If the thought of cramming onto a crowded beach in July or August sends shivers down your spine, you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t have to settle for the hottest, busiest months to get your fix of Mediterranean sun and sand. Fall is the new summer — at least for those in the know.
September and October (and even November in some places) offer a golden opportunity to visit some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches when the excessive heat subsides, the kids are back at school and the tourists have gone home. Forget the windy beaches of Ireland or northern France, where cold weather and rain are eager to ruin your autumn plans. Instead, set your sights on the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean in Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Malta, Croatia or Cyprus.
Summer is coming to an end, but your beach days don’t have to. Here are the 13 best European beaches, warm enough to enjoy during the autumn shoulder season.
Cala Comte, Ibiza, Spain
Forget Ibiza’s party scene – October is when the island shows its quieter side. Cala Comte is a favourite spot for locals, with its turquoise waters and golden sands offering a peaceful retreat as the summer season draws to a close. In October, the island enjoys temperatures of around 21°C, making it ideal for beach lovers who want to soak up the sun without the chaos. Get ready to be surrounded by nature, enjoying the serenity of Ibiza in its off-season splendour.
Glyfada Beach, Greece
According to Clare Watkins, Europe travel specialist at luxury travel agency Red Savannah, locals flock to Glyfada beach to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. “It’s tucked away on the Athens Riviera and has a long season, so visitors can complement beach time with exploring Athens’ classic sights without the crowds of the mid- or low-season, when the temperature is very pleasant,” she said.
Here, white-sand beaches meet marinas that come alive with the hum of fishing boats bringing in the day’s catch. Come for the sun, and stay for souvlaki at one of the many traditional Greek tavernas. Plus, you’re just a stone’s throw from Athens’ most iconic sights—without the summer crowds. If you’re looking for a stay that oozes old-school glamour, check out the new One&Only Aesthesis, a reincarnation of the Asteria Beach Club that hosted celebrities in the 1950s and ’60s. (Rates start at $704 per night.)
Although the One&Only brand does not participate in loyalty programs, this property is part of the Luxury Hotels & Resorts Pickup through American Express Travel. If you have The Platinum Card® from American Express and book a stay through Amex Travel, you’ll get perks like a $100 credit toward eligible charges, noon check-in (where available), a room upgrade at check-in (where available) and late check-out (based on availability). You can earn 5 American Express Membership Rewards points for every dollar spent on prepaid stays at this hotel when you book through amextravel.com with Amex Platinum (terms apply).
Papagayo Beach, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
Located off the western coast of Morocco, Lanzarote’s Papagayo Beach is a slice of paradise that stays warm and sunny while mainland Europe starts to get cold. October offers summer weather on this Canary Island, with temperatures hovering around 27°C and sunshine almost every day. Whether you like surfing, snorkelling or just sunbathing, Papagayo offers a perfect combination of adventure and relaxation, all against a backdrop of otherworldly volcanic landscapes.
San Vito Lo Capo beach, Sicily, Italy
In October, most of Sicily’s beaches are within reach, and San Vito Lo Capo is no exception. This beach is a 3-kilometer stretch of soft white sand that leads up to the imposing Monte Monaco. The crowds have disappeared, allowing you to enjoy the Sicilian sun, with temperatures hovering around 21°C. Whether you’re lounging on the beach or hiking up the mountain to take in the stunning views of the Gulf of Castellammare, this spot offers both tranquility and adventure. The hike is fairly easy – it takes about an hour and a half to reach the top.
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Turchi Bay, Apulia, Italy
Puglia is Italy’s best-kept secret, especially in the fall when the crowds are thinner but the sun is still shining. Baia dei Turchi, with its crystal-clear waters and dramatic limestone cliffs, is the ideal spot for a quiet getaway. Temperatures comfortably hover between 70 and 80 degrees, perfect for swimming or lounging on the beach. “Puglia is a gem of southern Italy and offers a triple threat: incredible cuisine, crystal-clear waters, and warm, friendly locals,” says Julie Durso, director of private travel for Europe at Scott Dunn, a luxury tour operator. She recommends staying at the Borgo Egnazia resort, which remains open through November, to take advantage of special low-season rates of about $861 per night—less than half the peak-season rate. This property also participates in Amex’s Fine Hotels + Resorts program.
Marinha Beach, Lagos, Portugal
If you’re looking for a perfect beach in Portugal’s Algarve region, Marinha Beach is the one to go for. Imagine yourself lying on the golden sand, with those iconic rocky cliffs as a backdrop. In October, it’s still sunny, although the Atlantic can be too cold for swimming. But don’t worry: when the tide is out, you can walk out to the rock formations jutting out of the water and go on a little adventure in search of sea creatures. It’s like a natural treasure hunt, no swimsuit required!
Kamari Beach, Santorini, Greece
According to Ashley Hall, Senior Travel Consultant for Europe at Scott Dunn, Santorini has expanded its season this year. “Santorini is one of the most popular Greek islands and is even more magical without the huge crowds,” she says. Where should you go specifically? Kamari Beach in Santorini may not have the classic white sand, but its unique black volcanic pebbles and crystal-clear waters make it a standout spot. If you visit in October or November, you’ll have this spot almost to yourself, with temperatures still hovering around 70°F. Stroll along the boardwalk, enjoy fresh seafood at a beachfront taverna, and take in the island’s rugged beauty—all without the summer crowds.
Golden Bay, Malta
Malta is often the underdog on the European beach scene, but this island has everything you’d expect from a Mediterranean getaway. “Malta hasn’t necessarily extended its season, but it’s often overlooked and remains open for most of the year,” Hall said. “It’s still pretty warm in November.”
Golden Bay has warm sands and even warmer waters well into November, with pleasant temperatures hovering around 21°C. With fewer tourists, you can truly appreciate Malta’s mix of history, culture and relaxation in the sun. Combine your beach day with a visit to ancient temples and a relaxing time at a seaside café as the sun sets.
Bitez Beach, Bodrum, Türkiye
October is the month when Bodrum’s beauty really shines. With its crystal-clear waters and golden light, Bitez Beach is where locals relax as summer gives way to autumn. The Aegean Sea is still warm, with temperatures often exceeding 21°C – perfect for a leisurely swim or a boat trip along Turkey’s lush coastline.
Monte Cogoni beach, Sardinia, Italy
You’ll find endless possibilities for a beach getaway on the Italian island of Sardiniabut the south of the island is the best place to enjoy the warmer weather and waters as autumn approaches. To enjoy the sun, warmer waters and gentle winds, it is best to visit the island in mid-October. Monte Cogoni beach is one of many within easy reach of Cagliari, the island’s capital. After enjoying the white sands and crystal-clear waters, visit the pond behind the sea, where flamingos often congregate.
Anthony Quinn Bay, Rhodes, Greece
Rhodes is one of those Greek islands that never fails to amaze, even in October. Anthony Quinn Bay is a hidden gem with pine-covered cliffs plunging into crystal-clear waters. It’s not the easiest beach to reach, but that’s part of the charm. You’ll be rewarded with one of the most stunning spots on the island. The pebbly shore may not be the best for walking barefoot, but the stunning scenery more than makes up for it. With temperatures still hovering around 21°C, it’s an ideal spot for a quiet autumn getaway.
Banje Beach, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Croatia There is no shortage of sandy and rocky beaches – admittedly, Banje Beach is neither the most remote nor the most exotic in the country. But this pebble beach is just a short walk from Dubrovnik’s walled city centre, meaning you can combine time on the beach with a visit to the main tourist attractions once the weather cools down in the evening. Plus, admiring the blue waters with the red-roofed buildings and stone walls in the distance during your visit to the beach is a memorable travel experience.
Blue Lagoon, Cyprus
Located in the eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus is the ideal place to enjoy the autumn sunshine. The Blue Lagoon is a natural pool located near the Baths of Aphrodite, where the waters are so clear you’ll feel like you’re swimming in a giant sapphire. The weather is still warm in October, with temperatures often reaching 27°C, making it ideal for snorkelling or sunbathing. Whether you arrive by boat or take the bumpy road in a 4×4, this beach will feel like a little paradise while the rest of Europe cools off.
In summary
It’s not too late to take a beach getaway in the autumn sunshine. While most of Europe is preparing for the cooler weather of the autumn shoulder season, there are still places where you can soak up the sun and enjoy a relatively crowd-free beach holiday in September, October and even November.
And if this isn’t the year for a fall beach getaway in Europe, bookmark these destinations so you’ll have something to look forward to next year.
