September 30, 2024, 5:25 am | Read time: 11 minutes
October heralds the start of fall, and many people want to chase late summer to catch the last summer vibes before the darker months set in. TRAVELBOOK shows twelve of the most beautiful destinations for an October vacation and reveals some hidden gems.
October offers ideal conditions for the last chance of a beach vacation, for which you don’t have to travel so far to be guaranteed good weather. If you prefer to escape the heat and get active on vacation, a trip to the mountains could be a good choice. We have also found the perfect destinations for city breaks, including hidden gems for the perfect vacation in October.
Overview
Three destinations for a beach vacation in October
Marsa Alam
Warm winds, green palm trees, bright blue water, and a colorful underwater world – Marsa Alam is the snorkeling and diving paradise. The highest daily temperatures in October are around 30 degrees Celsius, making the first month of fall perfect for a beach vacation in Marsa Alam. As October is outside the main season, the resorts are also much less crowded. Peace and relaxation are therefore guaranteed! Our tip: In addition to pristine coral reefs and extraordinary fish, Marsa Alam also offers the opportunity to book an excursion into the desert and explore it on a quad bike, for example. An unforgettable experience that often ends with a warming cup of tea and watching the sunset.
Sicily
Island charm, lots of culture, and excellent food – Sicily is the perfect destination for a vacation in October. With temperatures reaching up to 25 degrees Celsius during the day, the island is perfect for a beach vacation in the fall. If the Mediterranean is already too cold for you at this time, you should make sure that your accommodation has a pool to ensure you have fun swimming. An excursion to the nearby nature parks, such as Marco dell’Etna or Marco dei Nebrodi, can provide a change of scenery. The island’s cities are also ideal for extensive shopping trips. Catania, also known as the Black City due to the coloring ashes of Mount Etna, is particularly worth a visit. Our tip: In October, there are many wine festivals in Sicily that you should not miss out on. Most of them are located in the wine regions around Mount Etna. It is also worth hiring a car to explore the island.
Cyprus
Rugged coastlines, lots of charm, and a place full of history – Cyprus is particularly beautiful on a vacation in October. Temperatures still reach up to 30 degrees Celsius, making the island the perfect destination for an October vacation. There are also a number of wine festivals in the mountain villages in October, which are definitely worth a visit. Our tip: Make sure you hire a car for this. A road trip through the mountain villages completes a visit to one of the many charming wine festivals. We particularly recommend the wine-growing village of Koiláni, where the annual Afamia wine festival takes place. The program includes wine tastings, traditional dances, and the production of the specialty palouze, a treat made from grape syrup, flour, cinnamon, rose water, and almonds.
Three destinations for a city trip in October
Valencia
Charming houses, a balmy breeze, and the sea right on the city’s doorstep – October offers a great opportunity to explore Valencia outside the peak season. Temperatures reach up to 26 degrees Celsius during the day, so with a bit of luck, nothing should stand in the way of some beach days, even on a vacation in October. Also, every year on the ninth of October, the Day of the Autonomous Region of Valencia is celebrated. To mark the occasion, performances of regional music and folk dances are held at various locations in the city. Our tip: The Mercado Central is not only one of the largest but is also considered by many to be one of the most beautiful markets in Europe. It is worth arriving early for a visit, as a morning visit exudes a very special charm. You can see and buy a variety of local products, seafood, and fresh fruit.
Also interesting: Why a visit to Marrakech is definitely worthwhile
Marrakech
Green gardens, stately palaces, colorful hustle and bustle, and the typical riads – the mild temperatures in October make a vacation in Marrakech a real hidden gem. During the day it is a maximum of 30 degrees, which is almost cool compared to the temperatures in midsummer! If you decide to spend your vacation in Marrakech, you should definitely opt for a centrally located riad when choosing your accommodation – the choice is huge. In addition to the typical courtyards, riads often have roof terraces from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view over Marrakech. From here you can explore the city as there is so much to see! We particularly recommend a visit to the Moroccan market, known here as the souk. Our tip: Due to its location, a vacation in Marrakech offers the perfect opportunity to spend a night in the nearby desert. There are many local providers and the experience is guaranteed to be unforgettable.
Athens
Charming alleyways, historic architecture, and plenty of culture – Athens is the perfect destination for a vacation in October. With temperatures of no more than 25 degrees Celsius, sightseeing is really fun. When choosing accommodation, we particularly recommend considering the following three districts: Plaka is particularly picturesque, boasts pretty houses and narrow alleyways, and is not as crowded in October as it is during the peak season. Monastiraki is considered to be very lively and is particularly popular for its flea market and many tavernas. For those looking for more upmarket boutiques and galleries, the Kolonaki district could be the right choice, as it is hard to beat in terms of elegance. Our tip: As many concerts and cultural events take place in the fall, it’s worth finding out about them in advance and getting tickets in time if necessary!
Three destinations for an active vacation in October
Czech Republic
Deep forests, beautiful trails, and lots of mountains – the Czech Republic is probably not the first country that comes to mind when people think of an active vacation. Yet, the Czech Republic offers everything you need for a really great active vacation! On a vacation in October, the country is particularly suitable for getting physically active, as temperatures range between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius during the day. If you fancy a hike, there are three popular hiking areas to choose from. Bohemian Switzerland is located in the north-west of the country and boasts deep forests and spectacular viewpoints. The Giant Mountains live up to their name and offer hiking trails for all levels of difficulty. The Šumava National Park is located in the south of the country and is home to dense forests as well as moors and mountains. There are also numerous hiking and cycling trails here. Our tip: The hikes along the rivers and lakes are particularly beautiful.
Mallorca
Deep forests, high mountains, and rugged coastlines – Mallorca shows a completely different side away from the crowds at Ballermann and is perfect for an active October vacation. There is no shortage of options, and if you fancy cycling, golfing, climbing, hiking, and kayaking, you will get your money’s worth here, as the island has plenty to offer. With temperatures reaching a maximum of 25 degrees Celsius, the fall is perfect for this. The Serra de Tramuntana region in particular, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a paradise for hiking and cycling routes. Those who are looking for climbing routes are in good hands on the north-west coast. Here, the areas around Valldemossa and Sóller offer excellent climbing spots for all levels of difficulty. Our tip: In the Artà region and near Alcúdia, there are several riding stables that offer guided tours. Depending on your preference, the riding excursions lead either along the beach or directly into the mountains and forests of Mallorca and are a great experience, especially on vacation in October.
Rhineland
High vineyards, deep river valleys, and expansive landscapes – the Rhineland region shines in all the colors of fall in October. In the middle of it all are beautiful hiking routes that are considered real hidden gems by many. Take the Rheinsteig, for example. This long-distance hiking trail stretches over 320 kilometers along the banks of the Rhine and leads from Bonn to Wiesbaden. Passing beautiful vineyards and forests, the trail leads past castles, all of which offer a great opportunity to stop for a bite to eat. Alternatively, there is also the Eifelsteig. This trail leads from Aachen to Trier and offers a mixture of forests, river valleys, and historical sites. This route is particularly beautiful in October, when the leaves of the forests glow in bright colors. Our tip: the red wine hiking trail! It winds over 35 kilometers through the Ahr Valley, one of Germany’s most famous wine regions. As October is the time of the grape harvest, the famous wine festivals take place amidst the beautiful landscapes. The small town of Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler is a good starting point for anyone who is in the mood for excellent wine.
It doesn't always have to be Spain Wanderlust strikes at these doppelganger locations in Germany
From America to Italy 7 of the world’s most beautiful lakes that still remain hidden gems
Through the Tramuntana mountains GR 221 – the most beautiful long-distance hiking trail on Mallorca
Three hidden gems for an October vacation
Deià
Breathtaking scenery, great weather, and a village that seems inconspicuous at first glance – Deià is our hidden gem for you. The small village, located on the north-west coast of Mallorca, is also known by many as the artists’ village and is hard to beat in terms of beauty. Just a stone’s throw from the Mediterranean, it is above all dreamy, charming, and a little decadent, as it has always attracted artists and creative minds. Around half of the 850 people who live there come from abroad and bear witness to the aftermath of the Bohemian movement of the time. For example, the English poet Robert Graves lived here alongside a number of other well-known painters. The town itself is understated. The old stone houses discreetly house high-end boutiques, galleries, and chic restaurants. October is a particularly good month to spend your vacation in the small village due to the grape harvest and local festivals. In addition, accommodation is significantly cheaper outside the high season. Our tip: Hiring a car is essential! It’s the best way to explore the island from Deià.
Swabian Alb
Rolling hills, vast landscapes, and deep forests – the Swabian Jura shines with unusual beauty in October. Due to its southern location, the autumn months here are unusually sunny by German standards. So if you’re in the mood for a golden fall, you’re in good hands. The Swabian Alb is known above all for its impressive castles, caves, and historic towns. To explore those, the Albsteig trail is particularly suitable. With a length of more than 350 kilometers, it stretches from Donauwörth to Tuttlingen. The highlight and hidden gem of this route is the section around Burg Hohenzollern. You shouldn’t miss out on a stopover here. The Blautopf, Burg Teck and the Bärenhöhle are also worth a visit. Our tip: Flädle soup, cheese spaetzle, and Baden-Württemberg wine!
Bran
Deep, dark forests, high mountains, and ancient castles – the Romanian town of Bran is located in the middle of the Transylvanian Carpathians. It is our hidden gem for a vacation in October for a very specific reason. Bran is home to Bran Castle, also known as Dracula Castle, on the top of a hill. A visit around Halloween is a unique experience, as the entire town celebrates this occasion like no other place. All the hotels and restaurants specialize in the theme of Dracula, giving your vacation an extraordinary entertainment factor. Anyone who is already a fan of Halloween and horror is guaranteed to have a lot of fun here. Whether just for the legend of Dracula or for the breathtaking landscape – Bran is always worth a visit and the perfect destination for a vacation in October. Our tip: Be sure to try the Transylvanian dish sarmale and polenta! But, unfortunately, you won’t get very far without a rental car.