October is a month of transition across Europe, as summer crowds fade and autumn's palette takes over. For travellers, it's an ideal time to explore cities and landscapes with a crisp edge in the air, and a calendar packed with cultural events and fresh hospitality openings.
Destinations to consider
Transylvania, Romania
While Transylvania is often associated with vampire lore, its real October draw is the spectacular autumn scenery. The Carpathian Mountains burst into shades of red, orange, and gold, with the varying altitudes prolonging the display. Base yourself in Brașov, a charming city with medieval walls and a lively café culture, and use it as a launchpad for mountain hikes. As temperatures drop, many restaurants keep terraces cosy with heaters and blankets, so you can enjoy the crisp air without sacrificing comfort.
Malta
For those seeking late-season warmth, Malta offers average highs of 25°C in October. Beyond the beaches, the island's layered history—shaped by Arab, Italian, and British rule—is visible in its architecture and cuisine. Valletta, the capital, boasts one of the world's most striking natural harbours and is home to ION Harbour, the island's only two-Michelin-starred restaurant. Take a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon on Comino for its turquoise waters, then head to Gozo for a slower pace and dramatic coastal scenery.
New hotel openings
Corpus Christi Lisboa – Leonardo Limited Edition, Lisbon
Leonardo Hotels makes its Portuguese debut with the October opening of Hotel Corpus Christi Lisboa – Leonardo Limited Edition. Housed in a former 18th-century monastery in the historic Baixa district, the 132-room property underwent a sensitive renovation that preserves its listed features. This marks the Leonardo Limited Edition brand's first foray into the Iberian Peninsula, with a high-end restaurant on site.
Native by Numa, London
In London's Fitzrovia, Native by Numa opens a new aparthotel in a former convent on Margaret Street, close to Oxford Circus. The 29-room property blends heritage details—arched sash windows, original mouldings—with bold, retro-inspired interiors. Rooms range from compact studios to two-bedroom apartments, all with kitchenettes and workspaces, making it a practical choice for remote workers.
Events not to miss
San Sebastián Gastronomika, Spain
From 5–7 October, San Sebastián hosts its renowned food congress, bringing together chefs who pioneered New Basque Cuisine. This year marks the movement's 50th anniversary, with talks, live cooking, and tastings. The event also includes a global cod festival, so it's an excellent time to explore the city's pintxos bars and Michelin-starred restaurants.
Púca Festival, Ireland
Halloween's roots lie in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, and Ireland's Midlands celebrates this heritage with the Púca Festival (29 October–1 November). Expect music, folklore, fire rituals, and a supernatural atmosphere. Visit ancient sites like the Hill of Ward and Hill of Tara, where Celts once lit fires to ward off spirits.
Attractions
Oktoberfest, Munich
Though Oktoberfest runs mostly in September, it always concludes on the first Sunday in October—this year on 4 October. That gives you four days to experience the world's largest folk festival in Munich's Theresienwiese, with massive beer tents, brass bands, and traditional Bavarian food. While many cities host their own versions, the original in Munich remains an essential experience.
For those planning autumn travel, it's worth noting that easyJet cabin crew in Portugal have announced strikes for October and December, which could affect flights. Also, EU fuel prices are at record highs, so factor that into your budget. If you prefer rail travel, consider scenic train routes for autumn leaf-peeping.
October also sees the release of the 2026 World's 50 Best Hotels list, with Europe dominating—a useful reference for planning future stays. And for those inspired by the Oasis reunion, the 2027 tour is already driving travel searches across European host cities.
