5 Vacation Destinations That Get Better Out Of Season
Fewer crowds offer greater opportunities for spontaneity and exploration at your own pace when on vacation, as well as the delights of fall sunshine and cooler climes. Here, KATIE BERRINGTON rounds up the popular destinations that are very much worth visiting outside of the peak summer season
Mallorca, Spain
The largest of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca woos visitors with its golden shores, gleaming coves, movie-worthy landscape of mountains and rolling countryside, and vibrant towns and cities. But, come fall (and moving on into winter), when the most adamant sunseekers have left, the weather tends to remain pleasantly mild – all the better for enjoying its plethora of outdoor pursuits, such as hiking, biking and golf. Meanwhile, the harvest season also means plenty of opportunities to taste local delicacies – and the cinematic scenery becomes even more dramatic on a stormy day.
Where to stay: Grand Hotel Son Net is situated in a secluded enclave at the foot of the Unesco World Heritage site Serra de Tramuntana, which offers glorious valley vistas only 20 minutes from the capital of Palma. This 17th-century villa has been beautifully restored with artful interiors and characterful suites and cottages. While many hotels on the Balearic Islands shut their doors for much of the winter period, Grand Hotel Son Net is only closed for part of January and February.
Santorini, Greece
Greek-island lovers know to avoid the most legendary of the Cyclades during peak summer months, for fear of being overrun by honeymooners. But Santorini’s cerulean-blue domes and iconic architecture are just as mesmerizing in the cooler months – late September, October, and early November, as well as April and May – and even more Instagram-worthy when the crowds have thinned. Enjoy the breathtaking views – which are somehow even more astounding in real life than in all those alluring pictures you’ve seen – take peaceful hikes through panoramic landscapes, and dine in open-air bars and restaurants.
Where to stay: Andronis boasts three sublime hotels on the island, all in the enchanting town of Oia. The opulent Andronis Luxury Suites and the more intimate Andronis Boutique Suites are carved right into the caldera, offering guests the most privileged spots within this cliffside location that overlooks the endless Aegean. The suites are the epitome of serenity and luxury, each with a private infinity pool or cave hot tub of crystal-clear turquoise water that glistens against the chalk-white architecture. With refined restaurants backdropped by the alluring Santorini sunsets, it’s no wonder that Andronis is a true icon of this fabled spot.
Cannes, France
Synonymous with its namesake film festival, the charming, compact city of Cannes is often overlooked outside the glamorous two-week event or the height of summer, when crowds flock to the French Riviera. But for a slower, more relaxed experience, visit Cannes in early spring, fall or even winter. Despite cooler temperatures and less predictable weather, you’ll be able to wander its picturesque streets in peace, enjoy its art scene and discover beautiful restaurants serving delicious French and Mediterranean cuisine.
Where to stay: Take the opportunity to stay at one of the city’s most famous and star-studded properties, such as the historic Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes on the Croisette, for a taste of Hollywood grandeur. If low-key elegance is more your style, head to the stunning Tiara Yaktsa in Théoule-sur-Mer, a 20-minute drive from central Cannes, for stunning vistas and a more laidback take on the Cote d’Azur.
Venice, Italy
With its labyrinth of gondola-lined canals, Venice makes a strong case for being one of Italy’s most enchanting cities – as well as one of its most overcrowded tourist traps. However, from November to early spring, it’s possible to appreciate the marvels of Venice with fewer people around and soak up the magic of its piazzas minus the chaos. This means you can fall into cafés like the locals do while wandering the usually packed narrow streets and discover the city’s historic landmarks with far fewer crowds and more time to ponder them – think Basilica di San Marco, Doge’s Palace, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and La Fenice Opera House.
Where to stay: In a city that boasts such a rich history, the utterly charming Il Palazzo Experimental triumphs in its melding of Italian heritage with the Experimental Groups’s aesthetically-pleasing retro design. A stone’s throw from the key attractions, its vicinity to the quieter canals of Dorsoduro also offers plenty of hidden squares and under-the-radar haunts to discover, as well as glorious views across to the lagoon island of Giudecca. Not to be missed is the hotel’s large canal-side garden, served by its own private pontoon.
Lisbon, Portugal
With its eclectic and evolving culinary and cultural scene, Lisbon has become an increasingly popular city break in recent years. The cooler winter temperatures (though it’s still sunnier than many other European destinations, thanks to its Mediterranean climate) are ideal for exploring the city by foot. Take a stroll around the Old Town and appreciate its red-roofed architecture at a leisurely pace, before indulging in the city’s many decadent delicacies.
Where to stay: The Ivens, Autograph Collection, vividly designed by Lázaro Rosa-Violán and Cristina Matos, delivers an adventurous ambience inspired by globe-trotting travels. It features a highly in-demand restaurant, Rocco, and even a jazz club. Thanks to the hotel’s location in Lisbon’s cosmopolitan center, visitors are encouraged to embark on their own wanderlust explorations, while the top-floor signature suites – with river views and private terraces – offer beautiful outlooks onto the heart of this wonderful city.