Best European beaches perfect for a sunny autumn vacation

If the thought of squeezing onto a crowded beach in July or August makes you cringe, you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t have to settle for the hottest, busiest months to get your dose of sun and sand in the Mediterranean. Fall is the new summer, at least for those in the know.

September and October — and even November in some places — offer a golden opportunity to hit some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches when the excessive heat subsides, the kids are back at school and the tourists have all gone home. Forget about those blustery beaches in Ireland or northern France, where the cool weather and rain are eager to crash your autumn plans. Instead, set your sights on the Mediterranean’s sun-soaked shores in Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Malta, Croatia or Cyprus.

Summer may be winding down, but your beach days don’t have to. Here are the 13 best European beaches warm enough to enjoy during the fall shoulder season.

Cala Comte, Ibiza, Spain

Forget Ibiza’s party scene — October is when the island shows its calmer side. Cala Comte is a local favorite, with its turquoise waters and golden sands offering a tranquil retreat as the summer season winds down. In October, the island enjoys temperatures in the mid-70s, making it ideal for beach lovers who want to soak up the sun without the chaos. Expect to be surrounded by nature, enjoying Ibiza’s serenity in its offseason glory.

Glyfada Beach, Greece

According to luxury travel company Red Savannah’s Europe travel specialist Clare Watkins, the locals go to escape the city buzz in Glyfada Beach. “Tucked away on the Athens Riviera, it has a long season and visitors can complement time on the beach with exploring the classic sights of Athens without the crowds in the shoulder/low season when the temperature is very pleasant,” she said.

Here, white-sand beaches meet marinas alive with the hum of fishing boats bringing in the day’s catch. Come for the sun and stay for the souvlaki at one of the many traditional Greek tavernas. Plus, you’re just a stone’s throw from Athens’ iconic sights, minus the summer crowds. If you’re looking for a stay that oozes old-school glamour, check out the new One&Only Aesthesis, a reincarnation of the Asteria Beach Club that hosted celebrities in the ’50s and ’60s. (Rates start at $704 per night.)

Though the One&Only brand does not participate in loyalty programs, this property is part of the Fine Hotels + Resorts collection through American Express Travel. If you have The Platinum Card® from American Express and book a stay through Amex Travel, you’ll get perks such as a $100 credit toward eligible charges, noon check-in (when available), a room upgrade at check-in (when available) and late checkout (based on availability). You can earn 5 American Express Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on prepaid stays at this hotel when booking through amextravel.com with the Amex Platinum (terms apply).

Papagayo Beach, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain

Located off the western coast of Morocco, Lanzarote’s Papagayo Beach is a slice of paradise that stays warm and sunny while continental Europe begins to chill. October offers summerlike weather on this Canary Island, with temperatures hovering around the 80s and sunshine nearly daily. Whether you’re into surfing, snorkeling or just soaking up the rays, Papagayo offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, all with a backdrop of out-of-this-world volcanic landscapes.

San Vito Lo Capo Beach, Sicily, Italy

By October, most of Sicily’s beaches are yours for the taking, and San Vito Lo Capo is no exception. This beach is a 2-mile stretch of soft white sand that leads right up to the towering Monte Monaco. The crowds have disappeared, leaving you to enjoy the Sicilian sunshine, with temperatures in the mid-70s. Whether you’re lounging on the beach or hiking up the mountain for jaw-dropping views of the Gulf of Castellammare, this spot offers tranquility with adventure. The trek is fairly easy — it takes about 1 1/2 hours to reach the peak.

Baia dei Turchi, Puglia, Italy

Puglia is Italy’s best-kept secret, especially in the fall when the crowds have thinned, but the sun still shines. Baia dei Turchi, with its crystal-clear waters and dramatic limestone cliffs, is the ultimate spot for a peaceful escape. The temperatures hover comfortably in the 70s and 80s, perfect for swimming or lounging on the beach. “Puglia is a gem of southern Italy and offers a triple threat of incredible cuisine, crystal-blue waters and warm, friendly locals,” said Julie Durso, private travel manager for Europe with Scott Dunn, a luxury tour operator. She recommends staying at the Borgo Egnazia resort, which stays open through November, to take advantage of special low-season rates for around $861 per night, less than half the high-season rate. This property also participates in Amex’s Fine Hotels + Resorts program.

Marinha Beach, Lagos, Portugal

If you’re looking for a picture-perfect beach in Portugal’s Algarve region, Marinha Beach is it. Imagine kicking back on golden sands, with those iconic rocky cliffs giving you the ultimate backdrop. October still brings plenty of sunshine, though the Atlantic might be too nippy for a swim. But don’t worry — when the tide’s low, you can wander out to the rock formations that peek out from the water and go on a little adventure hunting for sea creatures. It’s like a natural treasure hunt, no swimsuit required!

Kamari Beach, Santorini, Greece

Santorini extended its season this year, according to Ashley Hall, senior travel consultant for Europe with Scott Dunn. “Santorini is one of the most popular Greek islands, and it is even more magical without the heavy crowds,” she said. Where should you go specifically? Kamari Beach in Santorini might not have the classic white sand, but its unique black volcanic pebbles and crystal-clear waters make it a standout. Visiting in October or November means you’ll have this spot mostly to yourself, with temperatures still hanging around the mid-70s. Stroll along the promenade, enjoy fresh seafood at a beachfront taverna and enjoy the island’s rugged beauty — all without the summer crowds.

Golden Bay, Malta

Malta is often the underdog in the European beach scene, but this island has everything you’d want from a Mediterranean getaway. “Malta didn’t necessarily extend their season, but it’s often overlooked and open most of the year,” said Hall. “It’s still quite warm in November.”

Golden Bay has warm sands and even warmer waters well into November, with temperatures comfortably in the 70s. With fewer tourists, you can truly appreciate Malta’s mix of history, culture and sun-soaked relaxation. Pair your beach day with exploring ancient temples and cozying up in a seaside cafe as the sun sets.

Bitez Beach, Bodrum, Turkey

October is when Bodrum’s beauty truly shines. With its glassy waters and golden sunlight, Bitez Beach is where the locals unwind as summer gives way to autumn. The Aegean Sea is still warm, often hitting the high 70s, perfect for a leisurely swim or a boat trip along Turkey’s lush coastline.

Monte Cogoni Beach, Sardinia, Italy

You’ll find endless possibilities for a beach break on the Italian island of Sardinia, but the south of the island is best for the warmest weather and waters as autumn sets in. For beach-appropriate sunshine, warmer water and gentle winds, it’s best to visit the island by mid-October. Monte Cogoni Beach is among the many within reach of Cagliari, the island’s capital. After you enjoy the white sands and clear waters, check out the pond behind the sea, where flamingos often congregate.

Anthony Quinn Bay, Rhodes, Greece

Rhodes is one of those Greek islands that doesn’t quit, even in October. Anthony Quinn Bay is a hidden gem with pine-covered cliffs that dip into crystal-clear waters. It’s not the easiest beach to get to, but that’s part of the charm. You’ll be rewarded with one of the most breathtaking spots on the island. The pebbled shore might not be the best for barefoot walks, but the stunning scenery more than makes up for it. With temperatures still in the mid-70s, it’s an ideal spot for a peaceful autumn escape.

Banje Beach, Dubrovnik, Croatia

Croatia has no shortage of sandy and rocky beaches; truthfully, Banje Beach isn’t the country’s most far-flung or exotic stretch of sand. But this pebbled beach is only a short walk from Dubrovnik’s walled city center, meaning you can combine beach time with a visit to major tourist attractions once the weather cools off at night. Plus, admiring the azure waters with the red-topped buildings and stone walls in the distance during your beach visit makes for a memorable travel experience.

Blue Lagoon, Cyprus

Located in the eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus is the place to be if you’re chasing the sun deep into fall. The Blue Lagoon is a natural pool near the Baths of Aphrodite, where the waters are so clear you’ll feel like you’re swimming in a giant sapphire. The weather is still hot in October, often reaching the 80s, making it ideal for snorkeling or sunbathing. Whether you arrive by boat or brave the rugged path in a 4×4, this beach will feel like your little paradise while the rest of Europe cools down.

Bottom line

It’s still not too late to squeeze in an autumn sunshine getaway to a beach. While most of Europe is gearing up for the colder weather during the fall shoulder season, there are still spots where you can soak in some sun — and enjoy a relatively crowd-free beach vacation in September, October and even November now.

And if this isn’t the year for an autumn beach getaway to Europe, bookmark these destinations so you have something to look forward to next year.