With the arrival of colder and rainier days, The Octopus is looking for the best regions for Autumn sailing. This is the perfect time to visit popular sailing destinations off-season, offering a chance to enjoy less crowded anchorages and cities, and cheaper marinas. Thus, Autumn is the perfect time for sailing in destinations where temperatures and winds are still enjoyable!
The Octopus will take you on a sailing journey around the Mediterranean, where a few regions will give you the opportunity to sail in mild temperatures. And you will also travel to the Pacific, where the waters are known to offer warmth and picturesque views this time of the year.
Without further ado, here are the best regions for sailing in Autumn!
The best regions for Autumn sailing
Croatia
We are starting off strong with the gem of the Adriatic Sea, Croatia! The Croatian Coast is very famous from June to August. This can make sailing less pleasant with overcrowded anchorages and marinas, and with cities that are milling with tourists.
Therefore, September and October are the perfect time for Autumn sailing! The weather is also quite enjoyable, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 22°C, and very little rain.
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This is your chance to visit the region of Dubrovnik, one of the busiest summer destinations. You will find quiet anchorages, and be able to visit the historic city of Dubrovnik in utter peace. Of course, the Kornati Islands are beautiful this time of the year, and you will be alone there too – or surrounded by a few boaters only! In the Dalmatian region, you can explore the islands of Šolta, Brač, Hvar, or stop by Trogir and Split.
One thing is for sure, wherever you go from Umag to Dubrovnik, you will be met with picturesque views on the crystal clear Adriatic waters. Plus, you will be able to visit Croatia’s coast without all the fuss of the high-season!
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Italy
Much like Croatia, Italy offers similar weather in September and October. This gives you the opportunity to enjoy its coast without all the summer heat and the crowds. Set sail to Sicily and Sardinia to enjoy calm waters and favorable winds.
The fall season also brings many food festivals, such as Ottobrata Zafferanese in Zafferana Etnea and Scale del Gusto in Ragusa – both celebrating Sicily’s rich cuisine.
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During high-season, Sardinia and Sicily are often victims of their own success. Autumn brings back their natural beauty, allowing you to sail crystal-clear waters, rugged coastlines, and uncrowded marinas. Sardinia, with its stunning spots like Costa Smeralda and the Maddalena Archipelago, offers mild temperatures and moderate winds. Sicily, on the other hand, enchants with its diverse landscape, from the dramatic cliffs of the Aeolian Islands to the golden sands of the Egadi Islands.
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Greece
To continue our Autumn sailing in the Mediterranean region, The Octopus makes a stop in Greece! The Greek coast is a breathtaking blend of rugged cliffs, golden beaches, and crystal-clear waters. In Fall, temperatures range from 18 to 24°C – and the atmosphere is much calmer!
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You will be able to enjoy the calmness of overcrowded regions in the summer, such as the Cyclades. This breathtaking region is known for its iconic whitewashed villages and deep blue waters. The Autumn tranquility will fore sure make sailing between Mykonos, Santorini, and Parios a pleasant experience!
If you’re looking for some greenery in the midst of the fall season, the Ionian Islands are the perfect place to find verdant landscapes! You can sail in the gentle waters of the Ionian Sea, and explore the gorgeous islands of Corfu, Zakynthos, and Kefalonia.
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Turkey
Autumn sailing on the Turkish Coast might be the perfect option. Turkey grants a wonderful Indian Summer experience! The setting is ideal, with temperatures going from 20 to 25°C, waters that remain calm and crystal clear, and with moderate winds.
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As the summer crowds have thinned out, you will have the pleasure of sailing on the Turquoise Coast – also known as “Blue Voyage”. Autumn sailing in Turkey will allow you to see the coast’s rich cultural heritage and its natural landscapes. You will have unbelievable views on dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, picturesque bays, and ancient ruins – all explored in tranquility and peace of mind.
For more adventure, you can stop by Turkey’s coastal towns, such as Bodrum, Marmaris, and Fethiye. These towns highlight the country’s rich culture and history, from their ancient architecture to their rich local cuisine.
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Malta
Malta is another recommended region for Autumn sailing, thanks to its mild weather, calm seas, and stunning coastline. Now that the crowds have diminished, Malta and its dramatic landscapes are all yours to enjoy in a softer light that makes sunsets over the Mediterranean even more breathtaking! Malta’s coastline is one-of-a-kind.
You will be able to go on an unforgettable journey, exploring the turquoise waters of Blue Lagoon on Comino, Gozo’s rugged beauty, or Valletta’s harbors – all while discovering Malta’s rich culture and cuisine.
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If the Fall season makes it more difficult to go on hikes due to bad weather and colder temperatures, it is quite the opposite for Malta. As the scorching summer heat has subsided, Autumn is an ideal time to explore Malta’s rugged coastline and numerous trails. The Dingli Cliffs, one of Malta’s most breathtaking locations as the path will take you along rugged coastal paths. Majjistral Nature and History Park is perfect for hiking in unspoiled nature while exploring archeological remains. The hike of Għajn Tuffieħa will show you stunning coastal scenery, with trails that will give you incredible views from above on the picturesque Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa Bay.
In short, Malta has plenty of hiking options, a perfect Autumn getaway for you!
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Balearic Islands
The Balearic Islands are a dream destination all year-long. However, Autumn is the perfect time for sailing as it is not only a magical experience, but it also keeps you away from the intense heat of the summer.
The idyllic weather temperatures that hover around 20 to 25°C, the tranquil seas, Autumn winds, and the islands’ stunning coastlines make the perfect equation for an unforgettable sailing journey.
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Each island has a unique charm. Mallorca and its magnificent cliffs and coves will welcome you majestically. On the other hand, Menorca, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, will take you on a revitalizing journey through unspoiled nature. If you really want peace, Formentera makes perfect for anchoring in tranquility, away from all the fuss and crowds. During high-season, stopping by the towns is not as pleasant due to the tourists, and the intense heat.
Thanks to Autumn, you will be able to visit Palma de Mallorca, Ciutadella, or Ibiza – and see the cities from a more relaxed point of view, which is perfect to get to know the culture and explore each corner in serenity!
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Canary Islands
One of the best regions for Autumn sailing is by far the Canary Islands, due to the temperatures that go from 22 and 26°C, steady winds, and mesmerizing natural beauty.
The islands’ volcanic landscapes are one-of-a-kind, and the Fall season allows visiting boaters to enjoy and explore popular locations with less crowds. Everything about the Canary Islands makes perfect for a remarkable sailing experience!
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As we wrote in our article on the Canary Islands, each island is special and has something different to offer. In Tenerife, the famous Mount Teide will watch over you, and you will be able to hike on the numerous trails of the island, with breathtaking views on the volcanic landscapes. The Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote is known for its lunar-like terrain, and without all the crowds you will truly feel like you are on another planet!
You can also stop by the islands’ famous towns, like Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Puerto de la Cruz, or Las Palmas, and enjoy the delicious food and rich culture of the Canary Islands!
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French Polynesia
French Polynesia gives you the true Indian Summer experience! With temperatures that go from 25°C and 30°C, and with moderate winds, one of the most beautiful tropical destinations will give you an extraordinary sailing experience.
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French Polynesia and its crystal-clear lagoons attract boaters from all around the world, and it is clear as to why. The landscapes of French Polynesia are as diverse as they are idyllic, with a blend of tropical beauty, volcanic formations, and turquoise waters. For instance, Tahiti is special thanks to its volcanic peaks and black sand beaches. Moora is renowned for its turquoise lagoons. In Bora Bora, you will be able to observe the breathtaking coral reefs and motus, lined with white sand beaches and rich marine life.
In other words, French Polynesia is a true paradise, and our top region for Autumn sailing!
This is the end of our article on the best regions for Autumn sailing! We hope you enjoyed it and that it will give you ideas for your next Autumn destination!
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