Once the summer crowds disperse and the scorching heat eases, October is the perfect time for a holiday in some of Europe’s most beautiful destinations. Sicily is not only Italy’s largest island, but also one of the biggest in Europe, a spot where ancient history, rugged landscapes, and vibrant culture all meet. Its sheer size – almost 10,000 square miles – means you can spend weeks here and still only scratch the surface – from Greek temples in the west to Baroque towns in the southeast and volcanic slopes in the north.

Visitors to Sicily can expect pleasantly mild temperatures, usually between 21C and 25C during the day and cooler at night. It’s still warm enough to swim in the Mediterranean, especially along the southern coast, but cool enough for long walks through historic towns or hikes up Mount Etna without breaking out in a sweat. October is harvest season in Sicily, which means fresh olives, mushrooms, chestnuts, and of course, wine.

Local sagre (food festivals) pop up in villages, celebrating everything from pistachios in Bronte to ricotta in the Madonie mountains. Pairing these seasonal treats with a glass of Nero d’Avola or Etna Rosso is a highlight of travelling at this time of year.

Flights and accommodation tend to be more affordable than in peak summer, and you’ll have a better chance of mingling with locals rather than fellow tourists. Cafés and trattorie are lively, beaches are uncrowded, and the island slows down just enough to let you relax, without it feeling completely abandoned like other islands that shut down after the summer.

A holiday in Sicily is not complete without exploring Taormina, a hilltop town boasting elegant piazzas, winding streets and spectacular views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. The ancient Greek theatre here is still used for concerts and performances. The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is another must-see. These UNESCO-listed ruins, dating back to the 5th century BC, are especially beautiful in autumn, especially as the olive groves surrounding the temples are heavy with fruit. 

For nature lovers, Mount Etna is unmissable. At over 10,800 feet, it is Europe’s highest active volcano, and October’s cooler air makes hiking far more comfortable than in summer. Guided excursions take you across black lava fields, through craters, and up to viewpoints where you can see both the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas. Even if you don’t hike, cable cars and jeep tours offer access to its dramatic slopes.

Palermo and Catania are Sicily’s largest cities. Palermo, on the island’s northwest coast, offers a fascinating blend of cultures. Baroque churches sit beside Arab domes, while narrow alleyways connect grand piazzas, like Quattro Canti, officially known as Piazza Vigliena. Catania, meanwhile, is darker and more dramatic. Built in black lava stone after a devastating earthquake, Mount Etna looms just above the rooftops. The Piazza del Duomo, with its elephant fountain, is always buzzing.

For those on the hunt for a slower-paced holiday, the island’s southern beaches are still warm enough for a swim. Places like San Vito Lo Capo, Scala dei Turchi, or the sandy stretches near Ragusa remain inviting in October, often with just a handful of locals enjoying the sea.

Getting to Sicily is straightforward for Brits. A direct flight from London to Palermo (PMO) or Catania (CTA) takes approximately three hours. According to Skyscanner, direct return flights are available in early October from just £49 with Ryanair, operated by Malta Air, from Stansted Airport.