TRAVEL: DEALS OF THE WEEK: LATE SUN HOLIDAYS

Now that this year's lingering British summer seems finally to be over, it is time to look further afield if you want more sun before the end of the year. There is still plenty of availability around the Mediterranean, and the further south and east you go, the longer the temperatures are likely to remain high; even in Corsica it can be pleasantly warm until early November, although there are no guarantees. Most companies, particularly the big operators, are reducing their prices as the end of the season approaches. Many do this a week or so ahead, while others discount only a couple of days before departure, so it is always worth checking at the very last minute.

Paphos, Cyprus

If four or five want to share, a two-bedroom apartment will cost pounds 319 per person for 14 nights, departing from Luton with Sunvil Holidays (tel: 0181-568 4499) on 22 September. For anyone wanting a more intimate break, two can share the same apartment for an extra pounds 30 per person per week. The apartments are self-catering, and with sea views. The complex includes a pool, although it's located on the seafront, only five minutes from the beach.

Ibiza, Spain

Virgin Sun (tel: 01293 617181) has availability in its self-catering apartments in San Miguel for pounds 189 per person; this includes flights from Manchester departing on 29 September. San Miguel is in the north of the island, away from the main towns. It has a lovely beach and there are opportunities for watersports.

Tel Aviv, Israel

If you don't want to spend all your time on the beach, Superstar Holidays (tel: 0171-957 4300) has a week in the Moss Hotel in Tel Aviv which will allow you to combine sunbathing with sightseeing. If you take a scheduled El Al departure before 30 September, flights and bed & breakfast for a week in this three-star hotel will cost pounds 512; from 1 October, the price goes down to pounds 451. Oddly, transport from the airport is not included, so allow an extra pounds 22 each way. The Moss is located one block back from the beach, and is handy for the city centre shops, and the old town of Jaffa.

Yalikavak, Turkey

Two people sharing will pay pounds 349 each at the Valonia Apartments, departing on 27 September with Simply Turkey (tel: 0181-995 9323). The price includes flights - these are mostly from Gatwick, although there are a few from Manchester - and transfer to the apartments, which are in a lovely secluded spot above Bodrum. The accommodation has its own pool, and other watersports are available nearby. There is a minibus service into Bodrum, a 15-minute drive away, which runs three times a day.

Ionian Islands, Greece

Sunsail (tel: 01705 222222) has availability on its sailing holidays for departures on 2 October; the price is pounds 379 per person, based on four people sharing a 32ft boat. This includes flights to Preveza on the mainland, transfer to the base, and yacht accommodation. You can either sail with the flotilla and meet up with the other boats in the evening, or go it alone. For departures on 16 October, the price drops to pounds 369.

Propriano, Corsica

Corsican Places (tel: 01424 460046) has villas on the hillside overlooking the Gulf of Valinco for pounds 309 per person for four sharing, or pounds 378 for two, and the price includes car hire. The accommodation is purpose built, and includes two bedrooms, bathroom, fully equipped kitchen corner, living room with large terrace and barbecue, and use of a shared pool. Most of the shops and restaurants are in nearby Propriano, but a bread van comes every morning for those who need their fresh baguette fix at breakfast time.

Cities of the Mediterranean

If you can't decide where to go, the best choice might be a cruise. Thomson's (tel: 0990 502562) Jewels of the Mediterranean starts in Palma, Majorca, and stops at Villefranche on the French Riviera; Livorno for an excursion to Florence and Pisa; Rome; Sardinia; and Barcelona. Prices start at pounds 535 per person for two people sharing a standard inside cabin, but upgrades are available. Full board and flights from Gatwick to Palma are included. For a small supplement, you can fly from most regional airports.