The Best Fall Travel Destinations in Europe

When it comes to great fall travel destinations you can’t go wrong with a trip to Europe. Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds and and festivals like as Octoberfest draw visitors across the continent. Whether you want to bask on the sunny beaches of Portugal, explore street art in Oslo, sip wine in Florence or soak in the famous baths of Budapest fall is a great time to experience the best Europe has to offer. I reached out to a few of my fellow bloggers to share their favorite European autumn adventures and let me tell you, the following places inspire some major wanderlust. Check out some of the best fall travel destinations in Europe.

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Alentejo, Portugal

The Alentejo region in the south of Portugal is a perfect summer destination in Europe. It’s a vast region that occupies a big part of Southern Portugal bordering on the East with Spain and on the West with the Pacific Ocean. Alentejo is famous for its wine, ham and olive oil. 

There are many beautiful towns to visit in Alentejo like Elvas, Evora, Santarem but the best part of the region is the famous Vicentina Coast with its pristine sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, cozy fishermen’s villages, and turquoise blue water. In summer it gets quite hot and busy here that’s why fall is a great time to explore the area, it’s still warm and sunny and there are not too many tourists. The Vicentina Coast is a very authentic place with no big hotels/resorts or big tour buses more of a quiet and off the beaten path kind of place. 

The Coast is a great place for outdoor and nature lovers there are many activities to do here from hiking the Rota Vicentina or the parts of it to surfing, kayaking, and cycling. It’s an amazing place for a road trip or a family holiday as well. 

Campbell & Alya – Stingy Nomads

Alentejo, Portugal Hotels

Bavaria, Germany

If you think of lederhosen, fairy-tale castles, and lots of beer when you think of Germany, you’re picturing Bavaria!  This southern state in Germany is full of famous icons as well as tons of lesser-known reasons to visit.  It’s a great place to visit any time of year, but particularly spectacular in fall when autumn colors burst throughout the mountains.

The weather in fall is perfect for bike rides through the countryside — try day-tripping from Munich to Andechs, for example — and hikes near Mittenwald and the Bavarian Alps.  It’s also still nice enough to spend an afternoon at any of the area’s famous biergartens, an essential part of local culture. You can easily spend a week or more traveling in the area, but if time is short, you’ll want to hit the highlights: Neuschwanstein Castle, Berchtesgaden National Park and its deep lake in the mountains, and of course, Munich’s Oktoberfest.

Becky Pokora – SightDoing

Bavaria, Germany Hotels

Athens, Greece

If you’re looking for the perfect fall destinations in Europe, look no further than Athens! While this Greek city is positively teeming with tourists in the summer, and the temperature is sky-high, Athens in fall is a whole different story. Athens stays warm but not sweltering throughout the fall, leaving you with plenty of energy to explore the city. Plus, with families being fewer due to kids being in school, popular Greek landmarks like the Acropolis and Mount Lycabettus are now far quieter (though by no means tourist-free). While the Acropolis is pretty miserable in the summer, due to the crowds and lack of any sun protection, fall is a perfect time to explore these ancient Greek ruins. While there’s plenty of things to do in the city itself in fall, if you get bored, there are many day trips from Athens such as Delphi, Meteora, and the handful of islands a short boat ride from Athens — all of which are really enjoyable in fall. And don’t forget to try as many tavernas as possible, dining al fresco whenever the fall weather allows!

Allison Green – Sofia Adventures

Athens, Greece Hotels

Galicia, Spain

Galicia, along Spain’s northern coast is home to rolling mountains, dramatic seaside cliffs and some of the beast seafood on the planet. Aside from Santiago de Campostela (the end point of the famous pilgramage Camino de Santiago), Galicia features stunning landscapes, Celtic and Roman history, and a culinary scene all its own. Visit Galicia in autumn when the tourist crowds are gone (along with high prices), and the temperatures are still good to enjoy the great outdoors. The coasts of Rias Baixas are best explored from September to December; empty fine sand beaches, long and mild days, and many interesting things to do in Vigo and its surroundings (including the picturesque Cies islands) make this region of northwestern Spain a small paradise on earth .

Inma Gregorio – A World to Travel

Galicia, Spain Hotels

Central Bohemia in the Czech Republic

One of  the most breathtaking destinations in Europe not only in the fall but any season is Central Bohemia. Central Bohemia surrounds the city of Prague and is home to storybook villages, forests, and castles straight out of a fairytale. Prague is undeniably one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, but it gets congested with crowds. Many of the destinations in Central Bohemia are an hour or less from Prague and give you a taste of Czech countryside and can even be an easy day trip from Prague. Two of our favorite places to visit in Central Bohemia are Konopiste Chateau, where Archduke Franz Ferdinand used as his very last residence in his lifetime before his assassination, and the breathtaking gothic Karlstejn Castle and town. Take a day trip and explore the beautiful surrounding area of Prague without the hustle and bustle of the city.

Megan Indoe – Bobo & Chichi

Central Bohemia Hotels

Greek Islands

In case you don’t keep up with travel industry news, mass tourism is causing serious issues in major European tourist hotspots during the peak summer season. Cheap flights, cheap cruises, and discount package tours have led to millions of visitors descending on places like Barcelona and Venice. Much of this revenue is kept by outside investors, and the overwhelming tourist crowds impact rent prices for locals and often keeps them from being able to enjoy the infrastructure benefits. Which is why late spring and early autumn (a.k.a. the shoulder seasons) are the perfect time to visit the Greek Islands. By late September the crowds in hotspots like Crete, Mykonos, and Santorini are a mere fraction of what they are during summer, and the autumn breeze cools things off considerably. Small ship cruises to smaller islands in the Saronic Gulf close to Athens, such as Aegina and Poros, offer a great opportunity to avoid other tourists entirely and immerse yourself in the local culture. And if you time it right, the weather is still warm enough at this time of year to go snorkeling off islands such as Dokos, where we didn’t see another soul for miles. 

Bret Love & Mary Gabbett – Green Global Travel 

Greek Islands Hotels

Lake District, England

One of the best fall destinations in Europe has to be the Lake District in the northwest of England. Characterized by lakes, fells (small mountains) and cobbled streets with traditional cottages, this beautiful area is one of the most popular places in the UK during the summer but becomes significantly quieter from September onward. In the fall, the crowds disappear, the prices drop significantly (sometime a cottage can be less than half the price in fall as opposed to summer), whilst the weather is still pretty good. During the fall, you’ll be able to wander the streets of beautiful villages such as Grasmere, Windermere and Kendal without having to struggle to do simple things such as find a parking space. It’s a beautiful time of year to take in the old traditional buildings and find yourself a cozy pub with a fire in the evening.

The main highlight of the Lake District for many is the incredible hiking trails, which become even more stunning during the fall. The colors begin to change, the temperature is perfect, and you’ll be able to see some of the best views in the whole of England without the crowds. You can take on strenuous hikes such as Scafell Pike (the tallest mountain in England) or one of the many easy walks in the Lake District that take you around the beautiful lakes or on more gentle routes up the fells. No matter how you choose to spend your time, fall is a magical time to visit this beautiful part of England.

Cat – Walk My World

Lake District, England Hotels

Rome, Italy

When the days start to cool, the tourists start to leave, but the days are still long and soaked in sunshine, you know it’s an excellent time to visit Rome… and that makes fall one of the absolute best times to visit the Eternal City!

While fall foliage may be more dramatic further north in Italy, Rome clings to warm weather far longer than most of the continent, and it’s perfectly common to be comfortable eating dinner (read: enormous piles of pasta paired with delicious wine) outside in Rome well into October. Combine that with the fact that fall is harvest season in nearby Tuscany, as well as the fact that the crowds surrounding the Colosseum and the Vatican steadily deplete as the season marches on, and it’s hard to stay away from Rome in autumn! During your fall visit to Rome, be sure to eat in one of the great restaurants in Trastavere, take a day trip to the countryside to enjoy the bountiful harvest, and enjoy visiting some of Rome’s best attractions with far fewer crowds.

Kate Storm – Our Escape Clause

Rome, Italy Hotels

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is charming year round, the crooked houses and countless canals make it look like a doll’s city. During spring and summer, Amsterdam is filled with bright colors and flowers, but during fall, you see the beautiful shades of fall in every corner.

As the cold weather approaches, locals and tourists prefer to stay inside in cozy lunch rooms to warm up a bit, such as in De Drie Graefjes. They’re famous for their pies ( regarded as some of the best in Amsterdam), be sure to try their lemon meringue.

Alternatively, wander through the streets of the city and choose a place that piques your interest. One of the most romantic things to do in Amsterdam is to stroll along the canals in the evening. At that time, the windows are glowing, and many bridges have lights around the arches decorating the night. If you don’t feel like walking in the cold, stop by a cafe for a beer tasting. Some of my favorite venues are the Arendsnest (they serve only Dutch beer) and the ‘t Aepjen (a 16th-century tiny cafe). Either way, they both offer a unique experience.

Bruna – Maps ‘N Bags”

Amsterdam Hotels

Oslo, Norway

Fall is a brilliant time to visit Oslo, Norway. Not because of vast deciduous forests but because you straddle summer and winter. Sometimes, you can even have both on the same day. You get to enjoy summer activities like cruising the fjords or explore Oslo street art without fighting summer crowds or peak season pricing. You get a taste of winter in Norway with night skies dark enough for northern lights without the bitter cold.

The autumn air carries with it a sense of urgency and peace simultaneously. No place on Earth loses daylight faster than the arctic in fall. The city is alive soaking in the last rays of the sun while preparing to celebrate winter. Colorful orange mosses and flaming red shrubs make their statement on the landscape while crab and mushroom harvests head to the local farm to table restaurants.  Summer’s end brings the students back to the University of Oslo situation on Karl Johans Gate in between the Royal Palace and Oslo Harbor. Their youth and energy fill the tourist zone with an undeniable excitement. You’ll find more than you imagine visiting Oslo in the fall.

Jenn and Ed Coleman – Coleman Concierge

Oslo, Norway Hotels

Provence, France

With its lingering summer temperatures, golden foliage that complements the terracotta topped villages, and spectacular sunsets, Fall is one of the best times to visit Provence. You’ll benefit from fewer crowds, as most holidaymakers have returned to work & school, but all of the top tourist attractions are still open. Unlike the lush green landscapes of spring and early summer, the entire region turns into a beautiful tapestry of ochre shades. The vines, which are starting to be harvested, sport rust colored leaves. The craggy hills turn yellow as the wild bush and shrubs dry off. And the ivy that climbs between ancient stone facades turns a deep shade of crimson. Time your trip right and you may arrive in time to attend a show at the annual music festival in Lourmarin or partake in one of the region’s wine festivals. It’s also a great time to walk the famous Calanques de Cassis, as the risk of wildfires lowers with the temps. If you’re looking for a last-minute getaway, many hotels in Provence lower their prices to try to fill up the gaps in their calendar before winter hits – when some of the smaller properties close their doors for the year – so it’s a great time to visit Provence for less!

Nadine Maffre- Le Long Weekend

Provence, France Hotels

Budapest, Hungary

For us, the fall means travel.  Kids are back to school.  It’s shoulder season.  The weather is still good and prices are cheap.  One of our top picks for the fall is Budapest, Hungary.  There are some amazing airfare deals to Budapest this fall.  Known as the Paris of the East, Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.  But the real reason to travel there is for a dip in the city’s many thermal baths.  From the early days as a Roman outpost, Budapest has welcomed visitors with natural hot springs to soak and relax.  There’s nothing like visiting the grand Gellert Spa or the massive Szechenyi bath complex, dipping into the hot waters for a few hours before coming out into autumn’s chill.  Afterwards, head to a Hungarian eatery to fill up on goulash or the local delicacy of Mangalica pork.  There’s no doubt about it, Budapest is the place to be this fall!

Lance and Laura Longwell of Travel Addicts

Budapest, Hungary Hotels

More on Budapest

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Krakow, Poland

Krakow is a great destination at any time of the year but it is especially beautiful in fall. Built around Europe’s largest market square (Rynek Glowny), Krakow is full of museums, bars, restaurants and stunning architecture and you’ll find so many things to do in Krakow. The path of its old city walls has been replaced by parkland and the golden fall foliage is a lovely backdrop to the buildings of the Old Town. Wawel Castle overlooks the Old Town and the Fall leaves make for a beautiful frame. Below the castle, a fire-breathing dragon makes the scene even more stunning.

Krakow is perfectly located for some fantastic day trips which showcase Poland’s beautiful Fall landscapes. The Wieliczka Salt Mines, the pilgrimage site of Kalwaria Zebrzydowska and Wadowice, the birthplace of Pope John Paul II, are popular excursions from Krakow and take visitors into the countryside. We also made the three-hour drive to the traditional village of Vlkolínec in Slovakia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built on a hill, the village has incredible views of the countryside and the Carpathian Mountains and the backdrop is stunning especially in Fall.

Elaine & David Show Them The Globe

Krakow, Poland Hotels

Glasgow,Scotland

Oh you’ve been in Edinburgh? That’s no surprise. But have you been to Glasgow? Glasgow is in our opinion Scotland’s best city. And since we never get the sun anyway what better time to visit than in autumn.
Glasgow is known as the Dear Green Place and that means hats off to the green space in Scotland’s biggest city. There are parks in every neighborhood and with all of that rainfall the trees and plants are lush green.  By fall they are beginning to turn burnt orange, crisp and fall of the trees. Get your boots on; you just can’t beat the noise of those leaves crunching!  Some of the nicest parks in Glasgow are The Botanical Gardens in the West End, which is attached to the Kelvin Walkways, Queens Park and the ducks in the South Side and Glasgow Green where on a nippy day you can pop into the brewery for a pint to warm up by the fire.

Another reason that Glasgow is fun in fall is because Scots like to drink! If it’s raining outside, who cares? We’ve got booze to keep us warm. Glasgow’s night scene is electric and it gets the best music acts from around the world for entertainment. If tea is your tipple of choice then the Rennie Macintosh tearooms may be your cup of well, tea!

Gemma and Craig of Two Scots Abroad

Glasgow, Scotland Hotels

Paris, France

Paris is a great place to visit at any time of year but fall is a particularly a great time. The weather is more pleasant than in winter and there is a big drop in tourists compared to summer. This means that attractions are less crowded and everything is cheaper. It’s a win-win! Whether you’re visiting Paris for the first time or the twentieth there is just so much to do. We recently spent a whole month there and had something to do every day and still had to leave things out. From some of the world’s top museums, such as the Louvre, magnificent churches, such as Sacre Coeur, to the beautiful Versailles.Don’t forget to take the time to just hang out. My biggest highlight of Paris was just mingling with the locals, going to the local boulangerie, checking out the beautiful boutique shops and having a cider and crepe and the local creperie. Paris is one of a kind!

Sharon Gourlay of Where’s Sharon?

Paris, France Hotels

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Florence, Italy

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There is plenty to entice you to visit Florence anytime of year but this Tuscan city is particularly charming in the fall.  The crowds and heat of summer have dissipated making the iconic sites of Florence much more enjoyable. Spend your days wandering Florence’s beautiful cobblestone streets and viewing the best collection of Renaissance art in the world, after the sun sets tuck into a charming trattoria to sip Chianti and end your day with a cone of gelato while strolling along the Arno River.

Yours truly, The Casual Travelist

Florence, Italy Hotels

Looking for more Europe travel inspiration? Check out these awesome places to see in Europe .

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Where are your favorite fall destinations in Europe? Please let me know in the comments!