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.
Seville
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.
Transylvania
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.
Montenegro
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.
Tuscany
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.
Crete
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.
