Need a late vacation? Travel to these 10 spots in Europe this fall
If you didn’t have time for a vacation this season (or perhaps the European travel chaos discouraged you from a summer escape), it’s not too late to plan a getaway.
Europe in the fall really has it all — festivals, sunny island weather, changing autumnal leaf hues, seasonal cuisine and even early skiing. Whether you want to visit Croatia without the crowds, work on your suntan in Spain or experience France's wine harvest or the famed Oktoberfest in Germany, here are some of the top destinations for a fall vacation in Europe.
Munich
Beer lovers who want to usher in the fall season with a jovial holiday should head to Munich. After two years of cancellations thanks to COVID-19, the world’s most beloved beer festival, Oktoberfest, is happening with gusto (Sept. 17-Oct. 3).
If you aren’t a beer fan, there’s still much to do in the German hub. Admire the fall colors around the city on foot or by bike, or, as colder weather rolls in, ice skate or sled. Those planning a November trip can even check out Christmas markets — Munich’s Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz begins Nov. 21.
Porto, Portugal
Warm up this fall with Porto’s delicious port wine, the perfect way to welcome the cooler autumn temperatures. Cross the towering Dom Luís I Bridge from Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia, where you can taste and tour port wineries like Sandeman, Calem and Graham’s.
If rainy weather hits (which it sometimes does in fall), Porto is the ideal spot to hang out at a regal coffee shop like Majestic Cafe, where J.K. Rowling reportedly spent many afternoons writing the "Harry Potter" books. You can also dine at one of the world’s most beautiful McDonald’s (yes, there’s even a chandelier). Alternatively, you can curl up under the stained glass ceiling with a book at Livraria Lello, one of the world's most fascinating bookshops.
Paris
There’s never really a bad time to visit Paris, but fall is when the city seems to come alive with art and fashion. Also, the sight of the Eiffel Tower and the River Seine flanked by various hues of autumn foliage under golden sunlight is genuinely unforgettable.
You don’t have to visit Bordeaux or the Loire Valley to partake in French wine harvest fun. The Fete des Vendanges in Montmartre (Oct. 5-9), the harvest festival in Paris, offers concerts, street fairs, parades and fireworks. You can even tour the Clos Montmartre winery, the only functioning vineyard in Paris.
Zermatt, Switzerland
For those itching to get a head start on winter or who love to ski, there are a few destinations around Europe that offer autumn snow and skiing options. One of the best is Zermatt, where the main skiing area opens in late November, depending on snowfall conditions.
However, those who want to ski earlier in Zermatt can do so — even in summer and autumn — on the Matterhorn glacier when there’s snowfall. Also, skiing on Theodul Glacier is open 365 days a year. It may be best to consider a last-minute trip here, checking the weather conditions first before booking, as snowfall can often be irregular outside of the regular winter season.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
This medieval Croatia town has suffered greatly from overtourism in past years. UNESCO has even threatened to revoke its World Heritage status due to the massive influx of tourists flooding the town, especially via cruise ships in summer. Summer is also the time of year when this seaside hub gets the most visitors, so it’s best to avoid the area during this peak season.
If you’re dying to see the walled town featured in "Game of Thrones," consider an early autumn visit to Dubrovnik, like in October. The weather is still pleasant, but the summer crowds have disappeared. Another perk is that hotels, dining and activities are usually more affordable, too.
Tenerife, Spain
With average fall temperatures hovering around 72 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit, Tenerife, part of Spain’s Canary Islands, is one of the best places in Europe to go for some fall sunshine and beach time, especially if you missed out on a summer vacation.
Tenerife offers activities for all types of travelers in the fall, from stargazing and surfing to lazy beach days. Also, events like the World Corporate Golf Challenge (Oct. 17-21) and the San Andres Wine Festival (Nov. 29-30) offer travelers an opportunity to enjoy both the sunshine and local gastronomy.
Consider spending the night at some of the Alua and Dreams resorts on Tenerife, which have recently become part of the World of Hyatt program (it’s unclear when you’ll be able to book these properties with Hyatt points, but we hope it’ll be soon).
Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt’s idyllic lake and mountain scenery make it one of the most stunning destinations in Europe for a beautiful fall getaway, thanks to its postcard-perfect views and ever-changing fall hues.
Besides strolling around the village and taking it all in, make sure to take the Salzberg cable car up the mountain. Head out onto the floating Skywalk, which hovers almost 1,312 feet above the town and lake, for impressive views and endless fall colors. Boating on the lake is another way to enjoy a different angle of Hallstatt’s iconic beauty.
Lombardy, Italy
For those who want to indulge in autumnal foodie delights, head to Lombardy to munch on seasonal snacks like chestnuts, nougat and various mushrooms and sip plenty of wine. Start by picking porcini mushrooms in areas like Bergamo, Sondrio and Varese (check first to see if you need to purchase a permit). Visitors in late fall should experience the Nougat Festival (Nov. 12-20) in Cremona, just outside of Milan, to sample and purchase this delicious dessert.
Keep an eye out for zucca mantovana, a local pumpkin specialty, in many seasonal restaurant menus. Wine lovers should head through the region’s Strada dei Vini e dei Sapori, stopping at local wineries to sample wine and experience harvest events.
Derry, Northern Ireland
The Halloween celebration in the walled city of Derry (Oct. 28-31) is rumored to be the largest Halloween festival in Europe, so if you’re planning on an escape for late October, this is the place to visit for spooky fun. The event includes Halloween-themed festivities like food markets, parades, carnivals, music events and family-catered activities.
Besides being one of the top Halloween destinations in the world, Derry has much to do and see in and around town, from "Derry Girls" and "Game of Thrones" tours and free museums to nearby farms and country parks.
Bruges, Belgium
Often referred to as the “Venice of the North” thanks to its many canals, Bruges is an inviting city to visit in the early fall. Here you can explore outdoors and indulge in warming Belgium cuisine before it gets too cold and blustery. Exploe the city via boat and on foot to take in the changing colors of the leaves.
Bruges' gastronomy scene is best enjoyed as the colder weather rolls in. Savor the national dish preisoep, which is Flemish leek soup, as well as beef stew, waffles, beer and chocolate, which you can taste and purchase at various shops around the city.
Bottom line
Traveling in the fall is preferred by many for a variety of reasons: fewer crowds, less airport chaos, lower prices and cool temperatures.
This list offers European destinations perfect for a fall holiday, regardless if you’re chasing the sun, hoping to ski, looking for fall festivals or just want to explore a new city under the changing shades of the leaves.
Ready to plan your Europe vacation? Start with these stories:
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.