November is not the most obvious time to travel to Europe. It conjures up images of rainy streets and grey skies, but for the thoughtful traveller it can be a great time to visit. There tend to be fewer crowds and cities and towns feel more authentic.
In the north, winter is setting in. The snow starts to fall, and the nights get longer. In the south the sunshine is still clinging on, bringing a golden hue to the beaches where the few lucky travellers make the most of the vitamin D. Evenings are spent around the fire, eating autumn’s offerings of mushrooms and olives and figs.
Whether you are looking for the first snow, a little late-season sunshine, or a taste of local life without the summer rush, these are my picks of the best places to go in Europe in November.
Umbria (Italy) in November
Often called the green heart of Italy, Umbria, just south of Tuscany, offers many of the same hilltop villages and rolling countryside as its better-known neighbour. However, the reduced number of international tourists means it has retained a more authentic feel. It is home to some of the most important churches in Italy, from the Monochrome cathedral of Orvieto to the Basilica in Assisi the destination of thousands of pilgrimages each year.
It is perhaps the best place in Italy to really appreciate the bounty of Autumn harvests. Tables overflow with local produce, from mushrooms and chestnuts to black truffles. The olio novello (new olive oil) runs freely. Menus feature the game of the season like le cinghiale (wild boar) and le Fagiano (pheasant)
Why is Umbria a good place to go in November?
As well as the beautiful Autumn countryside and the fantastic food, November is also when Perugia (the regions capital) hosts the annual chocolate festival Eurochocolate (14-23 November 2025). This takes place in the historic centre of Perugia, overlaying medieval architecture with a celebration of chocolate. The emphasis of the festival is on craftmanship and artisanal producers and it includes tastings and workshops.
How to get to Umbria
The is a small airport in Perugia (PEG) but you will probably find it easier to get flights into Pisa or Florence and hire a car from there. A car is needed to get around the region.
Where to stay in Umbria
The region is not short of hotels and guest houses. November means a drop in prices making it even more attractive. I propose to stay out of the city, and get out into the hills. Roccafiore wine resort and spa overlooks the medieval hilltop town of Todi. As well as a gourmet restaurant this country hotel boasts its own vineyard and offers visits and wine tastings. Prices in November start from 167€/night.
Ruka (Lapland – Finland) in November
Thanks to its extreme northerly location and its reliable snow fall this Finnish ski station has the longest season in Europe (other than glaciers). The runs normally open in October but are reliable from November onwards. The 41 runs and 22 lifts are rarely crowded and there is something for everyone (except perhaps the most adventurous of skiers). Many of the runs are floodlit so even the short daylight hours won’t slow you down. Its also one of the few places in Europe where you can hope to ski downhill whilst looking at the Auror Borealis
For non-skiers there are plenty of other activities, husky sleds, snow mobiles and traditional Finnish saunas.
At the end of the day, you can enjoy traditional local food in the small town of Ruka. This is not the Lapland of Santa grottos rather the land of old-fashioned reindeer farms and locals proud of their heritage.
Why is Ruka a good place to go in November?
If you are hankering after some snow then Ruka is one of the most reliable places in Europe as early as November. And as it isn’t yet high season for the ski station prices are up to 50% less than they are in January.
How to get to Ruka
You can fly to the airport in Kuusamo from Helsinki. Ruka is then a 25km drive (Bus or taxi, there is no need for a car)
Where to stay in Ruka
The Hotel Royal Ruka sits in a peaceful setting just outside the village. A few steps across the road and you will find yourself on the slopes. It has stunning views, roaring fireplaces and food that hits the perfect balance between modern and traditional. Rooms with a view start from 189€ a night in November.
Cyprus in November
If your tastes are more sunshine than snow, then Cyprus is where you should go in November. Summer lasts longer here than the rest of Europe, and even in November the temperature can be in the low 20s°C. At the crossroads between three continents with 340 days of sunshine a year Cyprus is a jewel in the Mediterranean.
Unlike many destinations in the Mediterranean, Paphos remains open through the winter months so you can enjoy the restaurants where Greek and Turkish influences mix to create a local cuisine that is perfectly suited to this time of year.
The costal paths, with their stunning views, are difficult to appreciate in the heat of summer, but November is perfect. Or walk the Aphrodite loop, one of the best hikes on the island. Named after the starting point, a set of natural pools in a grotto underneath an old fig tree where it is said the Goddess Aphrodite once bathed.
History lovers are spoilt with roman ruins and stunning mosaics. Of particular interest is the Saranta Kolones fortress built in 7Ad by the Byzantines to protect from Arab raids. It is part of the Kato Pafos archaeological site which is open year round.
Why is Cyprus a good place to go in November?
The party crowds that towns like Aya Napa are known for have left but the sunshine still lingers. Sea temperatures are still in the 22-24°C range meaning that swimming is still a possibility.
How to get to Cyrpus
There are several airports in Cyrpus, but Larnaca International Airport (LCA) is probably the most convenient for most travellers. Flights are available from many of the European Hubs, as well and Cairo and Dubai. It should be noted that (at the time of writing) Cyprus is not part of the Schengen zone an additional visa may be required.
Where to stay in Cyprus
More chic guest house than hotel, the Hotel Apokryfo in the village of Lofou is the perfect place to stay for an authentic friendly experience. The village is part of the wine-village network so you can participate in some good wine tasting. For golf lovers there are 3 courses in the area. There is an excellent restaurant on site. Rooms start at 170€/night.
Are these the best places to go to in Europe in November?
November is that point in the year where the long winter hasn’t yet started but summer seems a long time ago. In Europe you can take your pick to head towards winter in Finland, or get a last taste of summer in Cyprus. But for true lovers of Autumn, Umbria hits the sweet spot.
Do you think these are the best places to go in November? Where are you heading?
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