Perfect Fall Holiday Destinations
Looking to plan an autumn getaway? The fall is a great time to travel as the proper tourist crowds of summer have dispersed yet many destinations are still warm and sunny for much of the season, and everything is less busy, the costs are lower, and there are more options to choose from among our wonderful vacation rentals in Europe. Plus, towards the end of the fall, the ski seasons begin in some of our other destinations so for those who can't wait to start hitting the slopes, there are plenty of great vacation locations. If you're looking for a change of scenery, fresh air, stunning surroundings, opportunities to swim, hike, ski, explore, some peace and quiet, and more then these are the best European destinations for you to visit this autumn!
Italy
Italy, as one of the world's most beloved tourist destinations, is a busy spot in the summer months but as the temperatures drop heading into autumn, the crowds disperse and if you find a vacation rental in Florence or a holiday rental in Rome or a villa rental in Venice in fall you'll find fewer queues, more calm, and lots to see, do, and eat (harvest season means lots of delicious local dishes!) in these great capitals of art and culture. While those wonderful cities definitely deserve a visit, you'll find that if you secure a vacation rental on the Tuscan Coast or a villa in the Cinque Terre it remains warm enough for seaside breaks for the early fall. Those interested in outdoor pursuits will also find that this time of year is perfect for hiking, canoeing, cycling, horseback riding, and other activities that can be a little less pleasant during the hotter months. Plus, the vivid colours of autumn sweeping through the stunning Italian countryside makes it all the more magical to holiday in Italy at this time of year. Browse our vacation rental in the Lakes District of Italy, around Lake Garda, Lake Como or Lake Maggiore, and explore the breathtaking hiking routes of the Alps in the early part of the fall and then go skiing once the ski season begins as we get closer to winter. If you're looking for peace and quiet, great food, beautiful surroundings, lots to see and do, wonderful landscapes to explore, and pleasantly mild weather, an autumn break in Italy is just the thing!
Hot deals in Lake Como Autumn Getaways in Lake Maggiore Our Picks in Lake GardaGreece
Temperatures in Greece also drop somewhat as we go into September and October, however, they remain in the mid to high twenties on average, making Greece one of the best European destinations for those looking for an autumn sun holiday! Find a vacation rental in Crete or a villa in the Ionian Islands and you'll be able to escape to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world while the weather starts to get gloomy elsewhere. Or, if you are interested in other outdoor pursuits, fall is a wonderful time to well and truly explore the unbelievably stunning landscapes of Greece: take a water cruise through the mind-boggling Corinth Canal, drive through the landscape of Metéora that is dominated by towering peaks and massive columns of stone topped by ancient monasteries, find a vacation rental in Peloponnese and hike the astounding Taygetus mountain range, and browse our vacation rentals in the South Aegean and head to the island of Kalymnos for some of the best mountain climbing in the world. Plus, without the crowds of the summer months, this is the best time for that romantic break on any of Greece's stunning islands but without having to join the queues that are found on town clifftops each evening to get a look at the sunset. Still warm, less busy, more peaceful, and just as beautiful, fall is an excellent time to come and explore Greece.
Autumn Deals in Crete Autumn getaways in Ionian Islands Our Picks in the South Aegean
Norway
Speaking of absolutely breathtaking scenery, an autumn break in Norway offers plentiful opportunities to fill your lungs with the freshest of air and surround yourself with the most stunning landscapes possible, though the climate is a little different to our previous two entries. While not particularly warm in fall, the weather in Norway in September and October is usually very pleasant and brisk, perfect weather for exploration and adventure, and ideal for winter sports when it gets colder as we head into the winter months! From the famous fjords to the vibrant cafe scene of Norway's cities, from the country's UNESCO-awarded gems and excellent museums to the Arctic tundra, from the ski resorts to the incredible national parks, from Bergen's wonderful annual food festival in September to the pretty little port towns dotted along the south coast, there is plenty to recommend Norway as a holiday destination and a fall break destination, in particular, but it is the undeniable beauty of Norway's scenery that is its greatest boon. Browse our vacation rentals in Hordaland and plan to eat well in Bergen and then go on to explore Norway's fjords and glaciers, head to a vacation rental in Sogn og Fjordane and discover landscapes so beautiful they attracted visitors from all over since before the advent of international tourism, and secure a vacation rental in Vest-agder to come explore the Norwegian Riviera. Unforgettable, magical, soul-soothing, this is the impossible beauty that is Norway.
Hot deals in Hordaland Autumn Getaways in Sogn og Fjordane Our Picks in Vest-agder
Austria
Similar to Norway, the temperatures that you will likely encounter while in Austria in fall aren't exactly made for working on your tan or lying out by the water all day long. However, finding a vacation rental in Austria in time for an autumn getaway ensures one of the best possible experiences of the country's famously postcard-perfect landscape. Early fall in Austria is a great time to find a vacation rental in Tyrol and to go out hiking and exploring the Alpine landscapes of the region while the weather is mild and the trees turn to stunning golden hues against those famous rolling green hills and staggering blue peaks. Later in the season, as it cools further, you can hit the slopes for some of the best ski facilities in the world and then head to Innsbruck in the evenings for its buzzing nightlife. Fall is also an ideal time to secure a vacation rental in Vienna and to take in the exceptional beauty of the former seat of the Hapsburg Empire and to try and get the best bargains possible in this pricey beauty or to find a vacation rental in lovely Salzburg in order to make a pilgrimage to the birthplace of Mozart and marvel at the city's soaring Baroque architecture. So, whether you are coming to Austria for culture or for those mind-boggling vistas, or for both, you might consider visiting in fall, between the buzz of the summer crowds and the excitable masses that descend for Christmas and the winter season for something a little quieter and a little calmer and yet still impossibly beautiful nonetheless.
Hot deals in Vienna Autumn Getaways in Tyrol Our Picks in Salzburg
No matter what kind of holiday you are looking for in Europe, we have got you covered and, if you have left your annual getaway late or you have been looking for the perfect time to enjoy some of the continent's best destinations without crowds or fuss, we are ready to help you plan the fall vacation of your dreams this year!