5 Destinations for a Beautiful Fall Getaway

There is something I particularly like about autumn travel in Europe.

The biggest summer crowds begin to disappear, the temperatures are usually more comfortable, and even places you may have already considered visiting can feel completely different.

After years of working in travel, I've also found that autumn is one of those seasons where choosing the right destination matters more than simply choosing somewhere popular.

A city that feels too hot and crowded in July can be wonderful in October. A countryside destination that seems quiet in summer can come alive with harvests, local food and changing colours.

So if you're thinking about an autumn getaway in Europe, here are five destinations I'd consider, depending on the kind of trip you're looking for.

Tuscany, Italy: For Food, Wine and Slow Travel

Tuscany in autumn is a great choice if what you really want is to slow down.

Start in Florence if you want some time in the city, then head into the countryside and spend a few nights in smaller towns or villages.

One of the biggest mistakes I see when planning European trips is trying to fit too many places into too few days. Tuscany is exactly the kind of destination where that approach can take away from the experience.

I'd much rather have time for a long lunch, a vineyard visit or an unplanned stop in a small town than spend the whole day checking the clock.

If you're planning a Tuscan road trip, it's also worth booking accommodation outside the busiest city centres.

Edinburgh, Scotland: For History, Walks and Atmosphere

Edinburgh is one of those cities that doesn't need perfect weather to be enjoyable.

The historic streets, old buildings and darker evenings make it particularly appealing if you enjoy walking, history and cosy places to stop for a coffee or a drink.

I'd give yourself at least three days rather than trying to squeeze Edinburgh into a rushed weekend.

A walk through a quieter neighbourhood, a local café or simply taking a longer route between two places can often become one of the nicest parts of the trip.

If you're staying for longer, you can also use Edinburgh as a starting point for exploring more of Scotland.

Practical tip: autumn weather in Scotland can change quickly, so I'd plan your days around flexibility rather than building an itinerary where every hour depends on being outdoors.

Porto, Portugal: For Food, Wine and a Milder Autumn

If you're looking for an autumn destination in Europe with relatively mild weather, Porto is worth putting on your list.

The city has plenty to keep you busy for a few days, from its historic centre and riverfront to its food and wine scene.

But what makes Porto particularly interesting in autumn is the possibility of combining the city with the Douro Valley.

This is another situation where I wouldn't recommend filling every day with tours. Choose one or two experiences that genuinely interest you and leave some time to explore independently.

For example, you could spend one day discovering Porto on foot and another taking a wine-focused trip into the Douro Valley.

If you're looking for activities, you can compare local experiences before you go:

If you're arriving late or simply don't want to deal with public transport after a long flight, a pre-booked airport transfer can also make the first evening much easier.

Small practical decisions like this are often what make a trip feel easier, especially when you're travelling with luggage.

Finnish Lapland: For Autumn Colours and the First Northern Lights

Autumn in Finnish Lapland is completely different from the summer season and the snowy winter most people associate with the region.

The forests change colour, the days become shorter and the nights start getting dark enough for the Northern Lights season to return.

Rovaniemi can work well as a base if you want to combine nature with easier access to restaurants, accommodation and organised activities.

One thing I'd keep in mind, though, is that the Northern Lights are never guaranteed.

I wouldn't plan a trip to Lapland around the idea that you'll definitely see them on one particular night. Instead, I'd build an itinerary where the destination itself is worth the trip even if the sky doesn't cooperate.

That's a general travel-planning rule I use quite often: don't make one unpredictable experience responsible for the success of your entire holiday.

The Northern Lights may begin to appear in the night sky. If seeing the aurora is on your list, you can explore Northern Lights experiences in Finland and find a tour that suits your trip

And if you're travelling internationally, an eSIM can also be useful in Finland, particularly if you're going to spend time outside the city.

I usually compare a couple of eSIM providers before choosing one. Airalo is a good starting point if you want a straightforward eSim option, while Yesim is worth considering if you're looking for more flexible or unlimited data plans.

The Black Forest, Germany: For Scenic Drives and Small Towns

If your idea of the perfect European autumn getaway involves forests, small towns and scenic roads rather than museums and busy attractions, I'd look at Germany's Black Forest.

Autumn is exactly the kind of season when I would choose a slower itinerary here.

Rent a car, pick a few places you'd genuinely like to see and leave enough time between them to stop when something catches your attention.

For a destination like the Black Forest, I'd also avoid changing hotels every night. Two or three nights in one location can make a road trip feel considerably more relaxed.

Why I Like Travelling in Europe in Autumn

The biggest advantage of travelling in Europe in autumn isn't necessarily that everything is cheaper or quieter.

It depends very much on the destination, the exact dates and whether you're travelling during a local event or school holiday.

For me, the real advantage is the atmosphere.

You're often dealing with more comfortable temperatures than in the middle of summer, and you can experience destinations without everything revolving around peak-season tourism.

It's also a good season for the kind of travel I personally enjoy planning:

• Long lunches instead of rushing between attractions
• Walking through historic streets without overheating
• Countryside road trips
• Food and wine experiences
• Cosy cafés and local restaurants
• Scenic landscapes
• A little more flexibility in the itinerary

And if you're travelling during shoulder season, it's worth comparing flight and hotel prices rather than assuming that a destination will automatically be cheaper.

Planning Your Autumn Trip

Autumn is a wonderful time to explore Europe. That's something I've learned from years of working in travel: the same destination can be perfect for one traveller and completely wrong for another.

If you're not sure how far in advance you should book, have a look at my guide to how far in advance to book a holiday.

If your holiday starts with a long-haul flight, it’s worth checking my guide: practical tips for making a long-haul flight easier.

At Canvas Travel Club, that's exactly how I approach travel planning.

I don't start with a generic itinerary and try to make it fit you.

I start with you, your travel style and what you want from the trip, and build from there.