9 Awesome Places to Visit in Europe in Autumn: Sun, Cities, Wine & Adventures

Autumn in Europe, aka September through November, is arguably one of the continent’s best times for a holiday – even more so than summer. Wine harvests, warm temperatures sans crowds (or at least, fewer of them), golden foliage and good deals on luxury getaways make the season a shoo-in for the savvy traveller looking for a shoulder-season fall vacation. 

Most of my favourite places to visit in Europe in autumn are found in the south: sun-kissed islands that are more serene now that the summer rush has subsided, and destinations that are opening their doors for traditional wine pressing celebrations. But Northern Europe has plenty going for it in the fall, as recent October trips to the far more affordable Faroe Islands or to see behind the scenes in The Hague have shown.

Whether you’re seeking a sandy escape, a cultural celebration or heading for a hiking trail across a vineyard-ripe landscape, these autumn European destinations don’t disappoint. 

Top Autumn Sun European Holiday Destinations

Still sunny stunners in autumn, these three island getaways each bring different cultures and coastlines, all with luxury resorts within 20 minutes of touching down at the airport. 

Paphos, Cyprus

Sunny sands? Well-preserved Roman ruins? Meze for every meal? Tick, tick, tick. Paphos promises a perfect autumn break, whether you’re coming for coast, culture, city life or the full pack – all served with a healthy side order of mythology. This corner of Cyprus is close to Aphrodite’s Rock (Petra tou Romiou), and some of the country’s most popular sandy beaches, including Coral Bay. Explore further north in the Pafos Region, and those spectacular shorelines continue. Lara Bay, a vegetation-backed and remote sweep, is a popular Turtle nesting site (visit the Lara Turtle Museum in quaint Ineia Village to learn more), while the shallow, crystal-clear waters just minutes from the Baths of Aphrodite are equally tempting. With the mountain trails, magnificent viewpoints, and fine vineyards of the Troodos Mountains stringing it all together, you can be as active as you like. 

Paphos Town itself has undergone a regeneration in recent years. The former caravanserai has become a hub of artistic talent, with independent wares on sale, while other old buildings have been repurposed and contrasting contemporary architecture has been installed. It’s far more low-key and local feeling than glitzy Ayia Napa on the island’s eastern side. Though that’s not to say it lacks luxury stays. Just a short drive from Paphos airport, there’s a sweep of Med-facing resorts fronted by a path that weaves right into the lower old town, where seafood feasts facing the harbour’s castle are sundowner heaven. Asimina Suites, an adult-only, all-suite hotel, is a worthwhile splurge. But where Paphos really shines is its historic sites, all within easy striking distance. I was mesmerised by the well-preserved and UNESCO-listed Roman mosaics and the Tombs of the Kings, some of which date back to the 3rd century BC.

Madeira, Portugal

Madeira looks good in all weather. But beyond the practically year-round sun and mild climate, what makes it one of the best places to visit in Europe in autumn? Volcanic sands and verdant walking trails. But these aren’t just any old trails. Madeira is criss-crossed by a network of levadas, ancient waterways that now make for some first-class, largely flat walking routes, be they waterfall-tracing or forest-shaded. Beaches mainly come in ink-black volcanic sands, like cinematic Seixal Beach on the north coast or pebbly bays like Ponta do Sol, the go-to sunset destination to sip a poncha, the island’s local sugarcane cocktail. But there are pockets of golden sands too, and plenty of dramatic, wave-splashed swimming pools hewn into the rocks.

Funchal, Madeira’s capital, is equally fetching. Tumbling down forest-backed slopes, the city is a charming jumble of old mural-lined streets and black-and-white stone historic buildings. Up in the hills above, reachable by cable car, are the botanic gardens with their vivid exotic blooms and scent, and the elegant grounds of Monte Palace. But my favourite place to stay is up high above Camara do Lobos, an old fishing town just a 20-minute drive from Madeira’s airport, where the dramatic island panoramas look even more magical from Quinta da Saraiva’s hot tub. 

Lanzarote, The Canary Islands, Spain

Heading south from Madeira, the Spanish Canary Islands are even closer to Africa, with typical autumn daily temperatures ranging from around 28°C (82°F) in September to 22°C (72°F) in November. Long a favourite Spanish sun, sea and sand getaway, fall is arguably the best time to visit, with the sea already warmed but the crowds fewer. Of the main islands, Lanzarote is one of the most dramatic. It’s also the closest main island to the UK, meaning the flight time is slightly shorter than more visited Tenerife. Formed by two volcanic landmasses fusing, the jet-black ash and sheer-edged massif landscapes are incredible. Explore Timanfaya National Park and its many bodegas, where verdant vines unbelievably grow from the ash, and you’ll be in awe. Given the temperatures, harvest actually often commences here in July, though the sweeter grapes, like Moscatel, are usually still being harvested in early fall. 

At first glance, Lanzarote’s landscapes appear tumultuous and untamable. But the island’s most famous son, visionary artist-architect César Manrique, achieved the incomprehensible. His work is now one of the main reasons to visit, and touring his terrain-shaping designs can fill a day or two. From Fundación César Manrique’s whitewashed, pool-harbouring ‘bubbles’ carved into volcanic rock to the cliff-tucked, spaceship-like Mirador del Río viewpoint and the quarry-turned Cactus Garden, he turned Lanzarote into an art. It’s also super easy to combine a visit to Lanzarote with the neighbouring island of La Graciosa. Just a 30-minute ferry apart, Graciosa feels a world apart. It’s all golden sands, pristine playas (beaches) and uber laidback – there are no proper roads, so the only way to get around is by fat-tyre bike, on foot, or bouncing across sandy roads in a 4WD. 

Great Autumn City Breaks in Europe

Combine city and nature on these autumn city breaks, whether you’re looking for a windswept coastline post-museum or a Port-producing wine harvest. 

The Hague, The Netherlands

Autumn in Europe is when much of the continent’s cultural calendar really kicks off, and The Hague is no exception. September is an excellent month to visit, as it’s when the Peace and Justice weekends are held, opening the doors of the Peace Palace and other world-famous courts and international institutions synonymous with the city, alongside plenty of top-notch events, including the Peace Run and thought-provoking film screenings. 

But The Hague isn’t just serious. The Netherlands third city has its own fair clutch of canals, first-class frites and excellent breweries (Haagsche Broeder is a personal favourite). Though it’s not quite Amsterdam, it’s still a firm contender for a less crowded Dutch city break. Rounded off with a clutch of fantastic galleries and museums such as the Mauritshuis, home to Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, and family-friendly picks like Madurodam, it’s a fantastic city break. Plus, the sweeping golden sands of Scheveningen, ideal for a windswept autumn stroll, are just a short tram ride away.

Graz, Austria 

Oh, Graz. You know when you just fall hard for a place near instantly? For me, that’s Graz. I’ve since spent months in this city, even making a Graz audio-guided app dedicated to hunting out all my favourite hidden gems across Austria’s sustainable second city. It’s truly the perfect-sized long weekend city break. There are funky contemporary art galleries like the tentacle-spouting Kunsthaus, known as “the friendly aliens”; grand architecture and old-world cobbled streets; and the whooping, rocky and forested Schlosberg hill right in the middle of it, where underground cave raves, slides and sweeping views collide. 

Graz is one of the best European autumn destinations for its harvest. There are multiple farmers’ markets across the city (Bauernmarkt is my fave), and fall is when you’ll find prized specialities like the pumpkins that make the region’s famous oil, and Sturm, the “new wine”, being served everywhere. Better still, there’s even an urban winery right on the city’s fringes, while the Styrian wine region is just a train ride south. With all of Austria’s typical bounty – cow-bell-soundtracked mountains, mirror-like lakes and medieval villages – right on the city’s doorstep, Graz really feels like the best of both worlds.  

Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal

When the wine harvest rolls around, where better for an autumn city break in Europe than northern Portugal? Combine this twin-cities on either side of the Douro River into a long weekend getaway, and not only will you be able to sample prized Port in the old, cave-like lodges, but it’s only a short train ride or boat trip up into the Douro Valley where you can witness, or even join, the vindimas (wine harvest) activities yourself – traditional grape foot treading and all.

Honestly, few wine regions come close to this UNESCO-listed landscape. Steep mountains plunge to the meandering river, manicured vines lining the tiered slopes. Then, once the harvest wraps, usually in October, everything dazzles in shades of copper and gold. Back downtown, Porto’s ever-evolving food scene won’t disappoint. Pair seasonal ingredients, fresh seafood, and some of the country’s most exciting chefs like Vasco Coelho Santos, with more traditional task dinners, all interspersed with some fantastic sightseeing, be it at the recently expanded “most beautiful bookshop in the world” or in the art-filled grounds of the Serralves Gardens. 

Excellent & Affordable Autumn Outdoor Adventures

Ride the rails on a vintage wine train and paraglide above the vines, hike between Viking settlements and sheep-topped cliffs in Europe’s north, or cycle ancient Neolithic sites in the sunny south. 

Vipava Valley, Slovenia

The Vipava Valley is one of my favourite places in all of Europe. Tucked into the southwest of seriously underrated Slovenia, this is a land of tree-lined cycling trails, unbelievably clear rivers and family-owned wineries. Imagine a Slovenian Tuscany, if you will.

Autumn here is an absolute delight, with the harvest in full swing, the countless wineries and underground cellars a go. Plan a couple in as hiking pit-stops, or hop on the wonderful wine train from Nova Gorica, a cross-border city shared with Italian Gorizia. Organised by guide extraordinaire and my pal Jani, it’s an excellent way to while away a day sipping and scenery-admiring while learning about Slovenian wine. Prefer paragliding? Make the most of the valley’s beloved wind – affectionately nicknamed Burja – to take it all in with a bird’s-eye view. 

The Faroe Islands

Almost halfway between Norway and Iceland, the Faroe Islands are an archipelago of soft adventures. Rambling across sheep-chewed fields en route to dramatic waterfalls. Diving into the history of Norse settlers on long ambles from turf-roofed buildings to sea-stack surveying clifftops. Or simply swooning at the dramatic fjord-hugging village of Saksun after a suspense-building stroll.

Simply put, the Faroes are stunning. There’s a camera-ready moment at every turn. But those panoramas come at a price. Visiting in summer might stretch your wallet. Accommodation costs a small fortune, the summer-only direct flights from Gatwick aren’t cheap, and then there’s all the other costs, such as the excellent but expensive farm-to-fork meals. And while the weather in autumn isn’t as reliable, what makes it one of the best European fall destinations is that, while still far from cheap, it’s more accessible to those on a budget. When I visited in early October, sure, we had the odd shower, but it meant I could appreciate all the trails without barely a soul in sight and stay longer, as costs were far more manageable. 

Sardinia, Italy

Push the swanky, summer-ripe Costa Smeralda out of your mind. Sardinia’s cycling and hiking trails are what make it one of the best places to visit in Europe in autumn. Sure, those craggy shorelines and powder-white beaches are still striking at any time of year. Still, the network of fascinating Nuragic archaeological sites inland, particularly Su Nuraxi di Barumini, and the tracks that string them together, are just as impressive. Grab a bike and go; Sardinia won’t disappoint. 

And the best part? Sardinia doesn’t need to cost the earth out of the main season. Yes, those swanky resort areas aren’t exactly cheap any time of year, but Sardinia arguably has Italy’s best beaches on every corner. I bypassed those more expensive and touristed stretches of coast, opting instead for Asiana (it’s such a breathtaking and remote-feeling island) and the Maddalena Archipelago, before venturing inland to see the historic sights: dolmens and menhirs, the Domus de Janas or so-called “fairy houses, and the Bronze Age Nuraghe.