Seven last-minute holidays for a final blast of heat

Looking to escape the Arctic blast? Here are seven sunny locations for the coming weeks

This week, the mercury dropped as a so-called “Arctic blast” (formerly known as a cold snap) brushed Britain’s shores, with temperatures between 4-7C below average, and mornings feeling particularly chilly.
As you dusted off your coat and cranked on the central heating, you may, like us, have started wondering where in the world summer lingers on for a few weeks longer. Well, there are plenty of options.
As we creep towards October, southern Europe remains warm, with Palma de Mallorca (highs of 26C this week), Corfu (22C) and Sicily (30C) still carrying the torch of summer.
We have dug out seven excellent holidays where you can expect temperatures of 20C and above in October and November, all with availability.
Pleasant temperatures await in southern Italy in early October, with the mercury nudging the mid-20s. Set on the island of Ischia in the Gulf of Naples, the Kirker Ischia Music Festival takes place from October 9-16. Special private recitals include performances by the Maxwell String Quartet and the pianist Thomas Kelly. Kirker Holidays has a seven-night package departing on October 9, including six private concerts, sightseeing around the island and entry fees to attractions, a private garden tour of the famous Mortella Garden, plus all accommodation, breakfasts and dinner, starting from £2,976 per person.
If the summer holidays wiped out the bulk of your savings, you might want to consider this option on the Algarve, where daytime temperatures will hang in the high teens to the low 20s for another month or two. EasyJet Holidays has a seven-night break at the three-star Ukino Terrace (on one of the area’s loveliest beaches, Senhora da Rocha) in Porches, starting from £597 per person, including transfers, flights from London Gatwick and accommodation. A range of dates are available over the coming months.
October and November are among the best times to visit Mauritius, when daily highs tend to be around 27C in the day and 18C at night. Love to Explore offers a holiday staying at the Constance Prince Maurice, including a wine-tasting experience, a 30-minute massage, unlimited golf and a “dine-around” meal plan. Prices start from £4,300 per person for a seven-night stay in early October, including economy flights from London.
For something a little bit more adventurous, why not take a circular self-drive tour of Sicily, hopping between Unesco-listed sites and historic cities? This Cox & Kings itinerary takes in Syracuse, the handsome baroque region of Val di Noto, the capital city of Palermo, and the picturesque Taormina coast – staying at manors, palaces and townhouses along the way. Nine nights, with flights, sightseeing and accommodation on a B&B basis, starts from £2,910 per person based on two sharing. A range of dates are available.
If all-inclusive holidays aren’t your thing, this one might be for you. Ikos Andalusia is an ultra all-inclusive resort, redefining the genre with seven restaurants (including Michelin-starred cuisine) plus a dining programme covering a number of high-quality local restaurants. The hotel is set in 17 acres of gardens, with pools and a sweeping golden-sand beach. And, if things are working in your favour, temperatures should be a pleasant 20C. Inspiring Travel has a seven-night holiday departing on November 2, starting from £1,589 per person based on two sharing a superior garden view room, including flights and transfers.
Some tour operators are laying on deals for the shoulder season, including Mark Warner, which is offering £50 off select holidays if booked before September 16. One option is the Phokaia Beach Resort in Turkey, where a week’s holiday, including accommodation (five nights full-board and two half-board) and a range of sports and activities, starts from £759 per person (including the savings). Based on two adults and two children sharing a family room, departing on October 29, when temperatures should still be in the high teens or low 20s for your stay.
For a stylish, adults-only escape, look to the Katouna Suites in Lefkada. In the hills above the island’s east coast, you will have far-reaching views across the sea to the mainland, with one of Lefkada’s loveliest villages just a 10-minute walk away. The suites are cut into the hillside, each with a balcony. Simpson Travel has a seven-night holiday including B&B accommodation, flights and car hire from £975 per person based on two sharing, departing on October 13.