Published 25th Sep. 2024
Reading time
As September turns to October and leaves litter the ground, one thing’s for sure: autumn is coming with summer holiday hangovers in tow. Luckily, Europe in autumn provides plenty of getaways for that all-important cure, whether you’re a sun seeker or a pumpkin spice sipper. From the peaks of Montenegro’s mountains to the sun-kissed streets of Seville, read on for our pick of where to go in Europe in autumn.
Squeeze out the final drops of summer sun – and local, fresh orange juice – with an autumn trip to Seville. October boasts temperatures that put many European cities’ summers to shame (highs of 27°C, anyone?) and breezy, quiet streets ideal for ogling over the Real Alcázar or Casa de Pilatos. Come evening, embrace the year-round, authentic sounds of Andalusia and dance between bars alive with flamenco music. Europe in autumn doesn’t get much more vibrant than this.
Autumn means Halloween, Halloween means Dracula and Dracula means garlic, fangs and Transylvania. Ramp up your spooky spirit and explore this corner of Romania from Bran Castle (the fictional home of our favourite vampire) to the copper-coloured Piatra Craiului National Park. Cities like Sibiu and Brasov showcase the region’s medieval architecture, while the fortified churches in Viscri and Biertan preserve the rich cultural heritage. To top it off, visit the eerie Corvin Castle for your fix of a hauntingly beautiful autumnal landscape.
Don’t stow away your walking boots just yet, as Montenegro’s mountains beckon to showcase what Europe in autumn can offer. Drenched in crisp air and carpeted with cosy autumn colours, UNESCO-listed Durmitor National Park provides 48 peaks soaring over 6000ft, punctuated by mossy meadows and plenty of hiking trails. The mild temperatures mean you won’t break a sweat, while over on the coast, the Adriatic Sea stays warm enough for swimming or sailing without the crowds.
The turn of the season signals the start of harvest in Tuscany, offering the chance to sample the region’s freshest produce. Truffles, chestnuts, pumpkins, olives and grapes are picked and prepared for harvest celebrations, from wine guzzling in Chianti to olive oil glugging in Piedmont. Autumn also means scenic drives through Tuscany’s ochre countryside, with winding roads leading to charming villages and historic vineyards laced with autumnal Italian charm.
Sitting smugly in southern Greece, Crete clutches firmly onto summer’s warmth well into the autumn months. October’s ocean temperatures resemble a warm bath, and cardigans are saved for breezy evenings tucked away in a taverna’s garden. As in Tuscany, autumn time means harvest time, with fresh grapes and pomegranates in abundance. Work off Cretan feasts with a ten-mile hike through Samaria Gorge, soaking in the views without the distraction of summer’s beating sun.
Written by Evie Buller.
Practical advice and inspiration for your next trip
When it comes to romance, Greece’s islands set the bar high. From Paros’ sun-kissed beaches and Folegandros’ blush-pink blooms to Sifnos’ culinary delights and Hydra’s slow-paced streets, each island radiates beauty. Whether you fall in love with the sunset in Santorini or the atmosphere in Apollonia, the perfect spot awaits. Read on to discover the most romantic islands in Greece... Paros Folegandros Sifnos Hydra Santorini Paros Best for:
27th October 2025 - Greece Travel Inspiration
When it comes to your holiday, a little planning goes a long way. Recently, we’ve noticed a pattern of both last-minute and long-term bookings, which we’ve named the Concertina Effect. But why are people booking so far in advance? Our co-founder, Tom Barber, thinks ‘anticication’ has something to do with it: ‘in uncertain times, planning something joyful far ahead becomes an act of hope’. Whether admiring cherry blossoms in Japan, celebrating the Holi festival in India, cruising down the Nile on the Steam Ship Sudan, or spotting gorillas in Uganda, some holidays require extra attention.
6th October 2025 - Travel Inspiration
Every year, the same story plays out: employees in the UK let holiday days go to waste. One recent survey found that 65% of UK workers don’t use up their allowance – and a whopping 17% leave five or more days unclaimed. Another source concurs: in 2023, 61% of workers reported not using all of their annual leave. This is all especially galling when you compare us to our European neighbours. Across the EU, the average entitlement (including public holidays) is about 34 days per year, whereas in the UK, many of us are left with just 28 days.
29th September 2025 - Travel Inspiration
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
