The 6 top spots to explore in Spain this Autumn

After a scorching summer, the refreshing autumn breezes in Spain offer a delightful shift. Travelers can relish outdoor activities without the intense midday sun, enjoying the stunning beaches that often remain warm enough for swimming until mid-October, depending on the location.

Alongside the lovely weather, there’s a wealth of exciting events to enrich your travel plans. If you’re keen on hiking, whether on the Camino or through a national park, there are plenty of fantastic options to witness vibrant fall foliage.

These destinations make visiting Spain in Autumn a cherished tradition worth embracing.

1. La Rioja

Top Region for Wine Enthusiasts

Any time is perfect for wine tasting, but there’s no better season than Autumn to explore Spain’s renowned wine region – La Rioja. As hundreds of vineyards in this small northern province harvest, press, and bottle their grapes, the city of Logroño marks this bustling period with the Fiesta de San Mateo in mid-September. During this celebration, plazas and streets are alive with people eager to enjoy grape-stomping demonstrations, free concerts, and plenty of wine.

Tip for Planning: Some wineries offer visitors the chance to get involved in harvest activities like grape-picking and stomping, so be sure to seek out these unique opportunities when arranging your visits and tastings.

2. Andalucía

Ideal Region for Shoulder Season Beach Getaways

With the heat behind us and summer crowds gone, Andalucía’s beaches are more inviting than ever in the Spanish Autumn. Treat yourself to a late summer vacation at a cozy resort in Marbella or head to the Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata-Níjar for expansive beaches nestled in nature. Generally, water temperatures remain warm enough for swimming, not dropping below 18°C (64°F) until November.

If you enjoy sunny weather but prefer to stay dry, the shoulder season is perfect for visiting popular attractions that are usually overcrowded in summer, such as the Alhambra in Granada or the Museo Picasso in Málaga, the birthplace of the famous artist.

Insider Tip: While the beaches are a major draw in this southern region, don't miss the chance to explore unique cultural experiences by venturing inland to historic towns like Ronda, renowned for its bullfighting heritage.

3. Jaén

Premier Destination for Olive Harvesting

Grapes aren’t the only harvest of the season. Across Spain, olive trees undergo their annual picking, but the inland Andalusian province of Jaén excels at it. During the process known as “verdeo,” green olives are gathered from September to November and pressed into the exquisite liquid gold that enhances our tapas. This is the perfect time to visit a local farm, or head to the annual Olive Festival in Martos at the beginning of December, which celebrates the harvest's conclusion with concerts, art displays, flamenco shows, and olive oil pressing ceremonies.

Insider Tip: If you attend the festival in Martos, arrive with a big appetite and get ready to indulge in hoyos, small pieces of bread with a little hollow for drenching in olive oil.

4. Menorca

Top Island for Cheese Lovers

If you visit Menorca in October, you can enjoy lingering beach days while sampling some of the island's finest cheeses at the Mahón Cheese Fair. This D.O.-certified cheese, made from cow's milk, reflects the island's rich agricultural and cheesemaking history. You can tour several cheese factories on the island, such as Sabaida, which offers a “farmer for the day” experience. However, during the fair, you'll find all of the island’s top cheese producers gathered in one spot, along with some from across Spain. Come ready to eat and conclude your autumn island adventure with a delightful array of cheesy samples.

Tip for Planning: The festival is held in Mahón, but consider renting a car to explore more of this charming island, including a trip to the town of Ciutadella on the west coast.

5. The Pyrenees

Ideal Region for Autumn Hiking

As temperatures become more pleasant, it’s the perfect time to explore the Spanish side of the Pyrenees on foot. During Autumn, this nearly 500-kilometer-long mountain range bursts with color as oak, chestnut, and beech trees showcase their fall foliage. There are numerous hiking trails that lead to some of the most stunning landscapes in the Pyrenees, with top spots including Aragon’s Parque Nacional de Ordesa y Monte Perdido — also a favorite for canyoneering — and the sunny, beautiful Cerdanya region in Catalonia, a valley that straddles France and Spain.

Insider Tip: If you plan to explore Cerdanya, consider staying in the town of Puigcerdà, and don’t miss the chance to visit Llívia, a Spanish village nestled on the French side of the border, as a unique geographical quirk.

6. La Garrotxa

Top Region for Autumn Colors

Nestled between Barcelona and the Pyrenees lies an ancient volcanic area celebrated for its lush forests, stunning landscapes, and exceptional gastronomy. La Garrotxa boasts its own microclimate — not entirely alpine yet not fully Mediterranean — creating a green haven rich in autumn hues. Just outside the main city of Olot, Fageda d'en Jordà offers a prime spot to admire the vibrant beech trees, while colorful pockets can be found throughout the region, which is well-equipped with numerous hiking trails that wind past ancient lava flows in Sant Joan les Fonts and charming villages like Castellfollit de la Roca.

Insider Tip: While in Olot, be sure to sample the local specialty patates d’Olot, delicious fried potato bites stuffed with meat. They are sometimes referred to by the name of the restaurant that created them, “patates de la Deu.”