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I’ve always found the idea of a European summer vacation is usually far more glamorous than the reality. The increasingly warmer weather, lack of air conditioning, and crowds of fellow tourists can turn your trip into an uncomfortable and overwhelming experience. Not to mention, summer is the peak season for most European countries, so prices tend to be higher.
With that in mind, I try to plan my transatlantic travels for later in the year, when the temperatures have started to drop but the first major snow is still weeks away. London is one of my favorite places to visit during the fall; a brisk stroll through Hampstead Heath followed by a late pub lunch is the definition of a perfect October or November day. Paris is also spectacular this time of year. You can walk miles through charming neighborhoods and past iconic sights, taking in the golden colors and enjoying the City of Light when it’s quieter and less congested.
Along with London and Paris, Europe has dozens of other destinations to check out before winter arrives — whether you’re hoping to plan a last-minute city escape, a beach trip, or a mountain getaway. To narrow down the list to just 10, I tapped a few travel experts to share their picks. Read on to discover the best places to go in Europe this fall.
Rome
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According to David Whiteside, the global chief operating officer at Onefinestay, Rome is always a good idea, but especially in the fall. “For a stylish Roman adventure, visit the Galleria Borghese, one of the city’s most prestigious art galleries, or the Orto Botanico, which is a garden filled with winding paths, hidden fountains, and ancient trees,” he says. When you’ve worked up an appetite, he suggests heading to Antico Forno Roscioli: “This historic bakery has been serving exceptional pizza for decades. Their pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) is a revelation.” One of the best things about Rome in the fall is the fact that you can leisurely eat your gelato and not worry about it melting so quickly — and, as Whiteside notes, you’ll find gelaterias scattered across the city.
Madeira
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“Madeira is an ideal and off-the-beaten-path place to visit in the fall,” says Reesa Avelino, a Europe product specialist at Goway. “After the dry summer season, the fall can be a bit cooler and rainier, so its lush forest gets refreshed and the island’s true essence comes alive.” Temperatures generally range between 66 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit, and the summer crowds have left the island, leaving a destination that’s ripe for amazing mountain biking, surfing, cycling, and canyoning. Don’t forget to bring your hiking boots, too. Madeira is known for its incredible levada trails that wind through the laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sardinia
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“Sardinia is hot in the summer, so fall and spring are the two seasons that I recommend,” says Agustina Lagos Marmol, owner of adventure company Dolomite Mountains. In her experience, September through October and the first week of November are the best for biking, hiking, and boating around the island, but travelers can also immerse themselves in the cultural events of Autunno in Barbagia — celebrated across 30 villages in the Barbagia region — through mid-December. Other ways to enjoy the Italian destination in the fall include wine tastings, visiting archaeological sites, and swimming in the clear ocean waters (still warm from the summer months).
Copenhagen
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Come fall, it’s time to embrace all things hygge in Copenhagen — a leisurely coffee date in a cafe, an afternoon bike ride, or a few hours popping in and out of the galleries and shops on Jægersborggade. Avelino says that this season is “quieter and cooler” than the summer, and travelers won’t have to navigate around as many crowds. Another bonus of visiting in the autumn is the culinary scene. “Food here is very seasonal, and the fall brings a whole new menu to the restaurants and Torvehallerne, Copenhagen’s food market,” she says, adding that there are also several festivals and events to experience this time of year, including Culture Night and Halloween at Tivoli Gardens.
Ibiza
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Ibiza’s reputation as a summer party destination is known around the world, but Whiteside says fall on the Spanish island is “beautiful and calm” and the “perfect time to enjoy its silky white-sand beaches, rugged stretches of clifftop, and endless secret calas.” The weather is still relatively pleasant — though not ideal sunbathing conditions — and you can rent boats, go snorkeling, or attend one of the “closing parties” marking the end of the summer season. If you’re hoping to spend as much time outside as possible, Whiteside has a few favorite spots he recommends: Sa Figuera Borda, he says, is an “ideal sunset lookout point,” and “you’re guaranteed tranquility and unspoiled views” at Ses Salines Natural Park.
Scottish Highlands
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There is perhaps no destination that does fall season better than the Scottish Highlands. The days may be getting shorter this far north, but, says Avelino, “the late autumnal mornings generally have a beautiful floating mist.” Plus, the annoying midges are gone and an array of reds, oranges, and yellows dot the majestic landscape. To cover as much ground as possible — and see popular spots like Loch Ness, Ben Nevis, Glencoe, and the Eilean Donan Castle — start your journey in Edinburgh, head up through the Cairngorms National Park and up to Inverness, then circle over to the Isle of Skye and back through Glasgow.
Norway
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You don’t have to wait until the dead of winter to see the northern lights in Norway. “During the fall season, the nights are longer and the skies are often clear,” says Avelino, who adds that this time of year also allows travelers to experience a warmer climate in Southern Norway and catch a bit of snow in Northern Norway. And if you’re hoping for a glimpse of gorgeous Norwegian fall foliage? You’re in luck; she suggests riding the Flåm Railway “for the best views of shades of red, orange, and yellow.”
South Tyrol
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There are quite a few reasons to plan a fall trip to South Tyrol, a province in northeast Italy tucked between Switzerland and Austria. Marmol says this season is great for active travel, discovering the local wine culture, and treating yourself to a stay at one of the region’s wellness resorts (she recommends Palace Merano). The hiking is particularly good in October; if you time your adventure right, you may be able to witness a show-stopping natural phenomenon. At sunset, the peaks and pinnacles appear orange, pink, red, or violet — what’s known as the “glow of the Dolomites.”
French Riviera
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Whiteside says the French Riviera is “perfect for a post-summer getaway.” The Côte d’Azur includes popular spots like Nice, Cannes, Antibes, and Monaco, but he says Saint-Tropez is a must-visit for those who are “passionate about boating or water sports or are simply a fan of beautiful ocean views.” Even if you can’t make it to the famous sailing regatta, Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, in late September and early October, Saint-Tropez is worth an autumn visit. Most days will have pleasant temperatures, and the ocean will still be warm enough for swimming.
Greece
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Summer may be over, but the Greek Islands throughout the Aegean and Ionian seas continue to beckon to travelers well into the fall. Greece also tends to be more affordable and less crowded this time of year, so you’ll have your pick of where to go. Marmol shares that Paros is one of her favorites and recommends treating it as a base camp for further exploration. After spending a couple of days in the island’s two main towns, Parikia and Naousa, plan out a few day trips to closer islands such as Antiparos, Naxos, and Mykonos.
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