What if autumn is one of the best seasons for traveling in Europe? In October, the scorching heat of summer gives way to milder temperatures, while beaches, cultural sites, and cities regain a bit of calm after the summer crowds. From the Mediterranean to Central European capitals, certain destinations still offer sunny days. Here are ten getaway ideas to enjoy All Saints’ Day holidays without traveling far.
Malta, the Mediterranean archipelago that extends summer into October
Renowned for its numerous beaches and coves, the Maltese archipelago can reach temperatures of around 26°C in October.
Several sites not to miss on the island of Malta:
- Valletta and its many historic monuments;
- The garden island of Gozo;
- The islet and the lagoon of Comino;
- The towns of Mdina, Rabat and Mosta;
- The Blue Grotto;
- The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum.
Feet in the Water in Greece
Greece is the ideal sunny destination for October vacations. Temperatures most often reach around 23°C and rarely drop below 20°C. It is the perfect time to enjoy the seaside resorts of the many Greek islands while avoiding the heavy tourist crowds of the summer.
Among the places to visit in Greece in October one can cite :
- Paros;
- Sifnos;
- Corfu;
- Mykonos;
- Santorini;
- Rhodes;
- Creta.
Portugal in October: a favorable climate
Popular with travelers for couples, families or solo trips, Portugal enjoys warm temperatures, reaching up to around 24°C. Outside of the very touristy Lisbon, the country is also a dream destination for a nature-filled stay such as :
- Cape Saint-Vincent in the Algarve;
- The Douro Valley in Porto;
- Porto Santo in Madeira.
Where to go in Spain in October?
Depending on the region, temperatures in Spain in October can climb above 30°C.
A destination ideal for All Saints’ holidays with family, Spain and its islands — Menorca, Tenerife, Mallorca, Ibiza, Lanzarote — offer numerous cultural visits and/or beautiful beaches to enjoy a last swim before winter.
Among the cities to visit in Spain in October one can cite :
- Barcelona;
- Córdoba;
- Granada;
- Madrid;
- Málaga;
- Seville;
- Palma;
- San Sebastián.
An Indian Summer in Italy
In October, temperatures in Italy are generally mild, often exceeding 20°C. Autumn is an ideal time to visit Italian cities, away from the tourist crowds and the summer heat. If you wish to swim in the crystal-clear waters of one of southern Italy’s islands, such as Sicily, Ischia or Sardinia, the water may, however, be a little cool.
Budapest’s Autumn Charm
October temperatures in Budapest are not very high, but the Hungarian capital is a European city that can be explored over a weekend or even a week, given its rich history.
Begin by wandering the streets of the capital, then discover Buda Castle as well as the Fisherman’s Bastion. Enjoy the view of the Danube and Pest, and continue on to one of the city’s many monuments and museums. Budapest’s baths, true institutions, promise a moment of relaxation in a sublime setting.
Our top 10 European countries to go to for All Saints’ Day in October:
- Greece;
- Italy;
- Portugal;
- Spain;
- Southern France;
- Croatia;
- Malta;
- Hungary;
- the Netherlands;
- Albania.
