With October half-term fast approaching, families seeking one last dose of autumn sunshine need not look far beyond Europe.
While temperatures tumble and the winter chill begins to set in across the UK, a host of European beach destinations are still basking in temperatures above 20C (68F).
From the crystal-clear waters of Kefalonia, home to one of Greece’s most photographed beaches, to the sun-drenched shores of the Canary Islands, there are still plenty of places to swap grey skies for golden sands.
Whether you’re planning a last-minute family getaway or simply craving some late-season warmth, these European beaches offer the perfect excuse to chase the sun before winter arrives.
Read on to discover Europe’s warmest beaches for an October half-term escape.
1. Nissi Beach, Cyprus
Nissi Beach, in Cyprus, ranked as the warmest beach for an October half-term getaway
Over in the party spot of Ayia Napa, on the southern coast of Cyprus, Nissi Beach feels a balmy 23.4C on average in October, according to analysis by airport transfer experts at Hoppa.
The white sandy bay stretches for 500m and overlooks crystal clear, turquoise water.
One-way flights to Larnaca, Ayia Napa's closest airport, can be bagged for just £35 in October with Wizz Air from London.
2. Coral Bay, Cyprus
Coral Bay, another Cyprus spot, ranked second with average temperatures of 22.1C
Another Cypriot beach, Coral Bay is a sheltered and sandy spot that's perfect for catching the sun.
In October, it sees temperatures of around 22.1C and the Blue Flag beach has plenty of bars and restaurants nearby to enjoy after a day by the sea.
The dreamy destination can be found in the Paphos area of the island – a popular choice for holidaymakers.
Flights to Pafos Airport can be found for as little as £29 from London in October, so a sunny getaway to Coral Bay won't break the bank.
3. Faliraki Beach, Rhodes, Greece
Faliraki Beach, on the Greek island of Rhodes, boasts temperatures of around 21.8C
Bringing Greece into the mix, Faliraki Beach in Rhodes is around 21.8C in October, making it a sunny spot to visit during the half term.
Spread across 5km (three miles) of golden sands, the beach is a beautiful spot for enjoying the warm weather.
Holidaymakers can catch a flight to Rhodes from £25 in October.
3. St Paul's Bay, Rhodes, Greece
Another spot in Rhodes, St Paul's Bay ranks joint third overall
St Paul's Bay places joint third, another destination in Rhodes that offers temperatures of around 21.8C.
The sheltered cove can be found in Lindos, on the east coast of the dreamy island.
It's possible to walk from the beach into the town, and you'll soon find an array of local shops and cafes.
The area is home to the Acropolis of Lindos, which towers above the town from a cliff.
5. Playa del Inglés, Gran Canaria
Playa del Inglés, in Gran Canaria, is one of the island's most-visited beaches
Playa del Inglés is one of the most visited beaches in Gran Canaria, according to the local tourism board, and it's easy to see why.
It boasts temperatures of around 21.2C in October and has everything – from water sports to rows of sunbeds.
Flights to Gran Canaria start from £23 this month, departing from London.
6. Playa del Duque, Tenerife
Playa del Duque, in Tenerife, sees around 20.7C in October
Another Canary Island, Tenerife is home to the gorgeous Playa del Duque beach over on the southwestern coast.
The Blue Flag spot has sand, clear turquoise water and a vibrant seafront promenade – and it averages 20.7C in October.
One-way flights to Tenerife can be found for as little as £28 from London.
6. Playa de las Américas, Tenerife
Another destination in Tenerife, Playa de las Américas also sees 20.7C
In joint sixth place, Playa de las Américas is another sunny spot in Tenerife, also averaging 20.7C.
It's a family-friendly spot on the southern side of the island and boasts half a kilometre of golden sand.
8. Bossa Beach, Ibiza
Bossa Beach, in Ibiza, is the longest beach on the island and averages at around 20.6C in October
Bossa Beach is another Spanish destination in the rankings, located on the party island of Ibiza.
It is the longest beach on the island and has sand, sunbeds as well as plenty of bars and beach clubs nearby.
The area sees average temperatures of 20.6C in October and flights to Ibiza cost just £24 each way from London.
9. Spiaggia di Isola Bella, Italy
In Sicily, Spiaggia di Isola Bella ranks ninth with average temperatures of around 20.2C
Located on the dreamy Italian island of Sicily, Spiaggia di Isola Bella is a beautiful spot.
Temperatures sit just above 20C in October – at around 20.2C – meaning you can visit the popular area without the heaving crowds it sees in the summer months and still enjoy the sun.
Spiaggia di Isola Bella is a pebbled and shale beach that is also a nature reserve. There is a tidal islet nearby which costs €6 (£5.07) to enter per person.
Flights to Catania Fontanarossa Airport, the best located for Spiaggia di Isola Bella, come to just £20 each way in October.
10. Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia, Greece
Myrtos Beach, on the Greek island of Kefalonia, rounds off the top ten
Rounding off the top ten warmest European beaches is Myrtos Beach, in Kefalonia, Greece.
It is widely known as being one of Greece's most-photographed beaches and its shore is covered in smooth white pebbles.
Visitors can bask in 20.1C heat in October and flights to Kefalonia cost just £28 each way.