Looking for a different kind of vacation destination to enjoy in the fall? Though island destinations like Aruba and Crete are most popular in summer and winter, visiting in autumn offers many benefits. Crowds tend to be smaller and prices tend to be lower, and the weather is mild. It’s not too hot and not too cold. It’s just right. Without further ado, here’s my list of the nine best islands to visit in October!
Islands offer a unique escape unlike any other, boasting idyllic landscapes, rich cultures, and diverse ecosystems. While they are ideal to visit at any time of the year, traveling in October holds a particular charm. As the summer crowds disperse, islands regain their tranquility, making it an ideal time for those seeking a peaceful retreat. The weather tends to be pleasant, an optimal mix of the lingering summer warmth with a hint of the approaching winter chill.
The world is speckled with extraordinary islands. For this guide, I’ve narrowed it down to three distinct regions: Asia, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean. Each of these regions is home to some of the most beautiful islands in the world. Even better, each of these regions presents its own unique travel experience that’s distinctly different yet equally enchanting.
Best islands to visit in October: 9 awesome getaway destinations
From Caribbean paradises to Mediterranean gems to Asian adventures, here are the top island vacations at a glance! I’ll share more about each listing below.
- Best for Cultural Immersion: Bali, Indonesia
- Best for Scenic Landscapes: Jeju Island, South Korea
- Best for Adventure Seekers: Phu Quoc, Vietnam
- Best for History Buffs: Crete, Greece
- Best for Food and Wine Enthusiasts: Sicily, Italy
- Best for Relaxation and Exploration: Cyprus
- Best for Beach Lovers: Aruba
- Best for Festivals and Cuisine: Barbados
- Best for Marine Life Exploration: The Cayman Islands
Here are my picks for the 9 best islands to visit in October.
1. Bali, Indonesia
October in Bali is honestly one of the best times to visit – you’re catching the tail end of the dry season with warm days and cooler evenings that are perfect for exploring. The island’s got this incredible mix of ancient temples, lush rice terraces, and beaches that actually live up to the hype.
I spent most of my time bouncing between Ubud’s rice paddies and the beach clubs in Seminyak, and the variety is pretty incredible. The Uluwatu Temple costs just $2 to enter and has these cliff-top sunset views that’ll make your Instagram followers hate you. Don’t miss the Sacred Monkey Forest near Ubud either – it’s only $3 and way more entertaining than you’d expect. Just watch your belongings because those monkeys are crafty.
Fair warning though: there’s a new tourist tax of about $10 that you can pay online before you arrive (which I’d recommend to skip the airport lines). Food is ridiculously cheap if you eat local – I had amazing nasi goreng for under $2 at warungs. The spice level will test you, but it’s so worth it. Temple hopping is affordable too, with most entry fees under $5. I honestly can’t think of many places where your money goes this far while still feeling like a luxury destination.
TL;DR: Bali in October = perfect weather, affordable everything, fewer crowds. Budget around $50-80/day for a comfortable mid-range experience.
2. Jeju Island, South Korea
Jeju Island in October is absolutely magical – the weather’s mild, the autumn colors are starting to show, and you’re not dealing with summer’s crazy crowds. This volcanic island is basically South Korea’s version of Hawaii, complete with dramatic landscapes that look like they’re straight out of a K-drama.
Hallasan Mountain is the obvious must-do here. It’s the highest peak in South Korea at 6,400 feet, and climbing it is free (you just pay 1,000 won for parking, which is like 75 cents). The catch? You need to book your hiking slot online in advance because they limit daily visitors. I took the Seongpanak Trail up and Gwaneumsa Trail down – about 8 hours total, but the crater views at the top were unreal. Just bring way more water and snacks than you think you need because there’s basically nowhere to buy anything on the mountain.
The Cheonjiyeon Waterfall and Jeongbang Waterfall are worth hitting too, especially since entrance fees are pretty reasonable. Seongsan Sunrise Peak is another UNESCO site that’s perfect for sunrise if you’re willing to get up early. Getting around the island is easy with rental cars starting around $30-50/day, or you can use the bus system which is efficient and cheap. The whole island has this laid-back vibe that makes it perfect for October when you want something different from typical beach destinations.
- Read next: Cheapest Countries to Fly To
3. Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Phu Quoc in October is honestly a gem that’s still flying under the radar for most Western travelers. You’re getting perfect weather – warm and sunny with minimal rain – plus the island’s got this awesome mix of pristine beaches and genuine Vietnamese culture without the tourist circus of other Southeast Asian islands.
The Hon Thom Cable Car is the main splurge here at about $26 per person, but it’s the world’s longest sea-crossing cable car and includes access to Sun World Hon Thom with its water park and attractions. I actually thought it was worth it for the views alone. Sao Beach on the southeast coast has that powdery white sand everyone raves about, and it’s completely free. The night market in Duong Dong is where you want to go for incredible seafood – try the local Phu Quoc pepper, it’s legitimately some of the best in the world.
Phu Quoc National Park offers great hiking if you want to get away from the beaches, and boat trips to the An Thoi Islands run about $15-20 per person for snorkeling and island hopping. The fish sauce factories might sound boring, but they’re actually pretty fascinating and most offer free tours. Motorbike rentals are super cheap at $3-5/day, which is the best way to explore the island’s pepper farms and rural villages. Vietnam’s budget-friendly nature means you can have an amazing time for way less than you’d spend in Thailand or the Philippines.
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- Read next: Affordable Places to Fly to in Asia
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4. Crete, Greece
Crete in October is basically perfect – the summer crowds have cleared out, the weather’s still warm enough for beaches, but cool enough for exploring ancient ruins without melting. This island’s got 4,000 years of history plus some of the best food in the Mediterranean.
The Palace of Knossos is the obvious starting point at €20 entry (free for EU citizens under 25). It’s where the whole Minotaur legend supposedly happened, and honestly, even with all the reconstructions, it’s pretty incredible to walk through. I’d actually recommend getting a guide for €25 because otherwise you’re just looking at old stones without context. The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion pairs perfectly with it for another €12.
Samaria Gorge is the hiking highlight – 16 kilometers through a national park for €10, and it’s genuinely one of Europe’s most spectacular hikes. October’s perfect timing because it’s not brutally hot but the weather’s still reliable. The gorge closes in winter, so you’re hitting the sweet spot. Chania’s old town is absolutely gorgeous for wandering, and the food scene is incredible. Try the local olive oil tastings and the wine – Cretan cuisine is legitimately some of the healthiest in the world. I spent way more time eating than I planned, but no regrets.
- Read next: Airlines to Fly to Greece
5. Sicily, Italy
Sicily in October is absolutely perfect – you get mild weather, way fewer tourists, and all the archaeological sites are actually enjoyable to explore instead of being sweaty hellscapes. This island’s got everything from active volcanoes to ancient Greek temples to some of Italy’s best food.
Mount Etna is the obvious showstopper. The cable car to 2,500m costs €50, or you can do the full package to 2,900m with jeep and guide for €80. I actually think it’s worth splurging on the full deal because you get to walk on actual volcanic craters, which is pretty surreal. The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is another must-see at €16 – these 2,500-year-old Greek temples are incredibly well-preserved and way more impressive than I expected.
Palermo’s street markets are chaotic and amazing – the Ballarò Market especially. Try the arancini (fried rice balls) and cannoli, but honestly the street food scene here rivals anywhere in Italy. Taormina’s Greek theater has incredible views of Etna when it’s clear, though it’s definitely the most touristy spot on the island. Car rentals run €30-50/day, which is worth it because Sicily’s big and public transport can be spotty. The combination of history, food, and that active volcano makes Sicily feel completely unique in the Mediterranean.
- Read next: Most Beautiful Cities in Italy
6. Cyprus
October in Cyprus gives you the best of both worlds – you can still swim in warm seas during the day, then explore historic sites in comfortable evening temperatures. This island’s got this fascinating mix of Greek and Turkish influences that shows up in everything from architecture to food.
Paphos is loaded with ancient ruins including Roman mosaics and the Tombs of the Kings – most sites run €5-10 for entry and are actually worth it. The Troodos Mountains are perfect for October hiking, with traditional villages, monasteries, and vineyards scattered throughout. I spent a day wine tasting in the mountains and it was way better than I expected – Cypriot wines are seriously underrated.
Ayia Napa still has decent nightlife in October without the summer madness, while Larnaca offers a more laid-back vibe with great waterfront restaurants. The traditional meze experience is a must – you’ll get 15-20 small plates that give you a real taste of Cypriot cuisine, which blends Greek and Turkish flavors in really interesting ways. Beach-wise, Fig Tree Bay and Nissi Beach are gorgeous and way less crowded in October. Cyprus feels like a hidden gem that combines beach relaxation with legitimate cultural exploration.
7. Aruba
Aruba in October is basically weather insurance – it sits outside the hurricane belt, so you’re guaranteed sunny skies and trade winds while other Caribbean islands are still dealing with storm season. This tiny island punches way above its weight for activities and beaches.
Eagle Beach consistently ranks as one of the world’s best beaches, and honestly, it lives up to the hype with incredibly soft white sand and clear turquoise water. The Ostrich Farm and Butterfly Farm are surprisingly entertaining if you want a break from beach time. Arikok National Park covers about 20% of the island and offers hiking through desert landscapes with cacti and dramatic coastlines – entry is around $11.
The Natural Pool (Conchi) requires a rough 4WD ride but rewards you with this incredible natural swimming hole formed by volcanic rocks. Oranjestad has beautiful Dutch colonial architecture and decent duty-free shopping. For food, try the local catch of the day – the seafood here is excellent and the portions are huge. The island’s small size means you can easily explore everything, and the stable weather makes October one of the best times to visit when other Caribbean destinations might be dealing with hurricanes.
8. Barbados
Barbados in October is fantastic timing – you’re getting warm weather, fewer tourists, and it’s when the Barbados Food & Rum Festival happens, which alone makes the trip worth it. This island’s got legitimate history, great beaches, and some of the friendliest people in the Caribbean.
Bridgetown is a proper UNESCO World Heritage site with colonial architecture that tells the story of the sugar trade. Harrison’s Cave is this incredible underground world of stalactites and stalagmites that you explore via tram – definitely worth the $30 entry fee. Carlisle Bay has multiple shipwrecks you can snorkel over right from the beach, which is pretty unique.
The rum scene here is serious business – Mount Gay Rum offers distillery tours that are way more interesting than they sound, especially during festival season. Flying fish and cou-cou is the national dish and actually delicious if you find it at a local spot rather than a tourist restaurant. The east coast has fantastic surfing conditions, while the west coast is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. I found Barbados had this perfect balance of Caribbean relaxation with enough cultural depth to keep things interesting.
- Read next: Cheap Caribbean Vacations
9. The Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands in October offer pristine conditions – clear water, consistent weather, and some of the Caribbean’s best diving and snorkeling without the hurricane season stress. These three islands are small but pack in world-class marine experiences.
Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman is genuinely spectacular – the sand is incredibly soft and the water that perfect Caribbean blue. Stingray City is the big draw where you can literally swim with friendly stingrays in shallow water. It sounds touristy but it’s actually amazing – these rays have been fed by locals for decades so they’re completely comfortable with humans.
Cayman Crystal Caves are relatively new to tourists and offer this otherworldly underground experience for about $25. The diving here is world-renowned – the Bloody Bay Marine Park on Little Cayman is considered one of the world’s best wall dives. Even if you’re just snorkeling, the visibility is incredible and you’ll see more marine life than most Caribbean destinations.
The food scene focuses heavily on conch and local seafood. It’s definitely on the expensive side – this is a major offshore financial center so prices reflect that – but the quality is consistently high. October gives you the perfect conditions to enjoy all the water activities without worrying about weather disrupting your plans.
