Recently updated on July 4th, 2023 at 02:20 pm
From rich colours carpeting the landscape to bountiful food harvests, Europe in autumn is devastatingly gorgeous. There’s plenty to appreciate on the continent while temperatures remain balmy and cities bustling with life. If you’re considering an off-peak trip, here are ten reasons to visit Europe this autumn.
1) Bavaria’s Alpine Forests
Visit fairy tale forests as their vertiginous pines turn shades of honey and russet. Autumn is one of the best times of year to witness the majesty of Bavaria’s Alpine forests as the leaves slowly change colour.
2) Time for Wine
In Italy, grapes are harvested in August, and between September and October in France. Autumn truly is wine time in Europe, so oenophiles should take advantage of this auspicious season to sample local tipples at the many autumnal wine festivals like Italy’s Chianti’s Feste dell’Uva and Beaujolais Nouveau Day in France.
3) Go for a Ride in Amsterdam
3) Go for a Ride in AmsterdamBeing one of the leafiest cities in Europe, Amsterdam’s cobbled streets are awash with colour in autumn. Jump on a bicycle and pedal around the canal ring, admiring the glorious gold and bronze leaves as you ride.
4) Watch Turtles Hatch in Kos
Every autumn, hundreds of baby turtles hatch on the beaches of Kos, Greece and waddle their way to the water. To prevent them from the confusion of car headlights, often people line in rows, creating a channel for them to safely flop into the sea.
5) Make Your Wallet Smile
5) Make Your Wallet SmileVisiting Europe in autumn means you’re travelling out of season, and thus prices will be lower than peak summer season. Why not jump at the chance to explore this diverse continent at a more wallet-friendly price.
6) Truffle Season in Piedmont, Italy
Gourmands will delight in sampling one of the world’s most revered delicacies during the harvest. Autumn is truffle season in Italy, specifically within the Piedmont region. It officially kicks off in the first week of October with the Alba White Truffle Fair, and you’ll find them on almost every restaurant menu in the area.
7) Rust Colours in the Lake District
7) Rust Colours in the Lake District The Lake District’s woodlands are seemingly on fire in autumn, with a patchwork of gold, red and orange foliage carpeting the Cumbria landscapes. Take a ramble on the fells between September and November.
8) Score (Late!) Summer Sun in Croatia
Temperatures may begin to drop in autumn, but you can still capture some rays in Croatia. Dubrovnik has seven hours of sunshine a day and averages about 20 degrees. The sea will still be warm, so don’t forget to pack your swimsuit.
9) Get Spooked in Ireland
9) Get Spooked in IrelandHalloween is a big deal in Ireland. In fact, Ireland is home to Europe’s biggest Halloween festival. There are many parades across the country but Derry and Dublin are where you’ll find most of the bone-chilling action.
10) Northern Lights in Iceland
Whilst the aurora borealis dances in the sky all year round, September and October are the best times to see the Northern Lights in Iceland thanks to clement temperatures, and the fact it’s often reflected on lakes and rivers before winter’s big freeze.
Autumn is approaching, so if you’ve been inspired to visit Europe this season then click here to discover your perfect Trafalgar tour.
Image Credits: Main Image © iStock/DaveLongMedia. Northern Lights © iStock/krissanapongw. Truffles © iStock/brizius. Grapes © iStock/grapix Turtle © iStock/italiansight. © iStock/ . Dubrovnik © iStock/Janoka82.