With the hustle and bustle of the high season over and schools back in full swing, holiday resorts tick over at a calmer pace during September and October. Which is ideal when you want a little sun, sea and solitude. Plus, there’s still plenty of chance to get a good dollop of vitamin D. And much more availability in top hotels to top it all off.

Not quite sure where to start? These are just some of our tried-and-tested top picks…

Madeira

If al fresco activities are what you’re after on a late summer stay, then make it Madeira. Botanical gardens, cable cars, street art, refreshing lidos, open-air markets, lush levada walking trails… the list of outdoorsy adventures here is a long one! Or how about a whale-watching trip? Madeira’s Atlantic waters are home to around 20 species of whales and dolphins. Football fans – make sure you check out Cristiano Ronaldo’s CR7 Museum.

As for the lovely warm evenings, head to Funchal’s old town for under-the-stars feasts of garlic-basted espetada kebabs, bolo de mel honey cake and sweet malmsey wine. Delish.

Costa Brava

The thing about Costa Brava is, not only is it seriously stunning (it neighbours the French Riviera, after all), but it offers every style of holiday – especially after the peak summer season’s slowed down. Classic seaside fun? That’s where Lloret de Mar comes in, with its roomy beaches and variety of restaurants. While stylish Platja d’Aro is big on boutique shopping and waterfront wining and dining.

But if you’re looking for more old-school vibes, head to Calella de Palafrugell, where whitewashed buildings meet bobbing fishing boats. Down the coast, popular Tossa de Mar promises golden sands and a wonderful walled old town as your backdrop – this is a great place to tuck into the region’s take on paella, fideua. Art-lovers, foodies, golfers, cyclists, divers – you’re all taken care of in these parts too. Oh, and did we mention the wine?

Majorca

This Balearic beauty is known for its year-round fun in the sun, but September through to October is even more ideal if you want a little hush-hush on your holiday. Majorca’s blessed with a bounty of beaches, but don’t miss Cala Mesquida. Sink your toes into these silky sands before a dip in the crystal-clear waters. Backed by a nature reserve, Es Trenc is another stunner.

There’s plenty here for outdoorsy types too. Why not explore Boquer Valley? It’s awash with peaceful hiking trails, as well as being a popular plot for birdwatchers. In Porto Cristo, visit Cuevas dels Hams to check out the 10-million-year-old rock formations.

Sardinia

See your September full of striped parasols, spaghetti and spritzes? Then say hello to Sardinia, a place with all the trappings of the chicest Italian beach break. Summer’s still very much going strong at this time of year, but much less busy than July and August, as some of the facilities have wound down for the winter. This dreamy island escape is quite simply beach heaven.

Costa Smeralda is every bit as glitzy as it sounds, thanks to its A-lister looks, designer boutiques and yacht-filled marinas. Meanwhile, the town of Cannigione serves up a more real-deal slice of Sardinia, which will hit the spot if you’re the live-like-a-local type. Speaking of slices – you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to pizzerias to pick from, not forgetting gelaterias and trattorias of course!

Gran Canaria

We just love Gran Canaria’s hazy rays in late summer. The temperature’s still reliably in the high 20s, but families have flown so you can explore its desert-like dunes and whitewashed resorts with ease. Why not start by checking out Tamadaba National Park? You can take peaceful strolls through the breathtaking mountains. If you’re reaching for the beach, you’ll find picture-perfect swathes to flop down on in Maspalomas.

There’s plenty of choice when it comes to dining. For the best setting, head to Puerto Mogan harbour for heaps of seafront eateries. And don’t forget to try the local vino, Tinto del Monte, a delightful red that was made to savour. Cin-cin!

The Algarve

Portugal’s sun-soaked southern coastline has oodles of authentic resorts with a relaxed-as-you-like atmosphere, making it the perfect retreat for a little R&R. Top of the list for tranquillity and then some is the whitewashed village of Alvor. Here, it’s all about sandy boardwalk strolls and traditional dining with the locals – and don’t miss the sunset. Over in Olhao, you’ll get a pretty fishing port mixed with gorgeous beaches and the lush Ria Formosa wetlands on your doorstep. If you want some take-it-easy exploring on your agenda, the flower-filled cobbles of Estoi will tick that box nicely.

Wherever you choose to relax, seafood is the dish of the day. Simple sardines dressed in oil, grilled over coals, washed down with a glass of local Lagos wine and served by the beach is the ultimate feast.

Dalaman Area

There are few places along the Med that have sunnier weather over late summer than Dalaman, so it’s a great choice for those who want relish the quiet after the peak summer season. Along with bright skies, you can look forward to pine-fringed bays with calm waters, such as the stunning Blue Lagoon in Olu Deniz.

For more R&R, why not try a traditional Turkish hammam? They’re dotted around Dalaman, making it a breeze to get booked in for some nourishing treatments. And how’s this for a day out? Enjoy a leisurely boat ride past the Amyntas Rock Tombs, which have been carved into the rock face some 2,500 years ago.

Corfu

There’s nowhere more relaxing than the emerald-green isle of Corfu. And in late summer, you’ll still be able to bask in temperatures of around 20 degrees, as well as enjoying the resorts with fewer crowds. Fancy somewhere with good old-fashioned Greek hospitality? Make for Roda, a charming fishing village with plenty of character.

Nestled in the north-eastern part of the island is Kassiopi, a popular plot that seamlessly blends the old and new. Explore castles and caves, then hit the beach for a spot of swimming. Away from the shore, you’ll find stunning countryside filled with olive groves – this island is tailor-made for a peaceful late summer stay.

Crete

Cool Crete’s a real winner for a late summer stay, thanks to its beach-blanketed coastline, where days can be spent going from sand to sea. When it comes to where to stay, Analipsis and Elounda are two top choices with their Blue Flag beaches and distinctively relaxed vibes. Wander the cobbled streets, admire the whitewashed buildings and get a load of that gorgeous Greek atmosphere.

You’ll be in Cretan heaven when you explore the dining options – from tucked-away tavernas to seafront eateries, your taste buds are in for a real treat. Here, it’s all about laidback evening dinners and sipping cocktails as the sun goes down.