‘A haven of soft light, warm sunshine and sandy beaches’: readers’ favourite autumn escapes

Why This Matters

Key context: <p>In search of autumn festivals, good food and islands where it still feels like summer? We asked you to recommend your best off-season breaks</p><p>• <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2026/oct/12/tell-us-about-your-favourite-spooky-spot-in-the-uk"><strong>Tell us about a spooky spot in the UK</strong></a><strong> – the best tip wins a £200 holiday voucher</strong></p><p>Last October, while I was cycling around south-west France, near the Spanish border, a tip from a local waiter led me to <a href="https://www.tourisme-collioure.com/">Collioure</a>, near Perpignan. The town was like a Mediterranean dream, where the summer crowds had faded, leaving behind a peaceful, artistic haven of soft light, warm sunshine, cobbled streets, sandy beaches – and the Pyrenees as a backdrop. In the early evening, the still balmy autumn air was perfect for wandering through the quiet, pastel-coloured alleyways of the Le Mouré district to enjoy €5 off-season happy hour wine with fish tapas. I had planned to stay a weekend but ended up staying a week, seduced by Collioure’s perfect autumn cocktail of chilled Catalan culture and sunkissed seaside sensuality. <br> <strong>April</strong></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2026/oct/16/readers-favourite-sunny-autumn-holidays">Continue reading...</a> This development from The Guardian highlights ongoing changes in the sector.