Words by Annabelle Thorpe
The summer holiday, that most treasured of annual pleasures, has become something of a vexed issue this year. Soaring temperatures, over-tourism and protesting locals has made some of our favourite destinations less than appealing. But once September rolls in, the schools go back and the crowds begin to disperse, the Med reverts to being one of the most beautiful, tranquil regions in the world. Here, Annabelle Thorpe, Editor of 101 Short Breaks, explains how to enjoy a blissful blast of late summer sun.
By the beach
Soaking up the sun isn’t appealing when the temperature is 40ºC, but in September and October, there’s little better than basking on a lounger with an ice-cold cocktail to hand. The Greek island of Zakynthos has a wonderfully unspoilt feel, with luxury hotels like the Lesante Blu, set right at the water’s edge, with a private beach and excursions to quiet bays, while perennially-popular Corfu offers an unbeatable mix of long sandy beaches, dramatic mountain scenery and the elegant, Venetian architecture of Corfu town. I recommend a visit to the Marbella Nido.
Alternatively, head to Türkiye, where the laid-back resort of Gocek has a waterfront lined with gulets and gleaming yachts, surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. For something quieter, the tranquil Bozburun peninsula has a clutch of small seaside villages and small, boutique hotels; stay at the Losta Sahil Evi for a slow-paced, authentic Turkish stay.
Italian tourists – most of whom take their holidays in August – will have melted away from the glittering beaches of the Costa Smeralda, making it a great time to explore the spectacular coastline and vibrant towns. Check into the elegant Hotel Pitrizza. Even the party island of Ibiza slows the pace as summer begins to fade; stay at the luxurious Six Senses Ibiza to combine world-class spa treatments with lazy days by the water to return refreshed and ready for autumn.
Active holidays
Cooler temperatures mean September and October are the perfect time for holidays that involve more than simply snoozing on a lounger. Explore the Greek islands on a chilled out sailing holiday with a professional crew to take care of everything, and the chance of some hands-on sailing if you wish. For history lovers, a trip to Sorrento offers the chance to visit bustling Naples, along with some of the Med’s most extraordinary ancient sites including Herculaneum and Pompeii, and the glamorous towns of Amalfi and Positano on the Amalfi Coast.
Early autumn is an ideal time for walking one of Türkiye’s breath-taking long-distance trails – all the better when combined with nights on a traditional gulet, cruising between picturesque ports and quiet, pine-backed bays. And for those who like to walk with a set of golf clubs on their back, the Verdura Resort in Sicily offers pristine greens and a glorious beachfront location.
Stylish tours
Less traffic, quieter roads and smaller crowds at historic sites make autumn a popular time for touring holidays. Dive into Spain’s tapas culture while exploring the region’s art and architecture on a tour of Gastronomic Catalonia, or head to the Tuscan-like hill towns and olive-clad hills of Istria, for a gourmet tour filled with fresh truffles, locally-produced wine and olive oil and tangy cheeses and charcuterie.
The picturesque villages of Italy’s Cinque Terre – a string of colourful seaside towns on the Ligurian coast – settle back into a sleepier state after summer; ideal for visiting along with the vibrant city of Genoa. Or, if you’re looking to strike out alone, Malta offers gorgeous beaches and a fascinating history, ideal for exploring on an escorted tour for solo travellers.
The beauty of the Med is that everything is in close proximity, making it possible to see a clutch of iconic cities or ancient sites in a week. On a cruise of the Eastern Med, stops include vibrant Istanbul, the picturesque Croatian island of Hvar and the Maltese capital, Valletta, one of the Mediterranean’s most under-rated cities. Or focus in on the Greek islands, with a tour from Athens around the Cyclades, visiting Paros, Mykonos and Delos.
Luxury villas
Active or relaxed, slow-paced or a week of exploration – sometimes the biggest treat is having a place in the Med that – just for a week or two – you can pretend is your own. Casa Pardal is a delightful villa in the western Algarve, close to the buzzy town of Portimao, that’s perfect for two families, or a group of friends. Or discover the under-the-radar charms of Menorca, far quieter than its better-known Balearic siblings, with villas set right beside the crystalline sea, or inland with walking trails from the door.
Few Greek islands can rival Skopelos for its natural beauty and peaceful vibe; stay at Thalassa Vista, a neo-classical villa within walking distance of Skopelos Town, which makes a great base for exploring the island. For somewhere with a bit more buzz, the forested hills behind France’s glittering Cote d’Azur are freckled with elegant villas and romantic hideaways, while just across the water Corsica offers a very different version of the Mediterranean; wild, unspoilt and steeped in history and tradition.
