It boasts a rich history, a blissful climate and fantastic beaches.
Although summer is coming to an end, it does not mean holidays are over for Brits in 2023 as there are plenty of great destinations to visit in autumn.
There are lots of places that remain warm but are far quieter in months like autumn.
This means holidaymakers can enjoy tranquillity and relax to the fullest.
Whether you want a beach escape or a city break, here is a guide to some enchanting destinations to visit in autumn.
So, pack your bags and set your wanderlust free as we unveil the most captivating havens for an unforgettable getaway.
Cyprus
Temperature: 16°C – 27°C
Cyprus may be located in the Mediterranean but the island is so far south-east, it has the climate of the Middle East.
It boasts a rich history, a blissful climate and fantastic beaches.
Away from the beautiful coastline is the lesser-explored Troodos mountains.
This mountain range is filled with vineyards, hillside villages and friendly tavernas, which are small Greek restaurants.
For families looking for an Autumn getaway, Anassa is one of the top hotels in Cyprus.
For a more adult star, the beachside Amavi in Paphos is a good option.
Mauritius
Temperature: 20°C – 25°C
While October means things get colder for most of us, it is springtime in Mauritius, making it a great autumn getaway.
Huge flowers are blooming and animal chattering comes out of the rainforest.
Although the flight from the UK is approximately 12 hours, it will be worth it.
Take a trip to the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden, where you can see tropical plants growing in a picturesque setting.
Or visit Chez Tante Athalie, an authentic restaurant featuring a tantalising blend of European, Indian, Chinese and Creole-inspired dishes.
Dine overlooking the grounds, which are eccentrically dotted with vintage cars and always full of brightly coloured birds flitting about.
Los Cabos
Temperature: 23°C – 33°C
Beachy Los Cabos in Mexico is all about switching off in style.
This sun-drenched holiday destination features top restaurants and is popular among celebrities.
October is an ideal month to visit because it is hot but the occupancy is low.
Los Cabos is actually two towns at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula – Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo.
The latter retains more traditional charm and has a number of chic hotels.
Puerto Raiz is a must-visit. It is an outdoor foodie hub with two restaurants and a distillery, set within 13 acres of orchards and gardens.
All produce is sourced onsite – including for the distillery’s spirits and cocktails – while cheese, meat and seafood come from local purveyors in neighbouring Baja towns such as La Paz and Todos Santos.
Malaga
Temperature: 15°C – 24°C
Malaga’s exuberant young crowd has injected new energy into this little seaside city, situated on Spain’s sunniest costa.
This has earned it a reputation for being a pocket-sized Barcelona, where tourists can find stunning art and food, as well as late-summer heat.
Although the charming town is small, it is packed with restaurants and boutiques selling handmade homewares.
There is also a museum dedicated to Picasso and a theatre run by actor Antonio Banderas.
The city’s modernity can be found at the port with its innovative Centre Pompidou.
Holidaymakers can stay at the 18th-century Palacio Solecio, which reopened in 2020 after a full overhaul.
Provence
Temperature: 12°C – 20°C
France’s Provence is a popular summer destination.
But for food and tranquillity, October is a great time to go.
In autumn, Provence’s vineyards are vibrant while the morning mists shroud the glades of the Luberon at dawn.
Autumn is the season of wine, truffles and food festivals, with markets heaped with harvest spoils.
Its villages are uncrowded except for locals and the weather is still warm and dry, making the destination ideal for country walks and bike rides.
Ningaloo Reef
Temperature: 16°C – 33°C
Ningaloo Reef is Western Australia’s most pristine coral reef and has become known as a marine superhighway.
Diving and snorkelling trips are lively, with the reef teeming with fish, turtles and sharks.
Ningaloo Reef is also one of just a few places in the world where you can swim alongside whale sharks and humpback whales.
These majestic creatures journey along the reef on their way to feeding grounds in the Antarctic.
Or take a boat as they breach out of the water around you.
Guests can stay at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, the only hotel in the Cape Range National Park.
Japanese Alps
Temperature: 9°C – 20°C
Many people love Japan’s cherry blossom season but the country’s most appealing sight is its Alps in autumn.
Vibrant reds, oranges and yellows drape across the ranges, reflecting in jade-green lakes and rivers.
While hiking trails can get very busy, the outstanding vistas make up for it and the Japanese excel at high-altitude mountain huts, where you can get a private room and bento box-style dinner.
The spa towns around Takayama are proficient at soothing aching limbs.
Alternatively, upmarket ryokans offer both outdoor and indoor hot-spring baths, fine-dining kaiseki dinners and gorgeous traditional rooms with tatami mats and sliding paper screens.
Darjeeling
Temperature: 10°C – 17°C
If you are looking to go on holiday in autumn, Darjeeling in India is a place to visit.
October marks the end of monsoon season and the rain and fog peel back to reveal the extravagant Himalayan views.
One of the top things to do is to make a sunrise visit to Tiger Hill to see the frosted peaks of Mount Kanchenjunga, bathed in a peachy glow.
If you keep your eyes peeled, you can even spot Everest on the left.
Darjeeling provides a relaxing time. From tasting different teas at local plantations to riding the UNESCO-listed steam railway.
Ging Tea House is among the oldest tea estates in the region, from which you can take lovely guided hikes.
Rome
Temperature: 12°C – 22°C
Italy has always been a popular holiday destination but is important to know the best time to go.
June, July and August are unbearably busy and hot.
May and September used to be quieter but lots of people realised this and they are now busy.
Meanwhile, winter is not ideal due to the declining temperatures.
So October is when you should go. It is still warm but it is far less busy.
Visit the Colosseum, Sistine Chapel and Gianicolo, and you can take plenty of pictures without tourists ruining the view.
The Galapagos
Temperature: 19°C – 25°C
When it comes to the Galapagos Islands, there is no other wildlife like this on Earth and it is all year round.
But to make the most out of the nature, it is peak season for fish and birds from June until the end of October.
This period is also when there is the least amount of rain.
It is fairly quiet in October plus the sea is warmer, so you can take a dip and get up close to the varied marine life.
While most tourists explore the Galapagos via small cruise ships, it is possible to book land-based tours.
This means eating at locally run restaurants and exploring the human history of the islands.
As autumn approaches in the UK, these destinations will ensure you can enjoy the warm weather for a little longer.
Whether you’re a traveller in search of cultural immersion, an outdoor enthusiast seeking picturesque landscapes, or simply someone looking to escape the everyday routine, these destinations have beckoned with their allure and left an indelible mark on our hearts.
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