Five places to extend Summer
Who doesn't know it: Summer is coming to an end and while you're looking forward to hot cocoa, colorful leaves and foggy autumn days, you can Summer on the other hand somehow not quite let go. After all, there is still so much that you haven't done in the last few months, that you still want to experience and that definitely can't wait until next year. But before you start panicking about missed opportunities, check out these five places. Because the summer can be extended a bit there - even if autumn is actually already knocking on the door.
1. Feel the late summer sun on your skin in Portugal
A pleasant 20 degrees, peace and quiet, just the right amount of sunshine, and that even well beyond the summer months – in beautiful Portugal, summer can be extended particularly well. One accommodation that is ideal for this is the Craveiraal Farmhouse in the Portuguese Alentejo. The area offers many activities for the whole family. The farm grounds themselves, with their various pools, trails, and animal enclosures, are also beautifully varied, and the cottages are equipped with all the necessary amenities.
And because this is ultimately about extending the summer, the sea must not be missing either, and Portugal has more than enough of that, as you know. The nearby coast is partly even almost untouched and invites you to cozy sunset picnics or one or the other quick dip.
Apartment from €208 per night. New: Studio for 2 people from €332. MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CRAVEIRAL
2. Enjoy Greece's relaxed off-season to the fullest
One country that becomes a real highlight in the off-season is Greece. When most of the tourists have gone and the temperatures are no longer so oppressively hot and the atmosphere gradually becomes relaxed and cozy, the many islands really blossom. Not that it wouldn't be nice in the high season, but from September the flair is a little different.
One place that offers a particularly high degree of summer extension is the island of Crete. There you will also find the White River CottagesWith their authentic, regional architecture, which combines minimalism and tradition, they exude a relaxed vibe that we all just can't let go of at the end of every summer. Each cottage or studio shines with white walls, marble bathrooms, wooden furniture, and unique works of art created by artisans—perfect for those looking to indulge in some peace and quiet after a sweltering summer and prepare for autumn in a relaxed manner.
Cottage from €80 per night. New: Studio for 2 people from €92 per night. MORE INFORMATION on White River Cottages
3. Review the summer in Sardinia
Sardinia is THE summer dream par excellence. It goes without saying that the Italian island is also perfect for taking those idyllic summer days into the autumn. Anyone coming to Sardinia should definitely stay in the Villa Castanza Stay in Olbia in the northeast of the island. The villa's special feature is its stunning sea view – 180 degrees all the way to the northeastern island of Tavolara. Furthermore, the villa is surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation and large trees – the perfect setting for reading, relaxing, or playing cards.
But that doesn't mean that the island doesn't want to be explored. After all, two beaches are within walking distance from the villa and there are all kinds of other sporting activities to choose from, such as trekking, hiking or windsurfing. After these activities and the fabulous landscape that includes them, autumn can be welcomed at home with a clear conscience.
Entire house from €350 per night. New: Entire house with 4 bedrooms for €580 (in September) per night. MORE INFORMATION about Villa Castanza
4. Forgetting time (and the end of summer) in a small Croatian village
Croatia is arguably one of the most popular summer vacation destinations. But the country is no slouch in early autumn either. If Croatia is on your list of summer extensions, we highly recommend the Sisters Homes holiday homes on the island of Cres. Vidovići 9 and 5Two of the holiday homes owned by owners Nataša and Ingrid are located in a narrow alleyway in a small mountain village, at the end of which the blue Adriatic Sea mysteriously gleams. There, you still get the feeling that the clocks tick differently and time doesn't matter—just the thing to relive the summer in peace and quiet.
The traditional stone houses offer a good mix of old and new: Existing furniture and utensils that used to be in the stone houses have been restored, connecting today with the stories of the individual accommodations and making it a small home. But not only the great designed holiday homes should draw you to Cres, but also the exciting things that you can experience outside: the pebble beaches and the sea, the cities of Osor and Lubenice, the blue cave or the museum of Apoxiomenos, for example.
Entire house (e.g., Vidovici) from €330 per night. New: Entire house for up to 4 people from €390 per night. MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SISTERS HOMES
5. Experience (late) summer city vibes in Valencia
Warm air soaked in music and conversation, long nights and small alleys filled with people and the smell of food - summer in the middle of the city can do something! Especially when it's an incredibly exciting city like Valencia that literally screams "summer".
If you want to experience Valencia in the off-season, you should go to the Barracart Apartments Located in the heart of Valencia's authentic old fishing district, the building houses the seven apartments, a replica of the original house—the main facade is the restored original, which a century ago was a prominent bourgeois residence in Valencia's maritime district.
Incidentally, the house is located directly on the beach and is only 15 minutes from the center of Valencia - ideal for an all-round summer extension. And: The owners are also happy to share their insider tips, and you shouldn't miss them if you want to get to know the city from a different angle.
Apartment from 105 euros per night. New: 161 euros in August. MORE INFORMATION about Barracart Apartments
© Photos: Unsplash/Etienne Girar, Craveiral, White River Cottages, Villa Castanza, Sisters Homes, Barracart Apartments
Nadine Pinezits
Nadine is a freelance editor and copywriter. She lives in Austria and commutes between Salzburg and Vienna. This means she is either in the mountains or in the urban jungle, but at the same time tries to spend as much time as possible in her beloved country, Portugal.



Doris Bleiker
Hello everyone in Crete you have either the wrong text and the wrong accommodation: above Plakias the same accommodation is listed for the second time, which cannot be near the white river?!? Best wishes Doris