These places delight tourists with comfortable temperatures and autumn sunshine.
Although in October the “velvet season” in Europe begins to gradually subside, many tourists are still looking for places on the continent where you can bask in the sun without crowds.
Journalists from The Independent have named the best sunny destinations in Europe for a holiday in October.
1. Seville, Spain
With average October temperatures of +21°C, which can rise to pleasant +27°C during the day, and seven hours of sunshine per day, Seville is often called the warmest city in continental Europe. And this is a great time to explore the Andalusian capital without the exhausting summer heat.
To experience the Moorish influence on the city’s appearance, it’s worth starting the tour at the Casa de Pilatos palace, and then heading to the Torre del Oro – the “Golden Tower”. After that, you can visit the Real Alcázar palace and gardens, and then the city’s cathedral – a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and one of the largest churches in the world.
For those who prefer leisurely walks, it’s worth starting with the Guadalquivir River promenade, going through María Luisa Park and Plaza de España.
2. Valletta, Malta
With average temperatures in October of +24°C and seven hours of sunshine a day, October in Malta is the “velvet season” with still quite comfortable conditions for a pleasant stay and enjoying the sun.
The city itself, known for its majestic fortifications, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Among the main attractions are St. John’s Cathedral, Fort St. Elmo, and the Palace of the Grand Master.
Meanwhile, on the waterfront, a complex of 18th‑century warehouse buildings has been preserved; today, they house numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops, while the Upper and Lower Barracca gardens serve as the city’s main green spaces.
3. Sardinia, Italy
Thanks to the average temperatures in October of +18°C and six hours of sunshine per day, this Mediterranean island has long been popular among tourists, including among Italians themselves, who want to enjoy the autumn sun one last time. The water remains warm, so you can comfortably relax on the beach or engage in water sports in places such as Costa Smeralda or Cala Golorice.
At the same time, Sardinia is home to some of Italy’s most picturesque cities: for example, Alghero, Bosa, San Teodoro, and other towns have preserved medieval buildings, castles, and bright houses by the water.
For nature lovers, the island also has three national and ten regional parks, including Asinara and Gennargentu.
4. Cyprus
With average temperatures in October of +23°C and eight hours of sunshine per day, Cyprus is considered one of the warmest places in Europe in October.
At the same time, the island impresses tourists with its stunning history, which goes back to ancient times and is closely connected with the civilizations of Ancient Greece, Rome and many other peoples of the past. If you want to get a closer look at the island’s historical heritage, you should visit such famous sights as the “Tombs of the Kings”, the Colossi Castle and the ancient city of Kourion.
At the same time, Cyprus is known as a popular tourist destination, where tourists can enjoy pristine, sun‑drenched beaches, a healthy Mediterranean way of life, and dozens of villages (for example, Omodos and Lefkara) where they can immerse themselves in the carefully preserved Cypriot traditions, cuisine, and culture.
5. Algarve, Portugal
With average October temperatures of +23°C and seven hours of sunshine a day, the Algarve region, located in the very south of mainland Portugal, is an excellent choice for the “velvet season” in Europe.
This region is famous for its long beaches with soft sand, but it is also ideal for hiking. One of the most famous routes is Via Algarviana, an ancient pilgrimage route connecting Alcutim (on the eastern border with Spain) and Cape San Vicenti.
As for those tourists who don’t enjoy hiking, they can head to the charming old town of Faro, where interesting historical landmarks have been preserved — for example, the eerie Chapel of Bones.
6. Rhodes, Greece
With average temperatures in October of +22°C and eight hours of sunshine per day, Rhodes delights tourists not only with its perfect beaches and sea but also with numerous historical sites: once upon a time, the Colossus stood here — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Today, the island is famous for its Old Town, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List: here you can explore the excellently preserved fortifications, stroll along the narrow streets paved with limestone, and visit archaeological sites.
Well, for a beach holiday, it’s worth heading to the towns of Lindos and Faliraki, where it’s so pleasant to take a dip in the waters of the Aegean Sea. In addition, you can visit a tavern or try meze – traditional Greek snacks.
Konstantin is an acclaimed travel writer, celebrated for transforming ordinary journeys into extraordinary narratives. With years of experience exploring diverse destinations across the globe, his work blends vivid storytelling, cultural insights, and practical advice to inspire wanderlust and guide readers toward unforgettable adventures.
As a key contributor to enjoythetrip.org website, Konstantin has built a loyal readership through their expertise in uncovering both iconic landmarks and off-the-beaten-path treasures. He specializes in providing travelers with honest, actionable tips, whether it’s finding the best resorts in Maldives, exploring cultural hubs like Paris, or diving into the natural wonders of Croatia.