October is one of the most magical months to hike in Europe. You can soak up the warmth of the Mediterranean sun on coastal trails, wander through vineyards glowing with golden vine leaves, and follow fiery autumn colors across the mountains.
But, October weather is also a mixed bag. Southern Europe usually offers the most stability, making it the perfect time to hike in Portugal, Crete, Mallorca, and the Calanques in Southern France.
In the mountains, everything depends on snow. If the conditions hold, October rewards hikers with dazzling foliage, crisp skies free of summer haze, and quiet trails. And, if youโre hiking with a dog, you can rest easy knowing you wonโt encounter any grazing cows.
There are a few caveats. Mountain buses run less frequently, so having a rental car makes things easier.
Also, most huts close by late September, with only a handful staying open into October depending on the weather. Hut-to-hut trekking is rarely possible, but you can still plan unforgettable day hikes, or a spontaneous overnight hike if a hut is open.
- October Multi-Day Treks: Fishermanโs Trail
- October Car-Free Trips for Hikers: Marseille – Calanques Itinerary
- October Road Trips for Hikers: Salzkammergut Austria Road Trip, Crete Road Trip, Mallorca Road Trip, and Algarve Road Trip
- Car Rental: Discovercars.com is our go-to platform for finding and reserving rental cars throughout Europe.
- Europe National Parks: Our Favorite European National Parks
1. Calanque de Sugiton to Calanque de Morgiou Hike, Provence, France
About halfway between Marseille and Cassis, Calanque de Sugiton and Calanque de Morgiou are two of the most striking inlets on the Mediterranean coast. October is an excellent time to explore Calanques National Park, with mild weather, quieter trails, and little to no fire risk.
The classic route is an easy out-and-back from Luminy University to Sugiton Calanque. For a more rewarding adventure, continue on a point-to-point trail that links Sugitonโs hidden beaches with the Morgiou harbor.
The path climbs through pine forest, along rocky crests, and past spectacular coastal viewpoints. Stop for a simple seafood lunch at Bar Nautic (cash only) in Morgiou, before following the Crรชte de Morgiou to Les Baumettes.
Be aware: there is one scrambling section, where you must descend a vertical rock step without protection. Itโs short but requires confidence, agility, and a steady head for heights.
This 11.7 km point-to-point hike takes 4:30 hours to complete without breaks.
If that feels outside your comfort zone, consider this alternative hike instead: Les Baumettes – Calanque de Sormiou – Les Goudes Hike.
Where to Stay in Marseille | Hรดtel Le M (midrange), Les Appartements du Vieux Port (midrange), Boutique Hรดtel Provencia (midrange), Hรดtel C2 (luxury), or Maisons du Monde Hรดtel & Suites (luxury)
Where to Stay in Cassis | Chambre d’hรดtes Clos du Petit Jรฉsus (midrange), HPC Suites (luxury), Hotel De La Plage (luxury), or Hรดtel Les Roches Blanches (luxury)
Related Guides | Marseille – Calanques Itinerary and Hiking in Calanques National Park
Learn More: Luminy – Calanque de Sugiton – Calanque de Morgiou Hike
2. Aradena Gorge, Crete
In the wild heart of Sfakia in the White Mountains of West Crete, the Aradena Gorge trail cuts a dramatic route from the abandoned village of Aradena to the sparkling Libyan Sea.
The gorge trail alternates between level stretches and steep drops, with boulder scrambles and shifting scree.
Hiking options include point-to-point and out-and-back routes. We took a taxi from Chora Sfakion to Aradena Village, hiked through the gorge to Marmara Beach (about 3 hours), and returned along the coastal trail to Chora Sfakion (4+ hours), passing Loutro and Sweet Water Beach along the way.
For those that decide to end the hike at Marmara Beach and return to Chora Sfakion by water taxi, this 5.6 km point-to-point hike only takes 3 hours.
Where to Stay in Chora Sfakion | Sofia’s Lovely Rooms (budget), Authentic Village Boutique Hotel (midrange), Panorama New Generation (midrange-luxury)
Related Guides | Best Hikes in Crete
Learn More: How to Hike Aradena Gorge
3. Ladder of Kotor, Montenegro
The historic Ladder of Kotor trail climbs from Kotorโs Old Town up the mountainside to Krstac Pass, zigzagging through 70 switchbacks between the Scurda Canyon and the fortress walls.
Built in the 19th century by the Austrians to connect Kotor with Njeguลกi and Cetinje, this mule route now rewards hikers with sweeping views of the Bay of Kotor. Most hikers turn around at the โTop of the Ladderโ viewpoint (a very good idea), though the full trail continues to the P1 road at Krstac Pass.
The complete Ladder of Kotor trail is a 14.1 km lollipop-circuit, which takes about 6 hours.
Where to Stay in Kotor Old Town | Palazzo Sindik (apartment), Katareo Apartments (apartment), or Hotel Hippocampus (boutique luxury)
Where to Stay in Kotor (Outside City Walls) | Apartments Ana (budget), or Apartments Qualitas (budget)
Related Guides | Kotor Hiking Trails
Learn More: How to hike the Ladder of Kotor
4. 4-Day Fishermanโs Trail, Portugal
Part of the Rota Vicentina network, the Fishermanโs Trail follows Portugalโs wild, undeveloped Vicentina Coast, offering access to some of the countryโs most remote and striking shoreline. The classic 4-day route stretches from Porto Covo in Alentejo to Odeceixe in Algarve.
Its popularity led officials to extend the trail, more than doubling the stages. But, for most, the original 4-day trek remains the perfect adventure.
The scenery is striking: sheer schist and greywacke cliffs drop into the Atlantic, while golden sandy beaches lie between rugged headlands. Bright carpets of ice plants cling to the sea cliffs, and jagged basalt outcrops rise from the sea, creating a coastline that is both wild and ruggedly beautiful.
This is a village-to-village hike, with overnights in hostels, guesthouses, or hotels along the route.
Learn More: 4-Day Fishermanโs Trail Guide
5. Croda da Lago Circuit Trail, Dolomites, Italy
If the Dolomites mountains are snow-free, the Croda da Lago Circuit Trail is breathtaking in autumn, due to the abundance of larch around Lake Federa.
Croda da Lago is a compact mountain chain in the Ampezzo Dolomites, southwest of Cortina dโAmpezzo.
This 13-km loop hike around Croda da Lago is a feast for the senses, offering ever-changing scenery. From the Ponte di Rocurto trailhead, the path climbs through forest to Rifugio Croda da Lago G. Palmieri (2046 m), a charming refuge on the shore of Lago Federa.
Framed by elegant larch trees, Lago Federa provides a picture-perfect foreground for the solitary Becco di Mezzodรฌ, a sunrise spectacle worth losing sleep for.
The trail then rises gently to the Forcella Ambrizzola saddle (2277 m), opening onto the vast Mondeval pasture. Turning toward the imposing Lastoni di Formin, the route ascends steadily to Forcella di Formin (2462 m), the hikeโs highest point. From there, the circuit descends across boulder-strewn fields into the Val de Formin valley before returning along trail 437 to Ponte di Rocurto.
If there is snow in the mountains, consider these lower-elevation hikes instead: Santa Maddalena Panorama Trail in Val di Funes, Sesto – Val Fiscalina Valley Trail in Alta Pusteria, Monte Pic Summit (with/without ascend to Seceda depending on snow conditions).
Where to Stay in Pocol | Hotel Piccolo Pocol (budget), or Ciasa Vervei (midrange)
Where to Stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo | Hotel Meuble Oasi (budget), Baita Fraina (midrange), Hotel Villa Alpina (midrange), Ambra Cortina Luxury&Fashion Hotel (midrange), Camina Suite & Spa (luxury), or HOTEL de LรN (luxury). Read our insider guide to Where to Stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Learn More: How to Hike Croda da Lago
October Weather in the Dolomites
Thereโs no guarantee of perfect October weather in the Dolomites, but when luck is on your side, the month is simply glorious. Kati and I have visited the Dolomites several times in October, experiencing everything from heavy winter storms to perfect, snow-free days that rival the best of summer.
Fall colors typically peak in mid to late October, though the exact timing depends on factors such as temperature, elevation, sunlight, frost, and the tree species.
Learn More: Visiting the Dolomites in October
6. Tauplitzalm Hike, Austria
Tauplitzalm is a high plateau in the Totes Gebirge (Dead Mountains) of Austriaโs Salzkammergut region. Sitting between 1,600 and 2,000 meters, it is Central Europeโs largest lake plateau, home to six mountain lakes.
October is the ideal month for the 6-Lakes Hike, when the mountains are carpeted in golden larches.
Begin by drivingย the 10-kilometer Tauplitzalm Alpenstraรe, a scenic toll road linking Bad Mitterndorf to the plateau. From the car park, hike to Lake Steirersee, Lake Schwarzensee, and Leistalm (if open), before looping back.
This easy circuit, suitable for kids, is 13 km and takes about 4:15 hours.
Follow our Salzkammergut Itinerary to discover more beautiful places in the region, including the Gosau Lakes. Also see our Autumn in Austria guide for tips on where to go.
Where to Stay on Tauplitzalm | Schermer Hรผtte (chalets), or Hotel Alpenrose (3-star hotel)
Learn More: How to Hike Tauplitzalm
7. Debela Peฤ and Brda, Slovenia
Debela peฤ (2014 m) and Brda (2009 m) are two panoramic peaks along the Lipanca Ridge, between Krma Valley and the Pokljuka Plateau in Sloveniaโs Julian Alps.
The hike starts at the Medvedova konta car park and climbs to Planina Lipanca, a mountain pasture with the managed Bled Hut (Blejska koฤa na Lipanci).
From there, a steady ascent through larch forest leads to the Brda and Debela peฤ summits, offering breathtaking views of Rjavina and the surrounding Julian Alps.
Plan your trip with our guide to Slovenia in October, full of seasonal tips and insights
Learn More: How to Hike Debela Pec
More Europe Hiking Guides
More Places to Hike in October:
- Seven Hanging Valleys Trail in Algarve, Portugal
- Dรผrnstein to Krems in Wachau Region, Austria
Hiking Europe Month by Month
Trail Inspiration:
Seasonal Guides:
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