The Best Off-Season Beach Breaks in Europe

*Portugal offers some of the most stunning beaches in Europe.*

Summer is, traditionally, the time of year during which millions of British tourists head down to the beach – whether it's a local beach, or a foreign one. But if you're willing to wait until later in the year, you can often find the beaches just as pleasant and inviting. An off-season beach break will allow you to avoid much of the cost, and the crowds, too.

Fortunately, there are plenty of beaches across Europe where the weather is nice and warm even outside summer.

Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve sits on the south coast of Portugal, and, like many entries on this list, it's part of the warm coast of the Mediterranean. The temperate sits in the teens from January to March, and climbs up to thirty and beyond during summer. Thus, a break in October or April might represent a happy medium. It’s a great time to visit away from the hustle and bustle of the summer holidays and can give you a chance to explore the rich heritage of Portugal.

Look for the small coastal towns, which offer a charming glimpse into laid-back Portuguese culture.

*The* *small coastal towns* *of Portugal, offer a charming glimpse into laid-back Portuguese culture.*

*The Algarve sits on the south coast of Portugal and is part of the warmer coast of the Mediterranean.*

Greek Islands

The islands off the coast of Greece are enormously popular with tourists, and for good reason. Between the Aegean and the Libyan Sea, Crete is packed with gorgeous beaches – which are pleasant even when the peaks further inland are capped with snow. Then there are Santorini and Corfu, where villas are available at very reasonable prices during off season. For a combination of sunshine, peace, and seclusion, it's difficult to beat.

*Corfu offers direct ferries to Italy to get the best of both worlds this Autumn.*

*The island of Crete is packed with gorgeous beaches.*

*Take in the Maltese unique history and culture.*

Malta

Malta offers a culture and history that's unlike anything else on the continent. Visiting in Autumn allows you to experience this Mediterranean island in a more relaxed atmosphere while still enjoying its beautiful coastline. The Maltese archipelago enjoys an endless summer during autumn, with a diverse range of festivals and events taking over the island. If you’re a nature lover Malta has plenty of hidden gems to explore too.

Costa del Sol, Spain

Of course, the Costa del Sol, in Spain, represents something of a gold standard for off-season holidaying in Europe. In Marbella and Malaga, the crowds will have abated slightly, but the sunshine will still be abundant. With it’s reputation for designer restaurants, hotels and shops it’s a great place to explore in the off season where you can still enjoy the Spanish sun without the party activity of the summer. While you're in this part of the world, it's worth heading out onto the water for recreational boating and other watersports.

*Southern Spain offers wide stretches of golden beaches that are much quieter in the off season.*

*Enjoy the boating scene of Marbella and take a trip along the coastline.*

Sicily, Italy

If you think you've seen what Italy has to offer, but you haven't visited Sicily, then you might be in for a surprise. This island province offers a culture that's distinct from that of the mainland. Best yet, it offers an abundance of amazing beaches, in towns like Taormina and Cefalù.

While you're in Sicily during Autumn, you'll be seeing the height of wine season. Check out the local food festivals, or visit a few of the local wineries, and you might get a chance to see why this region is so beloved among wine drinkers!