Alternative destinations in Europe that can offer you new and exciting experiences this autumn.
A trip to Europe is just perfect for autumn. Rome, Paris, Amsterdam, Budapest and London are just a few of the famous European cities at the forefront of tourist destinations for autumn - and not only- trips. But if you're looking for an escape beyond the ordinary, there are many more choices and destinations you may never have thought to visit. The destinations presented below brim with beauty, culture, and attractions that can satisfy even the most demanding traveler.
Algarve, Portugal
With impressive coastlines, golden-red sands, picturesque villages, and an excellent climate all year round, Algarve is one of the most beautiful regions in Portugal and one of southern Europe's most popular summer resorts. Early autumn is an excellent time to discover it, since the season's warm temperatures will let you enjoy the area's stunning beaches without the summer crowds. Portugal's southernmost province includes the cities of Faro, Lagos and Portimao and is the birthplace of the great navigator Bartolomeu Dias. The Algarve is also one of the best places in Portugal for family holidays, with many child-friendly beaches, water parks, and more.
Umbria, Italy
Umbria, Tuscany's charming neighbor, offers travelers a rich gastronomic experience. And autumn is the best season to savor it. The rolling hills and walled towns, such as Orvieto, Amelia and Narni, are bathed in golden light and free of crowds. Tables fill with wonderful local produce (lentils, beans and mushrooms, chestnuts and black truffles, saffron and olive oil from the latest harvest) and the grape harvest is in full swing. Now is the ideal time to follow the Strada del Sagrantino wine routes and visit vineyards and medieval villages for tastings. And then there's... chocolate! In November, Umbria's capital, Perugia, hosts Eurochocolate, a celebration for die-hard chocolate lovers.
Bordeaux, France
Victor Hugo once described it as the city with «the sweet horizon, the magnificent sky and the warmth of the sun that you can't help but fall in love with». The French affectionately call it «la belle dormante», that is «Sleeping Beauty». Built on the banks of the Garonne, in southwestern France, Bordeaux is a city synonymous with fine wine. Annual production reaches 800 million bottles, while some labels rank among the world's most expensive. At the region's wineries you'll discover beautiful cellars and taste outstanding wines. Bordeaux is also home to the world's largest wine museum, La Cite du Vin, which opened in 2016. Beyond that, the city has more than 350 historic buildings and monuments worth seeing.
Transylvania, Romania
In the heart of Romania lies a place both captivating and mysterious, that fires the imagination. Bordered to the south and east by the Carpathian range, Transylvania is known for the unparalleled beauty of its landscapes as well as its rich history. Dense forests, medieval towns, imposing castles, and the legend of Count Dracula enthrall visitors. Transylvania looks wonderful when summer ends and the harvest festivals begin. Those who want a taste of life in a Romanian village can choose a farmhouse for their stay. Autumn is the right time for a tour of the region's historic towns, starting with Cluj-Napoca and continuing with Sibiu, Brasov and Sighisoara. The area holds surprises for driving enthusiasts too: the hairpin-packed Transfagarasan road is a challenge for drivers and introduces visitors to landscapes of unique beauty.
