A stunning European island just three hours from Birmingham still welcomes rays of up to 25C in October, alongside its beautiful port, fascinating walled city and azure waters
A European island with 25C weather in October is just three hours from Birmingham(Image: Getty Images)
As the UK winds down from summer, many of us are bracing for colder temperatures to hit and the inevitable ‘cosy season’. But for those eager to bask in the sunshine before next year, there are plenty of European destinations that still enjoy balmy temperatures in October.
In fact, there’s one European island just over three hours from Birmingham with direct flights starting from £21, according to Skyscanner. Not only does it welcome sun-drenched rays of up to 25C in October, but it’s home to a stunning port and a walled city against crystal clear turquoise waters that have earned it the name as the ‘Jewel of the Mediterranean’.
The island is filled with narrow cobbled lanes and honey-coloured buildings(Image: Getty Images)
The crystal-clear turquoise waters glisten under sun-soaked rays, even in October(Image: Getty Images)
The beautiful island of Malta, nestled in the Mediterranean between Italy and North Africa, experiences around 3,000 hours of sunshine every year, making it one of the sunniest spots in Europe. There are stretches of unspoilt coastline, secluded coves, and natural pools to discover, alongside cities and charming towns, all in a country with a reputation as one of the safest places to visit.
The island’s capital, Valletta, is a good place to start when visiting Malta, known locally as ‘Il-Belt’, which means ‘the city’. Interestingly, the walled capital is a UNESCO World Heritage site, packed with cobblestone lanes, colourful balconies, impressive Baroque palaces, peaceful gardens and ancient churches.
While it’s one of the most popular spots for tourists, its prices are equally appealing. Traditional Maltese savoury pastries, called Pastizzi, can be scooped up for just 90p, and wraps start at around £4 for a convenient yet tasty lunch while exploring.
However, its star attraction has to be the historic port of Valletta, which has frequently been hailed as the most beautiful port in the world. Located in the capital’s Grand Harbour, it serves as a key cruise and commercial hub, with a lively waterfront, framed by traditional, honey-coloured buildings and three ancient fortified settlements: Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua.
There are stretches of golden coastline to lap up the rays in Malta(Image: Getty Images)
There are 18th-century warehouses that have been transformed into bustling shops, cafés, and restaurants, with many visitors hailing the port as a “must visit” and “the ultimate Malta experience”. One holidaymaker shared on TripAdvisor: “What an experience, the architecture and the amazing natural harbour are something to be seen and a definite must when in Malta – not to be missed.”
Beyond Valletta, there are plenty of equally beautiful destinations to explore in Malta, including Mdina, a fortified medieval settlement dubbed the ‘Silent City’. It’s made up of narrow alleyways and stunning Baroque and Norman architecture in a tranquil ambience that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Additionally, there’s a wealth of pristine coastlines to explore, including the crystal-clear Blue Lagoon on the tiny island of Comino, or the sandy shores and sparkling waters of Golden Bay. Malta’s largest sandy beach, situated along Mellieha Bay, has become a firm favourite thanks to its gentle and shallow waters, while the natural pool and coves at St Peter’s Pool draw in snorkelling enthusiasts.
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