6 beautiful places to visit in Europe during autumn
Summer may be drawing to a close, but that doesn’t mean you need to put your passport away just yet. We’re lucky to be so close to Europe, with its abundance of beautiful cities and countryside to explore. As the leaves change colour for autumn, European cities can be transformed into dramatic backdrops by the changing of the seasons.
Read on to discover some of the top European destinations to visit to make the most of this lovely time of year.
1. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is a beautiful city to visit in any season, but during autumn the trees that line the canals turn stunning shades of orange, red, and yellow. This provides the perfect backdrop to your city break, whether you’re planning to explore the city by bike, boat, or on foot.
If you have a particular interest in history, November is an excellent time to visit, as the city hosts “Museumnacht” – an evening when museums across the city remain open after hours. Live bands and DJs provide the soundtrack as you peruse collections of artifacts and artworks at your leisure.
2. Copenhagen, Denmark
For lovers of vintage fashion and homewares, Copenhagen is a must. The city’s streets are filled with independent boutiques, offering hours of opportunities for window shopping.
As the nights draw in during autumn, you can also enjoy taking part in the Scandinavian tradition of “hygge”. There’s no direct translation for this word, but hygge is all about good food and good company, all enjoyed from the comfort of home. So, cosy up by the fire and enjoy some traditional Danish treats with your loved ones for an autumnal trip you’ll never forget.
3. Vienna, Austria
There’s nowhere better to enjoy some old-world glamour than Vienna. Explore the city’s cobbled streets and marvel at the stunning architecture before heading indoors to warm up in one of the beautiful cafés.
For true chocoholics, you can’t beat Hotel Sacher’s hot chocolate with a slice of their world-famous Sacher torte. The dessert dates back to the early 1800s and the team still makes each Sacher torte by hand using the original recipe to this day.
4. Madeira, Portugal
If you’re looking for somewhere to help you stretch out the last days of summer before the cold winter months draw in, Madeira might be the place. During October, average temperatures hover between 19 and 24 degrees Celsius. This makes it a comfortable climate to explore the island’s stunning scenery, which includes mountain ranges, quaint villages, and beautiful beaches.
Though the weather remains pleasant, October is a less busy month in Madeira, so you’ll be able to enjoy more of the popular spots with fewer crowds. It’s also a great time to explore the island’s Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which really comes to life in the autumn.
5. Montenegro
Montenegro needs to be on your list if you enjoy active holidays in nature. The country’s mountain ranges need to be seen to be believed, populated by lush green forests, glacial lakes, and stunning wildlife.
Be sure to do your research before setting out on a hike so that you bring the right equipment. Remember to bring your swimming costume too, as a dip in the Adriatic sea could be the perfect way to cool off after your exertions.
6. Rīga, Latvia
Latvia boasts two stunning national parks within easy reach of its capital city Riga, perfect for admiring the autumnal colours of the trees during October.
Gauja park is home to medieval castles that you can access from the many hiking trails throughout the park, many of which follow the Gauja River. Kemeri National Park offers a unique landscape to explore, including wetlands and bogs that in the past have been considered to have curative properties.
If a city break is more your kind of thing, the old town in Riga is well worth a visit too.
Get in touch
If you’d like to fill your retirement with travel adventures in Europe and beyond, a financial plan could help you make this a reality. Email us at info@harperlees.co.uk or call 01277 350560 to find out more and we’ll be very happy to help.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice.