Traveling during the 'shoulder season' allows holidaymakers to avoid summer extremes. Photo: Kosamtu/Getty Images
In mid-summer the Mediterranean is positively vibrant, but if you choose to travel in the "shoulder seasons" of spring and autumn, you will find the region transformed.
Visit these eight places and you can still enjoy endless sunshine and blue skies, along with local festivals, perfect walking temperatures and fantastic floral displays.
Magical Malta
Malta is a beautiful mix of ancient history, golden beaches and delicious cuisine, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year - ideal for an off-season retreat. Mild temperatures are perfect for exploring the baroque architecture of the capital Valletta, the medieval city of Mdina and the island's megalithic temples, as well as enjoying the cultural events along the Valletta Waterfront promenade in autumn.
Where to stay
In the east coast fishing village of St Julian's, just 15 minutes from Valletta, Hilton Malta offers a beautiful seaside setting, stunning outdoor pools, an indoor heated pool and a state-of-the-art spa. There are plenty of dining options, including al fresco lunch at the Aqua Bar. In the northwest of the island, in the seaside town of Qawra - a great spot for island boat trips - DoubleTree by Hilton Malta has two outdoor pools and a private beach club (open in September, for some late-summer sunshine). In addition to a hotel bar, there is a grill and enoteca, with a wide choice of wines.
Fascinating Crete
This charming Greek island is one of the warmest places in Europe all year round and home to healthy and varied Cretan cuisine. It is ideal in the shoulder season. Hike the mountains, gorges and rugged coastline, explore beautiful ancient towns and archaeological sites ranging from the Palace of Knossos to Greco-Roman Gortyn, and try raki, the famous Cretan drink. Visitors can immerse themselves in nature during the spring flower festival in Chania in May - there is a large parade with flower-decorated floats.
Where to stay
With stunning views over Mirabello Bay and just a few sandy steps from the beaches and crystal clear waters, Domes Aulus Elounda, Curio Collection by Hilton is a tranquil coastal retreat. Dining options include the striking new poolside restaurant, grilled meats and exotic salads. Chania Flair Boutique Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is located on the port of Nea Chora, with a sea-view pool, a rooftop terrace and restaurants, bars and shops nearby. Alternatively, escape to Numo Ierapetra Beach Resort Crete, Curio Collection by Hilton, an exclusively designed adults-only retreat set against a mountain backdrop on the island's south coast, while The Royal Senses Resort and Spa Crete, Curio Collection by Hilton is ideal for families, with a sparkling private beach, just a short drive to the medieval streets of Rethymnon.
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Sardinia in spring
Even outside the summer months, Sardinia's golden sands and azure waters are a delight. In May, June and September you can combine quiet beach days with walks in the green hills. If you visit in May, visit the historic Cavalcata Sarda, with its lively horse parade, while the Autumn in Barbagia festival in September showcases wine, food and crafts in central Sardinia.
Where to stay
To the north, Sulia House Porto Rotondo, Curio Collection by Hilton offers rustic-chic, whitewashed décor amid lush green hills, with beaches a short drive away. On the south coast you will find beautiful cottage-style rooms and suites, a private beach and garden restaurants at Baia di Chia Resort Sardinia, Curio Collection by Hilton. Also on the south coast of the island, Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia is the perfect stay for families with young children. There is a special kids' club from April to September, and it is also well located for award-winning beaches. Curio Collection by Hilton, the newest addition to the Hilton family in Sardinia, Mangia's Santa Teresa Sardinia, is located on Santa Reparata Bay, perfect for strolling through the local landscape before slipping into bliss by the hotel's infinity pool.
Views over Venice
This lagoon city, crisscrossed by canals and dotted with palazzos, is best explored without the heat and crowds of summer. An off-season break gives you space to enjoy it all at a slow pace, taking in historic wonders at every turn, such as the 1340 Doge's Palace.
Related: Ribollita to risi e bisi: a regional guide to Italian cuisine - what to eat and where to stay
Where to stay
The Hilton Garden Inn Venice Mestre San Giuliano is perfectly located between Venice's historic center and the airport. It is a modern hotel in a quiet location. The hotel's outdoor pool is ideal for sunny afternoons, while the center of Venice is just a 10-minute bus ride away. Or there's the beautiful Hilton Molino Stucky Venice, in a fully restored flour mill on the tranquil shores of Giudecca Island. Just a short boat ride from Piazza San Marco, it offers elegant rooms and the city's highest rooftop bar, next to a swimming pool with dreamy views.
Monaco is amazed
It may be the second smallest country in the world, but Monaco has a lot to offer. Visit in spring for the blooming flowers in the many gardens, as well as sporting events such as the Monaco Grand Prix (May 26) and the Monte-Carlo Masters tennis tournament in April. In autumn, when the sun is still warm, the National Day celebration on November 19 brings the principality to life and international stars gather for the Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival.
Where to stay
Columbus Hotel Monte-Carlo, Curio Collection by Hilton, is a boutique hotel perfectly located opposite the Princess Grace rose garden, in the center of Fontvielle. It is also a short walk to the Prince's Palace of Monaco. Guests can enjoy the glamor of Monte Carlo in the hotel itself, with an elegant heated outdoor swimming pool and views of the rose garden and the sea from most rooms. The airy Tavolo Restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine using seasonal ingredients, and you can sample cocktail classics at the bar.
Adventures in the Algarve
A visit to the Algarve in spring and autumn means enjoying pleasantly warm temperatures, without the summer crowds. Perfect for beach trips or exploring the beautiful coastline by bike or on foot, it is also an ideal time to enjoy the many golf courses in the region.
Where to stay
Set in lush grounds in Quinta do Lago, Conrad Algarve is an ideal base for exploring the islands and lagoons of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Enjoy sunny beach days, a round of golf with a PGA-qualified professional and fine dining in the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant, Gusto by Heinz Beck. Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa is set in landscaped gardens with eucalyptus and pine trees and has six swimming pools to choose from, with waterfalls. There is also a kids' club and the impressive 7 Seven Spa with thermal pool.
Blissful Balearic Islands
For a relaxing Spanish holiday, enjoying tapas, some vitamin D-boosting sun and salty sea air, visit Mallorca or Ibiza in low season. If you fancy something more active, you can find your cycling tribe among the sharp climbs of Mallorca's Tramuntana mountains, while Ibiza's calendar is littered with marathons and triathlons.
Hiking trails on both islands are most fragrant with the almond blossoms blooming in early spring. Discover Ibiza's medieval fair in May, or taste local wines during Mallorca's wine harvest in September.
Where to stay
In Mallorca, the Hilton Mallorca Galatzo is just a 10-minute drive from the beautiful marinas of Andratx and Puerto Portals and 20 minutes from Palma, with palm-studded gardens and sea views, as well as an outdoor pool, restaurant and bars.
In Ibiza, try The Club Cala San Miguel Hotel Ibiza, Curio Collection by Hilton in the north of the island, which reopens for the season on April 25. Just a 10-minute drive from the magical sands of Cala Benirrás and just 30 minutes from Ibiza's old town, the hotel serves local cuisine in a variety of restaurants and bars. Also in the north of the island is Cala San Miguel Hotel Ibiza, Curio Collection by Hilton - it opens at the end of May and is just a stone's throw from the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Both hotels are adults only.
Cyprus sensation
Whether you hike the trails of the Troodos Massif or spot sea turtles nesting on sandy beaches, visit Greco-Roman ruins or explore the east-west culture of the divided capital Nicosia, Cyprus is a delight outside the summer season. Visit in spring for meadows covered in wildflowers, while autumn is ideal for swimming with turtles in the still warm waters.
Where to stay
Hilton Nicosia is a contemporary venue close to the center of the capital and ideally located for exploring the old city - hidden within the Venetian walls - and the archaeological wonders of the Cyprus Museum. Retreat to the cool décor of this sleek hotel, with its lagoon-style pool and spa, and choose between three signature restaurants and two relaxing bars.
