www.womanthismonth.com 75 October 2015 MEDITERRANEAN MAGIC Those who headed to the cooler climates this summer can still get their fix of balmy sunshine in the Mediterranean before the winter chill sets in. Timing is key here; the later you plan, the further south or southeast you must go. The island of Malta, for instance, is ideal for the season, where temperatures average 24 degrees Celsius, the crowds have melted away and accommodation prices have started to fall. The weather is great for hiking around Dingli Cliffs. The waters are excellent for swimming, including the gently sloping Mellieha Bay and the lovely sandy Golden and Ghajn Tuffieha Bays. You might also consider the Turkish coast, where the summer season lingers well into October, the Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, Sicily and Cyprus. Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, offers mega resorts, which may not suit all budgets, but they do offer plenty of sunshine, long beaches and a big choice of goodvalue accommodation. TASTE OF THE TROPICS Some would argue that there’s never a bad time to visit Bali, although late September to November enjoys a special kind of fan following. With an average rainfall of 15 per cent to 20 per cent this time of the year, the destination beckons a host of travellers who want exotic comfort on a modest budget. You can enjoy balmy average temperatures of 27 degrees Celsius, cheaper rooms and fewer crowds. Surfers can still catch the end of the big winter swells and those in festive mood can look forward to the annual anniversaries of the Bali bombings, which have now been transformed into a time for celebration. There’s also the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, which has become one of the world’s most respected literary fests. Get drenched in the perpetual touristy frenzy of Kuta and try to attend the Kuta Karnival. Check dates for the Balinale (Bali International Film Festival), held around this time of year, or simply sit by the pool with an ice-cold Bintang. If all this gets too much for you, camp at Nusa Dua, a quieter destination with a range of hotels and restaurants. Malta Sea Cave Tenerife beach Bali Rice Fields Kuta Karnival Bali
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==