AUTUMN is upon us, so there’s no better time to ditch Ireland’s changeable weather and pack your bags for a bargain sunshine trip.
Just because summer has ended doesn’t mean you have to bid farewell to basking in the sunshine until 2026.
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A last-minute sun escape this autumn is the perfect way to keep that glowing tan going year round.
And with bargain travel options on offer, there’s no need to wait until next year for a sunshine break with Ryanair flights starting from €16.99.
October is a great time for a getaway with cheaper accommodation and generally less crowds.
We take a look at some of the most affordable last-minute getaways with cheap Ryanair flights from Dublin.
Valencia, Spain
LOCATED on the Eastern coast of Spain, Valencia has loads to offer tourists in October.
With Ryanair flights starting from €16.99, the Spanish city is a great sunshine getaway that won’t break the bank.
Hotels start from €70 to €105 a night, ranging from budget to upscale.
Often referred to as an underrated Spanish sunshine spot, the city is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, stunning architecture and being a budget-friendly destination.
Valencia, overlooking the gorgeous Mediterranean Sea, is the perfect mix of city fun and sunshine at 24C.
For those who like to keep active, there’s plenty of outdoor activities, including biking, running, or walking tours.
And for the thrill seekers, there’s sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, or hiking mountain peaks for panoramic views.
For a quieter spot, the Turia Gardens offer a stunning nine-kilometre green space right in the heart of the city.
Valencia has lots for history buffs to explore, including two Unesco World Heritage sites.
STEP BACK IN TIME
La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange), which is a 15th-century late Gothic building, was the centre of the silk trade in Valencia during the Middle Ages.
The second is El Tribunal de las Aguas, which was founded in the 13th century.
You can also take in the beauty of Valencia on a catamaran cruise or a sailing boat.
The Spanish city has a vibrant nightlife, with numerous lively bars, nightclubs and restaurants along the port area.
And a pint will set you back just €3, and wine starts from just €2.
Faro, Portugal
ESCAPE to sunny Faro in Portugal with flights from €29.99 in October.
The Portuguese city has a unique charm and beaches on par with the Amalfi Coast, but without the hefty price tag.
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The city offers hot Mediterranean weather with highs of 25C in October, and hotels from just €50.
It’s divided into two areas – the ‘barrocal’ is characterised by a unique hilly landscape between the mountains of Serra.
Then there’s the coastal area, which is often compared to Italy’s famous Amalfi region.
A great way to explore is by taking an island hopping tour.
The Algarve’s capital city is a great spot for swimming, hiking, and golf.
GOLDEN BEACHES
Praia de Falesia is the most popular, with a lengthy stretch of golden sand and multi-coloured cliffs over the Atlantic Ocean.
Visitors often described it as ‘the best beach they’ve ever been on’ and one of ‘Europe’s best beaches’.
Vale do Lobo, also located in the area, has been described as a ‘golfer’s paradise’ and has been a Blue Flag beach since 1987.
Culture vultures will have lots to explore including Faro Cathedral, the Municipal Museum of Faro, and Ria Formosa Natural Park.
October follows the grape harvest, making it the perfect time to sample local Algarve wines.
Motor enthusiasts can snap some photos of vintage racing cars in The Algarve Classic Festival which runs from October 24 to 26.
Bari, Italy
REACHING mild temperatures averaging around 22C during the day, Bari is only a €29.99 flight away.
Budget-friendly, three-star hotels range between €20 to €40, while higher-star hotels can range from €75 upwards.
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October sees significantly fewer crowds than summer months so it makes the perfect destination for some rest and relaxation.
Stroll through the charming old town of Bari Vecchia, and pay a visit to some of its historic sites, like the Basilica of Saint Nicholas.
Enjoy a coffee in the Piazza del Ferrarese and Piazza Mercantile while soaking up the bustling atmosphere of the city.
Other must-sees include Swabian Castle, Bari Cathedral, and the Old Port.
FRESH HARVEST
As October is harvesting season, it’s the ideal time to try some authentic Puglian cuisine at its freshest.
Foodies can also make a day trip to the popular Cardoncello Mushroom Festival in late October.
Discover the famous Orecchiette Street where you can watch local women making traditional pasta, and even buy some to take home.
Bari has excellent transportation, allowing visitors to explore the surrounding areas with ease.
The Unesco World Heritage site Alberobello is famous for its unique trulli houses.
Another exploration option is the ancient cave dwellings in the fascinating Sassi site.
Sofia, Bulgaria
BULGARIA’S capital city Sofia makes the perfect last-minute sun getaway with Ryanair flights from €24.99 in October.
Sofia boasts a fascinating blend of Eastern and Western influences, remarkable history, and surprisingly diverse attractions.
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It’s the perfect place to soak up highs of 20C at the foot of the stunning Vitosha mountain.
The city itself is affordable too, with a bottle of beer costing as little as €1, and pints going for roughly the same.
Food won’t break the bank with a meal costing just €7 in some places.
Budget hotels in the colourful city range between €40 to €60 per night, while upscale accommodation starts from €55 to €75 per night.
Walking is a great way to see as much of the city as possible, and there are stylish old trams to get around.
And cycling is a popular alternative to public transport too.
CULTURAL SITES
Step back in time with a visit to Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Ancient Serdica Complex or the Unesco World Heritage site of the Boyana Church.
Foodies will be spoiled for choices at the Central Market Hall with numerous food stalls, cafes and shops.
Popular dishes in autumn include banitsa cheese pastry, shopska salad, and hearty stews.
Sofia also has a buzzing nightlife for punters who want to dance the night away.
Most pubs and clubs open at 6pm, and close at 2am, but some keep their doors open until 6am for serious clubbers.
Nice, France
FLIGHTS to the glamorous coastal city of Nice start from a bargain €27.99.
Reaching highs of 21C, this beautiful coastal city has something for everyone.
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Hotels start from €70 a night and there’s a selection of Airbnb’s available in the city.
Nice is one of the largest cities on the French Riviera and home to a number of Blue Flag beaches.
Go for a quick dip or take a stroll on one of its famous beaches, such as the Plage des Ponchettes.
The long, palm-lined beach is close to Vieux Nice and the city’s extraordinary old town.
Coco Beach is one of the best beaches, boasting sun-tinged rock formations and pebbles.
BOAT TRIPS
Hop aboard a catamaran or sunset cruise to take in the beauty of the French Riviera.
One of the best things about Nice is just how walkable the city is.
Nice’s vibrant cobbled streets filled with art-deco architecture and ornate 19th-century property that rivals Paris can be explored leisurely on foot.
The palm-lined main boulevard of Promenade des Anglais hosts a quaint farmers market on a Saturday, selling flowers, local foods and unique French gifts.
There are several cultural events in the month of October including the Eze Gastronomic Festival, Fete de la Sainte Reparate, the European Short Film Festival of Nice, and performances at the Opera de Nice.
