Autumn is arguably the best season to travel in Europe. The summer crowds have dissipated as well as the heat. Most children are back in school. And, it feels like you can take a deep breath after the intensity of summer.
Autumn starts in late September and ends in early/mid November. In mountainous areas, autumn can be far shorter, ending as early as mid-late October, depending on snowfall and weather conditions.
Fall brings shorter days, cooler temperatures, and significantly lower hotel rates.
October and November are great months to travel to Southern Europe. Destinations like the Calanques National Park, Mallorca, Algarve, and Crete are pleasantly warm and far more approachable (less busy, more economical, etcโฆ) in the fall.
Autumn is also the most colorful time of year to travel to the Alps. Visit the Italian Dolomites in October and you will never recoverโฆnot in this lifetime. There is nothing more visually intoxicating than seeing the Northern and Southern Limestone Alps cloaked in amber and orange.
Below, I will introduce you to our favorite fall destinations in Europe.
- When is Autumn in Europe: mid/late September – late October/early November
- Mountain Huts: The hut-to-hut hiking season is over, since much mountain huts close end of September.
- Rental Car: If you’re plan on visiting alpine destinations, a car is a necessity in most places. We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental platform to search for and book car rentals in Europe.
- Top Fall Destinations without a Car: (1) Ortisei, Dolomites, (2) Calanques National Park, France (3) Kotor, Montenegro, (4) Wachau Valley, Austria
- Fall Colors: Fall colors usually peak between mid and late October. The timing is impacted by weather conditions, so it can shift slightly each year.
1. Vicentine Coast, Portugal
The Vicentine Coast is a stretch of Portugalโs Atlantic coastline that runs between Sines, Alentejo, and Sagres, Algarve.
This protected and biodiverse area boasts one of the best coastal trails in Europe: the Rota Vicentina Fishermanโs Trail.
The Fishermanโs Trail is the ideal autumn excursion for anyone who loves coastal walking and multi-day hiking. Hikers overnight in guesthouses and hostels along the way.
This well-marked and safe path traverses clifftops, sand dunes, and beaches. Aside from a few coastal villages, there are no developments along the Vicentine Coast. Itโs just miles and miles of pristine nature, unfurling before you.
We hiked the original 4-stage trail in early November from Porto Covo to Odeceixe. The trail has since been expanded to 13 stages, starting in Sรฃo Torpes and ending in Lagos.
If youโre curious about how to integrate this hike in a Portugal travel itinerary, read our 2-Week Portugal Itinerary, which starts in Porto and ends in Faro (no car needed).
Get the Guidebook | Ciceroneโs Rota Vicentina Hiking Guide
How to Book the Fisherman’s Trail | Book 1 night in Calmaria Guest House in Porto Covo, book 1 night in VILLA EIRA in Vila Nova de Milfontes, book 1 night in Casa Azul in Almograve, book 1 night in Azul in Zambujeira do Mar, and book 1 night in Casas Do Moinho in Odeceixe.
2. Algarve, Portugal
Algarve is the southernmost region of Portugal.
This sun-kissed, and perhaps goddess-blessed, beach paradise is celebrated for its clean, blue flag beaches, bountiful seafood, and whitewashed villages.
Bordered by ochre-colored limestone cliffs and caressed by turquoise waters, golden sweeps of sand are punctured by rock pillars and graceful arches. The color collision is nothing short of breathtaking.
If you want to experience Portugalโs beloved holiday region without the oppressive heat and the maddening crowds, visit Algarve in fall (late September – early November).
We visited Algarve in November, which is an ideal time for walking along the coast (e.g. Seven Hanging Valleys Trail) and touring the region. Read our 7-Day Agarve Road Trip for trip inspiration.
Algarve Accommodations | Read Where to Stay in the Algarve. We loved our stay in Caneiros Luxury House & Suites in Ferragudo.
3. Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria, Germany
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a mountain resort town in Upper Bavaria, Germany.
Only 1 hour from Munich by train, or by car, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a top destination for getting outdoors in summer, autumn, and winter.
If youโre planning on visiting the world-famous Oktoberfest in Munich (late September – early October), head to Garmisch-Partenkirchen after.
We love Garmisch, because it offers the best possible base for not only hiking and cycling, but also touring castles and historic towns. Itโs the perfect destination for travelers who want to balance active pursuits with historic attractions.
Located at the foot of the Wetterstein Massif, visitors are well-positioned to tackle gorge hikes like Hรถllentalklamm and Partnachklamm, via ferrata climbs like Alpspitze, and easy lakeside strolls like Lake Eibsee.
When you want to break from outdoor adventuring, you can visit the Passion Play town of Oberammergau, located 19.6 km north of Garmisch (25 minute drive). This Bavarian town is made up of colorful gingerbread-like houses adorned with baroque Lรผftmalerei (air paintings).
From Oberammergau, you can drive 15 minutes to Linderhof Palace in the Ammergau Alps. Schloss Linderhof was built by the legendary King Ludwig II of Bavaria between 1868 and 1874.
Mittenwald, Neuschwanstein Castle, Ehrwald, and Grosser Ahornboden are also within reach.
Find out everything you need to know about visiting Garmisch in Best Things to Do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Best Hikes in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen Accommodations | Olympiahaus (budget), Bader Suites (apartments), Quartier (midrange-luxury), or Werdenfelserei (luxury)
4. Wachau Valley, Austria
The Wachau region is the stretch of the Danube river valley between the cities of Melk and Krems in Austria.
This scenic valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Austriaโs most celebrated wine regions.
The Danube slithers between rolling hills of terraced vineyards. Abbeys and castle ruins command strategic locations on rocky outcrops. And, hillside hiking trails and riverside cycling routes link the many wine villages together.
Kati and I visit the Wachau regularly, because itโs only a 1 hour train ride from Vienna. We love walking through the vineyards and drinking wine in the Heuriger (wine taverns). And while the Wachau is an all-year-round destination, October is simply the most staggeringly beautiful month to visit.
In autumn, the vineyards turn gold and the forested hillsides turn shades of orange and yellow. The whole Wachau is a sea of warm yellow hues.
You can visit the Wachau as a day trip from Vienna, or stay several nights. Itโs the perfect fall getaway and one of the most spellbinding places to visit in Europe in autumn.
Learn more about this scenic wine-growing region in our Wachau Valley Travel Guide.
Hikers should check out the Vogelbergsteig, Dรผrnstein to Krems, and Seekopf and Hirschwand hikes. Art and architecture enthusiasts ought to prioritize a visit to Melk Abbey, an impressive baroque complex.
Tip | Drink Sturm (early wine) if you visit the Wachau in early fall.
Related: Autumn in Austria
Wachau Valley Tours from Vienna
GetYourGuide Tours | Vienna: Wachau, Melk Abbey, and Danube Valleys Tour, From Vienna: Wachau Valley Day Tour with Wine Tasting,and From Vienna: Melk, Salzburg, and Hallstatt Private Tour
Viator Tours | Melk Abbey and Danube Valley Day Trip from Vienna, Wachau Valley Private Tour With Melk Abbey Visit and Wine Tastings from Vienna, and Danube Valley Private Tour with Melk Abbey Skip-the-Line Access from Vienna
Places to Stay in the Wachau
Melk Accommodations | Pension Marillenhof (budget), GOLDEN STAR – Premium Apartments (midrange), or Hotel Restaurant zur Post (midrange-luxury)
Weissenkirchen Accommodations | Hotel-Restaurant Kirchenwirt (midrange)
Spitz an der Donau Accommodations | Barock-Landhof Burghardt (midrange), Appartements Adam-Mรผhle (midrange), or Gasthof Prankl (luxury)
Dรผrnstein Accommodations | Bioweingut Schmidl (midrange), Hotel Schloss Dรผrnstein (luxury), or Hotel Richard Lรถwenherz (luxury)
Krems Accommodations | Gรคstehaus auf der Kunstmeile (budget), Hotel Unter Den Linden (midrange), or Klinglhuber Suites (midrange-luxury)
5. Filzmoos, Austria
We recently re-visited Melk Abbey in the Wachau Valley. The abbey church is the epitome of high baroque art and architecture, which endeavored to create a befitting space on earth for God.
They bridged heaven and earth with ostentatious gold leaf, stucco, and marble. The church interior is a masterpiece, but I couldnโt help but think, “they got it wrong.”
God (the Universe, the Source, etcโฆ) is certainly not contained to these hallowed halls. Why reside here, when you can soar across the limestone walls of the Dachstein, especially in autumn.
In mid-late October, the magnificent Dachstein massif towers over a belt of larch forest. This godly contrast of gray limestone and orange larch is devastatingly beautiful in its impermanence.
Last October, we revisited Filzmoos in Salzburg to experience the final breath of autumn. Filzmoos is a small alpine village set below the southern Gosaukamm mountain range of the Dachstein. We hiked the Hofpรผrgl Hut to Sulzenalm loop trail, the Bachlalm to Neustadtalm loop trail, and Rรถtelstein Peak.
On the north side of the Dachstein lies the Salzkammergut region, home to Hallstatt, the Gosau Lakes, Bad Ischl, and Wolfgangsee. Follow our autumn-inspired Salzkammergut Itinerary to see Austria’s Lake District, before or after visiting Filzmoos.
From Filzmoos, you can also explore Ramsau am Dachstein (5 Huts Trail), Schladming, and the Hochkรถnig holiday region (Mรผhlbach High Trail and Hochkeil).
Filzmoos Accommodations | Bauernhof Krahlehenhof (midrange), Das Anja Alt Filzmoos (midrange), meiZeit Lodge (luxury), or Hotel Neubergerhof (luxury)
6. Mallorca, Spain
The largest Balearic Island is a dreamy isle famed for its pine-fringed sheltered coves, beach resorts, limestone mountains, and stone villages.
Autumn (September – early November) and Spring (April – May) are the best seasons to travel to Mallorca. During shoulder-seasons, visitors can expect moderate temperatures, cut-rate room rates, and thinning crowds.
This Mediterranean destination offers romantic villages (e.g. Valldemossa), picture-perfect beaches and coves like Calรณ des Moro & Cala S’Almunia, satisfying hiking trails, dazzling accommodations, and bucket-list driving routes.
Follow our Mallorca Road Trip Itinerary to discover the most beautiful corners of the island. In one week, youโll hike in the Tramuntana Mountains, visit the mountain villages of Valldemossa, Deiร and Sรณller, savor the viewpoints of Formentor Peninsula, and bathe in the dazzling coves of Cala Llombards, Calรณ des Moro, and Cala Pi.
Mallorca Accommodations | Where to Stay in Mallorca
7. Lake Bled, Slovenia
Sloveniaโs most enchanting destination, Lake Bled, is tucked away in the Julian Alps, only 1 hour from Ljubljana by bus, or by car.
Rimmed with a spectrum of yellow and orange leafy trees, Lake Bled is at its most beautiful in autumn.
Without the summer swarms, you can comfortably tour the clifftop castle, ride a pletna boat to Bled Island, watch the sunrise from the Mala Osojnica Viewpoint, visit Vintgar Gorge, and eat Bled Cream Cake.
If youโre traveling by car, we recommend driving up to Pokljuka Plateau in order to hike to Debela peฤ. To reach the summit, hikers ascend a belt of larch forest, which turns gold and tangerine-orange between mid and late October.
Given Bledโs proximity to Triglav National Park, itโs feasible to also visit Lake Bohinj, Seven Lakes Valley, Mount Vogel, and Periฤnik Waterfall.
Plan your autumn trip to Bled: Things to Do in Lake Bled and Slovenia in October.
Lake Bled Accommodations | Guesthouse Marko (budget), Vila Alpina (midrange), and Old Parish House (midrange), Hotel Starkl (midrange), Vila Bled (luxury), Grand Hotel Toplice (luxury), and Adora Luxury Hotel (luxury)
GetYourGuide Day Tours | From Bled: Self-Guided E-Bike Tour to Vintgar Gorge and Triglav National Park Tour from Bled.
Viator Day Tours | From Bled: Triglav National Park Tour, 7 Alpine Wonders- Day Tour Bled, Soca valley, Slovenia, Food Tour Bled – Explore Slovenia Through Its Tastes, and 2-Hour Interactive Wine Tasting Experience in Bled
8. Kotor and Sveti Stefan, Montenegro
The UNESCO-listed Old Town of Kotor in Montenegro is wedged between steep limestone mountains and a fjord-shaped bay. Itโs one of the most striking destinations in the Balkans.ย
Encircled by thick fortifications, the entire Old Town is a pedestrian zone, packed with hotels, shops, restaurants, and bars. This ideal autumn getaway offers no shortage of places to eat and things to do.
From the Old Town, you can walk to the Kotor Fortress for sweeping views of the Old Town, Vrmac, and the Bay of Kotor. The Ladder of Kotor hike starts just outside the city walls, near the River Gate. You can also follow the Dobrota Promenade to a number of waterfront cafรฉs.
You can drive, or take a boat to the waterfront town of Perast, dominated by Venetian palaces and churches.
If youโre traveling with a car, donโt miss the Kotor Serpentine Road, the hike from Fort Vrmac to Sveti Ilija, and Pestingrad Peak.ย
After visiting Kotor, we recommend visiting Budva Riviera to experience Montenegro’s best beaches. Base yourself in the village of Sveti Stefan, where you can enjoy the unbelievably scenic Sveti Stefan Beach along with nearby Miloฤer Beach and the Queen’s Beach.
Kotor Accommodations | There are many places to stay around the Bay of Kotor. I’ve explained the advantages and disadvantages of each area in Where to Stay in Kotor. In the Old Town, I recommend Boutique Hotel Astoria and Hotel Vardar.ย In the seafront Dobrota neighborhood, I recommend Villa Maestral (apartments), Corso Levante Luxury Suites, Hotel Forza Terra, Hotel Forza Mare, and Three Dots.ย
Sveti Stefan Accommodations | Boutique Hotel Villa Geba (luxury), Hotel California (luxury / where we stayed), Apartments and Rooms Drago (midrange), or Hotel Vivid Blue Serenity Resort (midrange-luxury / where we stayed).
9. Dolomites, Italy
Visit the Dolomites in autumn and your heart may burst, for there is nothing as transcendent as seeing these mountains cloaked in the full embrace of fall.
Between mid and late October, larches ripen from gold to amber and finally to a tangerine-orange. Weather conditions (frost, temperature, snow, etcโฆ) impact the timing of the color progression.
Weโve written a hefty guide about visiting the Dolomites in October, which covers where to stay and where to hike. September is also a great month to visit the Dolomites, but you will see minimal fall foliage.
Many tourist areas across the Dolomites shut down in late September. Val Gardena is one of the exceptions. This South Tyrolean valley is the gateway to Alpe di Siusi, Seceda, Val de Chedul – Vallunga Valley, and Sassolungo. Cableways and buses operate all month, which makes this the best destination for those traveling without a car.
We’ve outlined our favorite trails in Best Hikes in Val Gardena and all the best accommodations in Best Val Gardena Hotels.
Cortina dโAmpezzo, located in the province of Belluno in Veneto, is another excellent base. But, a car is an absolute necessity. We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals in Italy.
Start planning your trip with our Cortina dโAmpezzo Travel Guide and Cortina dโAmpezzo Hiking Guide.
Read how to get to the Dolomites to understand all the different ways to get to the Dolomites.
Where to Stay in Val Gardena | Casa al Sole (midrange), Chalet Hotel Hartmann (adults-only midrange), Hotel Granbaita Dolomites (luxury)
Where to Stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo | Hotel Meuble Oasi (budget), Hotel Villa Alpina (midrange), Ambra Cortina Luxury&Fashion Hotel (midrange), Camina Suite & Spa (luxury), or HOTEL de LรN (luxury)
10. Calanques National Park, Provence, France
Calanques National Park, a magnificent expanse stretching between Marseille and La Ciotat along the Mediterranean coast of Southern France, holds the distinction of being the first national park in Europe to encompass land, sea, peri-urban areas, and islands.
This dazzling coastal area of Provence is defined by dramatic limestone sea cliffs, deep and narrow calanques (inlets), and unique flora and fauna.
Cassis and Marseille, France’s second-largest city, serve as the primary gateways to Calanques National Park.
Kati and I journeyed to Marseille in May in order to hike across the Calanques National Park. We stayed in Marseille 7 nights and tackled the coastal trail linking Cassis with Marseille on a series of day trips. Read our Marseille Calanques itinerary to see how we structured our trip.
We were not only blown away by the sheer beauty of the Calanques landscapes, but also thrilled by the rugged cliffside trails.
The best time to visit Calanques National Park is in spring (March – May), or in autumn (October – November).
Marseille Accommodations | Les Appartements du Vieux Port (budget-midrange), Hรดtel Le M (midrange), Maisons du Monde Hรดtel & Suites (luxury), or Hรดtel C2 (boutique luxury).
Cassis Accommodations | Chambre d’hรดtes Clos du Petit Jรฉsus (midrange), Hotel De La Plage – Mahogany (luxury), or Hรดtel Les Roches Blanches (luxury)
More Europe Travel Guides
Travel:
Seasonal Guides:
- Alps in Summer
- Summer in Europe: Top Destinations
- Spring in Europe: Top Destinations
- Winter in Europe: Top Places to Visit
Hiking in Europe:
- Best Treks in Europe: Multi-Day Hiking Adventures
- Best Day Hikes in Europe
- Tips for Hiking in the Alps
- Best Hikes in the Alps
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