Past the magic and madness of the summer months, autumn is something of a hidden treasure for passionate travellers. While the ghost of late-summer heat will still be hanging in the air, popular travel destinations will grow emptier, leaving you with some peace and quiet as you enjoy autumn’s warm-toned scenic beauty. If you’re planning on skipping the summer crowd and instead want to enjoy autumn’s delights, here are 8 places that come alive in the fall season all across Europe.
1. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Life is never boring in the city of Amsterdam, Netherlands, and this still holds true even when the autumn air brings an early chill to the city streets. If you’ve been wanting to dance all summer long, but couldn’t find the time, fret not: in October, clubs and venues come alive with electro, house, and techno music during the Amsterdam Dance Event. If you prefer more peaceful fare, the Museumnacht in November keeps 55 of the city’s beautiful museums open long into the night.
2. Umbria, Italy
The landscape of Umbria comes alive in the fall, as grapevines grow ripe with fruit and red with the season. This region of Italy takes its autumn harvest seriously, with the vendemmia (grape harvest) being a communal activity that visitors can partake in, creating an experience that’s hard to replicate anywhere else. Once you’ve done your pickings and contributed to the community, feel free to explore the region’s sagre (food festivals) and taste locale-specific delicacies at the peak of freshness.
3. Florence, Italy
While the birthplace of the Renaissance is never truly without tourists, autumn is a quieter season than most of the city, making it a better bet than spring or summer if you plan to soak in its culture slowly. History buffs will appreciate the art and architecture both out in the open and the city’s many wonderful museums. The highlight of which is, without a doubt, Brunelleschi’s dome in the Florence Cathedral. Much like Umbria, you can also use your time to savour fresh local cuisine – at your own pace.
4. Lugano, Switzerland
The natural beauty of Lugano persists year-round – however, autumn seems to coax some features out of it that no other season successfully can. The city comes alive with the Festa d’Autunno, or the Autumn Festival, wherein local artisans sell their various wares, ranging from Ticino food to furniture. As you sip on some wine and savour the taste of local wild honey, you can relax and stretch your feet as your evening is accompanied by the musical stylings of local folk bands, eager to soundtrack your stay.
5. Madeira, Portugal
If you’re viewing your autumn holiday as an extension of the summer holiday you might’ve missed dearly, Madeira in Portugal offers a pocketful of sunshine even as the world around it comes to a cool. Lush with vegetation and wildlife, it may seem that for Madeira, summer never left – so, be sure to pack your sunblock when you’re packing. If the greenery isn’t enough to satisfy you, you can also take the ferry to Porto Santo, where long stretches of beach promise you the summer you deserved.
6. Cheltenham, England
A popular holiday destination since the 1700s at least, the focus of Cheltenham’s tourist crowd has shifted from the healing spas of the olden days to festivals that bring life to the city throughout the year. In October, visitors can immerse themselves in literature as the city plays host to the Cheltenham Literature Festival. More than 100 writers flock to Cheltenham for this event, giving talks and reading works all across town – giving you a chance to meet old favourites and be introduced to new ones.
7. Wye Valley, Wales
The United Kingdom’s leading leaf-peeping destination, the Wye Valley in Wales plays host to more than 20 million trees, many of which will welcome autumn with a shift of colour to the customary tones of red, orange, and gold. Put your cardio to the test by following the Wye Valley Hiking Trail, which follows the winding path of the Wye River. Folks who enjoy the practice say the hiking trail is the best way to capture the captivating glow of the autumn forest on your smartphone.
8. Stockholm, Sweden
Although Sweden’s capital city begins to wind down in the autumn as the country’s six-hour winter daylight approaches, there are plenty of charms found in the city streets lined with autumn leaves. Stockholm’s bars and cafes look particularly inviting in the season, with cafes toting warm drinks and sugary pastries which are sure to keep you cosy in the cold. Once you’ve had your caffeine fix, you can spend your night exploring the candlelit bars of Sodermalm.
These 8 destinations prove that autumn makes almost any corner of Europe worthy of a visit. Whether you’re seeking to embrace autumn’s charms through the natural beauty of places like Umbria or the Wye Valley or seeking an extended summer to make up for lost time somewhere in Madeira, there’s surely a place in Europe for you to plan your autumn holiday. After all, with the reduced crowds and cooler weather, you’re sure to feel relaxed wherever you land.