It may not have been the summer we had planned but there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the sunny climes of mainland Europe. And though the ever-changing travel restrictions are making planning a little trickier right now, there are plenty of destinations to choose from for a late-season getaway.
From September right through to October or even November, temperatures are milder yet still warm enough for the beach, there are fewer crowds, and there’s less chance of popular activities being booked out.
So why not extend your summer and enjoy a getaway in a luxury villa?
Marbella, Spain
Marbella is one of Spain’s most popular summer destinations, boasting 24 beaches across 27 kilometres of coastline. However, outside its peak season, there is still a lot on offer for visitors to enjoy.
The waters are warm enough to enjoy swimming, snorkelling, kiteboarding, parasailing, dolphin watching, and a host of other water sports and activities. Plus, visitors can enjoy golf and tennis in the sunshine, and hike or cycle one of the many mountain trails, without the blazing heat of peak summer.
Unlike in the height of summer, the charming cafes and traditional tapas bars can be enjoyed at any time of day. Moreover, the 10-kilometre promenade is perfect for a leisurely stroll and running, skating or cycling without having to dodge hordes of tourists.
Our Top Picks:
Villa Mirador
Villa Palo Alto
Explore villas in Marbella Area
Finca Cortesin 4
Bedrooms: 4, Guests: 8
From 23,950 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Finca Cortesin 5 - The Green 10
Bedrooms: 5, Guests: 10
From 28,735 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Villa Anil
Bedrooms: 5, Guests: 10
From 50,750 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Villa Armonia
Bedrooms: 5, Guests: 10
From 51,275 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Villa del Mar
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 105,000 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Villa El Cortijo
Bedrooms: 4, Guests: 8
From 28,945 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Villa El Mirador
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 28,000
to 54,600 EUR
per week
Villa El Nido
Bedrooms: 8, Guests: 16
From 59,500
to 87,500 EUR
per week
Villa El Rincon
Bedrooms: 19, Guests: 38
From 50,000
to 120,000 EUR
per week
Villa La Yuca
Bedrooms: 4, Guests: 8
From 17,465 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Villa Mirador - Marbella
Bedrooms: 7, Guests: 14
From 31,850
to 45,500 EUR
per week
Villa Palo Alto
Bedrooms: 5, Guests: 10
From 31,850
to 45,500 EUR
per week
Villa Pereza
Bedrooms: 4, Guests: 8
From 53,620 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Villa Romeo
Bedrooms: 2, Guests: 4
From 14,550 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Apulia, Italy
The Mediterranean climate of Apulia means its sunny season stretches right through to late October/early November. The beaches are still mild but there are far fewer crowds to navigate.
Visitors can walk or bike through pretty towns and villages - known for their distinctive traditional “Trulli” - which can be much more pleasant in the milder temperatures. The countryside is also perfect for cycling and hiking, with stunning panoramas of olive and citrus groves leading to the beautiful coastline.
Autumn is the ideal time for foodies to visit Apulia as the olive and grape harvests begin; a visit to a winery is a must, and there are plenty of village markets and botanical gardens to explore.
Our Top Picks:
Masseria Lamacoppa
Pettolecchia La Residenza
Explore villas in Apulia
Casa Badra
Bedrooms: 5, Guests: 8
From 10,000
to 18,000 EUR
per week
Casale la Nota
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 16,261
to 20,867 EUR
per week
Dimora Biancarancio
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 14,000
to 25,000 EUR
per week
Masseria Antonio Augusto
Bedrooms: 9, Guests: 18
From 21,000
to 49,000 EUR
per week
Masseria Lamacoppa
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 55,000 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Masseria Pezza
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 7,000
to 10,500 EUR
per week
Pettolecchia La Piccola
Bedrooms: 3, Guests: 6
From 8,000
to 20,000 EUR
per week
Pettolecchia La Residenza
Bedrooms: 5, Guests: 10
From 15,000
to 45,000 EUR
per week
Tenuta Castione
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 9,500
to 20,900 EUR
per week
Trullo dei Pumi
Bedrooms: 5, Guests: 10
From 13,500
to 30,240 EUR
per week
Trullo delle Dame
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 16,500
to 31,360 EUR
per week
Villa Baraquiel
Bedrooms: 4, Guests: 8
From 8,750
to 15,250 EUR
per week
Villa Dusenszky Vitale
Bedrooms: 9, Guests: 18
From 16,800
to 30,100 EUR
per week
Villa Ludovica
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 8,750
to 17,500 EUR
per week
Villa Ostuni Art
Bedrooms: 9, Guests: 18
From 14,000
to 30,800 EUR
per week
Villa Serra de Citris
Bedrooms: 5, Guests: 10
From 8,580
to 19,950 EUR
per week
Villa Tafuri
Bedrooms: 5, Guests: 10
From 9,375
to 14,375 EUR
per week
Cote d’Azur, France
Shielded from the cooler north winds by the Alps, the Cote d’Azur enjoys a warm and sunny climate even after summer has officially passed. Warm days can be spent lazing on uncrowded beaches and balmy evenings sipping cocktails on a sunset cruise.
Visitors can hike through the spectacular Gorges du Verdon, or stroll through the towns and villages, which emanate a more authentic atmosphere than at the peak of the tourist season.
Museums and galleries are also less crowded, perfect for truly immersing oneself in the culture.
Autumn is perhaps one of the best times to eat out in the south of France as grapes, olives, mushrooms and figs are all in harvest. Plus, there are fewer diners to jostle with for the best table in the house.
Our Top Picks:
Villa Canoubwest
Domaine de L’Ansa
Villa Dreamland
Explore villas in Côte d'Azur
Casa Victor
Bedrooms: 7, Guests: 14
From 25,000
to 55,000 EUR
per week
Chateau Saint-Maur
Bedrooms: 8, Guests: 15
From 140,000
to 224,000 EUR
per week
Domaine de Canaille
Bedrooms: 12, Guests: 24
From 42,000
to 98,000 EUR
per week
Domaine de La Garoupe
Bedrooms: 9, Guests: 18
From 115,500 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Domaine des Artistes
Bedrooms: 8, Guests: 16
From 20,600
to 61,000 EUR
per week
La Reserve Villa 10
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 38,500 EUR
per week,
to price on request
La Reserve Villa 18
Bedrooms: 5, Guests: 10
From 33,600 EUR
per week,
to price on request
La Reserve Villa 2
Bedrooms: 3, Guests: 6
From 28,000 EUR
per week,
to price on request
La Reserve Villa 7
Bedrooms: 4, Guests: 8
From 31,500 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Villa Cala Bianca
Bedrooms: 4, Guests: 8
From 35,000
to 52,000 EUR
per week
Villa Canoubwest
Bedrooms: 8, Guests: 16
From 100,000
to 225,000 EUR
per week
Villa Colibri 10
Bedrooms: 10, Guests: 20
From 23,500
to 34,500 EUR
per week
Villa Colibri 5
Bedrooms: 5, Guests: 10
From 19,500
to 29,500 EUR
per week
Villa CView
Bedrooms: 7, Guests: 14
From 40,834
to 122,500 EUR
per week
Villa Domaine de L'Ansa
Bedrooms: 7, Guests: 14
From 122,000
to 320,000 EUR
per week
Villa Dreamland
Bedrooms: 9, Guests: 18
From 99,995
to 134,995 EUR
per week
Villa La Palombiere
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
Price on request
Villa Le Grand Jardin
Bedrooms: 12, Guests: 24
Price on request
Villa Maya
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 79,995
to 93,995 EUR
per week
Villa Mila - Cannes
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 43,750
to 66,250 EUR
per week
Villa O
Bedrooms: 4, Guests: 8
From 36,300
to 113,333 EUR
per week
Villa Plages Royal
Bedrooms: 8, Guests: 16
From 79,995
to 104,995 EUR
per week
Corfu, Greece
As summer rolls into autumn, the crowds die down in Corfu. The sun still shines, the days are still warm but the streets are bustling with locals instead of swathes of tourists, and the atmosphere oozes authenticity. The water is still pleasant for swimming right through to November, so visitors can enjoy days out at the beach, as well as the host of watersports on offer.
Visitors can explore the island at a much more leisurely pace, and it’s the perfect time to wander the old town and visit its port or meander through the fragrant vineyards as grapes come into season.
The milder weather is ideal for walking in the hills to take in the spectacular scenery and view the local flora and fauna. One of the most stunning views is from the top of Mount Pantokrator; the hike is much more pleasant without the blazing summer heat, and the autumnal light adds an extra beauty to the panorama from the top.
Our Top Picks:
Villa Piedra
Villa Ultima Corfu
Explore villas in Corfu
Ionian Stone Estate
Bedrooms: 8, Guests: 16
From 9,100
to 23,800 EUR
per week
Villa Aegis
Bedrooms: 5, Guests: 10
From 8,708
to 20,020 EUR
per week
Villa Daniela
Bedrooms: 7, Guests: 14
From 8,000
to 29,000 EUR
per week
Villa Feroula
Bedrooms: 5, Guests: 10
From 15,750
to 31,500 EUR
per week
Villa Ionica
Bedrooms: 4, Guests: 8
From 8,400
to 18,550 EUR
per week
Villa Piedra
Bedrooms: 3, Guests: 7
From 8,400
to 10,150 EUR
per week
Villa RocknRolla
Bedrooms: 5, Guests: 10
From 15,750
to 31,500 EUR
per week
Villa Skyline
Bedrooms: 4, Guests: 8
From 8,400
to 16,100 EUR
per week
Villa Ultima Corfu
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
Price on request
Villa Viva La Diva
Bedrooms: 7, Guests: 14
From 17,850 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Verbier, Switzerland
The Swiss Alps may not seem like the obvious choice for a summer holiday. However, Verbier offers so much more than winter skiing and is perfect for those seeking an active getaway at any time of year.
The resort boasts over 950 km of signposted hiking trails, whilst keen cyclists can enjoy over 500 km of marked trails, 23 enduro trails, and an extensive bike park. Rock climbing is available until late September across 30 courses of varying levels.
Golf enthusiasts will love the scenic 18-hole course and younger putters can enjoy the mini-golf park. Those seeking adventure can take in the spectacular scenery from above by skydiving or paragliding from the mountain peaks.
Our Top Picks:
Chalet La Vigne
Chalet Pierre Avoi
Chalet Spa Verbier
Explore villas in Verbier
Chalet Apartment Entre Ciel et Terre
Bedrooms: 4, Guests: 8
From 28,500
to 36,000 CHF
per week
Chalet Apartment La Vallee Blanche
Bedrooms: 4, Guests: 10
From 10,000
to 22,000 CHF
per week
Chalet Chouqui
Bedrooms: 9, Guests: 20
From 55,000
to 200,000 CHF
per week
Chalet Dent Blanche
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 63,480
to 91,140 CHF
per week
Chalet La Vigne
Bedrooms: 4, Guests: 10
From 20,760
to 116,500 CHF
per week
Chalet Les Attelas
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 14,000
to 80,000 CHF
per week
Chalet Makini
Bedrooms: 5, Guests: 11
Price on request
Chalet No 14
Bedrooms: 13, Guests: 26
From 67,400
to 165,000 CHF
per week
Chalet Norte
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 101,810 CHF
per week,
to price on request
Chalet Nyumba
Bedrooms: 7, Guests: 14
From 29,000
to 140,000 CHF
per week
Chalet Pierre Avoi
Bedrooms: 8, Guests: 16
From 17,000
to 100,000 CHF
per week
Chalet Rock
Bedrooms: 5, Guests: 10
From 14,000
to 75,000 CHF
per week
Chalet Spa Verbier
Bedrooms: 5, Guests: 10
From 65,000
to 155,000 CHF
per week
Chalet Truffe Blanche
Bedrooms: 9, Guests: 18
From 88,800
to 180,000 CHF
per week
The Lodge Chalet
Bedrooms: 9, Guests: 18
From 69,300
to 295,500 CHF
per week
