Readers share their favourite off‑season autumn getaways

Sun‑kissed French villages

One traveller recounted a late‑October bike ride through south‑west France near the Spanish border. A local waiter suggested a stop in Collioure, a town that feels like a Mediterranean dream once the summer crowds have gone. The visitor described soft light, warm sunshine, cobbled streets and sandy beaches backed by the Pyrenees. In the early evening the balmy air was perfect for strolling the pastel‑coloured alleyways of the Le Mouré district and enjoying a €5 off‑season happy‑hour wine with fish tapas. A planned weekend turned into a week, drawn by the town’s blend of Catalan culture and seaside charm.

Lisbon’s river‑side serenity

Another reader recalled sitting on a boat deck on the Tagus River in Lisbon, wearing a T‑shirt and shorts while sipping crisp Portuguese wine. The autumn sun illuminated the pastel hills as temperatures lingered in the mid‑20s. The day was spent walking the city’s fascinating quarters and riding trams over cobbled streets. Evenings were spent at outdoor cafés and waterside tavernas, sharing coffee, pastries, anchovies and beer while watching sunsets without the summer crowds.

Welsh coastal tranquility

A contributor described an autumn escape to St Davids on the Pembrokeshire coast. With summer visitors gone, the area feels wild and tranquil. The walk along the coast path toward the nearby beach offers chances to spot seals below cliffs. The beaches are often almost empty, and even when the weather turns, the dramatic sea and windswept coastline remain part of the appeal. The tip is to visit in early autumn, pack proper walking boots and layers, and embrace the weather to enjoy one of Britain’s loveliest coastlines almost to yourself.

German‑Polish border town as a base

Görlitz, situated on the German‑Polish border east of Dresden, was highlighted as a fascinating autumnal base. Day trips included a visit to Bad Muskau with its baroque palace and a ride on a narrow‑gauge forest railway to the Devil’s Bridge. The region is rarely visited, but those who go are rewarded with striking photographs.

Off‑the‑beaten‑track Canary Island

While the Canary Islands are popular for autumn sun, one reader recommended El Hierro as a wilder alternative. The island’s scenery ranges from pine forests to black volcanic lava flows, often enjoyed in solitude. Rugged coastlines host volcanic swimming holes where visitors can relax on rocks and gaze at the Atlantic. There are no large resorts, but guest houses and smaller hotels are available, and sunshine is almost guaranteed into November.

North Devon’s expansive beach

A family stayed in Woolacombe, north Devon, in October 2023 with a three‑year‑old child. The three‑mile beach provided ample space for sandcastle building, and the Atlantic offered dramatic sea conditions rather than typical deck‑chair weather. Sunsets turned the sea orange and purple from a hill above the bay. The location served as a base for nearby villages and the South West Coast Path. The advice was to pack waterproofs as well as sunglasses, as north Devon’s weather can be unpredictable, but bright autumn days make the vast sands feel almost private.

Madeira’s lively autumn capital

Funchal on Madeira was praised as an autumn escape that remains lively after summer. The seafront invites slow walks in sunshine, with cafés and gardens open year‑round. Visitors can browse the colourful market, ride a cable car for views over terracotta rooftops and the Atlantic, and cool off at a city lido. The weather stays pleasantly warm without being overpowering, and mountain walks and historic aqueduct routes are within easy reach, offering a mix of coast, culture and dramatic scenery.

Scottish coastal charm

St Abbs in the Scottish Borders was recommended for a short coastal escape. The location, known from a recent film, offers a dramatic clifftop walk up to St Abbs Head, rich with seabirds and fresh sea air. After the walk, a harbour café serves fresh crab rolls, providing simple, hearty fare.

Crete’s sun‑lit southwest

One traveller described an autumn visit to Palaiochora on Crete, where a brief spell of harsh weather on the north side left the southwest sunny every day. The town lacks large hotels and retains a proudly Greek character, with rhythms set by a local ferry. Despite thunder over the mountains, the visitor swam and walked daily, noting the unique, low‑key atmosphere.

Zaragoza’s October festivities

Zaragoza came alive during the Fi­estas del Pilar in October. A week was spent wandering bustling streets filled with people in traditional dress, queuing to lay flowers at a large floral tribute to the Virgin Mary in the main square. Along the river, food stalls offered regional specialties such as sausage, stews, roast chestnuts and sweet wine. Between the celebrations, the Aljafería Palace was explored and tiny tapas bars were discovered down side streets, giving the city a lively, local feel.

How to share your tip

Readers are invited to submit their own autumn escape recommendations for a chance to win a £200 holiday voucher. Submissions can be entered via the readers’ tips homepage, where a selection of tips may appear online and in print.

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