As the summer season begins to fade across Europe, October offers one final opportunity for travellers to enjoy some of the region's most coveted escapes before they close for the winter months. Arguably the best time to experience these destinations, October brings fewer crowds and lower temperatures, still warm enough for sun-soaked days and local adventures. From boutique relaxation in Fethiye, to culinary indulges in Ibiza and family-friendly escapes in Cyprus, now is the perfect time to capture the Mediterranean's last moments for 2025 travel. 

Mare Ayia Napa - Best for Romantic Getaways (Temperature: 27°C high; 17°C low)   

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Positioned on Cyprus' tranquil east coast, away from the bustle of the town's cosmopolitan centre and within close proximity to some of these best beaches, Mare Ayia Napa  is a romantic retreat offering both seclusion and adventure. Couples can explore by land on local wine tours and romantic cycling trips around the abandoned city of Famagusta - a favourite of Bridgette Bardot and Elizabeth Taylor. Take to the seas on a private yacht charter or scuba diving adventure, followed by an afternoon lounging on Palm Beach, renowned for its white sands and crystal-clear waters. Back at the resort, romantic indulgences include maximum privacy when booking the property's VIP Sea View Suite, rejuvenating in Aegeo Spa with the Divine Duet couple's treatment - inspired by the romance and beauty of ancient Greek mythology and enjoying Mediterranean fine dining at adults-only oasis,  Arȯma Mediterranean Cuisine.  

Rates from £374 per night on a B&B basis. Mare Ayia Napa closes for the season in early November. Visit mareresorts.com/mare-ayia-napa/ 

Villa Dubrovnik – Best for a Balmy City Break (Temperature: 22°C high; 16°C low) 

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One of Croatia's most exclusive hotels, Villa Dubrovnik, reopened this summer following a multi-million-euro transformation by internationally acclaimed design firm, Studio Arthur Casas. Perched on a cliff in the prestigious Sveti Jakov area, a short stroll from the Old Town, the 56-room hotel – a member of The Leading Hotels of the World – has undergone a complete reimagining. Drawing inspiration from the rich history, landscape, and cultural heritage of Dubrovnik, the design integrates colours and textures that reflect the city's landscape such as stone, wood, hand-glazed terracotta tiles and ceramics. Michelin-recommended restaurant, Pjerin, serves fresh seafood and local dishes overlooking Dubrovnik's Old Town, and the soothing Villa Spa is home to an indoor pool and sundeck with panoramic Adriatic views. Guests are just a short walk from the cultural heart of the historic city, with its Medieval walls and traditional eateries, while the hotel's concierge team can organise private sailings to the nearby Elafiti Islands, or wine tastings at the renowned vineyards of the Pelješac peninsula. 

Rates from £700 per night. Closes for the season in early November. Visit www.villa-dubrovnik.hr. 

Yazz Collective – Best for Exclusivity (Temperature: 26°C high; 13°C low) 

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Tucked away in a secluded bay in Fethiye, Turkey, Yazz Collective is one of the Mediterranean's most stylish boutique resorts, accessible exclusively by private boat. Designed as a sanctuary for connection, it offers the perfect setting to gather with friends, reconnect with family, and create lasting end-of-summer memories under the lingering Mediterranean sun. Guests can enjoy two beachside restaurants, two bars, private pool lounges, serene spa cabanas, and 36 elegant guest houses nestled among lush gardens. By day, couples can unwind on plush Bali beds by the sea or immerse themselves in the resort's cultural program, from sunrise yoga and mixology classes to art workshops inspired by the on-site gallery featuring local and international artists. For those eager to explore, private boat tours reveal the nearby 12 islands with their crystal-clear waters, before returning to indulge in Balinese treatments in secluded spa cabanas. With its vibrant cultural calendar and blend of laid-back luxury, Yazz Collective caters to both the yachties and cool creatives.  

Rates from £352 per night. Yazz Collective closes for the season in late October. Visit yazzcollective.com.    

Hotel de Mar Gran Meliá – Best for Stylish Sunning (Temperature: 23°C high; 15°C low)  

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An architectural gem and long-standing favourite among Majorcan socialites, European royalty and the international jet set, Hotel de Mar Gran Meliá celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2024. This summer, it partnered with legendary Italian yacht brand Riva to launch the elegant Riva Lounge, set in its lush seafront gardens and inspired by the brand's iconic speedboats, with mahogany details, striped counters and Aquarama-style chairs creating a sophisticated nautical-chic space for all-day dining, cocktails and sunset gatherings. The only hotel in Spain to host such a lounge, Hotel de Mar joins an exclusive circle of destinations including the Yacht Club de Monaco, Venice's Gritti Palace and the Jeddah Yacht Club, with guests also able to charter a private Rivamare motorboat for bespoke excursions. Meanwhile, the Bombon Pool Club by Alberta Ferretti, returning for its second season, celebrates Mediterranean glamour and the hotel's affectionate local nickname 'El Chocolate', blending Ferretti's romantic Italian aesthetic with Mallorca's relaxed elegance. The result is the island's first fashion-led pool club, transforming leisure into a fashion-forward experience. 

Rates from £317 per night. Hotel de Mar closes for the season in late October. Visit www.melia.com 

Ibiza Gran Hotel – Best for Gastronomy (Temperature: 23°C high; 16°C low) 

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Perched along Ibiza's iconic marina and overlooking the Mediterranean, Ibiza Gran Hotel  invites travellers to experience the ultimate combination of end-of-season celebration, relaxation and world-class gastronomy. Guests will arrive to the comfort of the hotel's 187 art-filled suites, including private-pool sanctuaries, and enjoy the renowned service, world-class gastronomy, immersive wellness rituals, and the island's most glamorous nightlife. La Gaia by Óscar Molina is the hotel's Michelin-starred flagship restaurant, where artistry and gastronomy come together. Designed by Sandra Tarruella Studios, the space pays homage to traditional Ibizan architecture while presenting a contemporary sensory journey, perfectly aligning with Musa Bar, a new relaxed yet upscale haven for craft cocktails and elevated small plates. Rich with 1970s nostalgia and boasting original works by Tony Keeler, the bar's ambiance invites guests to unwind in a setting that bridges the island's past with its vibrant present.  

Rates from £550 per night. Ibiza Gran Hotel closes for the season in mid-October. Visit ibizagranhotel.com

Mare Paphos – Best for Family Getaways (Temperature: 26°C high; 16°C low)  

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Just 15-minutes' drive from the airport, Mare Paphos offers a stress-free half-term escape. Perched on a clifftop on Cyprus' west coast, the resort is surrounded by ancient ruins and crystal-clear waters, with lush Mediterranean gardens with a charming village-like feel. Families can choose from 14 bars and restaurants, ranging from traditional Greek-Cypriot dishes at Estia and Italian favourites at Nico to casual bites at the Burger Restaurant. Entertainment is in abundance, with five outdoor pools, and the dedicated Mare Kids Club and Youth Club, offering everything from arts, crafts and supervised play, to and cultural workshops. Beyond the resort, small-group tours bring history to life at the UNESCO-listed Paphos Mosaics and Tombs of the Kings, while nature lovers can hike or cycle through the Troodos Mountains and Akamas Peninsula. October also coincides with Cyprus' wine harvesting season, with expert-led tastings easily arranged via the hotel.  

Rates from £270 per night for Double room Inland view. Mare Paphos closes for the season in early November. Visit mareresorts.com