The warm sea in november in Europe

Where to go in November for warmth – warm sea at the beginning of November, where you can swim during the autumn holidays.

November is the month of off-season and cheap airline tickets. Where is the best place to spend time, when almost all of Europe is covered with yellow leaves, and in some places you can already see snow?

We catch the warm November on the coast of Amalfi, Costa del Sol, in Cyprus and Santorini. Here you can still stroll during the day in t-shirts and even sunbathe on empty beaches. And also feast on juicy fruits and seafood and, having gathered as much sun as possible in your hands, return to the routine of the cold season.

Recommended reading: Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast – beaches, hiking, relaxing by the sea

Amalfi Coast, Italy

The Amalfi Coast in autumn is the best cure for boredom. Here you’ll find a unique cuisine, original culture, and stunning nature at the confluence of the sea and mountains. You should come here to bask in the sun, indulge in the tastiest pizza in Italy, witness the lemon harvest – that’s just the minimum you can do in a few days in this vibrant and almost perfect place.

Where is the Amalfi Coast located

The Amalfi Coast is a series of small towns and villages located along the Sorrentine Peninsula in the Campania region in southern Italy.

Technically, the peninsula is divided into two shorelines: the Sorrento Coast and the Amalfi Coast. The Amalfi Coast is the stretch that begins after Positano and descends towards Salerno. The Sorrento Coast is the opposite stretch, running from Positano to Sorrento. However, for practical purposes, it’s easiest to just combine the two coasts and call them the Amalfi Coast.

Weather

The best time to visit the Amalfi Coast and southern Italy in general is late autumn, especially the end of October – beginning of November. In November, the daytime temperature on the Amalfi Coast reaches up to +23℃. The sea is already cooling off, but you can still sunbathe without any trouble. However, if the previous autumn months were hot, you can expect the sea to be +20℃, which means that if you wish, you can easily take a dip.

Keep in mind that the weather at this time is often changeable – winds may blow in, bringing clouds. You might want to bring an umbrella, as there can be short showers.

Where to stay and what to see on the Amalfi Coast

Plan your vacation at the resorts of Positano, Amalfi, and Sorrento, whose numerous coves and rocky shores are planted with lemon groves. In Amalfi, the cliffs and sea are wonderful, and there are very cozy coffee shops. Order a cup of coffee with a shot of limoncello in a seaside café, tilt your face up to the sun’s rays, and forget that November has come.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a lovely place to spend most of the day or an entire day. There are several museums, great eateries, and its own rather large pebble beach, where in the summer there’s nowhere to sit on your own towel. But in November there’s almost no one here, and it’s a very good time to spend a warm day by the sea.

I recommend visiting the local cathedral, the Duomo. Its architecture is a stunning combination of Islamic, Byzantine, and Romanesque styles, which leave many visitors in awe. After visiting the Duomo, you should drop by the Savoia pastry shop across the road from Piazza Gioia to try “baci di Amalfi” — pastries with creamy or lemon filling.

After dessert, walk over to Piazza municipio and head to the nearby tunnel, which leads to an elevator that goes up to a stunning and little-known observation deck with a beautiful view of the city and bay. If you return down to the tunnel and walk all the way to the other end, you’ll arrive in a charming little town called Atrani.

Positano

No list of Amalfi Coast towns would be complete without Positano. Probably the most famous town on the Amalfi Coast, the city has a large private beach, plenty of good hotels, and many luxurious rental homes with stunning views of the bay below. The location, built on the side of a steep cliff, is incredibly picturesque.

Sorrento

Located on the northern side of the Sorrentine Peninsula, this is the second largest city in the region after Salerno. It’s a bustling little place with friendly locals and several beautiful sights. Many nice shops are scattered throughout the historic center, which is great for shoppers and daytime strolls. One place you definitely shouldn’t miss is Villa Communale – a free seaside park and garden with stunning views of the bay and Sorrento’s beautiful green hills.

Vietri sul Mare

Vietri sul Mare is one of the most underrated destinations. The town is easy to reach from Naples or Salerno, and is famous for its beautiful and surprisingly affordable ceramics. The main street is lined with local shops owned by families for generations. There is also a large ceramics factory whose facade is completely covered in tiles.

As in almost everywhere on the Amalfi Coast, Vietri has a beautiful town beach where you can sunbathe, swim, or watch a wonderful sunset. It is crowded in high season, but almost empty in November, when the commercial beaches close. So you don’t have to worry about money – the beach will be completely free. Also, Vietri has plenty of restaurants and cafes, which you can enjoy between buying handmade ceramics and relaxing on the beach with a nice view of the bay.

Book a hotel on the Amalfi Coast:

Locanda Costa D’Amalfi≫ – a hotel located on the outskirts of Amalfi, away from the crowds, but near the road to Positano. Very nice rooms with sea views and their own terrace, a small garden and private hotel parking. Suitable for travelers by car.
Casa Gilda Positano≫ – great hotel location in the town of Positano. Rooms have an incredible view from the balcony and garden. There is a nice private beach nearby. The hotel is a bit away from the town center – a 20-minute walk at a leisurely pace.
Hotel La Tonnarella≫ – Wonderful atmospheric hotel in colonial style for those who appreciate comfort in nature. Terrace with sea views, elevator to the beach located in the bay. A restaurant with exemplary service and haute cuisine.

Recommended reading: 10-day itinerary for your first trip to Italy

Malaga and Costa del Sol Coast, Spain

If you go to Spain in November, the warmest place will be Andalusia and its southern resorts on the Costa del Sol coast. Costa del Sol is a region known in southern Spain as one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. Since the 1950s, this strip of coast has transformed from small fishing villages into large tourist resorts with hotels scattered along the shoreline. Here, the sun shines 300 days a year, and Andalusian cuisine ruled by tapas and seafood dominates, radiating a summer carefree life, the kind you can only dream of in November.

Weather

The air temperature on the Costa del Sol at the beginning of November reaches +22 degrees during the day, and the water temperature is +18 degrees. If the sun really shines, the air can warm up to +25 degrees. The main thing is that there is no wind, then it’s not a sin to hit the beach – sunbathe and even dare to run into the water. The days are sunny and clear, with an average of only 3 rainy days per month. If you go to Andalusia in November, it’s better to bring a swimsuit than an umbrella!

Although this is also one of the most touristy parts of Spain with a well-developed hotel infrastructure, so expect lots of crowds at most times of the year and lots of other tourists. Except for the low season—November is a great start to it.

Where to relax and what to see on the Costa del Sol

Where to stay depends on the type of vacation you plan. If you want a relaxing beach vacation with the option of running along the beaches every morning and sitting in great cafes and restaurants – choose resorts on the Costa del Sol – Marbella, Torremolinos, or Fuengirola, which are more or less large and do not close cafes at the end of the season like small seaside villages. If you want to see historical and cultural attractions – choose Malaga, where there’s plenty to see plus it’s very convenient to travel around Andalusia by public transport from here.

Malaga

Malaga has a big cultural scene. It will take you a few days to tour all the palaces. Spain is the homeland of bullfighting. La Malagueta is the arena where bullfights and matador duels are held. Bullfighting takes place mainly in the summer, but you can view the amphitheater from the hill, where the 11th-century Alcazaba fortress and the 14th-century Gibralfaro castle are located.

Of the Catholic buildings, the Cathedral of the Incarnation (La Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnaciоn) is interesting. Its construction lasted more than 200 years and one of its towers was never completed—which is why the cathedral was nicknamed “the one-armed lady”.

For city walks, it’s interesting to visit the Muelle Uno district, located near the port. There are many restaurants, shops, and the Pompidou Museum. Another popular neighborhood is Pedregalejo, where fishermen mostly live and the promenade is lined with many fish and seafood restaurants where you can try the fresh catch.

Not far from the promenade is the La Farola lighthouse – one of the symbols of Malaga and its eastern part La Malagueta. It’s worth taking a walk to it at sunset—the white lighthouse turns pink.

Costa del Sol

A good empirical rule is that the farther you get from Malaga, the less crowded and more authentic everything becomes.

Marbella is all about glitz and glamour, with billionaire yachts anchored in the water. Villas here belong to celebrities, and vacation prices match.
Head to Estepona in the southern part of the Costa del Sol to discover a beautiful old village with a charming historic center and more authentic atmosphere.
Torremolinos is a modern town near Malaga airport with nice beaches and a pretty center. It’s a convenient location if you don’t have a rental car but want to see neighboring cities—there is a train here.

Book a hotel by the beaches of Costa del Sol:

Amazing Seaside Studio by EaW Homes≫ – The hotel is located in the center of Marbella—a great place to explore the old town and beach. There are several supermarkets and bus stops nearby, as well as underground parking. Comfortable bed, kettle, and coffee maker in the kitchen.
First line beach sea view Estepona≫ – The hotel is located on the Estepona promenade, halfway between the old town and the pier. Shops and restaurants are within a few minutes’ walk. Everything is at your feet.
Magical Sea View Studios≫ – A residential complex in Torremolinos, located on a cliff. The apartment has an incredible view of the beach and city. There is an elevator that goes directly to the beach. You can use the complex’s pool. The metro station is nearby—10 minutes by train to the airport and 20 minutes to Malaga city center.

Recommended reading: A week’s itinerary in Andalusia – what you must see in southern Spain

Cyprus – the warmest water in the Mediterranean

Cyprus is an island in the Mediterranean Sea with beautiful beaches, turquoise water, and plenty of natural attractions. Autumn in Cyprus is the perfect time to travel without crazy heat, and the sea is still warm enough to swim and sunbathe. You can visit rocky coves, go to the mountains and canyons, hike in national parks, sunbathe on the beach, and spend hours at seaside cafes enjoying Cypriot cuisine and wine.

Recommended reading: 10 day trip ideas from Naples

Weather

The tourist season in Cyprus lasts from March to November. The most comfortable time to travel the island is spring and autumn. And although most tourists go to Cyprus in summer, in July–August the temperature rises to 40℃. But in October–November the weather is perfect for traveling the island, and you can still sunbathe on the beaches. The air temperature in November is +23℃, the water is already cooling to +20℃.

Where to relax and what to see in Cyprus

The main tourist towns are located along the coast. Each has its own features and entertainment: from bars and nightclubs, museums, ancient fortresses, and national parks. Marine recreation on Cypriot beaches is a must when you go to Cyprus. Don’t limit yourself to the beaches of Larnaca—they’re not the best, and the crowd that comes to the capital of the Republic of Cyprus creates congestion. While in summer and September you have to look hard for a spot, in November it’s easy to find a free spot on Larnaca’s beaches.

Larnaca

For many, a trip to Cyprus begins in Larnaca—a seaside town where the spirit of bygone days remains on the old narrow streets. Larnaca offers the cheapest seaside vacation, and although the local beaches aren’t the best, you can definitely relax here.

Finikoudes, Mackenzie, Faros, Kastella, Dekelia beaches have gentle entries into the water and clean water. Palm alley and the main promenade of the city run along Finikoudes beach, lined with restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops. Prices here are higher than in the city center. As for landmarks: the Kamara aqueduct – an old aqueduct from the 18th century, the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque, and the Church of Saint Lazarus, dating to the end of the 9th – beginning of the 10th century. The Old Town offers a huge variety of coffee shops—if the weather is bad at the sea, you can always sit with a cup of coffee.

Ayia Napa

For young people, the beaches of Ayia Napa resort are perfect. This city is an endless party with matching attributes: night bars, colorful cocktails, and discos. Plus, there’s a huge selection of hotels, making it comfortable even for families with children—there’s enough room for everyone.

The best beach in Ayia Napa is Nissi Beach: blue water and white sand, lined with rows of sunbeds. People jet ski along the beach, and in the evenings, youth party in the company of friends. It’s also comfortable for kids—a gentle entrance to the water and clean water.

If you get tired of partying and the crowds, you can walk a bit away and relax on the neighboring Adams Beach. Makronissos Beach is located a bit away from bustling Ayia Napa and attracts visitors with its calm and comfortable atmosphere.

Ayia Napa is not just about parties and bars—it also has several attractions: near Makronissos Beach are archaeological excavations of ancient tombs. You can also visit the 16th-century Venetian monastery, or dive with scuba gear and explore sea caves and grottos.

Protaras

Protaras is a resort town not far from Ayia Napa. It’s a great place for family holidays and divers: the sea here is crystal clear, with underwater caves and modern diving centers.

Protaras also has a cultural scene: take children to the aquarium, and adults can visit the Valley of the Windmills—a huge area filled with windmills that generate electricity for irrigating gardens and fields. Fans of antiquity will be interested in visiting the Church of St. Elias and Ayia Varvara Chapel. You can also go to the village of Paralimni near the border with Northern Cyprus—here you can go horseback riding along the sea, visit the Askott Pottery workshop, and take part in making jugs.

The beaches of Protaras resort are best suited for family holidays. They have golden sand and the same turquoise water. There is a large selection of hotels, and a long promenade runs along the resort—a wonderful spot for strolling. Some of the beaches are in rocky coves with beautiful views from above. For tourists with children, Fig Tree Beach is ideal: a gentle entrance to the water, water that quickly warms up in the shallow, ice cream stands—what else do you need for a fun holiday with a child? And it’s easy to get here—there’s a road to the beach and buses run.

Paphos

Paphos is very cozy and comfortable for a vacation—a pleasant promenade, lots of restaurants, and a couple of nice beaches attract many tourists here. Paphos consists of two parts: the city center Pano Paphos—Upper Paphos or Ktima, and the tourist zone Kato Paphos—Lower Paphos, which stretches along the coast.

You can visit Paphos Castle and the ruins of the Byzantine castle Saranta Kolones, the Kato Paphos archaeological park, and the huge ancient Greek necropolis—the Tombs of the Kings. The magnificent rock-cut necropolis became the final resting place for high officials and the ancient aristocracy. The first burials date back to the 4th century BC.

Paphos has a wonderful promenade for walks, and there are several sandy beaches around, which you can reach by public transport. One of them is Coral Bay—family-friendly with pleasant sand and a gentle entrance to the sea. Located just 12 km from Paphos, buses go there.

Book a hotel by the beaches of Cyprus:

Kefalos Beach Tourist Village≫ – a hotel with a pool in Paphos near Aphrodite’s Beach.
Vassos Nissi Plage Hotel & Spa≫ – a hotel near the famous Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa.
Flokkas Hotel Apartments≫ a very nice apart-hotel in Protaras near the beach.

Santorini – volcanic islands of Greece

The volcanic island of Santorini is unlike other Greek islands. There is almost no greenery here, but the bizarre shapes of rocks and multicolored beaches leave unforgettable impressions. Sunset against the backdrop of the white village of Oia and boat trips along the rocky shores—romance Instagram-style emanates from every location. To avoid standing in line for the most stylish photos against the sea and cliffs, you should go to Santorini in November, when there are almost no tourists left.

Santorini is a volcanic, crescent-shaped island with almost no vegetation. According to legends and accounts, five thousand years ago a large island called Thira stood in Santorini’s place, the cradle of Minoan civilization. But in 1500 BC, near Thira, a huge volcano awoke and a powerful eruption destroyed both the civilization and part of the island’s land. A large area vanished underwater—forming a volcanic caldera filled with seawater. Later, people repopulated the volcanic island and named it after Saint Irene—Santorini.

Hiking in Santorini – the best routes and useful tips

Weather

Santorini is warm all year round, the tourist season lasts eight months from late March to November. In winter, fewer tourists come here, and so many taverns and cafes are closed, buses run less often, life slows down. But in November, everything is still open, the weather is a bit cooler yet cloudless, and the sea is still fairly warm.

The air temperature reaches +25℃, the water can be up to +20℃. In July–August, Santorini experiences the high, peak season with prices and crowds to match. Autumn—September and the start of November—is the ideal time to holiday here, since almost everything is still open, but there’s already free space on the beaches.

Where to relax and what to see on Santorini

Opposite the main island of Santorini are four small islets: Hea-Kameni, Palea-Kameni, Thirasia, and Apronisi. Today, Santorini and the volcanic caldera with adjoining islands is one of the most popular Greek resorts. In the summer, thousands of tourists flock here, cruise liners dock at the shores of Santorini—many want to see the amazing island, its beaches and white villages with their own eyes.

Oia

Of course, you have to visit the city of Oia (Oia)—the most famous, beautiful, and widely pictured spot on Santorini. White houses and little churches perched on a steep cliff, located on the northwest part of the island at 100 meters above sea level.

The architecture of Oia leaves no one indifferent: picturesque sunset panoramas, white walls, blue doors, window shutters and bell domes, arches and windmills. The town is simply and elegantly Greek, and a must-see for every serious photographer and Instagram blogger. You truly can’t take a bad photo here! In summer, it’s full of people, but in autumn, you can quietly wander the streets and stairs of white Oia in sandals.

While walking around town, you can visit several sights, such as the Church of the Virgin Mary Akathist or Platsiani. From the ruins of the ancient fortress, there’s a wonderful panorama of the city. And of course, Oia’s sunset—the famous highlight of Santorini: when the sun sizzles into the sea, white Oia is painted in wild yellow, orange, pink and red hues.

Don’t forget to pick a spot in advance for this fantastic sight: book a table at a café or take a terrace seat near the windmills. Wait for the first lights to come on, when Oia turns into a glowing doll’s town hovering over the endless waters of the sea.

Fira

The island’s capital is the city of Fira (or Thira), the administrative and tourist center, located almost in the middle of the island. Fira also offers enchanting sea views and sunsets. And though the capital of Santorini doesn’t have its own beach, from here buses run all over the island.

If you plan to use public transport and visit different beaches and landmarks every day, Fira is the ideal location for such a trip. Fira is also a port where ferries from Athens and other Greek towns and islands dock. From the port, you can take a boat or a rented yacht on a one-day cruise through the Santorini caldera.

The city can be reached by a 600-step staircase—for those who find such heights challenging, there’s a funicular. Another local attraction at the port is to climb up Fira’s narrow streets and steps on donkeys.

And for sunset, head to the famous photo spot—The Three Bells of Fira. This church with its beautiful three-bell bell tower, blue dome, and picturesque views of the caldera.

Hiking route from Fira to Oia

For those who like to spend their time actively, there is a hiking route from Fira to Oia. The route follows winding paths and tracks along the island, with stunning views of the sea and Santorini’s steep shores. The walk takes only 2.5–3 hours—a length of 11 km. A great walk before the sunset that awaits everyone daily on Oia’s white terraces.

By the way, even though vegetation on Santorini is meager, they still grow grapes here and make wonderful wines. Those who respect the drink of the sun should visit the Wine Museum, located at a local winery that’s been on the island since the 19th century. Interestingly, the museum is inside a cave eight meters underground. The cave is a real 300-meter labyrinth. A constant temperature—14 degrees—is maintained underground. The natural cave is a kind of wine cellar where bottles are stored.

Recommended reading: Santorini – an island guide for independent visits

Islands of Nea Kameni, Palea Kameni, and Thirasia

You can take an excursion to the islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni. This trip will take the whole day if you visit the volcano, hot springs, and the picturesque island of Thirasia. Boats depart from Fira port, taking tourists to the volcano, whose last eruption was in 1956.

Nea Kameni Island is a volcano covered in black ash and lava. There’s no vegetation at all, just craters—it feels like being on the moon’s surface. The volcano offers wonderful views of Fira and Oia.

The volcano heats the water, creating hot sulfur springs near Palea Kameni island—at its foot, tourists can stop to bathe in the hot sulfur springs.

Thirasia Island is the only inhabited island of all those surrounding Santorini. Here you can visit a colorful village, taste Greek cuisine and excellent seafood in one of the cozy tavernas.

Book a hotel on Santorini:

Sunborn Oia Suites≫ – The hotel in Oia has an unrivaled sea view, a private deep pool with a roof, and a wonderful sunset view.
Villa Soula≫ – Excellent place in Fira. The location is great, a couple of minutes and you’re in the center, also convenient as the hotel is right next to the bus station. The room is very bright and spacious, with everything you need (tea, coffee, and cream are replenished every day, which is nice). Room cleanliness is also top-notch,

Useful articles and links:

Travel health insurance – online at the portal HotlineFinance
Hotel bookings and apartments – Booking.com

November – where to catch summer