Renowned for its distinctly Mediterranean look, Santorini also benefits from an attractive regional climate with warm summers and mild, rainy winters.
Visitors can soak up sunny days and temperatures averaging 21C from May and find higher temperatures of 25C well into September, dropping to a lower 21C average again in October.
But it means crowds are harder to dodge even outside of the peak summer months. According to Skyscanner, direct flights also remain expensive at around £128 from London to Santorini (Thira) in October.
For those seeking a similar experience without the hefty price tag, an Italian gem might be the perfect alternative.
Steven Purdham from Cycling for Softies suggests swapping Santorini for the lesser-known but equally beautiful Puglia. With a similar October climate – the average daily maximum is 21C and the average daily minimum is 16C, it’s a no-brainer for Britons seeking autumn sun.
“At the heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia remains less frequented compared to other Italian coastal settings, like the Amalfi coastline, but it is no less spectacular,” said Steven.
He continued: “Offering stretching views of the Mediterranean Sea, its Ionian Coast offers a natural paradise dotted with verdant pine woods and vegetation.”
Located in Italy’s sunny southern region, Puglia boasts one of the country’s largest natural parks. Despite being less famous than Sardinia, Sicily or the Amalfi Coast, it has plenty to offer.
“Not to mention that its archaeological ruins, baroque churches, and traditional Italian villages make for the perfect blend of history, much like you’d find in Santorini”, claimed Steven.
Getting to Puglia is easy with two international airports servicing the area; Bari and Brindisi. Bari is the larger of the two and has more international flights. Brindisi is better for visiting the southern part of Puglia. You can also fly into larger airports like Rome or Naples and then travel on to Puglia by train or car.
According to Skyscanner, flights from London to Bari average £64 in the middle of October, making it an affordable option for those seeking an autumn getaway.
Alternatively, fly to Rome Fiumicino (FCO) for around £44 in October, and make the journey to Puglia via a high-speed train which arrives in Bari after around three hours.
As for other things to do in Puglia, Steven praised the natural landscape. “Venturing just out for its coastlines, its vineyards are some of the best in the country, and the cuisine served up in eateries across the region is delicious and unique”, he said.
One must-visit spot is Alberobello, where you can see traditional stone dwellings in one of Italy’s prettiest white towns.
Bari, a bustling port city, offers some of the region’s finest seafood in its local eateries. For beach lovers, the seaside town of Polignano A Mare is a must-visit with its cove nestled amidst limestone cliffs.
Family-friendly attractions include the Sentiero Airone nature reserve, home to flamingos, and the captivating caves at Castellana Grotte.