Sorrento to Santorini: nine Mediterranean escapes for autumn sunshine

The “September scaries” are no joke. Nights come quicker, jackets get thicker, and verdant landscapes begin to fade. Thoughts of thermostats, scarves and – dare I say – Christmas, begin to percolate into our consciousness. Wasn’t it May just a couple of weeks ago?

Sojourn south, however, and you’ll find summer clings on. The Mediterranean in particular is magical at this time of year; the high summer heat gives way to pleasant balminess and the tourist crowds thin out, leaving you with quieter beaches, bars and landmarks.

Southern Europe offers culture, nature and culinary exploration in spades. So don’t give up on your short sleeves yet, and get yourself to one of these destinations …

Florence, Italy

What to do : from Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze, to Botticelli’s Birth of Venus in the Uffizi Gallery, there are more than enough priceless works of art in Florence to justify a visit. But that’s not all Florence has to offer. Nature lovers can explore the local Tuscan countryside, while foodies can enjoy aperitivo drinks and nibbles in the Piazza del Duomo, overlooked by the unforgettable Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral.

Where to stay : Anglo American Hotel Florence, Curio Collection by Hilton feels truly Florentine, complete with stucco walls, ironwork and rustic shutters. The renovated 19th-century building offers clean, bright rooms, elegant public areas, a sundrenched courtyard and fitness centre – all located on a quiet road near the Arno River.

Milan, Italy

What to do : pack your best outfits and immerse yourself in Milan’s fashionista charm. Opened in 1877, the magnificent Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of Italy’s oldest shopping arcades, is perfect for a stylish shopping spree or an afternoon of affogato (a vanilla scoop “drowned” in espresso) and people-watching. If you’re feeling fancy, book tickets for the Teatro Alla Scala, a world-renowned opera house dating back to 1778, and enjoy ballet, opera, or concerts. For a true taste of Milan, head to the Brera district to indulge in risotto alla milanese – but save room for dolce at the four-floor Eataly megastore.

Where to stay : set in the grounds of Milan’s North park, each of Grand Hotel Villa Torretta Milan Sesto, Curio Collection by Hilton ’s 77 rooms are individually designed, blending period features with modern comforts. The nearby M5 metro line will take you straight to central Milan, but with stunning frescos and an award-winning restaurant, there’s a good chance you’ll not want to venture further than the hotel’s grounds.

Rome, Italy

What to do : from people watching on the Spanish Steps to indulging in tiramisu at the nearby branch of Pompi, Rome in September is perfect for slow-living. There are, of course, the bucket list landmarks to see – the Colosseum, Vatican City and the Pantheon – but you should also try venturing beyond the city limits. Santa Marinella beach with its crystal blue water, for example, is around an hour away by train and well worth a visit.

Where to stay : Hilton Rome Eur La Lama offers modern, city-break chic with Italian flair in Rome’s EUR district. Adults can take a wellness break, making use of the hotel’s fitness centre, or find time to relax, sipping an aperitif and taking in the views from the hotel’s rooftop terrace. There’s also a library bar to escape to.

Naples, Italy

What to do : this is pizza’s birthplace, so it’s mandatory that you try one at a traditional restaurant, but bear in mind that the topping options will not be as varied as you might expect. Not that it matters; a rich marinara sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, herbs and onions, creamy mozzarella and airy dough give you everything you need. A must-visit site is the Fontanelle cemetery, an ossuary in an underground chamber that was first used in the 16th century. With the bones of some 15,000 Neapolitans on display, it may be a touch grisly, but there aren’t many opportunities in life to see small mountains of skulls that have been lovingly cared for over the years.

Where to stay : located in Naples’ swanky waterfront district of Chiaia, De Bonart Naples, Curio Collection by Hilton is a gem if you want sights, sun and sea at your doorstep. Breakfast comes with views of the city thanks to the glass-encased Le Pavillon restaurant, while you can enjoy drinks and snacks with a sunset-facing sea view at the hotel’s Niq Bar.

Sorrento, Italy

What to do : Sorrento is the quintessential southern European town – colourful houses, dramatic clifftops, winding lanes and lively cafes. You’ll want to capitalise on Sorrento’s coastal location and enjoy sunset seafood dining, followed by limoncello – you are in the place it was invented after all. Sorrento isn’t awash with grand landmarks in the way Rome or Florence are, but the town is just a short drive from one of the world’s most important archaeological finds – the ruins of Pompeii.

Where to stay : Hilton Sorrento Palace is only a 15-minute walk from Sorrento and overlooks the bay of Naples. The hotel boasts six outdoor pools, two lounges and three restaurants – four, if you include the daily barbecue at L’Agrumeto restaurant. Whether you want to try traditional Italian dishes, locally sourced fish, or contemporary Japanese dishes, Sorrento Palace has you covered – and many of the ingredients are sourced from the hotel’s own vegetable garden. Enjoy a set or two at the onsite tennis courts, sip a cocktail with Mount Vesuvius in your sights, or simply relax and take in the Mediterranean air, sweetened by the scent of the hotel’s citrus garden.

La Seyne-sur-Mer, France

What to do : La Seyne-sur-Mer, a resort in the Var region of the Côte d’Azur, is known for its Plage des Sablettes, a 1km fine-sand beach that has been awarded Blue Flag status for its water quality.

You can find all manner of watersports here. Windsurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, scuba diving and sailing are all available from local providers, and there are numerous restaurants to refuel at after a day on the water. You’re also near the Cap Sicié massif, whose lush forest with beautiful hilltop views will reward hikers who take one of the trails to the Notre-Dame du Mai chapel.

Where to stay : Grand Hotel des Sablettes Plage, Curio Collection by Hilton is a historical hotel with gorgeous restaurants offering panoramic views, a tranquil sun terrace and rooms that echo the breezy elegance of their French Riviera location. This is a great base for those who want to explore Provence more widely by car, and the hotel has direct access to the aforementioned beach.

Santorini, Greece

What to do : some 3,600 years ago, the island of Santorini quite literally exploded, wiping out its ancient population in the process. The island’s bay, its shores studded with quintessentially Cycladic white houses, is actually a submerged volcanic caldera. Today, Santorini conjures up visions of trendy pool lounges, “bougie” bars and chic travellers hoping to see the perfect sunset from the island’s dramatic clifftops, but it is as much a geological marvel as it is a tourist hotspot. So, whether you want to sip cocktails under a full moon or hike volcanoes, this island is a great choice.

Where to stay : Sea Breeze Santorini Beach Resort, Curio Collection Hilton has its own private, black-sand beach, every room has a hot tub, and you can enjoy private dining with a Mediterranean menu devised by award-winning chef Pavlos Kiriakis. This hotel has won multiple awards and it’s easy to see why – for those seeking luxury, it’s the perfect sanctuary.

Alicante

What to do : Alicante is not the tourist trap that the Costa del Sol is, but that is very much part of the charm. Here you have a working city, and all that brings – trendy coffee shops, vegan options, shopping malls and a bustling old town – making it great for city-breakers who still want the benefits of being on the coast. Head to the Castillo de Santa Bárbara to connect with Alicante’s Islamic past, yacht-watch at the city’s marina, or, for those willing to venture farther out, visit Guadalest village and fortress for a slice of traditional Spanish life and beautiful mountain-top views.

Where to stay : Casa Alberola Alicante, Curio Collection by Hilton is a boutique hotel set in a neoclassical building just moments from the marina, with sea-view rooms, and a Lobster Bar serving an extensive menu based on local, organic ingredients. Plus, the local beach, Playa del Postiguet, is just a 15-minute stroll down Alicante’s palm tree-lined promenade.

Malta

What to do : a true cultural crossroads, Malta boasts Italian, Arab, African and British influences that are seen in every facet of life, from food to architecture. St John’s Co-Cathedral in the capital city of Valletta is a jaw-dropping celebration of baroque architecture, while the historic city of Mdina feels like something out of Game of Thrones, because it really is – its gates were used as the entrance to King’s Landing in season one. Local delicacies to try include salt-baked cod, rabbit pasta and pastizzi , a savoury pastry traditionally filled with ricotta or pureed peas. Malta is truly sun-drenched, offering more than 300 days of sunshine a year, and it’s surrounded by clear waters that are great for snorkelling.

Where to stay : Hilton Malta is in St Julian’s, just a short drive from Valletta but a bustling town in its own right, with traditional fishing boats, buzzing nightclubs, historical sites and modern shopping centres. The hotel itself has both an indoor and outdoor pool, the option of Mediterranean and Thai restaurants, and more than 35 fitness classes each week to punctuate your lounging. DoubleTree by Hilton Malta sits on the rugged and rocky north coast in Qawra, and offers spectacular views stretching across to St Paul’s island. It’s a family friendly place with a choice of indoor or outdoor pool, and is in a great location if you fancy heading farther north to explore the islands of Gozo or Comino.

Check in for some September sunshine at one of Hilton’s Mediterranean destinations