not too late for another sun-soaked holiday this year, and many of our destinations are perfect in the late summer and autumn months. Whether you’re looking to explore the local culture, enjoy the nightlife or just relax on the beach, our villas provide the perfect place to call home during your trip abroad. Get in touch with our team of experts at your convenience to begin planning your end-of-year villa holidays — we would love to take care of all the little details for you, leaving you to simply sit back and enjoy the ride.