I've always found that the idea of a summer vacation in Europe is usually much more glamorous than the reality. Increasingly hot weather, lack of air conditioning, and crowds of tourists can turn your trip into an uncomfortable and overwhelming experience. Not to mention that summer is peak season in most European countries, so prices tend to be higher.
With this in mind, I try to plan my transatlantic trips later in the year, when temperatures have started to drop but the first big snows are still a few weeks away. London is one of my favorite places to visit in the fall; a quick walk around Hampstead Heath followed by a late lunch at the pub is the definition of a perfect October or November day. Paris is also spectacular this time of year. You can travel for miles through charming neighborhoods and iconic sites, admire the golden colors, and enjoy the City of Lights when it's quieter and less crowded.
Besides London and Paris, Europe has dozens of other destinations to explore before winter sets in, whether you want to plan a last-minute city break, a beach trip, or a mountain getaway. To narrow the list down to just 10, I tapped a few travel experts to share their picks. Read on to discover the best places to go in Europe this fall.
Rome
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According to David Whiteside, global director of operations at Onefinestay, Rome is always a good idea, but especially in the fall. “For an elegant Roman adventure, visit the Borghese Galleryone of the most prestigious art galleries in the city, or the Botanical gardenwhich is a garden filled with winding paths, hidden fountains and ancient trees,” he says. When you have lost your appetite, he suggests going to Antico Forno Roscioli: “This historic bakery has been serving exceptional pizzas for decades. Their taglio pizza (pizza by the slice) is a revelation. One of the best things about Rome in the fall is the fact that you can leisurely eat your ice cream without worrying about it melting so quickly — and, as Whiteside notes, you'll find gelaterias scattered throughout the city.
Madeira
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“Madeira is a great, off-the-beaten-path place to visit in the fall,” says Reesa Avelino, Europe product specialist at Goway. “After the dry summer season, autumn can be a little cooler and rainier, allowing its lush forest to cool off and bring the true essence of the island to life.” Temperatures typically range between 66 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit, and the summer crowds have left the island, leaving a destination ripe for mountain biking, surfing, biking, and canyoning. Don't forget to bring your hiking shoes as well. Madeira is known for its incredible levada trails that wind through the laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sardinia
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“Sardinia it’s hot in summer, so fall and spring are the two seasons I recommend,” says Agustina Lagos Marmol, adventure company owner. Dolomite Mountains. In his experience, the months of September to October and the first week of November are best for biking, hiking, and boating around the island, but travelers can also immerse themselves in the cultural events of Autumn in Barbagia — celebrated in 30 villages in the Barbagia region — until mid-December. Other ways to enjoy the Italian destination in the fall include wine tastings, visiting archaeological sites, and swimming in the clear ocean waters (still warm from the summer months).
Copenhagen
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Come fall, it's time to embrace all things hygge In Copenhagen – a leisurely date at a café, an afternoon bike ride or a few hours wandering in and out of the galleries and shops of Jægersborggade. Avelino says this season is “quieter and cooler” than summer, and travelers won't have to navigate as many crowds. Another benefit of visiting in fall is the culinary scene. “The food here is very seasonal and fall brings a whole new menu to restaurants and Torvehallernethe Copenhagen food market,” she says, adding that there are also several festivals and events to experience at this time of year, including Cultural evening And Halloween at Tivoli Gardens.
Ibiza
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The reputation of Ibiza as a summer party destination is known around the world, but Whiteside says fall on the Spanish island is “beautiful and calm” and “the perfect time to enjoy its silky white sand beaches, expansive rugged at the top of its cliffs and its endless secret coves. The weather is still relatively pleasant – although conditions for sunbathing are not ideal – and you can rent boats, go snorkeling or attend one of the “closing parties” marking the end of the summer season . If you're hoping to spend as much time outdoors as possible, Whiteside recommends a few favorite spots: Sa Figuera Bordahe says, is an “ideal observation point for the sunset” and “you are guaranteed tranquility and a preserved view” at Ses Salines Natural Park.
Scottish Highlands
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There is perhaps no destination that does autumn better than the Scottish Highlands. The days may be shorter in this remote northern region, but, Avelino says, “late fall mornings are usually covered in a beautiful floating mist.” Plus, the pesky midges are gone and an array of reds, oranges and yellows dot the majestic landscape. To cover as much ground as possible and see popular spots like Loch Ness, Ben Nevis, Glencoe and Eilean Donan Castle, start your trip in Edinburgh, travel through the Cairngorms National Park and up to Inverness, then circumnavigate the Isle of Skye and return via Glasgow.
Norway
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You don't have to wait until winter ends to see the Northern Lights Norway. “During the fall season, the nights are longer and the skies are often clear,” says Avelino, who adds that this time of year also allows travelers to enjoy a warmer climate in the south of the country. Norway and catch some snow in northern Norway. What if you're hoping to catch a glimpse of Norway's beautiful fall foliage? You are lucky; she suggests taking the Flåm Railway “for the best views of shades of red, orange and yellow.”
South Tyrol
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There are many reasons to plan a fall trip to South Tyrola province in northeastern Italy located between Switzerland and Austria. Marmol says this season is ideal for active travel, experiencing local wine culture, and treating yourself to a stay at one of the area's wellness resorts (she recommends Merano Palace). The hike is particularly good in October; if you plan your adventure correctly, you may be able to witness a breathtaking natural phenomenon. At sunset, the peaks and pinnacles appear orange, pink, red or purple – the so-called “Glow of the Dolomites”.
French Riviera
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Whiteside says the French Riviera is “perfect for a post-summer getaway.” The French Riviera includes popular spots like Nice, Cannes, Antibes and Monaco, but he says St. Tropez is a must-visit for those who are “passionate about boating or water sports or are simply fans of beautiful ocean views. » Even if you can't attend the famous sailing regatta, Les Voiles de Saint-TropezAt the end of September and the beginning of October, Saint-Tropez is worth an autumn visit. Most days will have pleasant temperatures and the ocean will still be warm enough for swimming.
Greece
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Summer may be over, but the Greek islands of the Aegean and Ionian Seas continue to lure travelers into fall. Greece also tends to be more affordable and less crowded at this time of year, you will therefore have the choice of where to go. Marmol shares this Paros is one of his favorites and recommends considering it as a base camp for further exploration. After spending a few days in the island's two main towns, Parikia and Naoussa, plan a few day trips to closer islands such as AntiparosNaxos and Mykonos.
