Gorgeous Greek island with 24C weather in October but no tourist crowds

As autumn cools much of Europe, one Greekisland continues to offer warm weather, clear seas and peaceful scenery — without the Santorinicrowds.

Travel experts from Ski Vertigo have recommended the quiet spot of Milos, part of the Cyclades group, as an ideal off-season escape. Known as the Island of Colours, Milos features volcanic landscapes, turquoise waters and traditional villages that remain calm in October.

Milos has more than 70 beaches, each with a distinct look. Sarakiniko beach, with its white volcanic rock and bright blue sea, resembles a lunar landscape. Tsigrado Beach offers adventure seekers a fun descent by rope ladder, while Agia Kyriaki and Paliochori are ideal for those seeking quiet coastal spots.

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The island’s colourful terrain — shaped by ancient volcanic activity — includes red, yellow, and white cliffs. Seaside villages like Klima and Mandrakia add charm with their brightly painted boathouses. The capital, Plaka, is a hilltop town of narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed homes, offering one of the best sunset views in the Aegean.

Local food is another one of Milo's features, with their rich history, tavernas serve grilled seafood, pitarakia (cheese pies), and honey-soaked desserts, enjoyed alongside a glass of local wine.

Milos is rich in both nature and culture, with visitors able to explore Kleftiko and Sykia caves by boat, see the Roman theatre, and walk through the early Christian catacombs. The Mining Museum tells the story of the island’s mineral heritage, while charming villages such as Pollonia, Tripiti and Zefyria reveal authentic Cycladic life.

Some of the day activities you can enjoy in Milos include:

• Visiting Sarakiniko, Tsigrado, and Fyriplaka beaches.
• Taking a boat trip to Kleftiko and Sykia caves.
• Exploring the Roman theatre, ancient catacombs, and Mining Museum.
• Wandering around Plaka’s old town and watch the sunset from the Venetian castle.
• Visiting the fishing villages of Klima and Mandrakia.
• Sampling local dishes and wines in seaside tavernas.

Milos has a small airport with regular flights from Athens, operated by SKY Express and Olympic Air. The flight takes about 45 minutes. Ferries from Piraeus Port in Athens run several times daily, taking around 3 to 5 hours depending on the vessel. There are also connections from nearby islands such as Santorini, Paros, and Naxos.

Flights from London to Milos (via Athens) start from around £70–£90 one way.

If you fancy some autumn sunshine and don't mind travelling a little further, then Barbadosis one option. In the recentPost Office Travel Moneylong-haul bargains report, Barbadoshad the biggest price drop since 2023, with a basket of essentials falling almost 19% in price.

In terms of activities, Barbados is ideal for those travelling on a (relatively long) shoestring. The island's breathtaking natural beauty can be enjoyed without spending a penny. Every beach in Barbados is open to the public, meaning holidaymakers can unwind on the same gorgeous sands as the celebs.

Pebbles Beach, in particular, offers a uniquely Bajan experience, as racehorses from the nearby stables are brought down to the shore each morning for a swim, a sight that combines local culture with natural beauty and won't cost you a thing.

Getting to Barbados can be much cheaper than some of the other destinations listed on the Post Office Travel Money report. Skyscanneris currently listing a return flight in November from £407.