From Italy to Portugal, Travelgo.gr recommends autumn getaways in Europe for every taste.
Summer may be over, but travel doesn't stop. Autumn is coming and it's perhaps the best season for a getaway to Europe. The cool weather is ideal for sightseeing, while the landscapes take on a special charm with the season's warm colors. Now is the perfect time to visit a European city and admire its sights, architecture, museums, and parks with fewer tourist crowds. Below we suggest 10 wonderful destinations to visit this season, even for a three-day escape.
Florence, Italy
There are some places you can't help but fall in love with at first sight. Florence is one of them. Built on the banks of the Arno River, the capital of Tuscany is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Synonymous with the Renaissance, art, romance, and aesthetics, Florence is a vast and vibrant open-air museum. Its historic center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, brims with unique masterpieces of art and architecture that are worth seeing up close. Florence is also the ideal starting point for a road trip through Tuscany, which in autumn is simply enchanting. From rolling cypress-studded hills to fairytale medieval villages, every corner of this region looks like a living painting. Pisa with its famous tower, Lucca, San Gimignano, and Siena are some of the stops worth adding to your itinerary.
Valletta, Malta
Malta's capital is the ideal destination for a sun-drenched autumn city break. Autumn is an excellent time to visit Valletta, stroll its cobbled lanes, take in the sights, admire the architecture, and learn about the fascinating history of the medieval city that's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the city entrance stands the imposing Valletta City Gate, designed by the renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano. Be sure to visit St. John's Co-Cathedral (a Baroque masterpiece), the impressive Grandmaster's Palace, and the Upper Barrakka Gardens. The city's pulse beats on Strait Street. Settle into its bars and restaurants and snap photos in the red London phone boxes. Your urge to explore will lead you onto the water. Directly across from Valletta, like a postcard, the Three Cities appear: Birgu (Vittoriosa), Senglea (Isla) and Cospicua (Bormla), offering an authentic glimpse of Maltese life.
Prague, Czechia
Set on the banks of the Vltava River, Prague is, as Goethe put it, "the most beautiful jewel in the world's stone crown." When you find yourself in the Czech capital you'll understand why it's considered one of Europe's most beautiful cities. Its distinctive blend of Baroque and Gothic architecture, the highly atmospheric Old Town, the iconic Charles Bridge, the fairytale castle, towers, and churches make you fall for this city at first sight. Autumn is the ideal season to admire the sights of the "Golden City" before the cold and snow make their appearance. The best way to explore Prague is on foot. The city is full of street musicians, while many of the churches host concerts. Next to the Old Town, the Jewish quarter is dotted with synagogues, historic buildings, and traditional cafés.
Lyon, France
France's third-largest city is a beautiful city with distinctive architecture, excellent museums, and a high culinary culture that's worth exploring. Encircled by two rivers (the Rhône and the Saône), Lyon has as its main tourist draw its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you'll lose yourself in secret passageways, marvel at giant murals in various public spaces, and taste flavors and fine wines you'll never forget. From this city began the careers of some of the world's top chefs, such as Paul Bocuse, the creator of nouvelle cuisine. Food lovers put the bouchons high on their list, the rustic restaurants that serve local - and not flashy - dishes. Grab a table at one of them and try coq au vin (wine-braised rooster).
Amsterdam, Netherlands
There's always a good excuse for a getaway to Amsterdam. One of the most beloved destinations in Europe, the Dutch capital offers everything a traveler seeks: distinctive architecture, world-class museums, wonderful parks, rich markets, and a vibrant nightlife. Autumn has its own magic in Amsterdam, with yellow leaves on the trees and the canals taking on warmer colors. What's more, the city's autumn calendar is packed with interesting events. Make a note of Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) in October, which brings together fans of electro, house, and techno music, as well as Museumnacht in November, when 55 of Amsterdam's top museums open after hours.
Hamburg, Germany
Hamburg is Germany's second-largest city by population and its biggest port. It's not coastal, but it's one of the largest and liveliest ports in Europe. The River Elbe runs through the city, flowing for another 100 kilometers before joining the North Sea. It's a city with a long maritime history, wonderful architecture, and cosmopolitan charm. Hamburg has about 2,500 bridges, more than Venice and Amsterdam together! The exceptionally designed buildings (such as the magical Elbphilharmonie, the new Elbe Philharmonic Hall), the old warehouses that have been transformed into museums, restaurants, hotels, and galleries, the lakes, and the lush green parks will make you love this city that resembles no other.
Antwerp, Belgium
Europe's most famous diamond port, a metropolis of fashion and art, Antwerp is a destination worth adding to your list for an autumn escape. It's the second-largest city in Belgium and the capital of the province of Flanders. It doesn't have the canals and tourist fame of Bruges and Ghent, but it has its own unique charm. Far from the tourist crowds of other cities, you'll have the opportunity to get to know the authentic daily life of the locals and see some of the country's most important sights and museums, such as the impressive Grote Markt, Antwerp's iconic railway station (Antwerpen-Centraal), Rubens' House, the Fashion Museum, and the Diamond Museum.
Copenhagen, Denmark
A trip to Copenhagen can deliver unique thrills. Design lovers will be thrilled with the museums and galleries, those who love fairytales will enjoy the romantic canals, palaces, beautiful gardens, and the enchanting atmosphere of the city of the famous storyteller Hans Christian Andersen, while food lovers will discover a fascinating culinary scene. The Danish capital is a thrilling experience for every traveler. Stroll along Nyhavn, Copenhagen's historic New Harbor, see the Viking treasures at the National Museum, visit the TorvehallerneKBH food market, which serves everything - from organic porridge to wonderful smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) - and take a walk in Nørrebro, the multicultural neighborhood that's filled with stylish boutiques, bars, and cafés.
Porto, Portugal
Portugal's second-largest city is a romantic destination worth discovering. Porto will steal your heart with its architecture, rich cultural heritage, exceptional flavors, and world-famous wine. Spread along the mouth of the Douro River, in the north of the country, about 3 hours by train from Lisbon, Porto is one of the oldest European centers and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1996. Take your time enjoying walks by the river, discover Ribeira, the city's most beautiful and historic neighborhood, gaze at the old houses with pastel façades and painted azulejo tiles, and of course taste, wherever you may be, the famous Port wine.
Madrid, Spain
Cosmopolitan and colorful, Madrid can satisfy every type of traveler. With a wealth of impressive sights, great museums, markets, and parks, the Spanish capital is an ideal destination for any season. In autumn, however, Madrid has a special charm. The city's famous parks, such as Casa de Campo and Parque del Retiro, dress in shades of brown and orange, while the cultural agenda is full of interesting events such as the Madrid International Jazz Festival and the Autumn Festival. Madrid is one of those cities that needs time: explore it, wander its streets, squares, and neighborhoods, and let it win you over. Even if you don't love walking, this city will make you love it. After all, it's the best way to discover its charm and... burn off the calories from the tapas you'll consume.
