Travellers are getting ever savvier and many of the more experienced now choose to roam the world at less busy times of the year. It's a technique that brings many benefits, with lower prices for the same services perhaps the most obvious, but certainly not the only one!
From more availability in highly-desirable restaurants to leisurely strolls in romantic hotspots without the heaving crowds, travelling out of season is a trend that keeps growing. The balmy temperatures of late spring and early autumn allow for the exploration of towns and cities without suffering from excessive heat, and the cool waters and quiet beaches bring back memories of times when travel was a more exclusive experience.
Here are some of our favourite destinations to visit in the low season.
Mallorca
A mix of rugged countryside, dramatic mountains and a breathtaking coastline, Mallorca remains one of the most desirable European destinations for the summer holidays. However, the middle seasons are ideal for guests wishing to explore the hiking trails of Sierra de Tramuntana or for foodies longing to taste the fresh harvest products at the many food fairs. The capital, Palma, is just as vibrant as ever and offers a variety of experiences – from stirring religious Easter celebrations to the more earthly pleasures of food and wine at the Santa Catalina market.
If sea views are on the wish list, the stunning six-bedroom Villa Puesta del Sol in Port d’Andratx offers a gorgeous vista along with high-end facilities such as a heated swimming pool, a spacious Jacuzzi, and a cosy wine cellar/bar. Alternatively, the traditional La Finca features seven bedrooms and a living area with minimalist décor, a fantastic outdoor space with a swimming pool, an organic vegetable garden, beehives, chicken coops and horse stables, along with exceptional mountain views.
Explore villas in Mallorca
La Finca
Bedrooms: 7, Guests: 14
From 10,500
to 19,900 EUR
per week
Sa-Punta de S’Aguila
Bedrooms: 5, Guests: 10
From 33,880
to 70,700 EUR
per week
Sa-Terra Rotja
Bedrooms: 4, Guests: 8
From 26,740
to 56,000 EUR
per week
Son Balagueret
Bedrooms: 4, Guests: 8
From 13,860
to 36,400 EUR
per week
Spirit of Son Fuster
Bedrooms: 10, Guests: 20
From 66,640 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Villa Beltran
Bedrooms: 7, Guests: 14
From 42,220 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Villa Can Tramuntana
Bedrooms: 5, Guests: 10
From 38,500
to 49,500 EUR
per week
Villa Las Madrugadas
Bedrooms: 5, Guests: 10
From 25,000 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Villa Mimosa
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 28,000
to 50,000 EUR
per week
Villa Puesta del Sol
Bedrooms: 5, Guests: 10
From 27,500 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Villa Son Doblons
Bedrooms: 8, Guests: 16
From 12,900
to 21,727 EUR
per week
South of France
From impressionist artists in the 19th century to the community of intellectuals, politicians and Hollywood stars in the early 20th century, the South of France has always been one of the places to see and be seen. From the sophisticated hotels of the Croisette to the quaint countryside retreats of Provence, its glamour has remained unchanged but the number of visitors has not, which is why an out-of-season visit can provide a more authentic experience.
The stunning six-bedroom Villa Maya in Saint Tropez is ideal for out-of-season travel, as it offers a heated pool together with a gym, a cinema room, and a full staff. For those looking for more of a bucolic idyll, Le Mas De Chabran is an 18th-century oil mill transformed into an elegant eight-bedroom country villa complete with rural benefits, including resident hens for fresh eggs and riding horses at guests’ disposal.
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
Amalfi Coast
The picturesque and colourful towns of the enchanting Amalfi Coast have been some of the most desired European destinations for centuries. Yet its unparalleled charm can sometimes be overshadowed by the busy traffic of cars and people – not to mention the ubiquitous Vespas – especially in August, when most Italians take their summer holidays. This is why travelling in April, May, September or October is a great choice!
For smaller groups, the contemporary four-bedroom Villa La Palma is graced by spectacular views and tranquil gardens. For larger groups, the more traditional Villa Eris – perched on the rocks of Conca dei Marini – can host up to 12 guests and is just a few minutes’ walk from both the Fjord of Furore and the Emerald Grotto, two of the most iconic attractions of the area.
Explore villas in Amalfi Coast
Casa Massa
Bedrooms: 4, Guests: 8
From 11,550
to 19,200 EUR
per week
La Palma
Bedrooms: 4, Guests: 8
From 10,000
to 23,000 EUR
per week
Villa Affresco
Bedrooms: 8, Guests: 15
From 56,470 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Villa Astor
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 245,000
to 245,000 EUR
per week
Villa Eris
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 17,500
to 23,100 EUR
per week
Villa Frangi
Bedrooms: 5, Guests: 10
From 21,000
to 29,400 EUR
per week
Villa Il Gioiello
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 15,000
to 20,000 EUR
per week
Villa Il Sogno
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 36,667 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Villa La Rondinaia
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 63,000
to 109,000 EUR
per week
Villa Lighea
Bedrooms: 5, Guests: 10
From 9,835 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Villa Luce
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 9,885 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Villa Margherita - Amalfi Coast
Bedrooms: 2, Guests: 4
From 42,700 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Villa Miragalli
Bedrooms: 4, Guests: 8
From 14,000
to 20,000 EUR
per week
Villa Mon Repos
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 21,000
to 25,000 EUR
per week
Villa Neranyum
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 13,006
to 20,006 EUR
per week
Villa Nereide
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 15,295 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Villa Oliviero
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 29,000 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Villa Sabrina
Bedrooms: 9, Guests: 18
From 22,500
to 37,855 EUR
per week
Villa San Giacomo
Bedrooms: 12, Guests: 24
From 32,900
to 81,100 EUR
per week
Villa Selenia
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 20,000 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Villa Sorrento
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 21,176 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Villa Ulisse
Bedrooms: 5, Guests: 10
From 15,556 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Villa Wisteria
Bedrooms: 7, Guests: 14
From 17,778 EUR
per week,
to price on request
