10 of the best places to go in Europe in autumn

 

The beauty of traveling in Europe in autumn is the variety of experiences on offer. Walk the beach on sunny southern islands, walk through forests rich in autumn tones, or wander the streets of major cities ⁠— without all the summer crowds. Autumn also brings out some of the continent’s best flavours, with delicacies from the fall season popping up in markets and on menus, whether in rustic Italian trattorias or high-end Nordic restaurants. In short, you can’t go wrong. Here are some of the best places to travel in Europe in autumn.

 

1. Seville, Spain

Best for a city break

Autumn? Phew! Seville has temperatures in October that many European cities would be proud of in summer – think highs of 26 °C (79 °F). Autumn is actually ideal for sightseeing: the steamy heat has subsided, but it’s still warm enough for T-shirt walks along the Guadalquivir River and evenings hopping between outdoor tapas bars. There is much to see, starting with the Real Alcázar, the astonishing royal palace complex, with its Mudéjar architecture and glorious gardens. Then there is the world’s largest Gothic cathedral with its impressive bell tower, the exquisite tiled mansion Casa de Pilatos and some excellent museums. In fact, don’t miss the Museo del Baile Flamenco, where you can learn all about this passionate, flamboyant dance and catch a live performance.

 

 

2. The Dodecanese, Greece

Best for last minute island hopping

Early autumn is great in the Dodecanese: this is when you’ll find the southeastern archipelago offering mostly good weather, lower prices, warm seas and fewer visitors, as well as many facilities that haven’t yet closed for the winter (even if it starts in November). The diverse Dodecanese are perfect for hopping, with good ferry links between the countries (including to nearby Türkiye ) and a network of small boats serving smaller islands, so you can mix cities, beaches, historic sites and unusual haunts; this archipelago has both islands that see hordes of holidaymakers and spots that barely see a soul. Rhodes is the biggie, but interesting islands to linger on include the spectacular pebble beach of Symi (an easy trip from Rhodes); small, eco-pioneering Tilos, which strives to run on renewable energy; authentic Karpathos, which has managed to keep its strong traditional culture in the face of tourism (don’t miss Olymbos, the hilltop village that is like a living folklore museum); and little-known Astypalea, with its calm bays, castle-topped capital and vine-filled valleys.

Planning tip:  Start in Rhodes, which has an airport. Alternatively, the ferry from Athens to Rhodes takes 16-18 hours. Jump north from Rhodes towards Patmos, the northernmost of the Dodecanese. Allow at least a week, two if you can.

When to go at a glance:  May to June and September to October – sunny, warm, services open; July to August – hot, busy; November to April – cool, closed, fewer ferries.

 

 

3. Umbria, Italy

Best for seasonal food

The fertility of autumn does not become more wonderfully soft than in Umbria. Tuscany’s quiet neighbor is beautiful and rich in this season and the perfect place for a food-filled break. Its rolling hills and walled towns such as Orvieto, Amelia and Narni are bathed in golden light and free of crowds. The tables are overflowing with incredible local produce: lentils, beans and mushrooms, chestnuts and black truffles, bright saffron and  olio novello  (new oil) from the olive harvest. A variety of  cacciagione  (game) dishes fill the menus, including  cinghiale  (wild boar) and  fagiano  (pheasant). And the grape harvest is in full swing, making it a fascinating time to follow the wine routes of the Strada del Sagrantino, visiting vineyards and medieval villages for tasting. And then there’s the chocolate. In November, Umbria’s provincial capital Perugia hosts Eurochocolate, a celebration of all things cocoa – not least Baci, the chocolate-hazelnut confection that comes from the city.

Planning tip:  For a lovely rural base, stay in an  agriturismo  , self-catering accommodation on working farms.

When to go at a glance:  April to June and September to October – pleasant weather, untouched; July to August – hot, busy; November to March – cool.

 

 

4. Montenegro

Best for hiking

Don’t pack away your hiking boots just yet – thanks to their southern latitude, the mountains of Montenegro remain open and wonderful for hiking until November. And what mountains: the highest are within the UNESCO-listed Durmitor National Park , a cluster of dark, jagged peaks (48 of which rise to over 2000m/6065ft) dotted with pine forests, lush meadows and sparkling glacial lakes, and home to all kinds of mountains. of wildlife, from birds to bears; there are also good walks among the peaks and primeval forests in Biogradska Gora National Park. Coastal highlights such as the mountains Orjen and Lovćen offer sweeping views of the Adriatic Sea – mix walks here with dips in the azure sea, which remains beautifully inviting throughout October and is stunning without the crowds. A week’s walk might include an ascent of Rumija, on the south coast; hiking in the Kučka Krajina area near the capital Podgorica; admire the autumn colors around Bjelasica mountain in Biogradska Gora; and varied hiking in Durmitor , with the chance to stand on top of Bobotov Kuk (2523m/8277ft), the country’s highest peak.

When to go at a glance:  April to June and September to October – warm, less crowded; July to August – hot, busy; November to March – cold, possible to ski.

 

 

5. Copenhagen, Denmark

Best for cool eateries

Incredibly cool Copenhagen is the epicenter of both Scandi design chic and the new Nordic food revolution – nowhere is food more creative, sustainable or seasonal than here, whether it’s in Michelin-starred kitchens or farm shop cafes, so dive into autumn’s bounty. As well as wandering the autumn-glowing gardens at Rosenborg Castle, seeing Viking treasures at the National Museum and enjoying fantastic art at nearby Louisiana, be sure to eat well. Start at Torvehallerne KBH , Copenhagen’s mouth-watering food market, which serves everything from organic porridge to delicious  smørrebrød  (sandwiches). Book well in advance for culinary tickets such as Kadeau. Then take a foodie walking tour to find out where the locals get their coffee and pastries, and graze on Nørrebro, the city’s most multicultural neighborhood, where hip boutiques sit alongside craft beer bars and cool cafes. End at Kødbyen, the city’s Meatpacking District, to drink like a Dane.

When to go at a moment’s notice:  April to May and October – quieter, cooler; June to September – sunny, lively, busy; November to March – cool (Christmas markets run through December).

 

 

6. The Scottish Highlands

Best for wildlife and autumn landscapes

A swirl of mist, moorland glowing in the dawn light and perhaps the agonized bellow of a stag fishing in battle – late autumn mornings in the Scottish Highlands are an atmospheric affair. In fact, go there in autumn and you can catch the red deer in rut, when the males vie with their impressive antlers to secure control over the females. Whether exploring by 4WD or on foot, it certainly adds an extra frisson to the already stunning lakes, valleys and moors. And although it can be chilly, the tourist season is over, making it a good time for quieter sightseeing: Stirling, Eilean Donan Castle, Glen Coe, Fort William. Warm up with a small dram and enjoy fantastic seasonal food: Scottish oysters and lobster, and plenty of pheasants, grouse and other game.

Planning tip:  Many attractions close during the winter. Some close at the end of September, but many – such as Dunrobin Castle and Strathnaver Museum – are open until the end of October. Check before you visit.

When to go at a glance:  April to May – quiet, in bloom; June to August – hottest, long days, mosquitoes; September to November – autumn colours, deer antlers; December to March – cold, snow possible.

 

 

7. Malta

Best for a mix of island and city break

Little Malta has a lovely Mediterranean climate – it’s still deliciously warm in November when much of Europe is shivering. In fact, with temperatures around 21 °C (70 °F) and seas holding on to the last summer’s heat, it’s still viable to hit the quiet beaches of the sister islands of Gozo and Comino. Combine relaxing in balmy climes with a bit of sightseeing – Malta’s small size means you can pack in a lot while taking it easy. Spend time exploring the UNESCO-listed capital of Valletta and the former fortified capital of Mdina, known as “The Silent City”, a fascinating collection of churches, museums and medieval alleyways. Visit the ancient underground burial chambers of Hal Saflieni Hypogeum and the prehistoric rock temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra. Walk the Dingli Cliffs, take a boat trip to the Blue Grotto and kick back on the beach at Golden Bay. Finish with a day trip to Comino’s Blue Lagoon, a supernatural sapphire pool, crowded in summer but quiet in the off-season.

When to go at a glance  : April to June and October to November – warm, untouched; July to September – hot, dry, busy; December to March – cool.

 

 

8. Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

Best for sunshine

Tenerife has long welcomed sun-seekers all year round – average daytime temperatures hover around 24 °C (75 °F) as late as November. Realistically, this is the only place in Europe where you can plan a beach holiday this late in the year. The major tourist spots are in the south; better to head north instead, perhaps to the historic town of Puerto de la Cruz or the beaches around Los Gigantes and Puerto de Santiago in the west. If you can drag yourself away from the beach, you’ll find the weather ideal for hiking. At 3,718 m (12,199 ft), Teide is Spain’s highest peak and the world’s third largest volcano; it’s a challenging five-hour hike (or a short cable car ride) up to the snowy peak. But the island has a varied selection of trails – including routes through the north-west pine forests, mountain ridges among the laurels of the Anaga Mountains and the traverse of the spectacular Masca Gorge – and excellent infrastructure for hikers, with a good bus network and plenty of accommodation.

Planning tip:  Microclimates can be dramatically different even in adjacent valleys. If you don’t like the weather in one place, shift a few miles and you’re likely to find sunshine.

When to go at a glance:  March to May – warm, wildflowers; June to September – warm, sunny; October to November – warm, unspoiled; December to February – mild, snow possible on Teide.

 

 

9. Latvia

Best for fall colors

October is a last-gasp chance to hike Latvia’s wonderful wild places in warm weather: the days are still reasonably long, the winter winds haven’t kicked in and the fall colors are at their best. Go to Gauja National Park, where you can admire medieval castles and misty waterways against a sea of ​​yellow gold trees; there are plenty of hiking trails, from short leafy trails to long routes along the Gauja River. Alternatively, head to Ķemeri National Park to put on a pair of bog shoes and tramp through this unique environment; in autumn the bird watching is brilliant. Both parks are within easy reach of the capital Riga, whose handsome UNESCO-listed Old Town is worth exploring at any time. You can also taste the seasonal abundance of mushrooms, berries, fish and game at local restaurants.

When to go at a glance:  April to June – warm-up (cruising season May to September); July to August – hot, busy; September to October – mild, quiet; November to March – cold, snowy.

 

 

10. Burgundy, France

Best for wine lovers and cycling enthusiasts

Life is pretty red and white in Burgundy – Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, to be precise, the two grape varieties that dominate France’s most venerable wine region, where its viticultural heritage stretches back centuries to Roman occupation. Explore Burgundy’s rolling hills in  the Vendange  (grape harvest) season, when you’ll also enjoy ideal conditions for pedaling Le Tour de Bourgogne (Tour of Burgundy). This cycling circuit consists of around 800 km (500 miles) of  voies vertes  (traffic-free greenways), canal towpaths and quiet country roads that connect the region’s most alluring attractions: Dijon’s medieval core, Beaune’s spectacular Hôtel-Dieu des Hospices, the ancient abbey complex Abbaye de Fontenay, and the castles of Ancy-le-Franc and Tanlay. If the whole circuit is too long, choose a subsection: perhaps part of the flat 240 km (149 mi) stage along the Canal de Bourgogne, or the 206 km stretch of the Canal du Nivernais between Auxerre and Decize. For a wine-centric section, tackle the Voie des Vignes route between Beaune and Santenay (just 22km), or simply scoot among Burgundy’s wine-soaked hillsides.

When to go at a moment’s notice:  April to May and October – cooler, quieter; June to September – reliably warm; November to March – cold, wet.