Whilst September is still Summer in much of Europe October is firmly in Autumn, and is none the worse for it. Travelling to Europe in October is all about the Autumn scenery, the colours of the foliage and the changing of the light. Its a time of year when the food changes as well: out go the salads and the summer vegetables and in come the chestnuts, mushrooms and truffles.
European cities take on another look as the nights draw in and the lights go on, adding a charm to the evenings that is missing in the summer months. Whilst the weather also takes a turn, some might say for the worse, it rarely rains all day every day and as long as one comes prepared it rarely ruins the trip. If you are concerned about rain, then Ireland and the Atlantic coast are probably not the best choices in the Autumn months.
October is one of my favourite months, I love hiking through the forests as the foliage turns a golden hue, and getting the first smell of wood smoke as the nights turn colder. These are my picks of the best places to go in Europe in October.
Slovenia
There is a word in French “sylvothérapie”, which in English is best described as forest therapy or forest bathing. It is speaks of the beneficial effect of interacting with trees in a forest. There is no better place to practice this forest bathing than in Slovenia which is over 60% forest. In Autumn these forests turn into a kaleidoscope of colours, particularly around the fairytale lake of Bled. A walk around the lake only takes about an hour and a half and gives you various great perspectives of the lake reflecting the fabulous Autumn colours.
If the weather permits you can also visit the Vintgar gorge, one of the most important tourist spots in Slovenia. The Radovna River runs through waterfalls, pools and rapids in a stunning display of nature’s power. You can walk there from lake Bled (its about 4km) or take the regular shuttle bus.
If you prefer bathing of the water kind then you are in for a treat in Slovenia. There are numerous thermal baths to sooth your muscles and your soul. At lake Bled you have the Grand Hotel Toplice, which has a thermal pool, fed by a natural source, overlooking the lake. Further way, about 2 hours east of Bled near the border with Croatia, is the source of Rogaška Slatina. The first thermal baths opened here in 1803 and the noble and aristocratic families from as far away as Russia and Egypt would come to take the waters for their health. The town, once extremely elegant, shows distinct signs of wear, but rejuvenation is happening and there are some world class spas in the area.
Why is Slovenia a good place to go in October?
The Autumn colours really bring out the beauty of this small European Country (Slovenia is smaller than Belgium). Parts of the country, particularly Bled, are starting to suffer from over tourism particularly in the peak months. October avoids most of the crowds allowing you to enjoy the picturesque scenery.
How to get to Slovenia
You can fly to the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, which can be reached by plane from many of the main European hubs, notably Paris, London, Munich and Zurich. There are trains from there to both Bled and Rogaška Slatina but a rental car is the easiest way to get around.
Where to stay in Slovenia
In Bled staying at the Grand Hotel Toplice allows you to make the most of the views and the thermal baths. Rooms in October start from 213€/night
In Rogaška Slatina the boutique hotel Atlantida features a spa and wellness centre with indoor pool, sauna, whirlpool and à la carte restaurant.
Bastia – Corsica
Corsica is nicknamed the Ile de Beauté or Island of Beauty. Bastia, whilst very well known to French tourists, sees little of the international travellers that visit the Mediterranean island(with the exception of some Italian visitors who come because of the ferry links). This makes Bastia feel more local, more tied to the Corsican way of life, than other destinations on the island.
Bastia is what you would get if the Provençal city of Marseille and the Italian city of Genoa got together and had a love child. Nestled between the sea and the mountains this is a true Mediterranean gem.
When you spend time in Bastia, you walk in the footsteps of a past steeped in diverse traditions. In the maze of narrow streets around the Old Port or along the seaside promenade, you are transported from one influence to another: from the shaded porch of a church to the huge maritime esplanade of Place Saint-Nicolas, from the old Genoese facades painted in bright colours to the bustling market square, there is a strong Italian influence in its lively old town. Visiting Bastia also means discovering architectural treasures, such as in the interiors of the Oratoire de la confrérie Sainte-Croix de Bastia, that have remained intact, preserved on the island when churches on the mainland were destroyed during the French Revolution.
Bastia is the gateway to the Cap Corse, a micro region in the north reminiscent of certain parts of Greece. Here you will find the charming villages of Erbalunga, Centuri, Nonza and many others. You could take the path of the customs officers (Sentir des douaniers) a 19km coastal walk in a protected environment, or relax on the beach at Saint Florent and enjoy one of the best ice-creams you will ever taste (La Gelateria de Saint-Florent, 1 Rue Furnellu). In October this part of the Mediterranean is still warm enough for most swimmers.
Why is Bastia a good place to go in October?
The weather in October is still mild, usually around 18–22°C (64–72°F), the summer crowds have gone, leaving an authentic city that glitters in the lingering Mediterranean light. October is olive and chestnut season and the local markets abound with Autumn produce.
How to get to Bastia
Bastia is one of Corsica’s main entry points, with direct ferry links to Marseille, Toulon, Nice, and even Genoa and Livorno in Italy. You can fly to Bastia from many of France’s regional airports as well as from Munich, Berlin and Rotterdam.
If you want to explore the Cap Corse a hire car is advisable.
Where to stay in Bastia
My choice would be the Hotel les Gouverneurs for a great view over the harbour; make the most of low season rates at 141€/night. Not only is this in a stunning location, I like the fact it is walking distance to the restaurants on the old port.
Transilvania
October is, of course, halloween. So what is the best place in Europe to go to for Halloween? Transilvania in Romania seems like a very good choice. Not only does it have the obvious links to Dracula (Bram Stoker describes the Count’s castle perched high above a valley on the edge of a cliff in Transylvania) but it also hosts a halloween festival.
Transylvania is a historical region in central Romania, bordered by the Carpathian Mountains on three sides. During the Middle Ages, Transylvania was a frontier zone of the Kingdom of Hungary, with fortresses built to defend against Ottoman incursions. Large communities of Hungarians (Magyars) and Transylvanian Saxons (German settlers) left a strong cultural and architectural imprint, still visible in fortified churches, towns, and castles.
The halloween festival or takes place in the town of Brasov in the middle of the region of Transilvania. Brasov is a European medieval town, ringed by thick walls and defensive towers, but set against a dramatic mountain backdrop. It is one of Romania’s best best-preserved historic centers, with cobbled streets and pastel baroque houses. The festival, which takes place 31 October 2025, features pumpkin carving & painting workshops and food stands featuring pumpkin dishes. This is a local festival, not on an international scale, which makes it all the more charming.
Brasov is known by tourists for its proximity to Bran castle, also known as Dracula’s castle. Whilst Bram Stoker didn’t mention any castle in particular, Bran castle matches the image it portrays, with medieval fortress on a rocky hill, overlooking a valley, with turrets and narrow stairways. The tourist board back in the 1970’s decided to market it as Dracula’s castle, helped no doubt by the similarity in the name to that of the author and its link to Vlad the Impaler, upon whom Stoker loosely based the vampire character. Today, Bran Castle’s official site embraces this identity with a “Dracula connection” exhibition, even while stressing the historical truth about Vlad and the castle.
You can get to the castle by bus from Brasov, or a taxi will cost 20€ each way. Entrance tickets cost 12€ plus 2€ for the tourture chambers.
Why is Transilvania a good place to go in October?
I think Transilvania is a cool place to visit for Halloween, but it is also a great place with a mix of urbain charm and mountain setting. Cable cars take you from the city to the mountain side to better appreciate the Autumn colours and there are plenty of hikes to take in the area. Transylvanian food is hearty, warming, and really does fit the Autumn mood, with stew and game and mushrooms featuring heavily. The local Tiuça plum brandy is distilled in Autumn and is often offered to guests as a welcome drink.
How to get to Transilvania
The best way to get to Transilvania is to fly to the capital of Romania, Bucharest, then either take the train to Brasov or hire a car.
Where to stay in Transilvania
The Pines is a small boutique guest house with fabulous views of the surrounding area. Rooms in October cost 88€.
Are these the best places to go to in Europe in October?
October is the sweet spot of Autumn, where the forests turn the fabulous colours but winter is still in the distance. It is a great time to visit Europe, and these three destinations show Europe off to its best. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t go elsewhere in October. All of the major cities in Europe, from Lisbon to Athens, from Copenhagen to Rome, have advantages for visitors in October. The crowds and the prices drop and the cities seem to become more authentic again.
Do you think these are the best places to go in Europe in October?
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