Autumn is the best time to travel: fewer tourists, lower prices and milder climates. In this article, find out where to go in autumn 2025: from sunny Puglia and wine festivals in Spain to quiet Corsica, authentic Konitsa in Greece and exotic Essaouira in Morocco

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Autumn is a time when the world becomes a little calmer. In summer, popular resorts are crowded, beaches resemble human anthills, and tickets and hotels cost several times more. But in September and October everything changes: the heat subsides, tourists return home, and the atmosphere becomes truly cozy. This is the ideal period for those who like to combine comfortable weather, lower prices and the opportunity to see the real life of local residents.

The Guardian has compiled a selection of the most interesting destinations for autumn travel. We have supplemented this list with details to help you choose your ideal route.

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Puglia, Italy – Sea Adventures and Olive Festivals

Puglia is the heel of the “Italian boot”. The region is known for its white cities, beaches with crystal clear water and gastronomic traditions. In autumn, people come here not only for the warmth (the sea temperature in September reaches +28°C), but also for the atmosphere of real Italy without the crowds.

In Baia delle Zagare you can enjoy the silence and watch the sun set behind the rocks, and in Polignano a Mare – ride a transparent canoe and see caves that were inaccessible in the summer due to queues. Puglia is also famous for its olive oil festivals: the harvest begins in October, and tourists can take part in tastings and cooking workshops.

Alentejo, Portugal – Silence, Waves and Gastronomy

Alentejo is located between Lisbon and the Algarve, but unlike the latter, there are significantly fewer tourists here. Autumn in the region means a mild climate, ideal for hiking. The popular Rota Vicentina route stretches along the Atlantic coast: you can travel for several days, stopping in small villages and tasting local cuisine.

Alentejo is also suitable for surfing – the waves become more stable, and the beaches are free from crowds. Fans of active recreation will appreciate horseback tours through the vineyards and wine tastings. And in autumn, traditional harvest festivals are celebrated here: game dishes, chestnuts and the famous Portuguese bread and garlic soup – asorda appear on the tables.

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Corsica, France - citadels, beaches and chestnut forests

Corsica in autumn is a combination of warm beaches and mountain routes. In the south of the island is the city of Bonifacio with ancient citadels that seem to grow from snow-white rocks. Here it is worth strolling through the narrow streets, visiting markets with fresh cheese and sausages and ordering a glass of local wine in a cafe.

Autumn is the season for picking chestnuts, so chestnut liqueur, desserts and even baking flour appear on the menus of restaurants. Nature lovers can go hiking in the mountains, where the leaves gradually change color. And on the coast the water is still warm enough for swimming - even in October the temperature reaches +22°C.

Essaouira, Morocco – Eastern Medina and Atlantic Wind

If you want to combine your autumn trip with a touch of the East, you should pay attention to Essaouira. This is a Moroccan city on the Atlantic coast, famous for its medina, which is included in the UNESCO list. Narrow streets, markets with carpets and spices, colorful doors – all this creates an atmosphere of the fairy tale “A Thousand and One Nights”.

In autumn, the temperature here is comfortable, around +24°C, which is ideal for walks. Fresh seafood is sold daily in the port, which is cooked right on the street. For sports fans, Essaouira is a paradise: a stable wind makes it popular among surfers and kitesurfers. And in the evening you can enjoy the sunset with a view of the ancient city walls.

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Axarquia, Spain – White Villages and Wine Festivals

Andalusia is associated with Granada and Seville, but the real treasure is hidden in the Axarquia region. This is the area of ​​white villages scattered in the mountains near Malaga. Autumn here is the time for wine festivals: the town of Competa hosts a grape harvest festival, where you can see traditional winemaking and taste sweet wines.

Axarquia also attracts active travelers: the region has hiking trails, mountain biking and even ziplining through gorges. In autumn, the heat subsides, and you can calmly explore the narrow streets of the villages, where the Moorish flavor has still been preserved. And if you want the sea, the beaches of the Costa del Sol are just around the corner.

Konitsa, Greece – bridges, mountains and authenticity

In the northwestern part of Greece, near the Pindus Mountains, is the town of Konitsa. This is a place where time seems to have stood still. Its symbol is the 19th-century stone bridges that connect the banks of mountain rivers. Autumn is especially picturesque here: the forests are covered with golden leaves, and the air becomes crystal clear.

Konitsa is a real paradise for those who love silence and leisurely walks. Here you can go hiking in the mountains, visit monasteries and small taverns, where the owners treat you with homemade wine and cheese. There are almost no tourists during this period, so you get the feeling that you have discovered a secret known only to locals.

Why is it worth traveling in autumn?

Autumn travel has a number of advantages:

- comfortable climate without exhausting heat;

- absence of crowds and queues in museums, on beaches and at airports;

- lower prices for air tickets and hotels;

- the opportunity to get to know culture and traditions better.

Many countries hold harvest festivals, wine festivals or gastronomic weeks during this period. This is a unique opportunity to taste seasonal dishes and see real life without the “tourist facade”.

Tips for travelers planning a trip in autumn

- Check the entry requirements: some destinations require a visa or insurance.

- Dress in layers: it can be warm during the day, but the evenings are cool.

- Plan ahead: although there are fewer tourists, popular festivals quickly gather guests.

- Consider travel health insurance - in autumn, many people choose active holidays in the mountains or on the waves.

Autumn is a time to discover the world in a new way. In September and October, you can experience the real taste of Italy, France, Portugal, Spain, Greece or Morocco - without the rush and fuss. And if you want to organize your trip as comfortably and safely as possible, we recommend contacting specialists in tourism and migration issues. They will help you take into account all the nuances - from tickets and hotels to visas and insurance.

May your autumn be warm, sunny and full of new discoveries!

Photo - Freepik

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