Discover Europe in Autumn with our adventure trips

Get advice

Estelle Torterotot

Travel expert in France and Switzerland

Write

Giovanna Crippa

Product Manager Europe

Write

Kristiina Gaillard

Alps and Scandinavia travel expert

Write

Why travel in the autumn?

Choosing to travel in autumn, often called the shoulder season, comes with a wealth of benefits. You’ll experience more pleasant, milder weather ideal for active pursuits like hiking and cycling. Popular destinations are less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed and authentic experience where you can connect with local life. It’s also a feast for the senses, with landscapes bathed in spectacular autumn colors and harvest season in full swing, especially in the renowned wine regions of France and Italy.

Our active travel styles for your autumn getaway

With Grand Angle, you can explore Europe at your own pace, choosing the travel style that best suits your vision of adventure.

Freedom on a self-guided trip

Our self-guided tours in Europe offer the perfect balance of independence and support. We take care of all the logistics, including booking charming accommodations and arranging daily luggage transfers. You simply focus on the journey, guided by a detailed roadbook and digital navigation. This formula allows you to fully immerse yourself in the landscapes, whether on a self-guided walking holiday or a scenic bike tour.

Conviviality on a guided group trip

If you prefer a shared experience, our guided tours in Europe bring together small groups of like-minded travelers. Led by an expert local guide, you’ll gain deeper insights into the culture and nature of your destination while enjoying a friendly and supportive atmosphere. It’s an ideal way to discover incredible places, like our guided hiking tours in Greece, without worrying about any of the planning.

Where to go hiking or cycling this autumn?

From sun-drenched Mediterranean islands to iconic continental trails, autumn offers a diverse palette of destinations for your next active holiday.

Autumn cycling tours: vineyards and river paths

The crisp air and golden foliage make autumn a spectacular time for a cycling trip. Pedal along historic waterways like on the Danube River by bike from Passau to Vienna, or explore world-famous vineyards during the harvest season. Destinations like the Loire Valley and Tuscany offer gentle routes through landscapes rich in culture and gastronomy.

Autumn hiking trips: coastal trails and pilgrimage routes

The milder temperatures in autumn are perfect for hiking. Explore the stunning coastlines of Italy with a hike in the Cinque Terre or discover the ancient paths of the Greek islands. A self-guided walk through the Cyclades is particularly rewarding in the off-season, as detailed in our blog post about visiting the Cyclades in the low season. For a truly iconic journey, consider walking a section of the Camino Francés to Santiago de Compostela, a pilgrimage route that is especially peaceful during the autumn months.

Practical advice for your autumn trip

When is the best time to go?

The autumn season spans from September to November, each month offering a unique experience. September often feels like an extension of summer, with warm and sunny conditions ideal for Mediterranean destinations. October brings peak autumn colors to many parts of Europe, along with cooler, crisp air. By November, the season is winding down, offering solitude and lower prices in many regions.

What to pack for your active holiday?

Layering is the key to comfort during autumn in Europe, as temperatures can change throughout the day. Be sure to pack a mix of lightweight shirts, warmer mid-layers like a fleece, and a waterproof and windproof outer jacket. Comfortable, broken-in footwear is essential. For more detailed suggestions, check out our expert guides on what to include in your day hike packing list and your bike trip packing list.

Explore further with Grand Angle

Travelers who appreciate the mild weather and quiet trails of an autumn adventure often find that spring in Europe offers a similar appeal, with blooming wildflowers and pleasant temperatures. If you enjoy exploring Europe’s iconic landscapes, you might also be interested in our trips to Portugal or our adventure tours in Italy, both of which offer fantastic routes for hiking and cycling. Many of our destinations offer complementary activities; for instance, if you loved a hiking trip in Greece, why not return to discover its islands on a cycling holiday in Greece?