Where to find warm sun and blue skies in October and NovemberCrete GreeceOctober high: 24CThe Greek islands can lose their lustre out of season, but southern Crete falls into the north African climatic zone and basks in sunshine long after other resorts have put up the shutters. The Minoan palace of Knossos and the Samaria Gorge are free of crowds and it's perfect weather for walking in the White Mountains, where the grape and olive harvests are in full swing. The Ammos Hotel, near beautiful Chania, offers chic, contemporary studios with sea views on a beach 5km from the lively port city of Chania.? Doubles from ?131, room only (+30 28210 33003, ammoshotel.com). Easyjet (easyjet.com) flies Gatwick-Chania until the end of October from �197 returnIbiza, SpainOctober high: 23CWhile the rest of the Med slips into an off-season slumber, Ibiza goes out with a bang. The next fortnight sees a wave of "closing parties", with superclubs such as Amnesia and Space bidding a hedonistic farewell to the summer. If it all gets too much, head inland to one of the island's hip agroturismos, where the island's cognoscenti will be hanging out at intimate DJ events and recharging their batteries at swish spas. Es Cucons is a laid-back finca with 15 rooms in the west of the island.? Doubles from ?195 (+34 971 805501, escucons.com). British Airways (ba.com) flies to Ibiza from various UK airports from �150 Marrakech, MoroccoOctober high: 28CFew cities can rival Marrakech for exoticism, but if it's relaxation you're after, leave the bustle of the medina behind and head for the hills. Tigmi, 15 miles from the city, is a peaceful complex of tastefully converted village houses surrounding courtyards. There's a hammam and a large heated pool ? something you won't find in the city-centre riads. A regular shuttle bus into Marrakech ensures guests experience the best of both worlds.? Best of Morocco (08450 264 585, bestofmorocco.co.uk) is offering four nights at Tigmi for the price of three until the end of October. So a four-night stay costs �550pp half-board, including flights and transfersAlgarve, PortugalOctober high: 22CIn autumn the sandy beaches of the western Algarve are empty, and the chestnut forests of the Monchique mountains are at their best. Inntravel has comfortable apartments at the Algarve Quinta, a 19th-century farmhouse 5km from the port of Lagos, handy for secluded bays and walking trails in the mountains.? Inntravel (01653 617001, inntravel.co.uk) has availability at the Quinta from the end of October. Seven nights from 26 October costs �630pp including car hire. From 1 November the price drops to �498pp. Ryanair (ryanair.com) flies from various UK airports to Faro from �61Le Marche, ItalyNovember high: 17CA traditional farmhouse surrounded by olive groves and vineyards is the setting for a four-day gourmet olive break which promises to immerse guests in the specialities of Le Marche region in all its autumn glory. The trip includes visits to food markets, olive oil and wine tastings, gourmet meals based around seasonal fare such as chestnuts and truffles, a cookery demonstration and the chance to help with the olive harvest. ? The four-day package costs �525pp including transfers, three nights' accommodation at the Casal dei Fichi, all meals, visits and demonstrations (+39 734 959 018, casaldeifichi.com). Dates are 5-8 and 12-15 November. Ryanair (ryanair.com) flies from Stansted to Ancona from �45 returnProvence, FranceOctober high: 19CTucked away in a sleepy Proven�al village, La Maison de Blauzac is an 18th-century house with a pretty garden and a pool. There are just five guest rooms, simply and elegantly furnished. If you can tear yourself away from the sumptuous views from the garden, the perfectly preserved medieval city of Uz�s and the Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard are a short drive away. ? Doubles from �95 through i-escape (i-escape.com/lamaisondeblauzac.php). Ryanair (ryanair.com) flies to from Liverpool and Luton to Nimes, 35km away, from �16 returnWinter sunGreeceIbizaMarrakechPortugalItalyMoroccoCreteProvenceFood and drinkHotelsSelf-cateringBeach holidaysLouise Daleguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
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