As the summer exodus to Europe gradually wanes, the continent undergoes a transformative shift, reaching its pinnacle of allure during the fall season. In a recent report by luxury travel network Virtuoso, Paris, London, and Florence emerge as the top choices for fall travel enthusiasts. However, lesser-explored destinations beckon, offering a chance to revel in the autumnal charm away from the bustling crowds.
Mina Agnos, President of luxury travel company Travelive, attests that fall stands out as one of the prime seasons to experience Europe’s diverse offerings. The warmth of beaches persists in classic destinations like Spain, Portugal, and Turkey, providing an idyllic setting for beachgoers. Culinary aficionados, on the other hand, find their haven amidst fall festivals and harvest celebrations across the continent. From truffle-hunting in Croatia to olive harvesting in Greece and vineyard festivals in Sicily, the autumn season tantalizes the taste buds.
For those seeking more active pursuits, fall presents an opportune time for adventures. Whether it’s hiking in Spain, chestnut-foraging in Slovenia, or observing raptor and stork migrations around the Strait of Gibraltar, the possibilities are vast.
Island escapes, often bustling in the summer, undergo a tranquil transformation come autumn. Tenerife, Ibiza, and Mallorca shed their summertime hustle, providing a more serene experience. Brian Young, EMEA Managing Director at G Adventures, suggests the Canary Islands, particularly from mid-September to mid-December, as an ideal period with fewer crowds and pleasant flight options.
For a distinctive European experience this fall, consider these enticing destinations:
Alentejo, Portugal: While the Douro Valley is renowned for port wine, the Alentejo region offers a rustic escape. Explore UNESCO-protected Évora, meander through cork tree-dotted countryside, and savor the wild Atlantic coastline. Sérgio Duarte, General Manager of Octant Évora, highlights the region’s unspoiled beaches and recommends activities like hot air balloon rides, stargazing, and picnics in the plains.
Val Gardena, Dolomites, Italy: Immerse yourself in the Dolomite mountains’ fall spectacle, where changing leaves compete with the alpenglow. Whether hiking UNESCO World Heritage landscapes or indulging in South Tyrolean fare during Culinarium Urtijei, a three-week food festival, the Dolomites offer a feast for the senses.
Romania: Experience Halloween at “Dracula’s castle” and delve into the autumnal delights of food festivals celebrating harvest traditions. Christopher Hill of Hands Up Holidays recommends events like the chestnut celebration in Baia Mare and a cabbage festival in the Saxon village of Moșna.
Mallorca, Spain: Mallorca reveals its true charm beyond the summer heat. With temperatures still in the 70s F (early 20s C) in October, the island beckons cyclists and hikers to explore historic castles and quiet coves. Can Aulí in Pollença offers an adults-only retreat, sourcing organic produce for a tranquil culinary experience.
Thessaloniki, Greece: Fall unveils a lesser-explored side of Greece in its second city. Jack Ezon of EMBARK Beyond recommends Thessaloniki for its rich Jewish history and Southern Europe’s culinary scene. Venture beyond the city to witness changing leaves near Mount Olympus during October and November.
Malta: The Mediterranean archipelago of Malta, favored by scuba divers, becomes more pleasant in the fall. Dive into clear waters, explore World War II shipwrecks, and participate in the Notte Bianca festival in Valletta during early October.
Madeira, Portugal: Known for fortified wines, Madeira invites visitors during harvest season in the fall. Hike along levadas on the north coast or experience the wine country wellness retreat at Terrabona for a rejuvenating escape.
Baden-Baden, Germany: Once a summer haven, Baden-Baden captivates in the fall with panoramic views of the Rhine Valley and Black Forest. Indulge in thermal springs like Caracalla Spa or the Roman-Irish bathing oasis at Friedrichsbad, surrounded by autumn’s fiery hues. Harvest time in Rebland offers a chance to sample Riesling and local specialties like Zwiebelkuchen.
These lesser-explored destinations promise an unforgettable fall experience, weaving together cultural richness, culinary delights, and nature’s autumnal tapestry. As the crowds thin, the allure of Europe in fall beckons those seeking a more intimate and authentic exploration of the continent’s diverse treasures.