With Storm Amy hitting many parts of the UK last weekend, a recent drop in temperatures and more and more grey skies, many of us are already dreaming of a sunny escape. If you're looking to extend that summer feeling just a little longer, there's a lesser-known gem in the Aegean Sea that might be just what you're looking for. Kos, a beautiful Greek island in the Dodecanese, offers sunshine, sandy beaches, ancient ruins, and an average temperature of 26C in October, according to the Met Office, all and all that without the peak season crowds of July and August.

With around eight hours of sunshine each day, visitors can still enjoy a comfortable swim in Kos's crystal-clear waters well into October. Popular, beautiful beaches like Tigaki Beach, Agios Stefanos Beach, and the unique Therma Beach offer something for everyone.

Another bonus is the convenience of direct flights from Kos to various UK cities, which makes it the ideal destination for British travellers looking for some late-season sun.

At Therma, natural hot springs create a warm, bubbly pool that's perfect for a warm swim, no matter what season you visit the island in.

Beyond the white sand beaches and turquoise coloured waters, the island is also like an open-air museum with its ancient ruins and rich history.

From the ancient ruins of the Asklepion, where Hippocrates, the 'father of medicine,' once taught, to the Roman Odeon and the Castle of the Knights, a 14th-century seaside fortress, visitors will have no shortage of things to see and do on the island.

Kos Town, with its harbour, traditional tavernas serving delicious local cuisine, and charming streets full of shops and eateries to discover as you wander, offers a true sense of the island's character. Ancient ruins are scattered throughout the city, along with cobbled streets, colourful marketplaces, historic churches, and plenty of greenery and flowering plants that bring the town to life.

Margaret Morrison wrote on Holiday-Weather.com: "This is my favourite island I've ever been too. The people are very friendly. My daughter left her purse in a taxi and the driver came looking for us to return her purse."

Someone else wrote: "This is the sixth time we have been to Kos, so of course you can see that we love the place, one of the reasons being there is something for everyone. There is sun, scenery and the harbour for a relaxing day. Whereas there is also the bars and nightlife for those wanting to party. The local people are also very friendly."

Jeanette also said: "It was the best holiday we have had .. we never go back to the same place, but we were so impressed we are going back in October again this year... for 2 weeks this time!!"

A content creator from North Norfolk, girlaroundnorthnorfolk, also said about the island: "Our family holiday in Kos was the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. From boat trips and beachcombing to feeding fish in crystal-clear waters, every day brought something new."