October Sunshine Escapes in Europe

HOME > JOURNAL > EUROPE > October Sunshine Escapes in Europe

Summer isn’t over – you can still hop over to Europe and enjoy balmy temperatures (quarantine free!) during October. Right now, we advise keeping it simple, so read on for our top selection of hotels and properties that are perfect for single centre breaks that you can book last minute. There’s still time for the beach in 2020!

Amanruya, Bodrum – Turkey

From £2,300 per person for 7 nights (including flights)
Temperature: Average October highs of 26°C
Entry requirements: A completed PLF and no symptoms on arrival (your temperature will be taken)
Getting there: ~4 hour flight from London to Bodrum and 35 min drive from airport

Delight in your own private slice of serenity amongst olive groves and cypress trees, right on the Aegean Sea an Amanruya. Meandering footpaths lead to 36 pavilions, each with a large private swimming pool and garden. Here you can enjoy the quiet ambience of an Ottoman village, all designed with the quality that Aman is renowned for. The turquoise sea laps onto the hotel’s private pebble beach, in the quietest of bays filled with pines. Greek and Roman UNESCO sites lie right on your doorstep behind the property, and visitors can explore villages forgotten by time, sun-kissed beaches, or just spend the week relaxing and sampling the four restaurants and spa.

Four Seasons Astir Palace, Athens – Greece

From £2,500 per person for 7 nights (including flights)
Temperature: Average October highs of 24°C
Entry requirements: A PLF form completed more than 24 hours in advance and no symptoms on arrival
Getting there: ~3h 45 flight from London to Athens and 30 min drive from airport

Just 30 minutes from the historical sites of Athens, you’ll find this beautiful riviera resort. In October, the average temperatures sit in the early 20s – perfect for exploring the Acropolis in peace and without the usual crowds. Offering the perfect balance between a beach break and city break all rolled into one, there’s nowhere better if you’re looking for a combination of culture and relaxation. A fantastic destination for families, the ‘All Seasons’ club welcomes children aged 4 – 10, and for the older children, there’s plenty of watersports and other activities to keep them entertained.

Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea, Taormina – Sicily, Italy

From £1,800 per person for 7 nights (including flights)
Temperature: Average October highs of 22°C
Entry requirements: A completed PLF and no symptoms on arrival
Getting there: ~3 hour flight from London to Catania and 35 min drive from airport

Take advantage of Taormina’s glorious beaches and famous Greek sites without the crowds, staying on the seafront at Belmond’s Villa Sant’Andrea. The comfortable temperatures are perfect for soaking up the last of the sun or exploring old streets, and basking with wine in hand. Here you’ll find old school Sicilian glamour, with bright flowers on balconies, and manicured terraces leading down to the picturesque pebbled beach. Italy’s obviously the perfect spot for food and culture lovers alike, with the famous amphitheatre and endless fresh seafood. Don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy this picturesque town without the numbers of cruise ship visitors in usual years – but this one suits an early October break as the hotel closes on October 18th.

D Maris Bay, Datça Peninsula – Turkey

From £1,450 per person for 7 nights (including flights)
Temperature: Average October highs of 24°C
Entry requirements: A completed PLF and no symptoms on arrival (your temperature will be taken)
Getting there: ~4 hour flight from London to Dalaman and 2 hour drive from airport (or helicopter transfer)

Hidden in a beautiful nature reserve in southern Turkey is D Maris Bay, where the most challenging part of your day will be to decide which of the five private beaches to explore. Expect crystal clear azure waters, where the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas meet. With a watersports centre, you can head over by boat to explore the surrounding islands, or just appreciate the views of islands, pine forests and volcanoes from your sun lounger, or take in the sunset with a drink in hand from the ‘hill’. Work up an appetite sailing, diving or on a guided kayak tour, then indulge at one of the many restaurants, including Zuma and Nurs-Et.

Anassa Resort, Paphos – Cyprus

From £1,800 per person for 7 nights (including flights)
Temperature: Average October highs of 26°C
Entry requirements: A negative COVID-19 test obtained within 72 hours before travel and a completed Cyprus Flight Pass
Getting there: ~4.5 hour flight from London to Paphos and 1 hour drive from airport

Set in a quiet western bay of Cyprus sits the Anassa Resort. Think panoramic sea views, a secluded fine shingle beach, beautiful Mediterranean architecture and vibrant fresh food at this Cypriot hillside sanctuary. Ideal for families, Anassa offers both childcare programs and plenty of activities to keep all ages entertained. For some outdoor action, try out watersports, diving, mountain biking and rock climbing, or for a detox head to the Roman-style Thalassa spa. With four restaurants offering a range of Mediterranean flavours, barbecues and fine dining, and a balcony or terrace in every room, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the peaceful setting.