25C

The best city in the world to visit, according to a survey of global tourists, is just a three-hour flight from the UK and can be reached for as little as £20

A survey has revealed which city global travellers think is the very best to visit – and it’s a short flight from the UK.

Depending on who you ask, you might get a different answer as to which city in the world is the best to visit. But this location is the hottest European capital in October and has plenty of history for culture vultures to sink their teeth into.

The best city in the world for tourists, according to responses gathered by top tourism publication Condé Nast Traveller, is Valletta.

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The capital of Malta is only a three-hour flight from the UK, and journeys there can be nabbed on budget airlines for as little as £20. The survey asked tourists questions in several categories, combining responses to then come up with an overall satisfaction score for countries around the world. Valletta got an impressive 97.33 out of 100.

The travel publication recently released the results of its 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, reports the Express. Tourists were asked about a range of things, including a city’s walkability, cultural gems, nightlife, hotels and more.

Condé Nast described the “sun-soaked capital” as feeling both “ancient and fresh” at the same time. They also praised the Maltese capital for having “one of Europe’s buzziest creative scenes bubbling above foundations built by knights”.

Valletta, a small but mighty city with just over 5,000 residents, attracts a multitude of visitors each year due to its splendid weather and captivating history.

There’s no shortage of attractions in this city. The top-rated tourist spot is St John’s Pro Cathedral, a magnificent structure dating back to the 1500s. The city’s military and maritime history are significant aspects of Valletta and Malta as a whole. Other popular attractions that delve into this aspect include Lascaris War Rooms, Saluting Battery and the National War Museum.

Tourists also enjoy visiting Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta Waterfront, Grand Master’s Palace and Barrakka Lift. Beyond Valletta, the wider area of Malta, which spans only 122 square miles, offers even more to explore.

READ MORE: Gorgeous European destination is 25C in October and has ‘almost no crowds’

Malta’s best beaches include the renowned Blue Lagoon, Mellieha Beach, St Peter’s Pool, Romla Bay, Golden Bay, Golden Sands Beach and Armier Bay Beach.

If you’re after good weather, Valletta is the place to be. The hottest months are July and August, with temperatures reaching around 32C. Even as the UK turns chilly and dark, Valletta continues to enjoy pleasant weather.

In October, you can expect highs of 25C, while November sees highs of 21C. Even in January and February, temperatures reach up to 16C and rarely drop below 9C.

The city is known for its rich history, stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a pleasant Mediterranean climate

A lively European destination that boasts a distinctive mix of heritage, culture and scenic splendour has been crowned the continent’s “sunniest” city.

Alicante, situated on Spain’s south-eastern coastline within the Valencia region, is renowned for its deep-rooted heritage, breath-taking coastlines, buzzing nightlife, and delightful Mediterranean weather.

According to information from 2009 to 2021 compiled by World Weather Online, Holidu, and timeanddate.com, the city basks in 349 hours of sunshine monthly on average and around 300 days of sun over the year.

Alicante boasts a heritage spanning millennia, with traces of communities from numerous civilisations, including the Greeks, Romans, and Moors. During Roman occupation, it was originally called “Lucentum”, reports the Express.

The city has been moulded by its varied cultural heritage, especially from the Moors, who governed the area for hundreds of years. This extensive past is mirrored in the architectural styles and cultural customs that endure today.

Positioned along the Costa Blanca, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, it is encircled by spectacular natural terrain, featuring mountains and coastlines. The city benefits from a Mediterranean climate distinguished by scorching summers and gentle winters.

Typical summer temperatures frequently surpass 30C, whilst winters stay comparatively temperate, averaging approximately 15-20C. Even in October it still experiences daily highs of 25C. The city boasts several remarkable attractions that travellers simply must experience.

Things to do in Alicante

One of Spain’s largest medieval fortresses is Santa Barbara Castle. Positioned atop Mount Benacantil, it provides sweeping vistas across the city and shoreline. The fortress traces its origins to the 9th century and boasts remarkable defensive walls and towers.

Visitors can reach the castle on foot, by vehicle, or via a lift from the seafront, and it contains displays chronicling Alicante’s past.

Amongst the favoured beaches is Playa del Postiguet, situated directly adjacent to the city centre. This stretch of coastline draws crowds thanks to its soft sand and crystal-clear waters, making it beloved by both residents and holidaymakers.

Explanada de España stands as a renowned boulevard adorned with palm trees and showcasing a distinctive undulating mosaic pattern.

It serves as a cherished location for leisurely walks, al fresco dining, and various events and markets. The boulevard regularly showcases musicians and performers, creating a vibrant social hub.

Holidaymakers who have visited this stunning destination have posted glowing testimonials on the TripAdvisor travel platform.

One visitor commented: “Fabulous place to go for a few days very easy going stayed a spa portas and we had a lovely time great beach and fab food .the castle is a lovely place to walk around.”

Another traveller said: “Coming from Icelandic glaciers, warm up at a Spanish beach. The Hotel: Hotel Maya with a swimming pool 49 euros per room per night for 3 nights.

“The stroll: 10 minutes walk to Postiguet Beach and La Rambla shopping street. The drink: Tinto de verano red wine spritzer. Choose your tapas at Lizarran on La Rambla. People watch at the old market at the top of the Rambla. Alicante is: Miami without attitude.”

The region on the southeast coast of Italy is renowned for its extensive coastline, picturesque whitewashed villages and exceptional food and wine – all enjoyable in 20C autumn temperatures

If you’re yearning for the warmth of the sun on your face even in autumn, there’s a hidden gem in Italy that offers sandy beaches, crystal clear seas and breathtaking beauty in abundance.

Puglia, located on Italy’s southeast coast, is famed for its sprawling coastline, charming whitewashed villages and exquisite food and wine. Beyond the bustling summer season, it becomes an idyllic spot to find uncrowded beaches where the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea meet the Ionian Sea.

With temperatures lingering in the mid-20s in September, and fewer tourists around, this romantic and authentically Italian destination is perfect for those seeking ‘la dolce vita’.

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As a whole, Puglia is a lesser-known destination, offering a more relaxed and friendly atmosphere than some of Italy’s more tourist-heavy areas. Sprinkled with picturesque medieval towns, visitors flock here to wander down ancient streets and immerse themselves in the region’s rich history.

One standout attraction is the Roman city of Lecce, often dubbed the ‘Florence of the South’. This Baroque wonder is brimming with stunning architecture and traditional Italian piazzas.

Polignano a Mare, perched atop limestone cliffs overlooking the Valle d’Itria coast, is another magnet for tourists. Visitors are drawn to its winding old town streets, panoramic wine-sipping terraces and stunning beaches with crystal-clear blue waters.

Even after summer has faded, sun seekers can still enjoy an authentic Italian beach holiday along the region’s breathtaking coastline. Whether it’s the pristine white sands and turquoise waters of Torre dell’Orso and Punta Prosciutto or the untouched beauty of Porto Selvaggio, seaside adventures abound.

In fact, one beach in this tranquil corner of Italy is so revered it’s been christened the ‘Maldives of Puglia. ‘ Pecoluse, with its fine white sands and mesmerising blue sea, is a year-round paradise.

Autumn is also an ideal time for a boat trip on the serene seas around Italy’s ‘heel’. Away from the shore, sailors can marvel at the stunning views of ancient villages like Monopoli, Taranto, Otranto and Santa Maria di Leuca, reports the Express.

Puglia is also a key player in Italy’s wine scene, thanks to its Mediterranean climate and fertile soil. The region’s winemaking process blends tradition with innovation, producing some of Italy’s most acclaimed wines.

With the grape harvest taking place in September and October, there are ample opportunities for visitors to taste the delightful red and white wines that the region is renowned for.