Readers' tips: autumn sun

A little-visited island off Sardinia, the highlights of western Crete, the hidden villages of the Algarve ? Been there readers share their secrets spots to catch autumn sun in the MediterraneanAdd a tip for next week and you could win a digital cameraWINNING TIP: Carloforte, Isola di San Pietro, Sardinia, ItalyCarloforte is a former Genoese enclave on the remote island of San Pietro, off the main island of Sardinia, surrounded by untouched nature and blue sea. Spend the day on a beach of fine sand at La Bobba, swimming in crystalline water. Join one of the boat tours of the island, or hire your own and go diving. In the evening, smarten up for dinner at Al Tonno di Corsa, where the speciality is tuna caught with traditional methods. As an appetiser or late-night snack try a delicious farinata, a Genoese chickpea flatbread, while promenading the beautiful old town, which is made up of small lanes and winding steps between pastel-coloured houses. With few tourists around, you'll discover a hidden treasure not even many Sardinians visit. Sardegnaturismo.it ContemporaneoItalyCamogli, GenoaThe town still feels like a genuine fishing port and its handful of tourist-orientated shops and eateries don't detract from its charm. Baroque houses line streets cut into the steep hillside above a picturesque little bay, complete with (shingle) beach, azure waters, fishing port and fort. There are plenty of opportunities to walk into the Appenine hinterland of hills cloaked in olive and orange groves ? particularly breathtaking is the walk from Camogli along the cliffs of the Portofino peninsula, with stunning views along the whole length of the Ligurian coast from the village of San Rocco. johnsannaeeGreeceEleonas cottages, Zaros, CreteEleonas is a beautiful hotel made up of cottages straddling a Cretan hillside and a main taverna/reception/bar at the base of the hill. If you want to get away somewhere quiet and friendly, with amazing food and walks in the hills, gorges and forests of upland Crete ? or, a short drive away, visiting the beaches, Minoan palaces and towns of the south coast ? then this is for you. +30 289 403 1238, eleonas.grmediamuleChania and western CreteRenting a car is a must for exploring beautiful, rugged western Crete. From the charming Venetian town of Chania, visit Samaria Gorge for sightings of wild goat or kri-kri ? relax after the day's hike in the laid-back coastal village of Agia Roumeli. Explore the hills above Balos beach for wonderful views of the Gramvousa peninsula. And visit the paradise setting of Elafonisi with its warm sands and shallow waters. In late summer the crowds have gone and the weather is good well into early autumn. We stayed at Frida Apartments for easy access to everything.Frida Apartments, Kladissos, Chania (+30 282 109 2729, fridahotel.gr)GornaLondonTunisiaHotel Kanta, Port El KantaouiPort El Kantaoui comes into its own at this time of year. It is still hot enough for a beach holiday without being uncomfortable. It's a purpose-built tourist resort a short drive from the older town of Sousse, with its traditional medina. The Kanta is a lovely hotel in the centre of the port with easy access to beach and marina. + 216 73 348666, hotel-kanta.comlebeeukPortugalThe villages of the Algarve and Cape St VincentYou don't have to travel far in the Algarve to escape the crowds. Hire a car and head inland from Albufeira. Just three miles north of here you can explore the narrow, timeless streets of Guia. Alternatively, to escape the heat as well as the crowds, head up into the Monchique hills for the fresh, cool air and the wonderful flowers. This is fabulous walking country. Head back down to the coast to stunning Cape St Vincent ? you'll find remote, barren cliffs, crashing waves, an ancient fort and a lighthouse that shines its powerful light 60 miles out into the Atlantic. The coastline north of here is stunning too, with coves that can be reached only by boat.troutiemcfish Carrapateira, western AlgarveThere aren't many things to do in Carrapateira besides soaking up the sun and stunning surroundings. A clear first choice has to be the surf. Right in the centre of town is a wonderful little surfboard rental that is run by Alex, who speaks perfect English and, if you're lucky, will take you to the local break. After a long day of surfing a good meal is essential. Luckily, Carrapateira serves great food, and although there are only a few places to eat, they're better than anywhere else I've been, with fantastic fresh fish. carrapateira.co.ukKaySmytheItalyEuropeGreeceCretePortugalTunisiaAfricaguardian.co.uk © 2011 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

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