The velvet season
History of the question
The definition of “velvet season” arose in the nineteenth century – doctors noticed that resting in autumn on the Black Sea shore is more useful for health than in the summer heat.
Going to the sea in the velvet season was recommended for people who suffer from heart disease and allergies, various diseases of the nervous system and elderly citizens. The nobility of that time wore dresses made of velvet (the clothes made of this material were comfortably cool evenings), so the name for the season stuck.
A. Kuprin, a classic of Russian literature wrote: “...In Yalta there is not one season, but as many as three: cotton, silk and velvet” (the story “Wine barrel”).
The advantages of this time: the heat in the resorts is declining, the seas are warmed up, and the cost of recreation is reduced.
In the article we will tell about tours in the velvet season, the most popular destinations: Sochi, Crimea, Turkey, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Tunisia, Spain, Montenegro, Italy, Greece, Israel. Consider the cost of a week-long tour for two adults with a flight from Moscow in October.
Sochi
Weather: in the northernmost subtropics of the world, autumn is long, warm and dry, the average air temperature is from + 18 C to + 23 C, the sea is still warm (+ 18 C ... + 22 C).
Visa: not required.
What to do? Sochi is an all-season resort. At the service of vacationers - Olympic Park, Park of Culture and Recreation "Riviera", Theme Park "Sochi Park".
If you do not want to swim and sunbathe, arrange an intellectual vacation in museums - the Nikola Tesla Electric Museum, the Museum of Sports Glory of Sochi, the Museum of Retro Cars, the Mechanical Museum of Leonardo da Vinci, the Museum of Dacha Stalin, see interesting exhibitions in ethnographic, literary, historical, art museums.
The whole family can have a great time on the Red glade - admire the picturesque nature, ride along the cable car, go to tasting honey, herbal tea and stronger drinks.
Another option is to go hiking farther - to the Akhshtyr cave or Vorontsov caves, climb Mount Akhun or Agepsta, see the famous waterfalls in Mammadov Gorge, Psydydy, Shapsug, Agur, Zmeikovsky, Bear, Polykarya, Keiva, Maiden tears and many others.
You can remember about your own health, and go to sanatoriums and boarding houses Sochi, Adler, Khosta, Matsesta, Lazarevsky, Loo - to the services of patients with climate therapy, balneological treatment (hydrogen sulfide, iodine, carbon-arsenic baths), mud therapy, hardware physiotherapy, water treatment.
Cost: a tour for two in October from Moscow to a hotel on the Red glade costs from 25 thousand rubles, to a hotel on the Black Sea coast - from 34 thousand rubles.
Guide to Sochi Larisa Lukashin
Israel
Weather: Autumn in Israel is a great time to relax, there is no exhausting heat outside, but winter rains are still far away.
In Eilat (Red Sea), the air temperature during the day is about + 28 C. + 30 C., at night + 23 C, the sea is warmed up, + 24 C.
At the resorts of the Dead Sea Ein Boquek, Neve Zohar, Ein Gedi in autumn is very hot, the air temperature during the day is about + 30 C, at night - about + 26 C, the water temperature is + 30 C.
On the Mediterranean Sea, autumn is the best time to relax, the air +27 C ... + 32 C, the sea +24 C.
Visa: No visa is required to enter Israel (stay up to 90 days, within 6 months).
What to do? Eilat is chosen by lovers of diving, snorkeling, sea excursions. Autumn at the resort is a high season, restaurants, bars, nightclubs work in full force.
People come to the Dead Sea for cosmetic and therapeutic procedures, which can be obtained thanks to the mineral substances contained in it.
Netanya, Tel Aviv, Herzliya, Ashkelot and Haifa are famous Israeli resorts on the Mediterranean Sea with a developed infrastructure for a comfortable stay for the most demanding tourists.
Cost: tours to Eilat - from 80 thousand rubles, to Ein Bokek - from 55 thousand rubles, to Netanya - from 90 thousand rubles.
Crimea peninsula
Weather: in September and October in the Crimea during the day it is warm and even hot, and at night the air already cools. Daytime air temperature from +18 to +23 C, at night from +8 C to +15 C.
The temperature of sea water in September-first half of October is in the area of + 18 C ... + 20 C, and from the second half of the month decreases.
Visa: not required.
What to do? Crimea is beautiful at any time of the year. In the first autumn months, when you can still swim and sunbathe, and the tourist flow has decreased, you should go to those beaches where in summer there are traditionally many people: in Yalta, Feodosia, Sevastopol, Evpatoria. Fruits and vegetables are sold at favorable prices, local winemakers invite to tasting wines.
The off-season is a comfortable time to travel to historical and cultural attractions because there is no exhausting summer heat and crowds.
A small part of what can and should be seen: the Naval Museum Complex in Balaklava, Chersonese Tauride, the Panorama Museum “Defense of Sevastopol 1854-1855”, the memorial on Sapun Mountain, the Genoese fortresses in Sudak and Balaklava, medieval monuments of architecture in Evpatoria, palaces and castles in Livadia, Alushta, Koreiz, Massandra, Gurzuf, Bakhchisarai, Fortresses of Yeni-Kala and Alouston, Adamrimashki, Kerchita.
If you rent a car, you can easily get to natural attractions: waterfalls Dzhur-Jur, Uchan-Su, Jurla; mountains Ai-Petri, Demerdzhi, Diva, Swan Wing; Cape Tarkhankut, Fiolent, Meganom, mud volcano Jau-Tepe, extinct volcano Kara-Dag, Lysya and Cossack Bay.
Cost: a tour for two to Yalta with a flight from Moscow will cost 30 thousand rubles, to Feodosia from 27 thousand rubles, to Sevastopol from 35 thousand rubles.
Turkey
Weather: Autumn in the resorts of Turkey resembles the Ural summer in its best manifestation: in the afternoon it is hot, in the evening it is cool, sometimes it rains. The average air temperature during the day from + 23 to + 25 C, at night from 15 C to + 18 C. The sea water temperature from + 26 C in September to + 23 C in November.
Visa: not required.
What to do? In autumn, the Mediterranean season continues, and brave tourists manage to swim even in November.
If you want to see something new, guides will offer trips to the thermal springs in Pamukalla, Cappadocia, Kyzkalesi Castle, Alanya fortress, Damlatash and Karain caves, the valley of the Dim-Chai river, the ancient cities of Olympos and Phaselis, the Tahtaly cable car, the Beldibi cave complex.
On the coast of the Aegean Sea swim in September-October, and those who do not dare to take sea baths, you can go on excursion tours: the ancient city of Izmir, the fortress in Bodrum, the harbor in Fethiye, ancient temples in Didyma and Assos, the ruins of the ancient city of Pergamum.
In the Turkish resorts of the Black Sea, the beach season lasts until the end of September. Tourists come to Trabzon, Kerpa, Kozla, Sinop and, of course, to the capital of the country - Istanbul. In these parts, travelers are attracted by budget holidays, beautiful nature, historical sights.
Cost: a tour for two for seven days in Alanya costs from 68 thousand rubles, in Kemer - from 64 thousand rubles.
Bulgaria
Weather: the beach season continues on the Black Sea coast in autumn. Until about half of October, you can still sunbathe and swim. Daytime air temperature from +20 C to +23 C, at night cool, from +12 C to +14 C. The sea gradually cools down, and from +25 C in September by the end of October the temperature drops to +12 C.
Visa: required.
What to do? In the velvet season in Bulgaria, active life gradually moves from the coast inland, in Sofia and Plovdiv, you can devote time to the study of monuments of history, architecture, culture.
If your trip is unthinkable without swimming, and the sea is already cool, there is an opportunity to swim in modern water parks - in Burgas, Sunny Beach.
In balneological health resorts of the country Sandanski, Hisar, Velingrad are engaged in the restoration and treatment of the cardiovascular system, kidney diseases, musculoskeletal system.
Cost: a trip for 7 days to Burgas will cost from 47 thousand rubles. for two adults, in Golden Sands - from 45 thousand rubles., Nessebar - from 48 thousand rubles.
Cyprus
Weather: from September to the end of November, the climatic conditions are comfortable: the air temperature during the day keeps from +23 C to +25 C, at night is fresh, from +14 C to +16 C. The water in the sea has warmed up, and is kept in the area of +26 C. Rain is rare.
Visa: required.
What to do? In autumn, there are relatively few tourists in Cyprus, prices are falling, and you can relax on a budget and comfortably.
During this period, you can rent a car on favorable terms, and go around the island for a vacation, take part in a tasting of young homemade wine or get to the holiday of this drink.
From August to November, festive harvest festivals are held on the island, where chefs treat national dishes, people dance and sing folk songs.
Fans of extreme sports in autumn, as well as in summer, have a chance to learn kiting, yachting, parasailing and other water sports. All major nightclubs, restaurants and discos are open until the beginning of winter.
Autumn public holidays in Cyprus: October 1 - Independence Day, October 28 - Ohi Day, when the Greeks and Cypriots resisted Hitler.
Cost: weekly tours to Ayia Napa from Moscow with a flight cost from 59 thousand rubles for two; in Protaras from 58 thousand rubles; in Limassol - from 60 thousand rubles; in Larnaca - from 62 thousand rubles.
Tunisia
Weather: autumn in North Africa is luxurious: comfortable air temperature day and night, from + 28 ° C. + 30 C and + 18 C... + 20 C, respectively. It is very pleasant to be in the sea, the water temperature is kept until November at levels from + 22 C ... + 24 C.
Visa: A visa is not required for a single entry into Tunisia (up to 90 days).
What to do? It offers 1,500 km of sandy beaches and a transparent Mediterranean Sea.
History lovers should go to historical sights: Carthage - the former capital of the Phoenician kingdom, the ruins of the Roman city of Dugga, the Roman amphitheater El Jem, the colorful city of artists Sidi-bu-Said, tours to the Sahara desert (for one day or several days) with accommodation in the hotel.
For new impressions, go to the Festival of underwater fishing "Trident of Neptune", in the city of Tozer there is a collection of dates with a large-scale program: camel fights, snake spells and knife throwing competitions.
In October, Tunisia hosts the International Film Festival featuring films from around the world.
Cost: a trip for two in October to Djerba will cost 76 thousand rubles, in Hammamet from 60 thousand rubles, in Sousse from 59 thousand rubles.
Spain
Weather: In autumn, the sun is no longer so scorching, and in the afternoon you can safely walk. In September, the average air temperature from + 26 C ... to + 28 C, in October it is already cooler, from + 22 C to + 24 C, it can rain. At night, the air temperature drops from + 13 C ... to + 15 C depending on the region. The sea, heated over the summer, pleases with warm water: + 22 C ... + 24 C.
Visa: A Schengen visa is required.
What to do? In the velvet season, relaxing on the Spanish coast is a great pleasure!
At this time, most travelers leave, the weather is comfortable, an abundance of relatively cheap delicious vegetables and fruits.
Experts advise to choose during this period the southern part of Spain - Marbella, Punto Umbria, rest on the Canary and Balearic Islands, resorts of Galicia.
The Spaniards are a cheerful and positive people, and whenever you go to the Kingdom, you will definitely catch some holiday!
September 12 - Mallorca Day, October 12 - Spain Day and Pilar Festival. Also in October is St. Raphael’s Day in Cordoba and the International Jazz Festival in Barcelona. November is the Festival of European cinema in Seville, the Festival of kitesurfing, the Festival of Olives.
Cost: a tour to the Costa Dorada for 7 days costs from 65 thousand rubles, to the Costa Blanca - from 75 thousand rubles, from 100 thousand rubles - to Barcelona.
Montenegro
Weather: Autumn is an unstable time of year in Montenegro: rains can replace the sun and vice versa, and on a trip you should take warm clothes and an umbrella. The average air temperature in the afternoon in September - early October + 25 C, at night cooler, from + 15 C and below. The sea water temperature is about + 22 C with a gradual decrease by October-November.
A visa is not required for a single entry into Montenegro (up to 30 days).
What to do? Tourists often rent a cottage instead of staying in a hotel, and completely immerse themselves in a relaxed holiday.
On the Ulcinsk Riviera, sandy beaches warm up well in autumn, if the sun is hot enough.
If you do not want to wait for the weather by the sea, you need to go where you always wanted, but the trip was postponed due to the summer heat.
You can walk around Podgorica, see the palace of King Nikita in Cetinje, admire the Bokoktor Bay, go to the natural park on Mount Lovcen and capture a beautiful view from the observation deck.
In autumn, it is time for leisurely classes - literary readings are held in Niksic, Budva hosts a jazz festival.
Cost: a tour to Budva for a week costs from 65 thousand rubles, a trip to Bar - from 70 thousand rubles, in Bechichi - from 66 thousand rubles.
Italy
Weather: the autumn Italian sun warms with its warmth, the air temperature is kept outside from + 25 C ... to + 27 C. The sea warmed up over the summer, + 22 C ... + 24 C.
Visa: A Schengen visa is required.
What to do? Often tourists combine holidays on the sea coast with trips to the historical and cultural attractions of Rome, Venice, Verona, Florence, Naples and other cities, and with magnificent gastronomic tours and wine tastings.
It is believed that the beach season with swimming until November lasts the longest on the beautiful island of Sicily. volcano
Etna is the main attraction of the island, excursions are carried out on its slopes: on foot, on SUVs and by helicopter.
Near the city of Taormina there are unique beaches with volcanic sand, and together with children it is worth visiting the amusement park "Etnaland" - with water slides and a cable car, a greenhouse, an aquarium and a terrarium are open in Karini Park, more than three thousand exotic birds live in the ornithological park "Orleansky".
Cost: a tour to Sicily for two costs from 60 thousand rubles, in Rimini - from 35 thousand rubles, in Amalfi - from 85 thousand rubles.
Greece
Weather: from September to early November, rest is very comfortable: during the day the air temperature from +22 C to +24 C, at night from + 16 C to + 18 C, by the end of October it becomes cooler, the average air temperature + 21 C during the day, + 10 at night. The water in the sea is still very warm, about +26 C in early autumn and +18 C ... + 20 C in October. Most often, the rains begin in November, but in other autumn months there is precipitation.
Visa: A Schengen visa is required.
What to do? In addition to the beach holiday, which can be unpredictable due to the vagaries of the weather, autumn in Greece is the most suitable time for informative excursions and leisurely walks.
From September to November comes the time of harvesting and making young wine, so if you wish, you can take part in tastings.
In October comes the turn of chestnuts - the plant is dedicated to the annual holiday in the settlements of Kastanica, Karica, Xurichti, Paleochori, Ayassos, Elos, Arna Faridos.
In addition, residents and visitors of the country celebrate Nut Day, Cabbage Festival and Fish Evening in Crete. All-Greek musical evenings are held on the island of Ithaca. Cost: the average price of the tour for two adults in Athens is about 75 thousand rubles, to the island of Corfu - from 60 thousand rubles, rest on the island of Santorini - from 100 thousand rubles.