The children are back at school, there are no more crowds, prices are affordable, and there is still enough sun to enjoy one of the destinations of southern Europe. The Guardian offers several suggestions to 'catch' the last rays of the sun, including a Croatian city.
Cassis - Provence - France
With its 300 sunny days a year, Nice has traditionally been a favorite summer destination for northern Europeans. However, the western end of the Côte d'Azur should not be neglected either, because it is Marseille much more affordable, and offers a pleasant climate and beautiful beaches in the area.
You could therefore spend the end of summer exploring the old town of Marseille with its Vieux-Port and world-class museums. If you want to go to one of the surrounding beaches, you won't have to travel far. Cassis, beautiful a small fishing port with pastel-colored houses and pebble beaches, is only a 20-minute train ride away.
Mjestašce is an ideal base for exploring the Calanques, a series of coastal coves framed by steep limestone cliffs. You can explore the coast by boat or kayak, and you may also decide to take a walk, which is not a bad idea at all.
Arcachon - Atlantic coast - France
The Guardian recommends another French destination for the end of summer, this time along the Atlantic coast. In fact, early autumn is a great time to visit Arcachon, one of the main centers of cultivation oyster on the French Atlantic coast, with which lovers of this delicacy are certainly well acquainted.
Arcachon bay it is a large sheltered bay with pleasant temperatures in September and October. Small fishing villages along the coast delight with their own cabanes à huîtres (oyster huts) where you can enjoy the freshest seafood - which is why these places are full of life all year round.
With sandy beaches, delicious and healthy food and beautiful Belle Epoque architecture, Arcachon is an excellent starting point for cycling through the Landes forest or along the bay - to enjoy the view of the 110m high Dino du Pilat.
In July and August, Europe's highest sand dune is crowded with tourists, but in September and October you can enjoy stunning views and sunsets without the crowds.
Sestri Levante - Liguria - Italy
Genoa's eastern riviera is dotted with lovely towns – once fishing ports – with charming old houses. Those with deeper pockets flock to Portofino, which is nice, but not nicer than dozens of other places along the coast, writes The Guardian.
Sestri Levante has two sandy beaches separated by a cape, which tourists and locals enjoy until October. If you belong to the more active type, you can enjoy a panoramic walk from the old town around the Punta Manara peninsula. In addition, the charming towns of the region Cinque Terre they are only half an hour away by train.
Costa Brava – Catalonia – Spain
By September, the crowds and unbearable heat disappear on the Costa Brava, but the sea is still warm enough for swimming. Cooler days are suitable for walking or cycling in the rugged hills of Baix Empordà.
The two main starting points for travelers are Girona and Barcelona. Although slightly inland, the towns of Palafrugell and Begur can be visited, for example, by regular bus service from Girona.
If you have enough energy and will, tackle the coastal walk from Begur to Sant Feliu de Guixols, following Road of Ronda, a route once used by the Guardia Civil to patrol the Spanish border.
Šibenik - Dalmatia - Croatia
Of the Croatian destinations perfect for enjoying late summer and early autumn, The Guardian chose Šibenik. He states how it is The Adriatic Sea is pleasant for swimming "deep in October, often in November", and if you want to combine the joys of the sea with enjoying the rich culture and spectacular nature in the immediate vicinity - Šibenik is the perfect place to visit at this time of the year!
The beautiful Dalmatian town, halfway between Zadar and Split, has so much to show and he has been unfairly neglected, writes The Guardian. Namely, unlike many other Croatian coastal towns and cities, Šibenik after the summer does not fall into complete 'winter sleep'.
It is located not far from the mouth of the Krka River, and recently it has become an increasingly popular tourist destination for two reasons UNESCO protected monuments, interesting fortresses, preserved nature and attractive pebble beaches with a view of the beautiful city. Šibenik is full of winding streets and restaurants squeezed into small squares where you can taste delicious and healthy Mediterranean food.
Main attractions are four fortresses, the cathedral of St. Jakov, channel of St. Ante, and numerous palaces and churches in the old town.
It is Šibenik the only place in Croatia - and among the few in Europe - with two UNESCO protected monument, the cathedral of St. Jakov and the fortress of St. Nicholas. The city is also a perfect starting point for visiting two national parks, namely Krka and Kornati waterfalls.
Photo: Unsplash, Pixabay, Šibenik Fortress of Culture, Šibenik City Tourist Board, Kornati National Park
Source: The Guardian
