It’s time to plan an autumn getaway! Summer is typically the busiest time for those in the tourism industry. But now, we have the opportunity to enjoy low-cost autumn getaways, taking advantage of the off-season and its affordability.
Over the years, I’ve developed a habit of planning warm holidays between late October and early December. Here in Liguria, basking in the autumn sun is a unique and delightful departure from the norm.
Many options exist, but I prefer these five stunning Mediterranean destinations for a long weekend or a week without spending too much on long flights. The beauty of these places will surely inspire your next autumn adventure.
The Aeolian Islands, a perfect autumn getaway
The Sicilian archipelago of the Aeolian Islands consists of seven volcanic islands, each more beautiful than the other! The largest island is Lipari, offering greater comfort, but my favourite this season is Panarea. It is a posh visitors’ paradise during summer but a quiet little gem out of season.
Then there are the romantic Salina, the most touristy Stromboli with constant volcanic activity, Vulcano, and the tiny, peaceful Filicudi and Alicudi.
The Aeolian Islands seem to doze in the fall and offer warm sunny days, crystal clear water, silences, paths overlooking the sea, archaeology, and excellent seafood. You can do nothing on the lava beaches, swinging off on a typical boat, or enjoy the many onsite activity options.
You can get there by landing in Catania and driving or taking a bus to Milazzo, from where several hydrofoils leave daily. If you choose Alicudi or Filicudi, I suggest landing in Palermo and taking the hydrofoil from there. Palermo also has the best sailing holiday charters!
* As always, when visiting islands, do not exclude a possible snag during shifts due to bad weather conditions!
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are seven, too, and like the Aeolian, they have volcanic origins. They are located a few miles from the African coast and the Tropic of Cancer. Still, they are a Spanish province. Their individual qualities offer everything you could want from a beach holiday: beaches, water sports, historic towns, entertainment, nightlife, food, wine, and tranquillity.
My favourite is Lanzarote, which I once described as an Eden of lava. It was probably the quietest and certainly the one with the least beautiful beaches, but it won me over with its unique charm.
Fuerteventura and La Palma are the best equipped and, therefore, more commercial but very beautiful. Gran Canaria is the most varied, both from a climatic point of view and from vegetation, beaches, and the specificity of the individual municipalities. I recommend the south of the island between autumn and winter, where it seldom rains.
El Hierro is the smallest, greenest, and most mountainous of all and beautiful. It is perfect for hiking and relaxing. La Gomera is special and is the least touristy of all. It is characterized by an impressive fossil forest and the basalt columns that descend into the sea.
The last one is Tenerife, which is the most modern and convenient from the point of view of the infrastructure. It was my grandfather’s favourite island, where he spent long winter weeks in the sun thanks to the excellent services for dialysis. Beaten by constant winds and rich in history and various attractions, it is complete from every perspective, but it saddens me a little…
You can easily reach the Canary islands with Iberia flights or almost any leading low-cost airline from major European cities, and internal flights and ferries connect them all. You can visit them by public transport, but I advise you to rent a car before arriving, have greater freedom, and spend less and not waste time at the airport.
They have an impressive tourist offer and are very cheap compared to other Mediterranean destinations. The Canary Islands are also perfect for a holiday on a sailing boat, and I’m planning to go back sailing in Lanzarote…
Morocco
I love it. Morocco is enveloping, spicy, warm, and so beautiful. The main cities are linked to major European towns by cheap flights, and the tourist offer is well thought out and distributed.
If you only have a weekend, you should dedicate it to a city at a time because they deserve time and slowness. I suggest you start with the imperial cities: Marrakech, Fes, Meknes, Rabat, and then Casablanca. If, however, you have more time, don’t miss the surroundings of each city, from the Atlas of Morocco to the desert to the little pearls of the coast, such as Essaouira, Safi, and Chefchaouen, the beautiful blue city.
Morocco is a perfect Mediterranean destination for those who want to discover the beauty and many facets of the Maghreb, a succulent cuisine, a passion for lengthy negotiations – that goes along with that for mint tea and hospitality – and then a demanding nature, but so generous… Let yourself be transported by the lifestyle and local traditions, and you’ll fall in love with it.
My favourite autumn getaway: Andalusia
Andalusia is the heart of Spain, suspended between the Maghreb and the Western world. It tells the history and beauty of this vast country.
Since my brother moved there, it became my favourite autumn getaway, but not only. I was there in March, and I am going back in November with the girls who work with me at the hotel and then again in December for a Spain-Morocco itinerary.
If all you have is a weekend, you will be spoiled with towns that are one more beautiful than the other, all with international airports, all warm and welcoming, all with flamenco soundtrack, tapas at any time, architectures that take your breath away and unfortunately also all with corrida and bullfighters (I’ve never sobbed as much as during the corrida I had to attend years ago in Valencia, but that’s another sad story).
The Andalusian Queen is undoubtedly Seville, but the Moorish palaces and mosques of Granada are not far behind. Not to mention the legendary Alhambra in Granada, the relaxing Malaga, the coast entire of beaches, and unique villages like El Rocio and Ronda, Palos, Cadiz, and Sierra Nevada, which I had never visited.
From November 13th to 20th, I will visit all of them, starting from Seville. I will spend an extra two days in Conil de la Frontera to do nothing on the beach with my brother.
Barbagia, the earth of Sardinia
Autumn in Barbagia is not necessarily warm, especially around Fonni or Supramunte, where it’s chilly. Still, the colours, flavours, and scents of this land out of season truly surprised me. I now consider it one of the best autumn getaways among the classic Mediterranean destinations.
Autumn in Barbagia – Cortes Apertas is also an annual event that allows you to discover the history, culture, and traditions of this corner of Sardinia.
At this time of the year, I fell in love with touching Orgosolo and discovered the spectacular archaic carnival of Mamoiada, the Nuragic culture in Bitti. I cried for the terrible history of ancient forests around Fonni and the beauty of its park, and the artistic solid lifestyle of Nuoro struck me, the creeks of the Orosei Gulf, I enjoyed the beautiful historic center of Oliena and that of Galtellì, the San Teodoro Lagoon and above all I met proud and great people.
Flights and ferries to Sardinia are not really cheap, especially if booked last second, but with a bit of organization, you’ll be able to find good deals.
Oh, and if your budget allows it, you should stay at the Su Gologone, my favourite experience hotel in Barbagia.
Malta and neighbouring Gozo would be good options for an autumn getaway, but I haven’t enjoyed my stay the last two times I have been there.
