Traditionally, summer is seen as the vacation season. However, autumn in Europe is just as great as during the hot summer months, when the sun blazes mercilessly, and the city streets are filled with crowds of tourists. On the European continent, there are plenty of amazing places to visit from September through November, but there is a golden list of five cities that are worth visiting for a weekend.
Traditionally, most tourists plan their vacations for the summer period. Yet, autumn in Europe is no less delightful than in June, July, or August, and in some cases, it's even better. Summer is a hot tourist season in both the literal and figurative senses. Many tourist destinations are overcrowded this time of year, and the weather can prevent you from fully enjoying the trip. Walking through a scorching city and examining sights while hiding from the blistering sun is a dubious pleasure.
Therefore, experienced travelers recommend paying attention to the autumn season in Europe. September and October are particularly good months for visits. During this time, the weather remains pleasantly warm, and in some resort cities, you can even relax on the beach.
Barcelona - Beach Vacation in September
Barcelona is considered one of the most popular tourist destinations not just on the European continent but around the world. The capital of Catalonia is beautiful at any time of the year; however, in autumn, the city dresses in vibrant colors, the sun no longer bakes but gently warms, and the streets gradually free up from crowds of tourists. At the end of September and the beginning of October, you can truly enjoy the local color, visit the most iconic places (Gaudi's houses, the Sagrada Familia) without the exhausting queues. Until mid-autumn in Barcelona, you can bask on the beach. Only by October does the water temperature drop to +22°C.
Enchanting Autumn Berlin
Berlin is one of those cities that even benefits from autumnal grayness and dampness. So, feel free to head to the German capital in the fall and don't worry about getting caught in the rain. Especially since the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, and Reichstag in Berlin look even more picturesque against the backdrop of golden foliage and autumn skies. Don't forget the magical German nature - endless forests and mountains around the capital dress in fiery clothing and captivate from the first glance. You can combine your trip to Berlin with a visit to the world-renowned Oktoberfest beer festival, held annually in Munich from the second half of September to the first days of October.
Velvet Season in Venice
In September, the city enjoys the velvet season, making it definitely worth visiting precisely in the autumn. In summer, moving around Venice is difficult: squares and narrow streets are overcrowded with tourists, and exhausting queues are everywhere. It's also worth noting that from mid-November, the city experiences the high water season, although this does not deter some curious tourists but, on the contrary, attracts them.
Bordeaux - The Land of Winemaking
For lovers of the province and green tourism in autumn, it's worth paying attention to such colorful regions of Europe as Provence, Tuscany, or Bordeaux. I will delve deeper into the latter region and the city of Bordeaux today. Here, the best grapes are grown, from which exquisite wines are made. In this region, you might stumble upon charming villages where elite cheeses are made or truffles are gathered. In Bordeaux, life flows leisurely and unhurriedly, and in the autumn, all the colors and flavors of the region become more intense.
Majorca - A Paradise for Seafood Lovers
For a leisurely family vacation in the first half of autumn, the island of Majorca, which is part of Spain, is perfect. In September, it's wonderfully warm enough to splash in the sea and sunbathe, yet cool enough for planning an extended walk around Palma de Majorca or a trip around the island. Moreover, Majorca is a paradise for seafood lovers.
