Toes in the sand, the sound of the sea in your ears, the salty breeze in your nose and the warm rays of the sun on your skin: no wonder most people define summer as their favourite season. Now, as the days slowly get shorter and the evenings get cooler, they want to extend summer - preferably forever. Fortunately, there are some destinations in Europe where summer lasts a few weeks longer.

Greece: Santorini

Santorini, the island that is the epitome of postcard idyll thanks to its iconic blue shutters and doors, still scores with temperatures above 26 degrees in September. Even in October, it's a blissfully warm 23 degrees and above during the day. On Hellas, the autumn has a little longer break. If you want to enjoy the typical Santorini feeling in style, Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is the place to be. In addition to impeccable service, it offers gorgeous views and unique cave rooms, most of which have private pools or whirlpools. From approx. 445 euros/night.

Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Oia, Santorini Island, 847 02, Greece
Tel: +30 2286 071114
mystique.gr

Croatia: Lošinj

Pleasant 25 degrees await the guests on the Croatian island in the northern Adriatic Sea. Further arguments for a visit are the beautiful natural bays, the port of Mali Lošinj and the varied vegetation, which invites you to go hiking. The perfect starting point for a stay on the island is the Boutique Hotel Alhambra. The member of the Small Luxury Hotels attracts with its location directly on the sea, the privately bookable Villa Augusta, a restaurant with two Gault Millau hoods and a very good spa. Rooms from 378 euros/night.

Boutique Hotel Alhambra
Čikat ul. 16, 51550, Mali Lošinj, Croatia
Tel.: +385 51 260 700
losinj-hotels.com

Spain: Andalusia

With a bit of luck, the Spanish region of Andalusia has maximum temperatures of around 30 degrees, even in autumn. So you can confidently pack your bikini! In the south of Spain, very close to Marbella, the Ikos Andalusia, which only opened last year, has everything you need for a carefree holiday with the whole family. Top infrastructure, seven restaurants with menus from star chefs, a pool landscape and an extensive activities programme are just some of the many services included in the luxury resort's comprehensive all-inclusive offer. Rooms are available from 385 euros/night.

Ikos Andalusia
N-340, Km 164, 29680 Estepona, Málaga, Spain
Tel: +34 951 02 90 00
ikosresorts.com

Spain: Mallorca

"In Mallorca, the silence is more unfathomable than anywhere else," the writer George Sand once wrote about the winter she once spent on the popular Balearic island with her companion Fréderic Chopin. It's true, once the height of summer is over, Mallorca becomes quieter. Active guests who long for sun are in the right place on the island. At the Belmond Castell Son Claret they'll find the perfect base for pursuits of all kinds. This country-chic boutique hotel sits at the foot of the Tramuntana mountains and offers (some private) pools, tennis courts, a beautiful garden, spa, yoga, gym, running tracks, and more. The Zaranda, the only restaurant in the Balearics with two Michelin stars, is a great place to dine - and extend your summer with a bottle of cava. From 295 euros/night.

Castell Son Claret
Carretera, km 1.7, 07196 Es Capdellà, Balearic Islands, Spain
Tel: +34 971 13 86 29
castellsonclaret.com.

Italy: Apulia

Summer in Puglia lasts until the end of September. Then the water is still warm - ideal to enjoy the miles of beach at the heel of Italy's boot. In addition, there is an extra portion of Dolce Vita, small white villages and the lively capital Bari as well as Lecce with its baroque architecture. You are in good hands in the Borgo Egnazia in Fasano. The luxury hotel is housed in a complex reminiscent of an Apulian village. Different restaurants, four pools, three bars, two private beaches and a spa are at the guests' disposal. Rooms vary - depending on where they're staying. Double rooms from 269 euros/night.

Borgo Egnazia
Strada Comunale Egnazia 72010, Savelletri BR, Italy
Tel.: +39 080 225 5000
borgoegnazia.com

France: Provence

With average outdoor temperatures of over 25 degrees in September, Provence is one of the best places to escape autumn for a while. Part of the savoir-vivre is knowing where to go to end the summer. One tip is the Hôtel Lily of the Valley, situated high above the hills of Gigaro Beach. Saint-Tropez is just half an hour away. Highlights of the hotel, designed entirely by Philippe Stark, include the 25-metre pool, spa and healthy cuisine at The Village Restaurant. It is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. From 650 euros/night.

Lily of the Valley
Colline Saint Michel, Boulevard Abel Faivre, Quartier de Gigaro, 83420 La Croix-Valmer, France
Tel: +33 4 22 73 22 00
lilyofthevalley.com

Montenegro: Kotor

26 degrees and sunshine - do you need more arguments for an autumn trip to Kotor, which is still summery even now? If so: excellent food, wonderful views of the unspoilt coastal mountains and plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the magic of Montenegro would be further reasons. With the One&Only Portonovi, a luxury resort that leaves nothing to be desired awaits guests right at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor. From the revolutionary Chenot Spa to cuisine by star chef Giorgio Locatelli, the first European dependency of the ultra-luxury brand offers everything the heart of discerning travelers desires. From 425 euros/night.

One&Only Portonovi
Portonovi, Herceg Novi 85340, Montenegro
Tel.: +382 31 691 000
oneandonlyresorts.com