Travel reports are spotlighting two southern European coastal destinations — Italy’s Puglia and Spain’s Moraira — as attractive, lower-cost options for British travellers seeking warmth and fewer crowds in the autumn.
Puglia, the region at the heel of Italy’s boot, is being promoted for its long stretches of coastline between the Adriatic and Ionian seas, whitewashed towns and continuing summerlike conditions in September. Average daytime temperatures in the early autumn hover around the low to mid-20s Celsius, travel coverage noted, while peak-season crowds typically dissipate, offering a quieter experience for visitors.
Among Puglia’s beaches, Pescoluse has earned the nickname the “Maldives of Puglia” for its pale sand and clear blue water. Other coastal spots highlighted include Torre dell’Orso, Punta Prosciutto and the nature reserves around Porto Selvaggio, which travel coverage described as offering serene swimming and windswept coves. Inland and in the towns, visitors will find cobbled streets, sprawling olive groves and regional cuisine served in rustic restaurants. Lecce, often called the “Florence of the South,” is known for Baroque architecture and lively piazzas, while Polignano a Mare is singled out for dramatic sea views and a compact historic centre.
Autumn is also the grape harvest season in Puglia, and the region’s fertile land and sunny climate support a growing reputation for red and white wines. Travel reporting encouraged wine tasting and vineyard visits as part of an autumn itinerary, when harvest activities and smaller visitor numbers provide opportunities for more intimate tastings.
A second destination singled out in travel coverage is Moraira, on Spain’s Costa Blanca. Once a fishing village, Moraira is described as a more restrained alternative to busier resorts, with golden sand beaches, clear waters and a reputation for calm seas. The town sits about an 80-kilometre drive from Alicante and roughly 30 minutes from Benidorm, making it accessible from regional transport hubs while remaining quieter than nearby mass-tourism centres.
Anastasia Leonova, creator of the YouTube channel Benidorm by Ana, described Moraira in a recent video as a “must-visit” that has left many British visitors “falling in love.” She said the town’s beach features a “pristine stretch of sand” and calm waters and pointed to the availability of beach bars, restaurants and a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking and water sports.
Both destinations were presented in travel coverage as offering a more relaxed, authentic atmosphere than many northern Mediterranean hotspots. In Puglia, boat excursions along the coast provide access to historic ports and villages such as Otranto, Monopoli and Santa Maria di Leuca. In Moraira, local markets, cobbled streets and an emphasis on low-key dining and outdoor leisure are factors that travel writers and vloggers have cited in recommending the town for off-season visits.
Accessibility from the UK was highlighted as a practical consideration: Puglia is reachable via regional airports serving southern Italy, while Moraira is within a short onward drive from Alicante airport, which operates frequent flights from British cities. Travel coverage emphasized that milder weather and reduced crowds in September and October can make both destinations appealing for those seeking seaside climate and regional culture outside peak season.
The recommendations appeared in travel features compiled by UK media outlets, drawing on local descriptions, seasonal climate data and commentary from travel creators. Practical considerations such as transport connections, summertime infrastructure that remains operational into autumn, and opportunities for wine- and food-focused experiences were cited as reasons the destinations may suit British travellers seeking a quieter post-summer break.