Where to Travel in Fall: Best European Destinations to Visit

Where to travel in Fall

As the summer crowds fade and the landscapes turn golden, Europe in fall becomes one of the most magical places to explore. Whether you’re drawn to dramatic mountain trails, cozy city cafés, or sun-kissed beaches that still feel like summer, this season offers the perfect mix of beauty and tranquility.

If you’re wondering where to travel in fall, Europe is full of destinations that truly shine between September and November — from alpine hikes and colorful forests to vibrant cities and peaceful islands. It’s the ideal time to slow down, enjoy mild weather, and experience a more authentic side of your favorite places. In this post, I’ll share six of my favorite fall destinations in Europe, grouped by travel style:

  • For hikers: the Dolomites and Madeira
  • For city lovers: Bergen and Lisbon
  • For sunshine seekers: Malta and Mallorca

Each of them offers something special in fall — whether it’s crisp mountain air, cultural charm, or a last dose of vitamin sea.

where to travel in fall

Please note, this post may contain affiliate links.

For Hiking Lovers: Dolomites & Madeira

For City Lovers: Bergen & Lisbon

For Sun Seekers: Malta & Mallorca

For Hiking Lovers: Dolomites & Madeira

If you love hiking, two of the best places to visit in Europe in fall are the Dolomites in Italy and the island of Madeira.

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Dolomites

As the crisp mountain air fills the valleys, the Dolomites transform into a painter’s dream — golden larch trees, quiet trails, and dramatic peaks without the summer crowds. Temperatures are perfect for hiking, ranging between 10–18°C, and you can still enjoy sunny days with breathtaking alpine views.

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Madeira

Meanwhile, Madeira offers a completely different fall vibe: lush green scenery, mild 23–25°C weather, and endless levada walks through misty forests and waterfalls. Whether you prefer rugged mountain landscapes or tropical trails above the Atlantic, both destinations are ideal for a fall adventure filled with nature and tranquility.

where to travel in fall
Dolomites at the end of September

Explore more Dolomites travel tips on my blog - Check it Now

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For City Lovers: Bergen & Lisbon

If you’re wondering where to travel in fall for a charming city break, Bergen and Lisbon are two perfect choices.

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Bergen

In Norway’s fjord capital, Bergen, the colorful wooden houses of Bryggen glow even brighter against the moody autumn skies. Fewer tourists and cozy cafés make it the perfect time to explore the local culture, take a fjord cruise, or ride the Fløibanen funicular for panoramic views of the city surrounded by fiery fall colors.

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Lisbon

Further south, Lisbon offers a completely different atmosphere — warm, sunny days (22–26°C), golden light on the pastel buildings, and just enough breeze to make wandering through Alfama and Belém a pleasure. With fewer crowds and lower prices, fall is ideal for soaking in Lisbon’s charm, hopping on the iconic Tram 28, or joining a Fado night to experience the soul of the city.

where to travel in fall in Europe
Bergen in mid-October

Pro tip - Free Tours in Lisbon

Join a free walking tour with Freetour.com and explore like a local!

Looking for a fun, affordable, and authentic way to discover a new city? Freetour offers a wide range of free walking tours led by passionate local guides — many of whom are independent, freelance professionals. Tours are usually held in English or the guide’s native language, and they’re a fantastic way to meet people and get a deeper understanding of the city’s history, culture, and daily life.

There’s no fixed price — you simply tip the guide at the end based on what you can afford and how much you enjoyed the experience. It’s flexible, fair, and fun!

Browse all free walking tours in Lisbon here: Freetour – Lisbon

For Sun Seekers: Malta & Mallorca

If your idea of the perfect fall in Europe involves sunshine, sea, and relaxation, Malta and Mallorca are unbeatable choices.

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Malta

In Malta, the warm Mediterranean weather often lasts until late October, with daytime temperatures around 25–28°C and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming or snorkeling. Wander through Valletta’s historic streets, explore ancient temples, or take a boat trip to the stunning Blue Lagoon on Comino.

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Mallorca

Meanwhile, Mallorca offers that same late-summer glow but with a calmer, more local vibe. Fall is the ideal time to visit — warm enough for the beach, yet perfect for exploring the island’s charming villages like Sóller or Valldemossa, or taking a scenic coastal hike. Both destinations let you enjoy Europe’s southern sunshine long after summer fades.

where to travel in fall in Europe
Mallorca in early October

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Conclusion

Europe in fall is full of contrasts — golden mountain trails, colorful city streets, and sunlit coastlines where summer seems endless. Whether you dream of hiking through alpine landscapes, wandering through cozy European cities, or soaking up the last rays of sunshine by the sea, fall is the perfect time to travel. The crowds are gone, prices are lower, and every destination shows a more authentic side of itself. So, if you’re still wondering where to travel in fall, let these six places inspire your next getaway. From the Dolomites to Madeira, Bergen to Lisbon, Malta to Mallorca — Europe in fall is waiting to surprise you.

Of course, there are many other destinations that offer wonderful adventures, but these are just my personal favorites.

Car rental – Tip

Search and book a car on one of the popular search portals and find the best deal for you!
Tip – you can book anywhere, but it is important that you take out additional insurance (if you want to) directly with the rental company if possible!
One of my favorite search sites is Discovercars.com, because there are no hidden costs, you can cancel the reservation for free if your travel plans change, and last but not least, they offer rental cars at very reasonable prices. The filters allow you to select the type of card you want to use, the amount of the deposit and the payment terms.

Discovercars.com

Need help planning your trip?

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Here are my favourite sites to use when planning my trips:

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Find your flight: Kiwi or use the airline’s direct website

Book your Hotel: Booking.com and Airbnb

Search for a rental car: Discovercars 

Stay Connected Anywhere: Airalo eSIM

Book an unforgettable experiences: GetYourGuide

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Source: Wandering Linda 
Photos: Wandering Linda
Affiliate Program: Please note, this post may contain affiliate links, which means that I get a small commission on sales generated through this website. This doesn’t increase the price of the service, so if you found my post useful, you’re welcome to start your booking from the link above. Thank you very much for your support!

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