Six of the best autumn city breaks in Europe for an overload of culture and fabulous food

From Athens’ beach-studded – and still warm – coastline to the ancient food markets of Palermo

Craggy coves and sandy bays make up the resplendent mix that is the Athens Riviera. So it was that at the end of an autumn day I found myself with a not unpleasant question: where to head to soothe bones still aching for a last splash of summer sun. For Athens offers something that other European cities cannot: a coastline of more than 40 miles dotted with beaches many a Greek island would covet.