38 hot hotels to make the most of the last days of summer
September and October are lovely months for a short-haul holiday with a good dose of sunshine. But where can you find (pretty-much) guaranteed heat in less than five hours from the UK? Follow our expert guide to find the best hotels for late summer sun in Europe and north Africa – including the Greek Islands, the Canaries and the Turquoise Coast – which all have good temperatures well into October.
Many have cool pools for languid toe-dipping and easy beach access. Prices tend to dip, everywhere is less crowded, and it's not as stifling if you want to do any outdoor activities. The sea also tends to be at its balmiest. So pick your favourite, and sleep sweetly knowing you'll be enjoying the very last rays of summer sun.
GREEK ISLANDS
Rhodes and Crete wind down in pace from mid-September onwards and there’s a more authentic feel to both islands, with many festivals in September to celebrate the grape harvest and lots of colourful religious feasts. Hotel prices are generally lower, temperatures remain balmy and sun beds are easy to find on the beaches for which both Rhodes and Crete are famed. Less-crowded streets make driving a pleasure too, so this is a lovely time to visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos, make the stiff climb to Lindos’ Acropolis or seek out the Knights along the near-deserted cobbled streets of Rhodes old town.
Rhodes
October high: 24.5°C | October average: 21°C
Where to stay
Lindos Blu Luxury Hotel & Suites
Rhodes, Greece
9Telegraph expert rating
This boutique five-star resort is built into the hillside overlooking the Mediterranean and is adults only. When it comes to deciding choosing a spot to lap up the last of the late summer rays, you will have plenty of options. A sequence of three lifts and some stairs will take you take you to the hotel's own beach, there’s a roof terrace with two whirlpools, and two outdoor swimming pools (one heated, one not). Upgrade to a double deluxe for your own balcony hot tub. Read expert review From £220 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Koukos Traditional Guesthouse
Rhodes, Greece
8Telegraph expert rating
For a mega dose of Greek fun, this quirky, retro-styled guesthouse, situated above a lively Greek taverna in Rhodes’ new town, really hits the spot with its liberally strewn antiques and whimsical, cuckoo-themed décor. Rooms are grouped around an interior patio with a retractable roof that's open in summer, and the taverna serves up rustic, homely fare. Snag a table at one of the outdoor tables on the pretty pedestrianised street for a plate of fresh shrimp from neighbouring Symi island. Read expert review From £66 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Crete
October high: 24°C | October average: 20°C
Where to stay
Domes of Elounda
Crete, Greece
9Telegraph expert rating
Laidback luxury with a big L is the hallmark of this sprawling, family-friendly property with panoramic views to Spinalonga, the island of Hislop’s best-selling novel. There are several pools, including one that’s just for adults, and a blue-flag strip of sandy beach shaded by olive trees with plenty of sunbeds. There's also a small spa with an indoor pool and sauna/steam room. Opt for a suite with a whirlpool tub or pool for added privacy. Read expert review From £167 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Ammos Hotel
Chania, Crete, Greece
8Telegraph expert rating
A seaside hotel that’s both family-friendly and style-conscious is surprisingly hard to find. This cute little number ticks all the boxes: cool but unstuffy design, sandy beach, heated pool, babysitters on tap, and home-cooked Cretan food that will keep even the pickiest of eaters happy. Guests even have their own strip of the beach with sun loungers strategically positioned for sunset. Read expert review From £106 per night
• Where to stay on the Greek Islands
SPAIN
September and October – when the high-verano crowds, temperatures and accommodation prices have eased off – are great months along Andalucía's beach-strung coasts. Málaga, where sun-soaked 20°C days often stretch into December, makes a terrific late-summer city, with its art-world wonders, Moorish fortress and chiringuito-lined beaches. Or head further southwest along the Costa del Sol for Marbella’s luxe-hotel scene and cobbled old town. On the Atlantic Costa de la Luz, the blonde beaches turn pleasantly quieter post-August. Learn kitesurfing and day-trip to Morocco from riad-like Tarifa, flit between low-key seafood restaurants in Zahara de los Atunes, poke around Bolonia’s Roman ruins, or wander the gleaming-white alleys of crag-top Vejer de la Frontera.
Costa del Sol
October high: 22°C | October average: 19°C
Where to stay
Nobu Hotel Marbella
Marbella, Malaga, Spain
9Telegraph expert rating
This adults-only hotel is a destination within itself, located mere minutes (500 metres) from the closest beach and boasting a wide selection of in-house activities. Surrounds of note include tennis and paddle courts, a mini-golf course, an ornately tiled swimming pool, a slew of restaurants and an open-air nightclub. Dine in Nobu Marbella to try the brand's signature black cod miso, as well as dishes inspired by the local bounty, such as seasonal scallops with fois gras and vanilla miso. Read expert review From £251 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Hotel Molina Lario
Malaga, Andalucia, Spain
8Telegraph expert rating
This glossy, contemporary hotel in the centre of Malaga is crowned with an eighth-floor rooftop pool and bar that's spread across three terraces. From here, there are beautiful views of the city's 16th-century cathedral and the sparkling Mediterranean below. Expect a steady chill-out soundtrack. Rooms have an urban-smart feel to them, and there's a swish, cheerful café with an open-air patio. Read expert review From £102 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
• The best hotels in Andalucía
Costa de la Luz
October high: 24°C | October average: 20°C
Where to stay
Casa La Siesta
Vejer de la Frontera, Cádiz, Spain
9Telegraph expert rating
Casa La Siesta, tucked into rolling farmland off a country lane, is seven miles from Vejer de la Frontera, a hilltop pueblo blanco (white village). This part of the Costa de la Luz is famed for its beaches, which include Conil and El Palmar – both a 20-minute drive away. Outside, amongst olive and fruits trees, you'll find chill-out areas and a lawn-lined pool. The hotel can provide you with everything you need for a day at the beach too, including chairs, towels, refreshments and a cool box. Read expert review From £302 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
The Riad
Tarifa, Cádiz, Spain
8Telegraph expert rating
This sophisticated hotel is marked by its imaginative mix of Andalusian and Moroccan influences. It's found in historic Tarifa, Europe’s most southerly (and hence quite warm) town. The property is housed in a 17th-century townhouse and features a hammam and rooftop vistas over the sparkling Straights of Gibraltar to Morocco. Gorgeous, elemental Los Lances Beach, a world-famous kitesurfing destination, is 10 minutes’ walk away. Read expert review From £54 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
• The best place and cities to visit in Spain – and where to stay
SPANISH ISLANDS
From the middle of September, the Balearic and Canary Islands are quieter – but still very much in business. This is a much better time than the full-on summer season to combine sunbathing with a bit of activity, whether in the water or in the countryside. Resorts in the Balearics are extending their season for this very reason, as the warm but not sweltering days are ideal for cycling or hiking, or perhaps helping with the grape and olive harvests. Temperatures between 20°C and 28°C in the Canaries in autumn make the islands extremely well suited to beach holidays, and there are bargains to be had before the winter sun season starts in the run up to Christmas.
Ibiza
October high: 24°C | October average: 21°C
Where to stay
Atzaró
Santa Eularia des Riu, Ibiza, Spain
9Telegraph expert rating
Atzaró has set the standard for luxury agroturismos in Ibiza. There are 10 acres to sunbathe on, and it has a really great pool, open-air spa, yoga pavilion, orange groves and a courtyard restaurant. It's found in the north east of the island, and although it is inland, it's only a 10-minute drive from Cala Llenya, Cala Nova and the other nice beaches. As it's such a popular hotspot on the island, going in the fringe season can sometimes mean a more chilled-out vibe. Read expert review From £145 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Casa Munich
Sant Francesc de s'Estany, Ibiza, Spain
9Telegraph expert rating
Casa Munich is set on a small hill in the Ses Salinas Nature Reserve, just a stone's throw from the protected salt plains of Salinas and less than five minutes' drive from some of the best beaches on the island. There's a laid-back, luxurious feel, and the whole hotel is designed like a miniature village, so space and privacy aren't a concern here. Lounge by one of the three pools, or borrow one of the mountain bikes to beat the traffic the nearby beaches. Read expert review From £168 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
• The best agroturismo hotels in Ibiza
Majorca
October high: 28°C | October average: 24°C
Where to stay
Hotel Can Simoneta
Canyamel, Majorca, Spain
9Telegraph expert rating
The adults-only, five-star Can Simoneta boutique hotel enjoys a dramatic position aloft high cliffs. Comprising three historic stone-built properties, it is the ultimate romantic and tranquil hideaway by the sea. Aside from its own private access to Canyamel beach, a winding stone staircase carved into the cliff gives onto a secluded cove with a natural rock pool whirlpool tub. There are two swimming pools and open-air whirlpool tubs in the grounds, too. Read expert review From £236 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
1902 Townhouse
Sóller, Majorca, Spain
9Telegraph expert rating
This elegant 20th-century townhouse has been meticulously refurbished to create a chic and urban oasis of calm in the heart of Sóller. Its peaceful location with pool and Mediterranean garden belies its proximity to the town's shops, and lively bars and restaurants. An alfresco breakfast is served in the walled garden with its raised beds of aromatic herbs and flowers. Take the century-old tram from the town centre to Port Sóller to spend a day on its sandy beaches. Read expert review From £122 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Menorca
October high: 23°C | October average: 20°C
Where to stay
Torralbenc
Cala'n Porter, Menorca, Spain
9Telegraph expert rating
Menorca has always been discreetly chic, but the island’s devotees have never felt the need to shout about it. Torralbenc perfectly captures this low-key glamour, providing a laidback luxe experience against a backdrop of honey-coloured hues, with characterful rooms and a Paco Morales restaurant. There is a 25-metre, unchlorinated outdoor pool and you can borrow bikes to cycle down to the beach and explore the coast. Read expert review From £138 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Barceló Hamilton Menorca
Es Castell, Menorca, Spain
8Telegraph expert rating
The adults-only Hamilton combines the chic design of a city hotel with the facilities you would expect in a holiday resort. There are indoor and outdoor pools, and up on the roof, there are six whirlpool tubs with views of the Mediterranean, where you can bubble away while sipping a refreshing pomada made with the local gin. Downstairs, you'll find the U Spa, where the Menorcan wine experience includes a scrub with grape products. Read expert review From £83 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Tenerife
October high: 26°C | October average: 23°C
Where to stay
Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora
Tenerife, Spain
8Telegraph expert rating
An opulent, hip hotel with a young, vibrant atmosphere, film star looks, deluxe rooms, a plethora of facilities and an adults-only option for lavish indulgence. It's found on Tenerife's sunny south west coast, near a traditional town with a couple of restaurants and a sheltered, black sand beach with natural rock pools. Fabulous sunsets behind the neighbouring island of La Gomera are a nightly feature of this location. Read expert review From £225 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife
Tenerife, Spain
9Telegraph expert rating
All the trademark rock star glamour, luxury and memorabilia of the Hard Rock brand is spread across a vast surface area on the ocean's edge here. It's located in the resort of Playa Paraíso, at the western extreme of Costa Adeje, with some of the best weather on Tenerife. The three heated swimming pools include an adults-only pool and the beach club lagoon, both with swim-up bars, partially submerged sun loungers and DJ booths. Read expert review From £104 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
• Affordable hotels in the Mediterranean
Gran Canaria
October high: 26°C | October average: 23°C
Where to stay
Veintiuno
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain
9Telegraph expert rating
Gentrification has hit Gran Canaria, and the impact is being felt most in Vegueta, the capital’s oldest neighbourhood. Veintiuno represents one of a new breed of classy-meets-sassy boutique hotels. On the roof you’ll find a splash pool with close-up views of the nearby cathedral and a refreshing skyline with a mishmash of architectural styles, including multi-coloured cliffside houses. There are 11 stylishly subdued bedrooms arranged over the ground and first floors, connected by the property’s original staircase. Read expert review From £98 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Hotel Riu Palace Maspalomas
Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, Spain
8Telegraph expert rating
Two worlds collide at the four-star Hotel Riu Palace Maspalomas: the man-made development of Gran Canaria's biggest resort, Playa del Inglés, and the natural beauty of Maspalomas' dunes. Built in colonial style, the Riu Palace was designed by César Manrique, resembling a fortress defending the Dunas de Maspalomas. On site, there are also swimming pools, botanic gardens, and a wellness centre with treatments including a relaxing full massage with avocado cream Read expert review From £128 per night
• The best hotels in Gran Canaria
Fuerteventura
October high: 26°C | October average: 23°C
Where to stay
Gran Hotel Atlantis Bahía Real
Fuerteventura, Spain
9Telegraph expert rating
Resembling a sultan’s palace, Fuerteventura’s standout hotel bridges the gap between Corralejo and nearby North Africa. The five-star Grand Luxe rating makes Gran Hotel Atlantis Bahía Real the only superior luxury hotel on the island. It's perched on the beach and has two lagoon pools and a spa with a stimulating thalassotherapy circuit, sauna, and steam room. Read expert review From £151 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Avanti Hotel Boutique
Fuerteventura, Spain
9Telegraph expert rating
This boutique establishment started out as rather more modest accommodation when it opened as Corralejo’s first hotel in 1969. These days, following a 21st-century makeover, it graces the pages of style magazines, representing Fuerteventura at its most fashionable. The nearest beach is a minute away and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can join the young ones jumping into the ocean from the harbour. There's also a roof terrace with sun loungers and a whirlpool tub. Read expert review From £104 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
• The best hotels in Fuerteventura
Lanzarote
October high: 29°C | October average: 23°C
Where to stay
Lani's Suites de Luxe
Lanzarote, Spain
9Telegraph expert rating
Lani’s is perched above a private beach, with Atlantic views tempting from every terrace, dining area, swimming pool and guest room. As for the style, imagine if Gianni Versace designed your suite in shades of snow white, mirror silver, cool linen and cream leather. Or if Liberace was placed in charge of guest relations, and insisted on Chopard bath products, plus a complimentary half bottle of Blanc de Blancs Cava for every new arrival. Lani’s oozes sass, style and out-and-out sexiness. Read expert review From £289 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Jardines del Sol
Playa Blanca, Lanzarote, Spain
9Telegraph expert rating
One of Lanzarote’s best-kept secrets is a hidden garden of 53 villa bungalows strewn around finely manicured grounds. With accommodation this fabulous – read iPod docks, high thread counts and multiple swimming pools – uprooting yourself from your private patio terrace is a monumental effort. It's also within walking distance of the town beach of Playa Flamingo. Read expert review From £46 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
• The best hotels in Lanzarote
CYPRUS
Late summer is a glorious season in Cyprus. It is a time when the scorching hot temperatures of summer give way to gloriously warm, sunny days that still allow for relaxing on the beach and yet are also favourable for venturing out to explore the countryside. It is a time when the olives, almonds and carobs are almost ready to pick, and the grapes in the vineyard are plump and ready to turn into wine. Evenings are mild. See an outdoor theatrical, operatic or musical concert, which are all popular events at this time of year, or head to a taverna and join locals looking forward to harvest time.
October high: 25°C | October average: 21°C
Where to stay
Columbia Beach Resort
Pissouri, Cyprus
9Telegraph expert rating
This coastal resort is reached by a long, winding pine tree-lined road from the elevated village of Pissouri. It stands in a crescent-shaped bay mid-way between Paphos and Limassol. Daily life tends to focus on enjoying the beach and watersports, relaxing in the spa or taking leisurely lunches on the terraces. Its focal point is a swim-through, inside-outside pool. Read expert review From £123 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Droushia Heights Hotel
Paphos, Cyprus
8Telegraph expert rating
Perched on an olive tree-covered hillside overlooking quaint rural villages and the stunning Chrysochou Bay coastline, this compact hotel easily merits a thumbs up for location. Popular with walkers and nature lovers, it is tranquil yet within easy reach of nearby Polis Chrysochou and Paphos. Big comfy sofas and traditional artefacts, cleverly displayed in dressers, dominate the main lounge area, which in turn looks out over the dining terrace and the extra long swimming pool. Read expert review From £46 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
MALTA & GOZO
The sun shines 300 days of the year in Malta and Gozo – and many of them are in September and October. Autumn sees the occasional storm but most of the time it is hot enough for sunbathing and sea temperatures are at their peak in September. After mid-September the beaches are uncrowded during the week too, and with the sun a little gentler than in high summer, this is the perfect time to combine beach and sightseeing. The islands have extraordinary historic attractions, from the second oldest stone buildings in the world to the Baroque legacy of the Knights of Malta.
Malta
October high: 24°C | October average: 21°C
Where to stay
Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Golden Sands
Mellieha, Malta
8Telegraph expert rating
This large, modern, family-friendly five-star hotel dominates Golden Bay, a wide sandy beach that is one of the island's best. All rooms have balconies, some with panoramic sea views, and there are four swimming pools – inside and out, including a children’s pool. Outdoor ones sit on a long limestone terrace, dotted with palms, overlooking the sea. The hotel has a small stretch of private beach, though other than at peak times there is probably more space on the public beach. Read expert review From £76 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
db Seabank Resort + Spa
Mellieha, Malta
7Telegraph expert rating
A large, all-inclusive resort hotel just across the road from Malta’s longest sandy beach. There is a main road behind the beach but the yellow sand slopes into shallow waters making it ideal for children. The largest hotel swimming pool in Malta is the centrepiece of the outdoor terrace, which also boasts the glass-walled indoor pool and kids club with gated play area. There are five restaurants. Read expert review From £102 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Gozo
October high: 24°C | October average: 21°C
Where to stay
Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz
San Lawrenz, Gozo, Malta
9Telegraph expert rating
The Kempinski sits on the edge of a traditional village near the coast, and is Gozo's top hotel. The low-rise building has a garden, several outdoor and indoor swimming pools and one of the best spas in Malta. There are three main restaurants – each with an outside terrace. Nearby, there's safe swimming at the Inland Sea, and boat trips through the gothic-ceilinged cave tunnel leading to the open sea. Read expert review From £79 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
San Antonio Guesthouse
Xlendi, Gozo, Malta
8Telegraph expert rating
A charming little family-run guesthouse with a pool and sea views on the edge of the seaside resort village of Xlendi on Gozo’s southern coast. It is about 10 minutes' walk to the head of the bay where the small waterfront is full of restaurants. There are good walks along the coastal cliffs and excellent swimming and snorkelling from the tiny beach and an extensive rocky shore along the side of the bay. Xlendi is also popular with divers and there are a couple of dive schools in the village. Read expert review From £46 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
MOROCCO
Unlike much of the rest of Morocco, which is still sweltering in September and October, Essaouira takes on the golden glow of an Indian summer with long, sunny days cooled by Atlantic breezes. It’s perfect for strolling on brown-sugar beaches that go on forever, combining bracing ocean dips with snoozes in the shade, seafood lunches on beachfront terraces and late-afternoon shopping trips into the souks. If it does get chillier when the sun goes down, it’s also big on charming little restaurants – many with log fireplaces – designed to keep you cosy.
Essaouira
October high: 29°C | October average: 21°C
Where to stay
Villa Maroc
Essaouira, Morocco
9Telegraph expert rating
Essaouira’s original, 18th-century riad hotel has 21 shabby-chic rooms, a Carita-endorsed spa and a front-row, ocean-view location in the Unesco-protected medina. In the warren of rooms you’ll find quiet reading patios, numerous lounges and dining rooms, a shop, bar, bijou spa, and spectacular roof terrace scattered with cacti and candy-coloured geraniums. There is also now a countryside retreat 12km outside of town, complete with pool, barbecue and a farmhouse with three rooms. There's a shuttle between the two for guests who want to spend time there. Read expert review From £117 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Riad Dar Adul
Essaouira, Morocco
9Telegraph expert rating
Dar Adul offers eclectic interiors, extravagantly decorated bedrooms and rooftop sunbathing with excellent sea views. It feels like one of the city’s best-kept secrets, yet it's mere minutes from Essaouira highlights like a long, sandy beach and blessedly hassle-free souks. You're right at the heart of the action, yet cunningly tucked just behind the sea wall so you’re never far from the sound of crashing Atlantic waves. Seasonal ingredients and boat fresh fish come together in the restaurant. Read expert review From £35 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
• The best hotels in Essaouira
TURKEY
With the intense heat of summer having faded but temperatures still in the high 20s, September and October are ideal months to visit Turkey's spectacular Turquoise Coast. It’s still hot enough to hit the beach, the long golden sands of Patara, or the secluded turquoise cove of Kaputaş near Kalkan, for example, and many hotels and guest houses offer significantly reduced rates on rooms. Travelling late in the season means you escape the crowds and can explore some of the region's top spots – such as the Lycian Way, the photogenic Olüdeniz lagoon and the vibrant cities of Antalya and Bodrum – in relative peace.
The Turquoise Coast
October high: 26°C | October average: 20°C
Where to stay
Sabrina’s Haus
Bozburun Peninsula, Turquoise Coast, Turkey
9Telegraph expert rating
Sabrina’s Haus, accessible only by boat, is an exquisite luxury hideaway for adults in a quiet, little-known part of the Turkish Mediterranean. Artwork and antiques adorn the rooms, and the Aegean seafood specialities are among the best in the region. The hotel doesn’t have a main pool – so opt for a room that comes with its own private one, some of which are huge – but even if you don't, there’s plenty of decking, with sun loungers and umbrellas, right by the sea. Read expert review From £405 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Kekik Hotel
Selimiye, Turquoise Coast, Turkey
8Telegraph expert rating
This rustic, adults-only hotel in the hills above Selimiye between the Aegean and Mediterranean seas has just a dozen rooms, a small infinity pool and is open year-round. It offers total peace and quiet, and a relaxing laid-back atmosphere. Expect aerial views of the pretty seaside village of Selimiye and a sweeping panorama of the bay and distant mountains and islands. Rooms on the ground floor open straight onto the sunbathing terrace. Read expert review From £60 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
• The best hotels on the Turquoise Coast
PORTUGAL
The Algarve is at its best in late summer when the crowds have left and the golden beaches empty out, calling for early morning walks. The blistering heat of August has lifted and the start and end of the day begin to have a welcome coolness in the air, whilst the bougainvillea gives one last final gasp of vivid colour. Lunch can still be enjoyed under cloudless blue skies, making a meal of freshly caught sea bass, a tomato salad drizzled with a local olive oil and a crisp white Portuguese wine alfresco a real joy.
The Algarve
October high: 25°C | October average: 19°C
Where to stay
Vila Vita Parc
Armação de Pera, Algarve, Portugal
9Telegraph expert rating
Vila Vita Parc has commanding sea views with direct access to the beach and something for everyone, from an outstanding spa, wine cellar and two Michelin-starred restaurant, to golf, tennis, paddleboarding and waterskiing. Rooms are well scattered throughout the property to give couples seclusion from families. It’s built in traditional Portuguese style, with whitewashed exteriors giving way to cool tiled interiors. The buildings is set around lakes and fountains amid lush subtropical gardens. Read expert review From £163 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
The Magnolia Hotel
Quinta do Lago, Algarve, Portugal
9Telegraph expert rating
Bringing a bit of Miami to Quinta do Lago – known as the California of Europe – The Magnolia Hotel stands out with its neon lights, pink and turquoise hues and cool, retro vibe. Seventy-four rooms, three suites and seven cottages complement a restaurant, outdoor heated swimming pool and tennis court. The hotel is within easy reach of the endless white dunes of Quinta do Lago beach, its golf courses, watersports on the nearby lake and its wide variety of restaurants. Read expert review From £75 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
• The best hotels in the Algarve
ITALY
The Amalfi Coast is one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in Europe. Backed by the rugged limestone Monti Lattari and fringed by clear, shimmering azure waters, it is characterised by a series of picture perfect villages whose pastel-hued buildings tumble down cliffs towards the sea below. Late summer is a perfect time to visit. The July and August crowds have left, temperatures become more bearable and hotel prices (among the highest in Italy) become more affordable after mid-September. There are no guarantees with the weather, of course, but the sea will usually be warm enough for swimming well into October. Yes, days are shorter, but the colours (and the local mood) are wonderfully mellow.
The Amalfi Coast
October high: 23°C | October average: 20°C
Where to stay
Hotel Santa Caterina
Amalfi, Amalfi Coast, Italy
9Telegraph expert rating
A mix of familial warmth, glamour and professionalism makes Hotel Santa Caterina stand out from the competition. Just outside Amalfi, the hotel is usefully placed for visits to Ravello (30 minutes by bus), Positano and Capri (both 40 minutes by ferry). The big surprise is the glass lift that whooshes down the cliff where the delightful pool, bar, beach-shack restaurant (dancing to live music on Tuesdays), sea and boats await. Read expert review From £326 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
La Maurella
Praiano, Amalfi Coast, Italy
8Telegraph expert rating
For those with caviar tastes on a tuna-fish budget, this coastal relais midway between Amalfi and Positano offers shabby-chic rooms with priceless sea views, treasurable staff, and a shingle beach and fishing harbour just a pebble’s throw away. It’s a quiet, laidback, bohemian kind of place – the delightful staff at the heart and soul of it. The five bedrooms cluster round a balconied-terrace, shaded with bleached bamboo and bordered with halcyon views of the blue, blue sea. Read expert review From £135 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
• The 50 greatest hotels in Italy
SICILY
The largest island in the Med – Sicily – is home to magnificent Greek temples and dazzling Baroque palazzos, breathtaking scenery and ravishing beaches, wonderful food and superb wines. And it has its very own active volcano. The beguiling capital Palermo has cleaned up its act in recent years, while other smaller towns such as Siracusa and Noto have taken on a sophisticated, hip edge. In July and August, beaches are crammed with Italian holidaymakers and the soaring temperatures make sightseeing miserable. After mid-September, the crowds thin out and hotel prices dip. It can be warm enough for sunbathing and right through October and into November, so this is destination for late autumn, too.
October high: 24°C | October average: 20°C
Where to stay
Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo
Taormina, Sicily, Italy
9Telegraph expert rating
The luxurious Timeo, set in one of Sicily’s prettiest towns, not only offers exceptional services and facilities, but also one of the best views in Italy, straight onto Europe’s largest active volcano –Mount Etna. There is a spa and a heated pool set in the lovely gardens and plenty of terrace space, plus sitting rooms with huge windows from which to enjoy the magical views. Use of the private beach facilities at sister hotel the Sant’Andrea is the icing on the cake. Read expert review From £293 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Casa Talìa
Modica, Sicily, Italy
9Telegraph expert rating
A couple of Milanese architects fell in love with a tumbledown property just across the gorge from downtown Modica, and have transformed it into one of Sicily’s most unique and characterful boutique hotels. It is spread out over a series of former domestic and agricultural buildings, some partly hewn into the rock. As in a Moroccan riad – a format that inspired the architect owners – it consists of a series of rooms with independent entrances, most of them facing the simple, very Sicilian garden. Read expert review From £137 per night Check availability Rates provided by Mr & Mrs Smith
Contributions by Annie Bennett, Carole French, Matthew Hirtes, Lizzie Frainier, Heidi Fuller-Love, Mary Lussiana, Andrea Montgomery, Anna Nicholas, Isabella Noble, Juliet Rix, Tara Stevens, Nicky Swallow, Rebecca Tay and Tina Walsh.
