The summer solstice is bittersweet in my view; a gloriously long, light day on the one hand; a turning point on the other, when the nights start drawing in. And so, with it having been and gone, our thoughts turn to autumn, to those last gasps of summer before darkness descends and we need to travel longer and further to find warmth and light. Below are my personal considerations of what’s on my radar this autumn and where I’d direct friends, should they ask – and they frequently do! All are within (fairly) easy reaching distance from the UK. Longer haul destinations must wait for winter.
Where is hot in October
First up, Sicily. Fly to Catania, hire a car and head to the exquisite Baroque towns of the island’s Southeast – Ragusa, Modica, Scicli and Noto amongst them. The last of these and probably the most famous is the best base so try your luck at booking Seven Rooms Villadorata or Q92 in Noto itself, or head to the countryside just outside to Masseria degli Ulivi.
As a long-time admirer of cycling tour operator The Slow Cyclist it’s good to hear of the company’s two new destinations being launched this autumn to add to their sell-out holidays in Romania and Greece. There’ll be a five-night trip to Abruzzo, the Italian coastal region east of Rome, and a handful more six-night trips (off-grid and truly adventurous) to the Taurus Mountains in Turkey. These trips incidentally are also good for families with hearty, energetic kids in their teens and upwards.
With activity in mind, autumn is the perfect time for walking. Inntravel is my favourite walking company – inexpensive, beautifully researched and operating all over Europe. Personally, I’d head to Spain; Andalucia most likely where the company offers 15 different walking holiday options, some based in a single hotel, others moving from one hotel to the next. I’d finish with a couple of days at Finca Cortesin, just inland from the sea near Estepona (though the hotel has a private beach club), an all-time favourite hotel of mine with every facility under the sun and beautifully designed, too. This is a great one for families at half term.
From the Costa del Sol to Portugal, another year-round sunny destination, even if the heat begins to wane in autumn. If you want to tick the ‘big’, ‘family’, ‘luxury’ boxes go to the all-singing, all-dancing Vila Vita Parc or perhaps consider renting one of resort’s off-property villas via vilavitacollection. Or, for a small, romantic, beautifully designed experience, check out Pensao Agricola in the eastern Algarve which comprises two, soon-to-be-three accommodation options: six suites in the Pensao itself; a further five in nearby Hospedaria, an exquisite guesthouse; and opening imminently Casas da Quinta de Cima, nine suites in converted worker’s cottages, a short walk from the beach.
If not the Algarve, a weekend break to glorious Lisbon. Stay at Palacio Principe Real, a British-owned, salmon-pink palace with gorgeous gardens and outdoor pool – a true oasis in the heart of the city.
On the theme of city breaks, Paris is just as lovely in the autumn as in the spring. Le Grand Mazarin (from the same owners as lovely Crillon le Brave in Provence – amongst others) is the place to head to, and has the double whammy of great location and great designer: Le Marais and Martin Brudnizki respectively. Design-conscious travellers take note!
Where is hot in November
And so to Marrakech, an excellent option for autumn – near enough to Europe for a long weekend, far enough away to make you feel you’ve been somewhere exotic. Jnane Tamsna with soulful interiors by owner Meryanne Loum-Martin and set in a nine-acre garden in the heart of the Palmeraie would be my recommendation for combining city and sanctuary. Should you be after a spell on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, as of last year Ryanair (sigh!) relaunched direct flights between London Stansted and the pretty port city of Essouira.
Finally, to the Middle East where I shan’t be writing about Dubai or Egypt, though both are excellent options for autumn, particularly for family travel (if you haven’t done the pyramids with children, make it a must). Instead I would suggest Jordan, honestly one of the best destinations at the latter end of the year. Exploring Petra, floating in the Dead Sea and camping amongst the geological wonders of Wadi Rum are essential for any itinerary. If needs must, you can always tag scuba diving in the Red Sea at Aqaba on to end. Another great option for families – talk to Scott Dunn.
Oman has always been a safe autumn bet – plenty of warmth and sunshine, easy to get to and an excellent range of hotels. Those familiar with Dubai will know the Jumeirah brand, which has just launched its first property in Oman’s Muscat Bay. This is a very family friendly property and there are good opening deals to be had.
As a postscript, I’m going to throw in something a little left field: Norway. Not the place for an end of summer tan but an excellent choice for a plethora of outdoor activities and to witness ‘the Fall’ without going all the way to the US. Union Øye hotel, on the edge of a spectacular fjord, has recently emerged from a major refurbishment. I’d be there in a heartbeat.
