Best European Cities for an Uncrowded Autumn Getaway

Bell | 12 August 24

Many of these places are overrun in summer as hoards of tourists head for their “European summer”. The perfect time to see some of the hotspots in Europe is in autumn when fewer people are around and the weather is still warm.

European summer has quickly gained a reputation over the past few years, bringing more and more tourists to Greece, Italy and France, to name a few. A few cities like Barcelona have even started protesting against the masses of tourists they have to endure each summer, saying it gets unbearably busy.

A better alternative is visiting in autumn, the off-season when crowds and tourist spending are massively reduced. You will be able to get much more out of your holiday as well as a more relaxed experience with the locals.

Additionally, a lot of the places mentioned get so hot during the summer months that you have to be inside during the midday heat. In autumn, they are instead pleasantly warm and the water temperatures are perfect.

Table of Contents

Best places to visit in Europe in Autumn

Santorini in Greece

When I think of European Summer, I think of Santorini. It dominates Instagram during those months, with stunning shots of the whitewashed edifices and blue domes against the crystal clear water. However, what isn’t shown is the insane crowds behind the scenes. People crammed together on a rooftop to get a glimpse of the sunset.

If you still want to witness the sheer beauty of this place without standing nose to nose with other tourists, visit in autumn. It’s the off-season (starting around October) and hence less busy, plus hotels are often a little cheaper. And don’t worry – it’s still super warm and even the water is good for swimming.

Top Tip

Check out the Sunset Hotel and the Reverie Santorini Hotel in Firostefani for gorgeous views at a fair price. This part of Santorini is close enough to the hustle and bustle without the prices or crowds that come with staying right in the tourist hotspots.

Florence in Italy

I recently spoke to a friend from Florence who said the city has become “totally unmanageable” during the summer. It is extremely crowded, hot and sticky. Which is a shame, as it is one of my all-time favourite cities.

Hence why I would recommend visiting in the fall when crowds are less and the weather pleasant. During this time, it is much easier to get tickets to the Duomo and Uffizi Galleries. On top of all that, it is also the start of the wine and olive oil seasons – what more could you want!

Lisbon in Portugal

The hills of Lisbon can quickly turn into your personal nightmare on the extremely hot summer days, but are much more manageable during the fall. It is still sunny with mild temperatures, but now you are actually able to walk around the city without risking heat stroke.

One thing you have to do while in Lisbon is take a day trip to Pena Palace, which is located in the nearby Sintra. During the off-season, the trip is a lot more relaxed and you get the backdrop of the colourful leaves against the colourful castle.

Split in Croatia

With temperatures in the 20°s and water temperatures ranging around the same, Split is another sunny getaway for the fall. Croatia has also been seeing an increasing number of tourists, making it pretty crowded and hectic during summer. In autumn, the cities become quieter and tours more manageable again.

Split is a beautiful city in itself, however, it is also the perfect gateway for some of Croatia’s most beautiful day trips. I have linked some of my favourites below, including the Plitvice Lakes National Park which I would highly recommend in the off-season as it turns into one long queue in the summer:

Nice in France

When I think of Nice, I think of the Gatorade blue water, stunning beaches and romantic luxury. In the summer months, even hostels in the city cost around 70€ per night, which feels like daylight robbery.

In September, hostel prices fall to around 40€ per night (Hostel Ozz Nice) as the city calms slightly. You can even get a nice hotel for a reasonable price, like the Hôtel Danemark.

I’d go as far as saying Autumn is the perfect time to do the whole of the French Riviera. Temperatures are still warm and crowds are less, meaning you can get a spot on the beach and even a restaurant reservation at a normal time! Plus, the water temperature is still a cosy 20°.

Prague in Czechia

A little different to the other places on this list, Prague isn’t a beach spot in autumn (or ever really). Instead, it is one of the most beautiful cities I have visited in the fall as the leaves turn orange and match the colourful rooftops of this city.

At night, the city has a moody feel in autumn, making it perfect for ghost tours and even Halloween.

Seville in Spain

The weather in Seville still averages a lovely 25° in September and October, making it perfect for one last sunny getaway. In addition, room prices are at their lowest during this time, meaning you have more to spend for the delicious food you can find here.

Seville is located in the stunning region of Andalusia, which makes for beautiful day trips and when you head inland, some of the most impressive fall foliage I have ever seen.

Where to stay

For a unique, central and well-priced stay, head to Welldone Antiquarium, or for a luxurious stay Barceló Sevilla Renacimiento.

For my budget travellers, check out the Black Swan Hostel Sevilla.