Uncrowded European city that looks ‘like a fairy tale’ and is 21C in October

If the autumnal chill in the UK is getting you down already, booking another holiday someplace warm can really help to beat the blues.

We’re lucky enough to be just a short plane ride away from several European destinations that stay warm well into autumn and even winter, meaning there’s always an opportunity to catch some sun without going too far afield.

And if you really want to beat the crowds but still spend a relaxing couple of days sightseeing, drinking wine and soaking up the culture, then one ‘hidden gem’ Italian city is the place to be. 

Lucca, in the Tuscany region of Italy, was hailed as the country’s lesser-known fairytale city by Conde Nast Traveller, and it’s certainly not hard to see why. 

Just looking at pictures of this walled city transports you to a different world altogether, and there’s so much to see and do that people of all ages will love. 

This small city in central Italy may not be as popular as the likes of Rome or Lake Como, but the lack of overcrowding means it’s perfect for slowing down and enjoying a relaxing couple of days immersed in the culture. 

And it truly does resemble something from a fairy tale, thanks to its towering Renaissance-style walls that line the area.

Once a thriving hub for silk manufacturing back in the medieval times, it has retained that historical feel but with a much more modern spin on things. 

However, as the city grew and modernized, the walls that surrounded the old town were maintained – something that’s very rare to see in Italy. 

Lucca boasts a huge array of beautiful Pisan-Romanesque churches in stunning marbled colours, and tourists are always won over by its quiet sophistication and peaceful way of life. 

Even in October, the weather still reaches highs of 21C, making it pleasant but not overly hot – ideal conditions for sightseeing, shopping and eating. 

One of the best ways to see the city is simply by cycling around, as most of the lanes are too narrow for cars. You can hire a bike with numerous companies, including Cici Rai close to Porta San Gervasio, the San Gervasio Gate.

And Lucca is definitely the place to be for any architecture enthusiasts, as you can spend time marvelling at the Cattedrale di San Martino with a striking façade and a large Crucifixion scene on the inside. 

Lucca is best viewed from a great height, so it’s well worth climbing up the Torre Guinigi – the last remaining tower-house in the city – in order to get the most impressive panoramic views. 

You can ascend the 45-metre-high tower to admire rural views, and to make out the outline of Lucca’s Roman amphitheatre, perfectly framed by medieval townhouses.

And of course, the food and drink in Lucca is enviable too. According to To Tuscany, local specialities include an unusual sweet tart of spinach and chard with pine nuts and, inspired by neighbouring Garfagnana, chestnut flour ravioli. 

Those with a sweet tooth will be keen to sample some buccellato, a sweet bread made with raisins and aniseed that dates back to Roman times. 

And if you’re partial to a glass of wine, some Lucchesi varities range from the rich red Montecarlo di Lucca to the delicate white Colline Lucchesi.