As summer fades, many travellers pack away their passports, but autumn is arguably Europe's most rewarding season for exploration. With thinner crowds, softer prices, and landscapes painted in fiery hues, the continent offers a different kind of magic from September through November. Here are the destinations our editors are eyeing for the “-ber” months.
Bavaria: A cure for autumn melancholy
Saskia O'Donoghue admits autumn is her least favourite season, blaming the gloom of her native England. But she's found that other places do it better. After enjoying fall in Czechia and Nova Scotia last year, she's now planning a trip to Bavaria, where the summer throngs have dispersed and the countryside turns to gold, orange, and deep red.
Her itinerary includes wandering Munich's beer halls and markets, then heading south toward the Alps and the fairy-tale castles. Neuschwanstein, though a cliché, remains spectacular against the autumn backdrop. For Saskia, the ideal holiday is long walks followed by hearty Bavarian fare, a local brew, and a fireside retreat. If that fails to convert her, she'll escape to Malta, where November sunbathing and early sunsets are far less depressing.
Latvia's autumn capital: Sigulda
Travel journalist Dianne Apen-Sadler often recommends the Balkans or the Baltics. While Riga offers a UNESCO-listed old town, museums, and craft breweries, her autumn pick is Sigulda, known as Latvia's “autumn capital.” Just 45 minutes by train from Riga, Sigulda's Gauja River valley transforms into a canvas of orange and red come October. The Sigulda Cable Car and Turaida Castle provide the best vantage points. As Dianne puts it, “Who needs New England when we have spots like this right here in Europe?”
Scotland: Beyond the tourist trail
Mike Starling, an Englishman long based abroad, suggests skipping London and the Cotswolds for Scotland. The country is lovely year-round, but autumn is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Expect a few rain showers, but the colours of the glens and lochs make every hike worthwhile. After a round of golf or “bagging a Munro” (a Scottish peak over 3,000 feet), you can warm up by a log fire in a pub, with hearty food and a dram of whisky. It's a quintessential autumn experience.
Monaco: Luxury without the crowds
Fakhriya M. Suleiman has long been drawn to Monaco's glamour, but the summer crowds put her off. In autumn, however, the principality becomes a walker's paradise. She imagines strolling through the futuristic Mareterra district or the Princess Grace Rose Garden in Fontvieille. A self-confessed creature of comfort, she'd feel at home in Monte Carlo's shopping promenade before dining at the two-Michelin-starred Blue Bay, where Chef Marcel Ravin blends Caribbean and Mediterranean flavours with a sea view. All that's missing is a plane ticket.
Italy: Slow living and culinary delights
Maya Abu Hajleh has long dreamed of Italy, picturing herself wandering cobbled streets, sampling local dishes, and lingering in cafés without a schedule. She's drawn to the idea of a small, cosy base, perhaps in a hilltop town, where life moves at a slower pace. Autumn, with its mild weather and harvest festivals, is the perfect time to experience Italy's rustic charm, from Tuscany's vineyards to Rome's ancient streets.
Whether you're seeking golden forests, coastal sunshine, or cultural immersion, Europe's autumn offers a wealth of options. For more seasonal inspiration, check out our guide to overland coach journeys or the latest cultural picks across the continent.
