Larnaca is the third best autumn holiday destination in southern Europe, ahead of Crete and Malta.

Larnaca in autumn has found itself on the podium of a new list of recommended holiday destinations after the end of the main holiday season. In the Shoulder Season Index 2026 ranking prepared by the British insurance comparison website Quotezone, it took third place in southern Europe.

The Cypriot city was second only to Antalya and Tenerife, and ahead of Crete and Malta, among others. Larnaca's high ranking is primarily due to temperatures that persist long after the holidays end, very warm seas, and little rainfall.

Larnaca in autumn. 25.5°C and the sea warmer than the air

The ranking focuses on September and October, a period called shoulder season – between the main holiday season and winter.

In the case of Larnaca, the average air temperature for the analyzed period was 25.5°C.

The sea temperature looks even more interesting – on average 27°C. In addition, the list includes only 12 mm of rainfall within two months.

It was the combination of warm seas, still high temperatures and a slight risk of rain that secured Larnaca a place on the podium.

Antalya first, Tenerife second

First place went to Antalya, Turkey.

According to the list, in September and October it offers an average of about 9.5 hours of sunshine per day, an air temperature of 27.6°C and a sea temperature of about 27.5°C.

Tenerife came in second place.

Larnaca took third place, ahead of Crete and Malta, which completed the top five.

The ranking took into account, among other things, air and sea temperature, number of sunny hours, rainfall and accommodation prices.

It is important to remember that this is commercial index prepared by Quotezone, not an official ranking of European tourist institutions.

More and more people do not want to take vacation in July and August

The site of Larnaca itself is part of a larger phenomenon.

Quotezone research shows that 48% of respondents would consider moving their main holiday to autumn, instead of leaving during the peak season.

Even more – 52% – declare that they would deliberately avoid southern Europe in summer due to high temperatures.

Prices also factor into the decision. For 26% of respondents, lower costs are one of the reasons for choosing the fall season, while 21% primarily cite the opportunity to avoid the largest crowds.

In the tourism industry, the growing popularity of September trips is even being called "Super September".

Autumn may be becoming increasingly important for Cyprus

This trend may be of particular importance for Cyprus.

September doesn't mean an abrupt end to beach weather here. The sea remains warm from the summer, and temperatures are starting to become more bearable for those who struggle to tolerate the heat of July and August.

This gives the island the ability to extend the tourist season without having to convince visitors to give up the beach.

Larnaca has the additional advantage of an international airport located very close to the city.

The beach is not everything

An autumn stay also offers greater opportunities for sightseeing.

Walking around Finikoudes, the area around the Church of St. Lazarus, Salt Lake, or trips to nearby towns are much less demanding at temperatures around 25°C than during the hottest summer days.

If you are planning a stay, we have prepared a separate guide: What to see in Larnaca? The most interesting attractions and places worth visiting

One thing in the ranking needs explaining

In the description of the list, as an example of the possibility of further use of beaches, there is also Nissi Beach.

However, this is not the beach in Larnaca. Nissi Beach is located in Ayia Napa – also on the east of the island – and should be considered more of a day trip from Larnaca than an attraction in the city itself. Quotezone itself classifies it as "Nissi Beach, Ayia Napa" in its European Beach Index this year.

This doesn't change the ranking's main conclusion: In autumn, the eastern part of the island still offers a great combination of beach time and sightseeing, but without the conditions typical of the August peak season.

Source: Quotezone – Shoulder Season Index 2026