Europe in Autumn: 10 Best Fall Destinations!
October 03, 2023
Fall is the best time to travel to Europe as one can skip the heat and crowds of the summer high season! Plus enjoy much better prices during the autumn shoulder season.We've been blessed to see stunning fall colors all around the world and Europe has some amazing places for autumn color.
Fall is also the perfect season for top beach destinations at bargain prices. Wine tasting is also at its best during vineyard harvest season. We prefer "endless summer" with our slow travel digital nomad lifestyle exploring Europe's best beach bargains with no crowds and perfect weather. We also love the brilliant colors of autumn.
Here is my top 10 list showing you how and where to do both!
1) SARANDA, ALBANIA
This September and October we are on the beach in Saranda, Albania which is just a very short boat ride from Corfu, Greece and Italy. I hear it is packed in the summer, but the weather is divine perfection now and we have it almost to ourselves. Interestingly, US citizens may stay in Albania for one year without a residence visa.
This is not necessarily, my number one choice, it's just where we are now & it is perfect for Schengen Shuffle Digital Nomad lifestyle.( Cheap, Fast internet, great weather). Few Americans visit Albania, but it is a great place for luxury bargains, diverse landscapes & wonderful people. Singer Dua Lipa is Albanian so vacations here often.
Weather
From September to October, the average Fahrenheit temperature ranges between 74 - 83. Which is the perfect temperature to enjoy Saranda's beautiful beaches without crowds or excessive heat. It cools a bit in November, especially at night, but is still mostly sunny.
2) METERORA, GREECE
We did our second summer nomad stay in Bansko, Bulgaria for July and August, then we went to Greece. It is 136 miles or 219 km between Bansko and Thessaloniki, Greece. The drive only takes about 3 hours. The Autumn season is probably the very best to capture colors and scenes at this unique, Unesco World Heritage site.
Meteora in Greece has been on our bucket list for a long time and it was spectacular. It is the most popular site to see after Athens. Kalambaka and Kastraki are the two closest towns to the stunning Meteora Monasteries with plenty of hotels. We stayed at the beach city of Thessaloniki.No matter where you stay,the best way to experience the Meteora Monasteries is through a guided tour. I will write more about this soon.
Weather
From September to October, the average Fahrenheit temperature ranges between 72 - 81. It is also the much less crowded and September has the least rain all year. It is cooler in November, in the 60's.
3) PLESIVICA, CROATIA
Vineyards at harvest time and wine tasting while traveling is a glorious way to enjoy autumn color. Although the smallest wine region in Croatia, Plešivica is one of the most famous. Known also as Croatian Champagne or Croatian Burgundy, Plešivica has picturesque scenery, tasty food and exciting wines.We visited these beautiful rolling hills last fall, which is less than 30 kilometers southwest of Zagreb.
I will be writing more about this amazing vineyard and more that we have been visiting, including ones near the beach. The microclimate of this region is ideal for vine growing from the hilly terrain and sunlight to a similar soil that is in Champagne.
Weather
From September to October, the average Fahrenheit temperature ranges between 55 - 78. It was sunny and perfect temperature when we were there in early October. It is much cooler and rainier in November.
4) PERAST, MONTENEGRO
UNESCO World Heritage Site Perast, Montenegro is one of my favorite places in this world. We first discovered the Kotor Riviera in 2007 doing family travel. Last fall we returned again to Montenegro for a couples road trip and long stay. So grateful that Perast had not changed.
Sadly, Cruise ships now have ruined some of this area nearby like Budva and Kotor. I have a lot more to blog about our extensive fall trip to Montenegro and Croatia. It was heavenly and this spot divine. We stayed nearby in a gorgeous large home via airbnb and I will write a review soon.
Weather
From September to October, the average Fahrenheit temperature ranges between 68 - 84. It is also the much less crowded and we did not get any rain those months, swam & wore summer clothes. It is cooler in November, in the 60's.
5) UMBRIA, ITALY
Who doesn't love Italy and France? Fall is a great time to visit both and Umbria is simply stunning then. We love short bursts in cities, but much prefer the countryside. Tuscany is one of my favorite places. As one rambles along the country roads on crisp autumn mornings, one is mesmerized by the colorful landscape. It often almost feels like one is in a painting!
The food and wine here is also part of the joy. There is so much to explore and love about Italy
Weather
From September to October, the average Fahrenheit temperature ranges between 66- 77. It is mostly sunny and warm during the days. It is cooler in November, in the mid 50's.
6) HALLSTATT, AUSTRIA
Hallstatt is the most beautiful place in Austria in my opinion. Some say it is the most beautiful village in the world. We were there at Octoberfest which made it even more special. Hallstatt is a fairytale village with an ancient history going back more that 7000 years. Cars are banned from May to October every year from 10 am to 5 pm. That just adds to the charm.
Don't miss the views from the “Beinhaus” as the metallic grave stones were charming. We hiked up to the parish church (Pfarrkirche) and its miniscule cemetery, filled with flowers and wrought iron crosses, overlooking the calm lake.
Weather
From September to October, the average Fahrenheit temperature ranges between 43 - 58. If you want to see the brightest leaves, you will be in cooler temperatures. ( Just like one sees more fall color in New England compared to California, although both have change). It is cooler in November, in the mid 30 or low 40's.
7) BIBINJE, CROATIA
Bibinje is a small beach town in Croatia near Zadar. Both of these places are known for the best sunsets in the world. We enjoyed spectacular sunset shows daily in both places. The advantage to Bibinje is it is much cheaper and less crowded. We stayed at a place on the beach. So it was super easy to enjoy these special sunsets.
We stayed in a small airbnb and explored from this base.The crowds go to Zadar for the nightly sunsets, but we preferred having this stunning show all to ourselves.Just like the world famous Key West sunsets, these are not to be missed! Another advantages of this small Dalmatian town is the proximity to 5 well-known national parks including Plitvice Lakes National Park
Weather
From September to October, the average Fahrenheit temperature ranges between 68 - 76. It was summer like when we were there with no rain, one can swim during the day and no jackets needed. It is cooler in November, in the lower 60's.
8) ROMAN ROAD/ ROTHENBURG, GERMANY
The Romantic Road was a trade route during the middle ages and still retains the same charm of that time as it weaves along the western border of Bavaria. We delighted in discovering so many beautiful sites during our stay in this area in October (after the masses of tourists have gone home).
We happen to come upon this surreal scene in beautiful Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany one fall day when all the tourists were gone and the locals were having a medieval festival. We were camping in our van there for a few weeks and loved this village. It is on the Romantic Road and we had a magical day!
Weather
From September to October, the average Fahrenheit temperature ranges between 66 - 71. It was warm enough to camp, but jackets and fall clothes needed. It is cooler in November, in the 50's.
9) BURGUNDY, FRANCE
If you love pinot noir wine you will love Burgundy in the fall. We put in a boutique pinot organic vineyard the year our daughter Heavenly was born. So she grew up loving vineyards. I've always loved this arty photo of her looking at the vineyards in Burgundy from our campsite.
Don't miss driving the famous Route des Grands Crus on undulating small roads thru scarlet & golden colored, vine covered country side and beautiful quaint ancient towns. We actually rarely drink ( wine or anything) but we do so love vineyards.
Weather
From September to October, the average Fahrenheit temperature ranges between 68 - 72. Mostly sunny and crisp when we were there. It is cooler in November, in the 50's.
10) SAINT-EMILION, FRANCE
A stunning area of France, filled with surprises, we thoroughly enjoyed our time in Bordeaux, the wine capital of the world! Absolutely perfect for family travel or couples travel, with something for everyone. We were based in St Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with it's charming, medieval old town, vineyards all around and underground galleries plus catacombs.
The 4 star luxury campsite, Domaine De La Barbanne, was one of our favorites in Europe, nestled in the heart of Saint-Emilion's world class vineyards. Saint Emilion is by far the prettiest French town in the Bordeaux region of France. It is a perfect base for a bike holiday or France vineyards cycling vacation like we did as a family.
Weather
From September to October, the average Fahrenheit temperature ranges between 65- 73. Biking is a great way to see it and stay warm too. It is cooler in November, in the 60's.
"Autumn...the year's last, loveliest smile."
So many wonderful choices for travel in Autumn! What is your favorite?
Fall is the best time to travel to Europe as one can skip the heat and crowds of the summer high season! Plus enjoy much better prices during the autumn shoulder season.We've been blessed to see stunning fall colors all around the world and Europe has some amazing places for autumn color.
Fall is also the perfect season for top beach destinations at bargain prices. Wine tasting is also at its best during vineyard harvest season. We prefer "endless summer" with our slow travel digital nomad lifestyle exploring Europe's best beach bargains with no crowds and perfect weather. We also love the brilliant colors of autumn.
Here is my top 10 list showing you how and where to do both!
1) SARANDA, ALBANIA
This September and October we are on the beach in Saranda, Albania which is just a very short boat ride from Corfu, Greece and Italy. I hear it is packed in the summer, but the weather is divine perfection now and we have it almost to ourselves. Interestingly, US citizens may stay in Albania for one year without a residence visa.
This is not necessarily, my number one choice, it's just where we are now & it is perfect for Schengen Shuffle Digital Nomad lifestyle.( Cheap, Fast internet, great weather). Few Americans visit Albania, but it is a great place for luxury bargains, diverse landscapes & wonderful people. Singer Dua Lipa is Albanian so vacations here often.
Weather
From September to October, the average Fahrenheit temperature ranges between 74 - 83. Which is the perfect temperature to enjoy Saranda's beautiful beaches without crowds or excessive heat. It cools a bit in November, especially at night, but is still mostly sunny.
2) METERORA, GREECE
We did our second summer nomad stay in Bansko, Bulgaria for July and August, then we went to Greece. It is 136 miles or 219 km between Bansko and Thessaloniki, Greece. The drive only takes about 3 hours. The Autumn season is probably the very best to capture colors and scenes at this unique, Unesco World Heritage site.
Meteora in Greece has been on our bucket list for a long time and it was spectacular. It is the most popular site to see after Athens. Kalambaka and Kastraki are the two closest towns to the stunning Meteora Monasteries with plenty of hotels. We stayed at the beach city of Thessaloniki.No matter where you stay,the best way to experience the Meteora Monasteries is through a guided tour. I will write more about this soon.
Weather
From September to October, the average Fahrenheit temperature ranges between 72 - 81. It is also the much less crowded and September has the least rain all year. It is cooler in November, in the 60's.
3) PLESIVICA, CROATIA
Vineyards at harvest time and wine tasting while traveling is a glorious way to enjoy autumn color. Although the smallest wine region in Croatia, Plešivica is one of the most famous. Known also as Croatian Champagne or Croatian Burgundy, Plešivica has picturesque scenery, tasty food and exciting wines.We visited these beautiful rolling hills last fall, which is less than 30 kilometers southwest of Zagreb.
I will be writing more about this amazing vineyard and more that we have been visiting, including ones near the beach. The microclimate of this region is ideal for vine growing from the hilly terrain and sunlight to a similar soil that is in Champagne.
Weather
From September to October, the average Fahrenheit temperature ranges between 55 - 78. It was sunny and perfect temperature when we were there in early October. It is much cooler and rainier in November.
4) PERAST, MONTENEGRO
UNESCO World Heritage Site Perast, Montenegro is one of my favorite places in this world. We first discovered the Kotor Riviera in 2007 doing family travel. Last fall we returned again to Montenegro for a couples road trip and long stay. So grateful that Perast had not changed.
Sadly, Cruise ships now have ruined some of this area nearby like Budva and Kotor. I have a lot more to blog about our extensive fall trip to Montenegro and Croatia. It was heavenly and this spot divine. We stayed nearby in a gorgeous large home via airbnb and I will write a review soon.
Weather
From September to October, the average Fahrenheit temperature ranges between 68 - 84. It is also the much less crowded and we did not get any rain those months, swam & wore summer clothes. It is cooler in November, in the 60's.
5) UMBRIA, ITALY
Who doesn't love Italy and France? Fall is a great time to visit both and Umbria is simply stunning then. We love short bursts in cities, but much prefer the countryside. Tuscany is one of my favorite places. As one rambles along the country roads on crisp autumn mornings, one is mesmerized by the colorful landscape. It often almost feels like one is in a painting!
The food and wine here is also part of the joy. There is so much to explore and love about Italy
Weather
From September to October, the average Fahrenheit temperature ranges between 66- 77. It is mostly sunny and warm during the days. It is cooler in November, in the mid 50's.
6) HALLSTATT, AUSTRIA
Hallstatt is the most beautiful place in Austria in my opinion. Some say it is the most beautiful village in the world. We were there at Octoberfest which made it even more special. Hallstatt is a fairytale village with an ancient history going back more that 7000 years. Cars are banned from May to October every year from 10 am to 5 pm. That just adds to the charm.
Don't miss the views from the “Beinhaus” as the metallic grave stones were charming. We hiked up to the parish church (Pfarrkirche) and its miniscule cemetery, filled with flowers and wrought iron crosses, overlooking the calm lake.
Weather
From September to October, the average Fahrenheit temperature ranges between 43 - 58. If you want to see the brightest leaves, you will be in cooler temperatures. ( Just like one sees more fall color in New England compared to California, although both have change). It is cooler in November, in the mid 30 or low 40's.
7) BIBINJE, CROATIA
Bibinje is a small beach town in Croatia near Zadar. Both of these places are known for the best sunsets in the world. We enjoyed spectacular sunset shows daily in both places. The advantage to Bibinje is it is much cheaper and less crowded. We stayed at a place on the beach. So it was super easy to enjoy these special sunsets.
We stayed in a small airbnb and explored from this base.The crowds go to Zadar for the nightly sunsets, but we preferred having this stunning show all to ourselves.Just like the world famous Key West sunsets, these are not to be missed! Another advantages of this small Dalmatian town is the proximity to 5 well-known national parks including Plitvice Lakes National Park
Weather
From September to October, the average Fahrenheit temperature ranges between 68 - 76. It was summer like when we were there with no rain, one can swim during the day and no jackets needed. It is cooler in November, in the lower 60's.
8) ROMAN ROAD/ ROTHENBURG, GERMANY
The Romantic Road was a trade route during the middle ages and still retains the same charm of that time as it weaves along the western border of Bavaria. We delighted in discovering so many beautiful sites during our stay in this area in October (after the masses of tourists have gone home).
We happen to come upon this surreal scene in beautiful Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany one fall day when all the tourists were gone and the locals were having a medieval festival. We were camping in our van there for a few weeks and loved this village. It is on the Romantic Road and we had a magical day!
Weather
From September to October, the average Fahrenheit temperature ranges between 66 - 71. It was warm enough to camp, but jackets and fall clothes needed. It is cooler in November, in the 50's.
9) BURGUNDY, FRANCE
If you love pinot noir wine you will love Burgundy in the fall. We put in a boutique pinot organic vineyard the year our daughter Heavenly was born. So she grew up loving vineyards. I've always loved this arty photo of her looking at the vineyards in Burgundy from our campsite.
Don't miss driving the famous Route des Grands Crus on undulating small roads thru scarlet & golden colored, vine covered country side and beautiful quaint ancient towns. We actually rarely drink ( wine or anything) but we do so love vineyards.
Weather
From September to October, the average Fahrenheit temperature ranges between 68 - 72. Mostly sunny and crisp when we were there. It is cooler in November, in the 50's.
10) SAINT-EMILION, FRANCE
A stunning area of France, filled with surprises, we thoroughly enjoyed our time in Bordeaux, the wine capital of the world! Absolutely perfect for family travel or couples travel, with something for everyone. We were based in St Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with it's charming, medieval old town, vineyards all around and underground galleries plus catacombs.
The 4 star luxury campsite, Domaine De La Barbanne, was one of our favorites in Europe, nestled in the heart of Saint-Emilion's world class vineyards. Saint Emilion is by far the prettiest French town in the Bordeaux region of France. It is a perfect base for a bike holiday or France vineyards cycling vacation like we did as a family.
Weather
From September to October, the average Fahrenheit temperature ranges between 65- 73. Biking is a great way to see it and stay warm too. It is cooler in November, in the 60's.
"Autumn...the year's last, loveliest smile."
So many wonderful choices for travel in Autumn! What is your favorite?
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Comments
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lovely list. As a Croatian I've visited many of these and can confirm they're amazing!
Posted by: Karla | October 04, 2023 at 09:44 AM
Thanks Karla! Oh, you do have an advantage as a Croatian as many are in your "back yard". :) Sadly, most Americans have not been to any or most of these, so I hope this inspires them to check them out!
Posted by: jeanne dee | October 04, 2023 at 10:20 AM
I agree. September and October are my favorite times of the year to travel. During these shoulder season months, there are usually far less crowds.
Posted by: Michelle | October 04, 2023 at 10:34 AM
Thanks Michelle, Good minds think alike! Spring and fall are always the best for travel imho. I love summer travel as well, but choose wisely and find ways to avoid the crowds. :) I might hit some snow places in winter briefly, but mostly I like winter warm weather destinations.
Posted by: jeanne Dee | October 04, 2023 at 10:48 AM
I love the destinations you've chosen. Might add Saranda Albania to my list for next autumn
Posted by: Gabby Leopard | October 04, 2023 at 11:39 AM
Thanks Gabby! September and October are perfect months to be in Saranda as the crowds leave, but the weather is perfect.
Posted by: Jeanne Dee | October 04, 2023 at 10:31 PM
I've never been to any of these places before but they all sound wonderful for autumn; not too cold either! For autumn, I've been to London, Paris, and Copenhagen. It gets cold there in October and November!
Posted by: Hannah | October 07, 2023 at 03:59 PM
Thanks Hannah! I tried to focus on places that few people have been to that were special. Most have great weather in the fall as I am a digital nomad who loves to travel in an endless summer way. Yep, much colder in late fall with the 3 you visited, (and a few I mentioned like in Austria and Germany) just like it is colder in New England then than California.Still, every season in Europe can be wonderful. ;)
Posted by: jeanne Dee | October 07, 2023 at 10:03 PM
European here, too, and these destinations are wonderful! I take my main holiday in autumn every year and have actually been to some of these destinations and can confirm the weather is wonderful and the crowds light. Just bear in mind some resort places and smaller towns close down for the season (usually end October) so be careful and do your research before heading off.
Posted by: Anja | October 08, 2023 at 01:40 AM
I went to Europe last fall and it's amazing! We went to Hallstatt and it's like walking into a fairytale land. It was beautiful!
Thanks for all the other destinations. Definitely, there are so much lovely spots to check out!
Posted by: Gladis Morales | October 08, 2023 at 04:15 AM
So many beautiful places to discover in autumn! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Marga | October 08, 2023 at 05:45 AM
Thanks and smart thinking!! Great tip too and you are absolutely right to make sure one does the research and know what stays open in the shoulder season and when or if that changes!! It is good to know too when schools go back in session as that affects tourism. In many places in USA that is in August, but in some places in Europe that does not happen until mid September. Homeschool families can take advantage of travel during this shoulder season. :)
Posted by: Jeanne Dee | October 08, 2023 at 07:36 AM
Thanks Gladis and I am so happy you saw and enjoyed Hallstatt too. What a magical gem!
Posted by: Jeanne Dee | October 08, 2023 at 07:38 AM
Thanks Marga,
So true!
I love fall travel and spring travel the best!
Posted by: Jeanne Dee | October 08, 2023 at 07:39 AM