Five of the best holidays in Europe for autumn sun including part of UK coast which gives Spain a run for its money
WELCOME to Tuesday’s travel special, where we bring you inspiration for holidays at home and abroad.
This week, Sophie Swietochowski suggests five Indian summer getaways with balmy autumn weather and glowing sunsets to keep you and your family entertained.
ROAD TRIP THROUGH WEST FRANCE
ARE you an avid surfer?
September is one of the best months for hitting the waves in France, and the Vendée’s sloping beaches and dramatic coastline have it all.
The best way to tick off all the top surf spots is to hire a camper van and take a road trip.
Make sure to visit the pretty town of La Rochelle, with its historic harbour where you can explore a collection of lighthouses and gorge on fresh moules frites.
Travel in Alessandro’s two-berth Volkswagen T6, which sleeps up to four and comes with a dining area and kitchenette.
Available to pick up from South London.
Six-night hire is from £157 per night. See yescapa.co.uk.
HIKE THE SOUTH COAST OF ENGLAND
PARTS of Britain’s coast can even give Spain’s Costa del Sol a run for its money . . . when the sun has its hat on.
Check out Eastbourne Walking Festival in September for lovely beach and hill treks.
It celebrates its tenth anniversary this year and travellers can pick from a marvellous range of routes, as well as getting advice from experts along the way.
Stay at the 5* Grand Hotel in Eastbourne, East Sussex, right on the seafront, with rooms from £203 per night including breakfast.
The festival runs from September 15 to 24. For more details, see grandeastbourne.com or phone 01323 412345.
BAKLAVA AND BEACHES IN CRETE
THE weather on the Greek island of Crete, with its 650 miles of glorious coastline, remains warm well into October.
Spend a day lounging on one of the gorgeous beaches or pop to Rethymno Old Town to find Crete’s oldest filo pastry shop — serving up sweet treat baklava.
Stay at Iliana Apartments in Panormos.
This pretty village is home to a photogenic harbour and two sandy shores. Or kick back at the apartments’ own pool.
Seven nights’ self-catering costs from £762pp, based on two sharing and including return flights from Gatwick on October 10.
Call 020 8568 4499 or see sunvil.co.uk.
FARM BREAKS IN SPAIN
THE Sierras Subbéticas is one of the least-known national parks in Spain but is an absolute beauty, with lush hillsides.
Stay in the charming Casa Olea boutique hotel nearby, which is a converted olive oil farmhouse with bags of character.
The luxury B&B serves excellent food, all made with local produce, and offers olive oil tastings from €10 per person.
When you are not strolling the national park or enjoying delicious dinners, spend the day by the pool, which has views of the olive groves.
Seven nights’ B&B costs from £1,140pp, based on two sharing and including flights from Gatwick on November 16.
Call 020 8568 4499 or see sunvil.co.uk.
FESTIVALS IN THE FAROES
EVEN without sunshine, the Faroe Islands are spectacular — home to unspoiled landscapes and wildlife galore — and next month’s Atjan Wild Islands Festival will showcase the best of the region.
Take a wild dip in the Atlantic or follow one of the serene walking trails.
During the festival you can also compete in running races around the island, from 10km to half-marathon and ultra-marathon.
Or enjoy live concerts.
Stay at the Hotel Brandan, close to the islands’ capital, Torshavn, where rooms cost from £230 per night on a room-only basis.
The five-day festival runs from September 6 to 10 and tickets cost from £209pp.