AS THE UK’s summer season disappears and autumn sets in, many European destinations still offer glorious warmth for the October half-term.
Whether you’re seeking serene beaches or historic cities , there are several destinations with temperatures in the high 20s in late October.
Here are some of the warmest holiday spots with package deals still available for the ideal autumn getaway.
Limassol, Cyprus
High temperature: 28C
Sat on the coast, Limassol is the second largest city in Cyprus, well-known for its Old Town and bustling marina.
The city’s history is intricate thanks to it being founded between the ancient kingdoms of Amathus and Kourion.
Today, multiple Neolithic settlements remain and visitors can explore Limassol Castle, where Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre, in 1191.
Inside the castle is the Cyprus Medieval Museum with a vast collection of artefacts including pottery, tombstones and weapons.
Head along the palm-tree lined Molos Promenade, to one of the city’s Blue Flag beaches, such as Dasoudi Beach or Lady’s Mile Beach.
Stretching over one kilometre long, Dasoudi Beach boasts golden sands and calm waters ideal for swimming.
There is even a small forest with pine and acacia trees next to the beach, with a trail through it if you fancy a walk.
Stop off for a bite to eat at Vista Mare restaurant, with dishes such as a cold cuts platter with dried fruits and walnuts for €32 (£27.86).
Lady’s Mile Beach stretches even longer – 5km in total – with dark, grey sands and lots of seashells.
The beach is also a great spot to see Akrotiri Salt Lake with flocks of flamingos.
Via loveholidays you could head to Navarria Hotel from London Gatwick, for three nights from October 25, for £379 per person.
Or through Expedia , you could head off to Crowne Plaza Limassol by IHG, with flights and accommodation for £434 per person for five nights flying from London Heathrow on October 24.
Valetta, Malta
High temperature: 25C
Valetta, the capital of Malta, is a walled city and UNESCO World Heritage site, full of baroque architecture and surrounded by stunning crystal waters.
For history buffs head to St. John’s Co-Cathedral with breathtaking interiors and a famous painting by Caravaggio.
For more inspiring architecture, head to the Grandmaster’s Palace built between the 16th and 18th centuries.
The city is surrounded by scenic harbours, which are popular spots for boat trips.
If you want a dip, you may need to head outside of the city to one of the country’s sandy beaches.
For example, around an hour by bus from the city is Mellieħa Bay, with shallow and calm waters, great for families.
At the east end of the beach, you’ll find San Remo Beach Club serving up a variety of beach bites like mixed olives for €7 (£6.09) and calamari fritters for €18 (£15.67).
You could head to the all-inclusive Soreda Hotel in St Paul’s Bay via loveholidays on October 24, from Edinburgh Airport for £489 per person.
The hotel features pools with panoramic views and is also close to the beach.
Canary Islands, Spain
High temperature: 27C
The Canary Islands in Spain boast numerous popular holiday spots, many of which are idea ‘fly and flop’ destinations.
Travellers can choose from destinations including Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote , Fuerteventura and La Palma.
For example, Gran Canaria has a great mix of beaches and activities for families, couples and solo travellers to explore.
Or in La Palma , you’ll find volcanic landscapes with think, green forests and black sand beaches.
The islands also boast typical Spanish flavours, with the added benefit of having a good supply of fresh seafood.
You could head to Lanzarote Paradise in Lanzarote with TUI on October 23 for seven nights, from Glasgow Airport for £433 per person.
Alternatively, you could go to Vigilia Park in Puerto de Santiago, Tenerife, on October 28 for seven nights, from London Gatwick for £447 per person.
Kos, Greece
High temperature: 26C
Part of the Dodecanese island chain in the southeastern Aegean Sea, Kos is a Greek island with picture perfect beaches.
Head to Agios Stefanos Beach for soft sand, clear waters and even some ancient basilica ruins.
There are plenty of sunbeds that can be rented for the day and if you get hungry, you can head to Antonio’s Beach Restaurant with BBQ nights twice a week.
At the east end of the island, tourists will find Kos town with a medieval castle and a vibrant harbour where you can hop on a boat trip or grab a locally-caught fish dish in a taverna.
Located just a 13-minute drive from the main town, Tigaki Beach has lots of bars and sunloungers as cheap as €12 (£10.45) for two people.
The beach is the best rated on the island according to TripAdvisor , winning a Traveller’s Choice Award in 2025.
You could head to Angela Hotel with TUI from Manchester on October 22, from £591.56 per person.
The hotel is 500 metres from the town centre and just 250 metres from the harbour.
Or with On the Beach, you could head off to Aegean Houses from London Gatwick on October 26 for seven nights, from £443 per person.
The hotel is located just 500metres from the beach and has a large outdoor swimming pool, children’s playground and spa.
There is also an affordable European holiday destination that’s one of the world’s booziest countries – even McDonald’s serves beer.
Plus, nine of Europe’s best city break destinations where you only need two days to explore.
