Autumn Sunshine in Europe

Kalkan, Turkey

There's no bad time to visit the Mediterranean, but September and October make the region's beachside retreats a particularly enticing proposition. The historic town of Kalkan in Turkey might be the pick of the bunch; a perfect amalgam of vivid history, beautiful sights and balmy weather, boasting 300 days of sunshine on average each year. Once the heart of the Lycian civilisation, numerous nearby sites stand testament to this former vassal of the Byzantine, Athenian and Roman Empires.

Impressive tombs carved into the hillsides have survived a thousand years of plundering, while significant Roman era ruins greet visitors to the ancient capital of Xanthos, with excavations still under way. Swim, scuba or jet ski across the crystalline autumn waters, paraglide around the bay or take a stroll through the old part of town, a Greek settlement until the turn of the 20th century. After all that physical activity, relax late into the evening with a cocktail at The Fountain, or dine out on the harbourside at Aubergine, with its curated seasonal menus. Don't stop there though: almost all of the near 150 Tripadvisor listed eateries have a rating of 4 ½ stars or more.

Mdina, Malta

You'll know whether Malta's ancient capital is for you from its two popular nicknames: the Noble City and the Silent City. Just 300 people live within the medieval city walls today, built by the Byzantine Empire to fortify a once sprawling metropolis. With no vehicles allowed within the fortifications, you'll have to stroll through the narrow streets, moving under arches and past buildings that seem to have been carved straight into the island's edifice. Temperatures around 20°c through September and October make it perhaps the perfect time for these walking tours. As a small nation Mdina is a tranquil base from which access the rest of the island's treasures, with the usually humid Valletta only a half hour drive away.

Malta may have the most cathedrals per capita of any nation, and the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Paul is perhaps its most impressive. Rebuilt following an earthquake in the late 17th century, the cathedral stands on the supposed site of Paul the Apostle's meeting with the island governor after he was shipwrecked in 60AD. The decadent baroque interior is complemented by original artefacts from the structure which predated it, encapsulating all of the island's eclectic historical influences in one magnificent structure. When you're done exploring, settle into the renowned Medina Restaurant for a unique dining experience in one of the ancient structures - just a 3 minute walk from your residence at the Xara Palace.

La Garde-Freinet, French Riviera

Nestled in a rocky outcrop between Toulon and Nice, this medieval French village is the dictionary definition of picturesque. See in the autumn amongst the forest and vineyards, and enjoy a town practically unchanged from its 11th century origins. Scale the surrounding heights to the ruins of the old fort for a perfect panorama of sea and countryside, before taking the short trip to upmarket Saint-Tropez. The famed resort becomes a quiet idyll in early autumn, with average temperatures of 20-23°c making the sandy beaches and watersports a more enticing prospect. A favoured retreat of French new wave directors, one of the town's other famous characteristics has been immortalised in several movies: a number of the beaches are clothing optional.

Frequented by many a famous face, Saint-Tropez is perhaps the Riviera's premier destination for both daytime and nocturnal pursuits. Hike up to enjoy the views from the towering Citadel fortifications, dine out at the 3 Michelin starred La Vague d'Or, and browse the innumerable designer boutiques in this miniature slice of Milan. End the evening mingling with the great and good at the discerning Les Caves du Roy, a favourite haunt of top musicians for over 50 years.

Kalami, Corfu

If it's serenity and relaxation you're after, there are few better spots than the leafy bay of Kalami. Situated on the northwest island of Corfu, the bay's peaceful pebble beach stretches out into crystal clear waters. Take to the water for a bit of jetskiing, or just lounge in one of the chilled-out beachside bars and traditional tavernas. For something a little livelier but no less relaxed, late October brings the last of the year's panegyris; ancient gatherings replete with live music, great wine and spitroast lamb. Be warned however: dancing is mandatory.

Like Mdina, your villa in Corfu brings with it an opportunity to explore the island at your leisure. Several smaller bays and coves sit tucked away within an hour's walk or less, although some are only accessible by boat. Book a water taxi from Kalami to Agni Bay and enjoy the rustic cuisine of the Taverna Agni with its fresh seafood platters, or enjoy the views (and a beer) from the cosy confines of the nearby Nikolas Traditional Taverna. Lovers of literature might also want to visit the imposing White House, an early 20th century residence of noted author Lawrence Durrell.

Tuscany, Italy

The epicentre of renaissance art, architecture, modern science and great wine: few countries can boast as significant or beautiful a region as Tuscany. If you're looking to avoid the usual tourist traps or want somewhere quiet to escape back to, our two properties in the region's famed hills and valleys are perfect autumn getaways. Laze amongst the vineyards in temperatures up to 22°c, or take a dip in the pool on your sun baked terrace. The beautiful Podere Le Sensaie sits just above the village of Lajatico, birthplace of the famed tenor Andrea Bocelli, and within reach of the sandy beaches at Cecina and magnificent architecture of San Gimignano.

If you find yourself at the charming Il Bosco, you're only a hop and a jump from Florence, inarguably one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Recommendations are endless, but Michelangelo's David is a marvel that is absolutely not to be missed, with only modest queues at this time of year. Try a fine chianti, sample a gourmet gelato, wander into a small chapel in a side street or bask in the majestic surroundings of Il Duomo. Florence is a city that you are best off finding for yourself; there really isn't much to disappoint.