Top 3 Best European Winter Sun Destinations in October

Are you planning a holiday in October to escape the first chill of winter? With so many European countries to pick from, you might wonder what is the best destination to get some winter sun.

These are the results from our survey where we asked our visitors for the top 3 best European winter sun destinations in October.

The top three best European winter sun destinations in October are Malta, Athens, and Cyprus. These three cities are great for snowbirds during the off-peak season because there are fewer crowds, and the weather won’t be as hot as in summer.

Below, I’ll give you an overview of the best places for snowbirds and those 50+ to visit in October. I’ll also talk about the best activities you can do at each destination and what you can expect the weather to be like on your vacation.

1. Malta

Our top spot for this list goes to Malta. Malta is a popular holiday destination surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, perfect for a beach getaway. The nation has a long history of foreign occupation, and you’ll see traces of Arabic, Italian, and British influences left behind when these forces occupied Malta. 

Malta is perfect for a winter holiday because you get to enjoy the republic’s culture and lush greenery when you don’t want to visit the beach. The off-peak season starts around mid-September and lasts till March, so visiting Malta in October means you can expect fewer crowds as you explore the island.

It’s easy to get around Malta as everything is accessible and tourist-friendly. Malta International Airport serves the entire island, so that’ll be your port of entry if you’re coming in by air. 

Weather

For all you snowbirds and 50+ visitors, you’ll be happy to know that Malta has mild weather in October. While the island can reach scorching summer temperatures, the weather cools considerably as winter approaches.

Malta’s average temperature in October reaches highs of 77℉ (25℃), with lows hovering around 64.4℉ (18℃). You get about eight hours of sunshine daily out of eleven hours of daylight. 

You’ll mostly enjoy pleasant, sunny weather as Malta doesn’t rain much in October. For the entire month, there are, on average, five days of rain and three inches of rainfall.

While it's warm enough for a swim during the day, you might feel cold during the evenings when there’s no sun. I recommend packing light clothing for the day and bringing thin outerwear to layer on.

Things To Do

Notte Bianca

Notte Bianca is an annual music and arts festival organized by Festival Malta. The event only happens on the first Saturday of October, and it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area.

For one night only, Malta’s capital, Valletta, comes alive with concerts and live performances. Most food establishments also extend their business hours to accommodate patrons enjoying late-night festivities. The city transforms its streets, churches, museums, and piazzas into vibrant spectacles, so it’ll be different from what you usually see.

You can check Festival Malta’s official website here for Notte Bianca's exact dates.

St John’s Co-Cathedral

St John’s Co-Cathedral is located in the center of Valletta. The building was built in the 16th century as a dedication to Saint John the Baptist.

The cathedral is Valletta’s main tourist attraction and a treat for anyone interested in historical architecture. Though the cathedral's exterior looks rather unassuming, the main hall is the opposite. The ornately decorated interior has high vaulted ceilings, extravagant Baroque frescos, and intricate carvings adorning the chapel's walls.

You can check out St John’s Co-Cathedral’s official website here for opening times and ticket prices. Visitors who intend to attend Mass at the cathedral get to go in for free.

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is typically crowded with tourists during the peak summer season, so it’s an excellent time to visit its crystal-clear waters if you visit in October.

I recommend spending a day at the Blue Lagoon and trust me when I say you don't want to compromise on this opportunity. The lagoon is sandwiched between the islands of Comino and Cominotto, and its blue waters are always clear, thanks to the occasional strong current passing through the channel. If you think a day isn't enough, you can check into a hotel on the island of Comino.

The Blue Lagoon has heavy white sand at the bottom, making it perfectly safe for visitors to snorkel or swim. You can also sunbathe or visit the food trucks dotted around the beach, so remember to bring some cash with you. 

To get to the Blue Lagoon, you'll need to take a ferry from the following harbors:

• Cirkewwa (Malta)
• Sliema (Malta)
• Mgarr Marina (Gozo)
• Marfa (Malta)

You can visit Blue Lagoon's official website here to learn more about getting there and ferry tickets..

Gozo Island

Gozo is Malta’s sister island and is only a short boat ride away. You can take a public ferry over to Gozo or pay for a private tour, with the latter option allowing you to bypass long queues and minimize your waiting times.

There's a lot to do in Gozo for such a small island — visit megalithic temples and historical structures, hike on nature trails, or enjoy crystal clear waters and pristine beaches. The small island feels quieter than Malta, so it's a lovely retreat if you’re looking for somewhere peaceful and relaxing. You can also visit Victoria, a fortified citadel atop a hill that has stood since the 15th century.

You’ll also get to experience Festival Mediterranea during October in Gozo. Festival Mediterranea happens annually during October and November, showcasing local Gozo talents in a series of theatre and music performances across the island. While most shows are free, some performances require you to purchase a ticket.

Medical Tourism

Dubbed the “Nurse of the Mediterranean,” Malta is also a popular destination for medical tourism, no matter the season. Medical services in Malta are so efficient and advanced that the World Health Organization (WHO) ranks Malta fifth for health system performance globally.

Malta’s healthcare facilities are well-developed because hospitals get a lot of funding from the local government. Malta’s climate and environment make it a good place for aftercare and spa facilities, especially for geriatric patients who seek peace and relaxation. 

Medical tourism is a big reason many Europeans visit Malta, as EU and Maltese nationals receive medical treatment for free. However, visitors who aren’t from the EU must buy travel medical insurance to be eligible for healthcare services.

Currently, St. James Hospital is Malta's largest private medical facility. Clinics are dotted around the island, so you’ll have no issue walking to one if you need to see a doctor. Also, all health professionals speak English, so you’ll have no trouble conversing with one.

2. Athens, Greece

Athens is a great place to visit when fall rolls around. Holiday-goers are dispersing, and the weather is still warm enough to enjoy beach activities. There are also centuries worth of history waiting to be uncovered in the city, so October is a good time to visit attractions without having to worry about crowds.

Additionally, the opening times for historical sites are still operating on the summer timetable in the fall, so you’ll get plenty of time to explore. Athens is home to ancient sites dating back to the Ancient Greek and Roman eras, which are not to be missed.

Some of the historical sites you must check out are:

• The Acropolis
• Temple of Olympian Zeus
• The Ancient Agora
• Theatre of Dionysus
• Temple of Hephaestus

You can also take walking tours to explore Athen’s sprawling streets, sample the local fare, and spot urban art on the city’s buildings. Additionally, you’ll enjoy reduced prices during the off-peak season, getting up to 60% off what tourists would pay in summer.

Weather

Athens in October feels warm at the start of the month, with temperatures averaging highs of 74℉ (23.3℃) and lows of 61℉ (16.1℃). Temperatures tend to drop around the middle of October, but it won’t be a drastic difference. Additionally, you’ll enjoy about five to six hours of sunlight daily.

You’ll likely experience more cloudy and rainy weather towards the month’s end, with the city experiencing about five days of rainfall in October. I suggest packing a light waterproof jacket or a compact umbrella if you stay until the month’s end.

3. Cyprus

Cyprus, the “Jewel of the Mediterranean,” is geographically closer to West Asia but is considered part of the EU’s territory. If you want to feel the sun in October, Cyprus is an excellent choice because it’s the sunniest place in the Mediterranean after the summer months.

In October, you’ll be able to enjoy most beach activities, and the sea will be warm and not too hot for swimming. It’s also the off-peak season, so this is a great time to explore historical sites that are usually crowded during summer.

Additionally, since the weather isn’t unpleasantly hot, you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking at the Akamas Natural Park in Paphos. The park has several nature trails, where you’ll get to see interesting wildlife and geological features. 

Some attractions to include in your itinerary are:

• Kato Paphos Archaeological Park
• Troodos Mountains
• The Tomb of the Kings
• Limassol Castle
• Ancient Kourion

You don’t have to worry about finding your way around, as English is widely spoken by Cypriots. This includes emergency personnel in police stations and hospitals, so you won’t have trouble communicating. However, make sure you buy medical insurance before you travel in case you need to visit a healthcare facility.

Weather

Cyprus is one of the hottest countries in the Mediterranean in October, with daily averages reaching highs of 82℉ (28℃) and lows of 63℉ (17℃). Towards the end of the month, the weather remains hot, but you’ll see a drop in the average temperature at night.

As one of the sunniest countries, you’ll enjoy nine hours of sunlight daily in October. You'll only need to pack for warm weather when visiting Cyprus, but bring a cardigan or jacket for chilly nights.

Final Thoughts

Malta, Athens, and Cyprus are all great European destinations for a winter sun holiday. The weather is still hot in October, but it isn’t the sweltering heat of summer, so you’ll get to enjoy most outdoor activities without complaining about the heat.

Like most European nations, these places have lots to discover culturally and historically. Be sure to buy medical insurance before you travel, just in case you need to visit a medical facility.

How this Top 3 list was made

The top 3 list was derived from a survey where we asked about their top destination for a particular month and region. From these results, we made each month a top 3 for North America, the Caribbean, Middle/South America, Europe, and Asia (including the Middle East). Sometimes, we have combined several individual destinations from a single country into the country itself.