Winter sun special: Where to soak up the last rays of summer
Weatherwise, it's been a grotty summer here at home. But if you've missed out on a rejuvenating dose of hot sunshine over the past few months, despair not. During late September and October, in the southern Med, summer is far from over. You can expect daytime temperatures to reach 75 to 85 Fahrenheit (the mid to high 20s Centrigrade) and plenty of sunny, rain-free days.
Postcard moments: You can still find patches of summer in various European locations
On Turkey's southern shores, Greece's Aegean islands, Sicily and the Costa del Sol, the heat over the next four weeks or so is actually likely to be far more pleasant than in the roasting months of July and August and certainly much better for sightseeing and exploring.
There are other big advantages in heading to the Med now or in October. With the schools having gone back, resorts are far less crowded, beaches emptier and the sea at the end of the summer keeps its warmth. Flights and accommodation are much cheaper than at peak times.
Here are some recommended destinations for late summer sun, with advice on where specifically to head for and who to turn to help arrange your holiday. I'd go sooner rather than later: towards the end of October, the weather in the Med often deteriorates sharply.
Crete
October average maximum temperature: 73F (23C)
Greece's largest island is one of the most southerly parts of Europe which is why it usually stays really warm well into October. It's also packed with lots to see, including lovely Venetian-influenced ports and the Minoan Palace of Knossos. So, unlike on some other Greek islands, if the weather is poor, you won't be t! widdling your thumbs.
Where to head for: The southwest corner. Sheltered by the White Mountains, it's the warmest part of Crete. Base yourself in the lovely villagey resort of Paleohora, or diminutive, dazzlingly pretty Loutro, accessible only by boat or on foot. The walking in the area is fantastic.
Fixing the trip: Sunvil (020 8758 4758, www.sunvil.co.uk) and Freelance Holidays (01789 297705, www.freelance-holidays.co.uk) offer good accommodation in both resorts.
Catch the last rays: Taormina makes a great base if you're staying in Sicily
Cyprus
October average maximum temperature: 77F (25C)
Summer usually lingers on in Cyprus longer than anywhere else in Europe. In October, as well as high temperatures you can expect eight or nine hours of sunshine a day, and minimal rain.
Where to head for: Paphos, with its medieval castle and pretty harbour, is the best all-round resort. In the area is the excellent Coral Bay beach, top-notch classical sights such as the Roman mosaics at Nea Paphos, and sleepy Cypriot villages.
Fixing the trip: For a package staying in one of Paphos's several luxury hotels, contact Sovereign (0844 415 1984, www.sovereign.com). For a wider range of accommodation, try Thomson (0871 231 4691, www.thomson.co.uk).
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Sicily
October average maximum temperature: 73F (23C)
What makes Sicily special is not so much its beaches but its wealth of A-list sightseeing - from well-preserved classical temples to golden baroque towns and Europe's largest volcano. All are much better appreciated in October than in baking- hot July and August.
Where to head for: If you want a single base, make it clifftop Taormina. The resort is full of hotels converted from old palazzi.
Fixing the trip: Citalia (0844 415 1987, www.citalia.com) offers a large choice of hotels in Taormina and can also arrange self-drive touring holidays of the island. Also try Long Travel (01694 722193, www.long-travel.co.uk) for appealing self-catering.
Late summer special: Head to Granada in October, and the Alhambra will be considerably less busy
Southern Turkey
October average maximum temperature: 75F (24C)
It's usually really hot in Turkey's resorts in September a week ago it was 86F (30C) in the ones I checked. Come October, the more southerly resorts tend to be a few degrees warmer than those on the Aegean side.
Where to head for: My favourite resorts are relaxing Dalyan, set along a reedy river across from Lycian rock tombs, and civilised Kalkan, with Ottoman merchants' houses on steep alleys above the harbour. Both are still animated into October, and within easy reach of several of Turkey's best beaches.
Fixing the trip: Anatol! ian Sky Holidays (0844 571 9111, www.anatoliansky.co.uk) has an excellent selection of accommodation in Dalyan and Kalkan, and good deals at the moment. Also consider a package with Thomas Cook (0844 412 5959, www.thomascook.com).
Costa Del Sol
October average max temperature: 72F (22C)
At the tail end of summer, Spain's most southerly costa tends to be a bit warmer, sunnier and drier than the country's other costas or the Balearics. If you get a rainy day or two, you're in pretty easy reach of striking pueblos blancos (white villages perched on hillsides) and Granada, whose exquisite Moorish citadel the Alhambra should be less heaving than in the peak of summer.
Where to head for: Nerja is an attractive clifftop town very different in look and atmosphere from the high-rise concrete jungles elsewhere on the coast. Or consider Marbella, with a picturesque casco antiguo (old town), quality hotels and restaurants, and nightlife in spades just down the coast at Puerto Banus.
Fixing the trip: James Villas (0800 074 0122, www.jamesvillas.co.uk) has availability and keen prices for villa rentals in the Nerja area in October. Classic Collection (0800 008 7299, www.classic-collection.co.uk) is good for four and five-star hotels in Marbella.
Cote D'Azur
October average maximum temperature: 70F (21C)
From the end of June through to mid-September, this coast is only for masochists, with the beaches, sights and roads jam-packed. Though the Cote d'Azur can't offer the same heat in late summer as more southerly spots, mid-September to mid or even late October is a far more enjoyable time to go.
Fixing the trip: Expedia (www.expedia.co.uk) offers hotels in St Tropez, or see www.holiday-rentals.co.uk for apartments and villas.
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