Why fall is the perfect time to visit Europe instead of summer

This summer, Europe was bustling with tourists. Now, as fall arrives, the continent truly flourishes, with fewer visitors and the beauty of autumn leaves in full swing.

A recent report from luxury travel network Virtuoso highlighted Paris, London, and Florence as the top fall travel spots. However, lesser-known destinations in Europe provide a unique chance to avoid the crowds and experience something truly special during this season.

"Fall is one of the best seasons to explore Europe because it offers something for every type of traveler," says Mina Agnos, president of luxury travel agency Travelive.

For beach lovers, the warm temperatures in Spain, Portugal, and Turkey are perfect for a seaside getaway. Meanwhile, food enthusiasts can indulge in harvest festivals and local delicacies, from truffle hunting in Croatia to the olive harvest in Greece and vineyard festivals in Sicily. Fall is also great for adventure seekers, with activities like hiking in Spain, chestnut foraging in Slovenia, and watching bird migrations across the Strait of Gibraltar.

Consider island getaways. Destinations like Tenerife, Ibiza, and Mallorca are bustling in summer but become much quieter in the fall.

"The Canary Islands are perfect from mid-September to mid-December when you’ll find better flight deals and fewer tourists, offering a more laid-back vacation," says Brian Young, EMEA managing director at G Adventures. For a great October trip, unwind on the golden beaches of Gran Canaria or enjoy an active hiking and wine-tasting tour in Tenerife.

If you’re looking for a unique European experience this fall, we have plenty of ideas to inspire your travels.

Alentejo, Portugal

While the Douro Valley, famous for its port wine production, is a popular autumn choice in Portugal, consider exploring Alentejo instead. This rural region is home to UNESCO-listed Évora, Roman ruins, peaceful countryside dotted with cork trees and olive groves, and a rugged, wild coastline.

"The preserved Atlantic coastline boasts miles of untouched beaches, ideal for surfing, with the best waves from fall through spring," says Sérgio Duarte, general manager of Octant Évora. This hotel, located on 30 acres just outside town, offers autumn activities like hot air balloon rides, stargazing, and picnics in the plains.

"What I love most about autumn is the golden light reflecting off the cornfields, encouraging moments of quiet reflection after the busy summer months," he adds.

Val Gardena, Dolomites, Italy

In the Dolomite mountains of Northern Italy, fall brings a stunning display of changing leaves that rival the mesmerizing alpenglow – the enrosadira – as the sun sets and casts a pink glow on the peaks.

Val Gardena offers a sensory delight, from hiking through the UNESCO World Heritage Puez-Odle National Park to savoring South Tyrolean dishes and Ladin specialties at the Culinarium Urtijei food festival in Ortisei.

Nestled in parkland in Ortisei, a stay at ADLER Spa Resort Dolomiti lets you explore the region by electric bike and indulge in wellness experiences, such as saunas, salt grottos, and an outdoor pool, all set against the crisp autumn air.

Romania

Consider spending Halloween at Dracula's Castle in Romania, says Christopher Hill of Hands Up Holidays, which offers volunteer opportunities like assisting with bear conservation in Brasov or participating in a Transylvanian dairy festival alongside local shepherds.

Along with the vibrant colors of autumn, the season brings a feast of food festivals. "Fresh produce is abundant, and many villages uphold the tradition of celebrating the harvest with local festivals, honoring what they’ve grown – from apples and pears to pumpkins and grapes," says Hill.

He highlights October’s chestnut festival in Baia Mare and a cabbage festival in the Saxon village of Moșna as some of Romania’s must-attend fall food events.

Mallorca, Spain

Locals in Mallorca will tell you that the island is best experienced outside the scorching summer heat. In October, temperatures remain in the 70s F (early 20s C), creating perfect conditions for cycling and hiking along routes that pass historic castles, lighthouses, and serene coves.

For a tranquil, adults-only retreat in a 17th-century mansion, Can Aulí in the village of Pollença offers just 21 rooms for a peaceful stay. The on-site dining features fresh, organic produce delivered daily by a local farmer. When you're ready for nightlife, check out Lío Mallorca, a cabaret and club that recently expanded from Ibiza to Palma.

Thessaloniki, Greece

Greece's second-largest city is located on the Thermaic Gulf, opening up to the Aegean Sea. Known for its rich culinary scene, it remains largely overlooked by American tourists who tend to favor island destinations like Mykonos and Santorini.

Jack Ezon of EMBARK Beyond suggests fall as the perfect time to explore Greece's gateway to the Balkans – not for its beaches, but for its rich Jewish history and one of southern Europe's finest dining experiences.

In October and November, step outside Thessaloniki and explore the hiking trails near Mount Olympus, just 90 minutes to the southwest, where the vibrant autumn leaves create a stunning backdrop.

Malta

The Mediterranean archipelago of Malta, made up of the islands of Malta, Gozo, and Comino, is usually a summer hotspot but offers a more pleasant experience when temperatures drop. Popular with scuba divers, the islands are home to many World War II shipwrecks and the Blue Hole – a 50-foot-deep, tube-like rock formation with a cave and arch at the bottom. Fall offers clearer underwater visibility than summer, according to PADI spokesperson Samantha Pearson.

Valletta, the charming capital of Malta and a UNESCO World Heritage site, comes alive during the early October Notte Bianca festival. The city's museums and palaces open their doors for exhibitions and theatrical performances, while its stunning plazas are filled with music, dancing, and food stalls.

Madeira, Portugal

Madeira, a volcanic Portuguese island about 400 miles west of Morocco, is renowned for its fortified wines. Visit in the fall, and you'll experience the harvest season in the vineyards, enjoy lower hotel prices, and swim in ocean waters still warm enough for a refreshing dip through October.

On Madeira's north coast, you can hike along the levadas, historic irrigation canals, or visit Terrabona, a new wellness retreat that opened in 2023. Situated in the mountains, it offers villas and a vineyard, perfect for a peaceful escape amidst nature.

In Madeira's capital, Funchal, the Savoy Palace boasts a 17th-floor pool with stunning views of both the ocean and mountains. The hotel is also just a short walk from shopping and nightlife.

Baden-Baden, Germany

Once a summer destination for Europe's Belle Époque aristocracy, politicians, and writers, Baden-Baden is even more captivating in the fall. The surrounding Rhine Valley and Black Forest come alive with rich autumn colors, offering spectacular views.

Autumn temperatures in Baden-Baden provide the perfect conditions for unwinding in its famous thermal springs. After a scenic hike, relax at the Caracalla Spa or the historic Friedrichsbad, a Roman-Irish bath that has been welcoming guests since 1877.

Autumn marks harvest season in Rebland, a region southwest of Baden-Baden renowned for its Riesling vineyards. Visit wineries like Nägelsförst to taste the local wines and indulge in traditional dishes such as Zwiebelkuchen (onion tart).