{"id":27227,"date":"2021-10-01T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-10-01T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.omio.co.uk\/window-seat\/uncategorized-en-gb\/autumnal-adventures-the-best-european-islands-to-visit-in-fall"},"modified":"2022-05-10T15:21:26","modified_gmt":"2022-05-10T15:21:26","slug":"autumnal-adventures-the-best-european-islands-to-visit-in-fall","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.omio.co.uk\/window-seat\/en-gb\/culture-lifestyle-en-gb\/beaches-en-gb\/autumnal-adventures-the-best-european-islands-to-visit-in-fall\/","title":{"rendered":"Autumnal Adventures: The Best European Islands to Visit in Fall"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
With ever-present sunshine, balmy breezes and a relaxed way of life, it\u2019s easy to see why islands are some of Europe\u2019s most popular destinations, especially during the summer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But the very things that make them so tempting also make them too popular. Who hasn\u2019t waited in a long line at the only restaurant in town or wrangled for that last spot on the beach?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you can wait until the fall to visit Europe\u2019s islands, <\/strong>you\u2019ll find them vastly appealing. The sea might be a little colder, but October is a great month to relax in the sunshine, far from the madding crowds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Azores, Portugal <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the last vestiges of European land until the Americas, the Azores are a lush set of islands that have verdant flora all year round. The landscape, consisting of towering rock formations, deep lakes and immense expanses of greenery, is so dramatic, it\u2019s even been awarded the title of \u201cEurope\u2019s Most Beautiful Landscape.\u201d This is not a place to sunbathe on the beach, however. This Portuguese archipelago\u2019s mild climate\u2014temperatures in October range between 16\u00b0 and 22\u00b0\u2014makes it a go-to destination for outdoorsy types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The verdant archipelago boasts a mild climate, especially in October. Credit: Yves Alarie\/Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
To experience the impressive volcanic topography first hand, choose from one (or more) of 70 mapped trails. The Pico das Camarinhas\u2013Ponta da Ferraria route on San Miguel is a relatively easy hike that starts at the coast, where you\u2019ll be able to see the remnants of the volcanic island, Ilha Sabrina. It weaves through basaltic slags, deep craggy craters and mountainous domes made from hardened lava over the course of nearly three hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cyprus <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the largest islands in the Mediterranean, Cyprus has a complicated history. Gaining independence from the United Kingdom in 1960, the island was thrown into turmoil when Turkey invaded in 1974. Tensions were high for many years, and although matters aren\u2019t fully resolved\u2014the island is split in two, the north being Turkish and the south, Greek\u2014there is now a sense of harmony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although divided between Greece and Turkey, nobody can dispute the beauty of Cyprus. Credit: Secret Travel Guide\/Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
During the summer months, temperatures can reach more than 40\u00b0, which can make exploring the plethora of historic and cultural sites a chore. With cooler climes and fewer people, fall is a fantastic time to visit and learn about Cyprus\u2019 past. To discover the island\u2019s recent history in real-time, visit Nicosia, which is considered the \u201clast divided capital in Europe.\u201d The city\u2019s National Struggle Museum denotes the arduous journey Cyprus took to be freed from British rule and contains documents, photography and other memorabilia from the time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cyprus boasts rocky cliffs and lighthouses aplenty. Credit: Cristiano Pinto\/Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li>
Rocky outcroppings and turquoise water abound in Cyprus. Credit: Mary El 0u\/Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Faroe Islands, Denmark<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the North Atlantic, you’ll find the Faroe Islands. Technically under Danish sovereignty, this 18-island range has had autonomy since 1948. Hundreds of miles from its closest neighbours, Scotland and Iceland, these rugged volcanic landmasses are perfect for those who want a break from their busy lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Faroes have a unique diet including fermented meats, fresh fish and root vegetables. The robust cuisine has inspired many, including Poul Andrias Zisca, the head chef of KOKS, the world\u2019s most remote Michelin-starred restaurant. Zisca uses age-old techniques such as salting and drying when crafting his fare. Every dish is considered and carefully put together, from J\u00e1kupsskeljar<\/em>, a raw scallop served in its shell, to Skerpik\u00f8t<\/em>, slivers of air-dried lamb. The location is equally spellbinding\u2014diners can enjoy their meal in a traditional wooden hut next to the calm waters of Lake Leynar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Denmark\u2019s Faroe Islands are a hiker\u2019s dream. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li>
The island boasts the most remote Michelin-starred restaurant in the world. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Canary Islands, Spain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just off the coast of Morocco, the Canary Islands consists of eight landmasses. The five biggest\u2014Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and La Palma\u2014are crammed with sun worshippers during the summer. In October, the temperatures are between 20\u00b0 to 26\u00b0, making them a good option for that last dose of vitamin D.
Arona is a southern region that\u2019s home to Tenerife\u2019s best beaches. El Camis\u00f3n is a small cove close to the larger resort of Playa de la Americas. Its sandy beach is surrounded by towering palm trees that provide plenty of shade. The sea is calm, making it an inviting spot for swimmers, who can bathe without the worry of being bashed by big waves. It\u2019s also home to People Bar, a charming spot that\u2019s just the place to order a classic Sangria (add Champagne if you\u2019re feeling fancy).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Canary Islands offer more sunshine on a daily basis than almost any other island chain in Europe. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li>
Beaches are plentiful and packed in summer but are pretty open and free in October. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The island chain is not all sea and sand. Rugged volcanoes such as Mt. Telde stands tall in the Canaries. Credit: Krzysztof Kowalik\/Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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