Where's Hot in October?

Ah, summer, so fleeting! Tans fade and as the days get shorter there is no chance of a top up in the back garden…But somewhere in the world is a destination getting PLENTY of sun, you just have to know where to chase down those warm golden rays full of mood reviving Vitamin D.

By October even sunny southern Europe is beginning to cool, but Cyprus is worth a wander a dip and a dive at this time of year, as is Malta and Madeira – spend the cooler evenings drinking Madeira wine and eating Madeira cake.

Egypt’s Red Sea region is still catching the sun and towns like Hurghada, Ras Sudr and Sharm El Sheikh always have plenty of sand to set up your beach towel on.

Morocco is cool destination-wise rather than temperature-wise. Its laid back atmosphere, warming deserts and busy markets add to the appeal of the long stretches of sandy coastline, dotted with towns like Essaouira and Tiznit which are perfect for sunbathing AND watersports - in case you want to play while you rest.

In Tunisia it’s not just the coastline resorts like Djerba which have sun and sand, inland are the magical pockets, the oases which are both hot and quiet - perfect for recharging before Christmas. And Gambia’s beaches are long flat stretches of warmth and relaxed living. How inviting.

Or you could always just go to Hawaii? If it's a beach you crave then the postcards below may be enough inspiration to get you back into your bathing costume.

Beaches to bathe in the October Sun

	Matira Beach Beaches in Bora Bora, French Polynesia Matira Beach on Bora Bora is one of the best beaches in one of the most spectacular destinations in the world. Swimming and snorkelling are gentle in the gently sloping lagoon, and the weather is fair year round. There are many smaller, more isolated beaches nearby for romantic travellers. Review by beach_boy Photo by flickr user Jean-Sébastien Roy
	Anse Lazio Beaches in Seychelles One of the Seychelles's most famous and beautiful beaches (or rather a collection of beaches around Chevalier Bay, separated by rain forest), Anse Lazio is jewel-like and perfectly formed, with distinctive large granite rocks framing both ends. Fine soft sand, great for swimming, and a great Creole restaurant make it a magnet for tourists, so don't expect to be alone! Review by beach_boy Photo by flickr user bobcat rock
	Lanikai Beach Beaches in Honolulu, United States We've all seen commercials for tropical beach resorts that show off crystal blue/turquoise water that leaps majestically with joy as good-looking people kick their feet with delight. Most of us have also been disappointed to find that these beaches never live up to their hype and certainly not our expectations. Lanikai Beach in O'ahu, Hawaii may just prove to be an exception. Lanikai is a favorite of both locals and tourists for swimming and kayaking. The beach's scenic beauty also makes it a favorite spot for photographers. The beach is relatively small at only a half mile, but you will most likely be too distracted by its beauty to care. Being ranked as one of the best beaches in the world has its advantages and disadvantages. In the tourist season, don't expect to find this scenic spot empty - you'll be toe to toe with tourists like you. However, with some proper planning, this paradise can become a more private affair as it tends to die down in the off season, especially on weekdays. That way, your view of the twin islands of Na Mokulua won't be obstructed by the inevitable fat man with his sagging red speedo. Review by Ryan Judge Photo by flickr user Chrissy Olson
	Anse Source d'Argent Beaches in Seychelles One of the most photographed beaches in the world, another soft white sand Seychelles classic, peppered with huge as well as smaller granite boulders, wind, sand and sea eroded into weird and wonderfil shapes - a photographer's paradise. The shallow, warm sea here is sheltered by the reef, so ideal for families. The beach is owned by a private estate so requires payment of an entrance fee. Review by beach_boy Photo by flickr user rachel_thecat
	Nungwi Beach Beaches in Tanzania A laid back beach town in Zanzibar, Nungwi Beach is a place that can jolt you far away from reality and put you in a peaceful state of mind. Nungwi Beach is a 'no worries' place with white sands and crystalline waters dotted with white-sailed dhow boats. The landscape conjures the familiar image of a beach town: thatched roof bungalows, hammocks and the sound of waves ebbing and flowing on the shore. There is no shortage of hotels, bars and restaurants in Nangwi – on the other hand, nor is there a shortage of tourists. Nungwi may be a place for relaxation, but it is also a place to immerse yourself in the local customs by checking out the boat yards, villages and the local fish markets. Nungwi is also home to historical sights dealing with the spice and slave trades, particularly in areas like Stone Town that lie a short distance away. The climate is mostly sunny, but typically gets heavy rainfall between April and May - so the best time to plan your trip should be between July and March. Review by Ryan Judge Photo by flickr user hobbs_luton
	Crane Beach Beaches in Bridgetown, Barbados Often voted one of the world's top ten beaches, though normally by glamour magazines whose journalists get freebies in the super deluxe resort here, which charges non-residents a beach fee. It's a busy beach where you will hear accents ranging from Beverley Hills and the Upper East Side to Chelsea and Highgate - still, the outlying coral reef provides protection for gentle swimmers and the sunsets are often impressive. Review by beach_boy Photo by flickr user tmquinn
	Sandy Beach, South Shore Beaches in Honolulu, United States Great surf beach. Review by ashley Photo by flickr user eye of einstein
	Sunset Beach Beaches in Hawaii, United States Anyone who has spent long hours in front of a computer screen has closed their eyes long enough to imagine happier times and warmer climes. Personally I imagine myself at the bottom of a very large pool, staring upwards at the static images above the water. But I'm wierd. I suppose regular, right-thinking and, perhaps, more practical people imagine themselves in Waikiki, soaking up the rays and tossing rocks with wreckless abandon into the wide, open ocean. Not too shabby a dream, I suppose. Waikiki is one of the world's most famous beaches, and with very good reason. Residing in the city and county of Honolulu, a home to 80% of the Hawaiin population, Waikiki is the island's crown jewel. The city is a concrete jungle made up of remnants of years of heavy tourism and urban sprawl. The beach itself is bordered by large high-rise hotels, some new, some old, some decrepid. If you think this world famous beach would be crowded, you will most likely be right. Not that you will be tempted to scream "shark!" in order to move half a foot to your left, chances are that you may come close. Also be advised not to accidently take out someone if you plan to go a bit gung-ho on the surfing. The waves, while not stellar, are good and plentiful but are also a training ground of sorts for newbies to the sport. A longboard is preferable, and those looking for Pipeline-caliber waves should probably venture elsewhere. Review by Ryan Judge Photo by flickr user Hamed Saber
	Sandy Lane Beach Beaches in Barbados An excellent beach set on its own wide, broad bay which has perfect sand that shelves gently to a sandy bottom. The world famous Sandy Lane hotel is set back off the beach in amongst vast mahogany and manchineel trees. There is a public footpath for beach access just south of the hotel, where Paynes Bay beach begins. Watersports available. Review by Definitive Caribbean Photo by Definite Caribbean
	Fajara Beach Beaches in Brikama, Gambia Before the first tourists, many of the Swedish, discovered Fajara Beach in the mid 60’s its long, flat, yellow sand was mostly visited by fishermen. The whole town is sandy, vegetation is green, but not on the ground, palms and trees thrive but there’s no grass, not even on the golf course. Wealthy locals and dignitaries have moved in as well and the hotels and ‘resorts’ sprang up on cue. Review by World Reviewer Staff Photo by flickr user clurr