- Details
- Written by: Sophie Nicholson
Autumn is hands-down one of the best times of year to travel - temperatures are cooler, trails are quieter, and landscapes blaze with colour from Japan to the Julian Alps. In short, it’s shoulder season at its finest: chilled, colourful, and ideal for active folks looking to get properly stuck into the outdoors.
Following on from our August Adventures feature, this guide turns the spotlight on the best places to travel in autumn - off-peak destinations that come into their own when summer winds down.
"It’s shoulder season at its finest: chilled, colourful, and ideal for active folks looking to get properly stuck into the outdoors"
Whether you're wondering where to travel in September for one last hit of sunshine, searching for October travel destinations that mix mellow weather with maximum adventure, or plotting a crisp, pre-festive November escape, autumn is the best season for an active break without the crowds.
From wild hikes in Montenegro’s golden mountains to wine-fuelled rides through Portugal’s Douro Valley, these ten autumn travel destinations are perfect for walkers, runners, cyclists, paddlers - and anyone who likes their adventures on the quieter, cooler side.....
- Montenegro - Balkan beauty, autumn colours, empty trails
- The Highlands, Scotland – Mist, stags and solitude
- The Douro Valley, Portugal – Golden vines and riverside rides
- North Macedonia – Lakes, hills and hidden trails
- New England, USA – Leaf-peeping, trail-running Americana
- West Sweden – Islands, forests and wild swims
- Japan’s Nakasendo Trail – Maple magic and mountain villages
- Andalucía, Spain – Autumn tapas and trails
- The Lake District, England – Fiery fells and fell-running
- The Peloponnese, Greece – Myth, mountain paths and mellow weather
Montenegro - Balkan beauty, autumn colours, empty trails
Temperature in autumn: 15–25°C in September, 10–20°C in October
Travel time from the UK: Approx. 2.5 hrs flight
Book a flight: Ryanair and Jet2 to Tivat or Podgorica; easyJet to Dubrovnik (for access to the Bay of Kotor)
Time difference: GMT +1
Why now?
Montenegro in autumn is a Balkan belter - warm seas, forested national parks on fire with autumn colours, and medieval towns brilliantly free from the summer crowds. September still feels like summer on the Adriatic coast, while the highlands of Durmitor and Biogradska Gora burst into colour, with trails quiet and the air crisp.
Wine and olive harvests are in full swing, the lakes are mirror-calm, and the UNESCO-listed towns like Kotor and Perast regain their soul after the cruise ships depart. Hikers, bikers and paddlers get the best of all worlds - sunshine, solitude, and stunning scenery.
Active highlight:
Hike the alpine trails of Durmitor National Park - the summit of Bobotov Kuk (2,523m) offers panoramic views stretching from the Adriatic to Serbia. For a gentler adventure fix, explore the old military paths around the Bay of Kotor on foot or by e-bike.
Where to stay:
Stay at Eco Camp Grab for riverside glamping and whitewater rafting on the Tara Canyon. For something more chilled, base yourself at Huma Kotor Bay Hotel - a sleek boutique option right on the bay with kayaks, SUPs and swim spots at your doorstep.
The Highlands, Scotland – Mist, stags and solitude
Temperature in autumn: 8–15°C in September, 3–10°C in October
Travel time from the UK: 1–2 hrs by air, or a scenic drive north
Book a journey: Flights to Inverness or Glasgow; or take the Caledonian Sleeper train for an overnight adventure
Time difference: GMT
Why now?
Autumn in the Scottish Highlands is raw, wild, and wildly underrated. As summer fades, the glens fall silent and the stags start roaring - a guttural soundtrack to the rutting season. Mist rolls off lochs in the morning, hills blaze with copper bracken and golden larch, the dreaded midgies are long-gone, and the trails are quiet once more.
It's the perfect time to slow things down and soak it all in - whether you’re hiking in Torridon, trail running in Assynt or simply sipping a peaty dram by the fire. For more inspiration on walking in Scotland’s wilder corners, check out our guide to exploring the wee country’s big terrain.
Active highlight:
Tackle a section of the Cape Wrath Trail - arguably the UK’s wildest long-distance route - or walk into Coire Mhic Fhearchair below Beinn Eighe for one of the most dramatic mountain amphitheatres in the country.
Where to stay:
Stay at The Torridon, a luxury retreat with serious adventure credentials - mountain guides on hand, sea kayaks ready, and whisky flowing by night. Or if you really want to push the proverbial boat out, why not sleep like royalty in an incredible Scottish castle hotel?!
Prefer things more stripped-back? Book a remote eco-pod through Airbnb or check out The Mountain Bothies Association for a simple, elemental escape. Looking for bothy inspo? Have a look at our Top 10 Bothies in Scotland for some of the wildest spots to spend a night.
The Douro Valley, Portugal – Golden vines and riverside rides
Temperature in autumn: 20–28°C in September, 15–23°C in October
Travel time from the UK: Approx. 2.5 hrs flight
Book a flight: Ryanair or easyJet to Porto
Time difference: GMT +1
Why now?
If golden hour were a place, it would be the Douro Valley in autumn. As September rolls in, the steep riverbanks turn flame-coloured, harvest season kicks off, and the air is warm enough for riverside adventures without breaking a sweat. It's an ideal time to cycle, paddle, or hike your way through vineyard country - stopping often, of course, to sample the region’s famed Port and vinho verde.
With fewer tourists, uncrowded trails and villages that feel like they've barely changed in a century, it’s a far cry from Portugal’s more touristy coast. Base yourself in a quinta, hop between wineries, and let the rhythm of the river set your pace.
Active highlight:
Hire a gravel or e-bike and cycle the N222—often dubbed one of the world’s most scenic roads—as it hugs the Douro River. For walkers, the São Cristóvão do Douro Trail winds through olive groves, vineyards and medieval villages with epic valley views.
Where to stay:
Bed down at Quinta do Vallado, a working vineyard with stylish rooms, a saltwater pool, and wine tastings that might just leave you needing to book a second night!
North Macedonia – Lakes, hills and hidden trails
Temperature in autumn: 20–28°C in September, 14–22°C in October
Travel time from the UK: Approx. 3 hrs flight
Book a flight: Wizz Air to Skopje or Ohrid
Time difference: GMT +1
Why now?
North Macedonia might be one of the Balkans’ best-kept secrets - especially in autumn. Temperatures stay toasty well into October, the trails are all but empty, and there’s a richness of culture, landscape and food that rivals anywhere in the region.
Spend your mornings hiking above Lake Ohrid or through Mavrovo National Park, then refuel on grilled peppers, slow-cooked meats and dangerous local wine in a quiet village square. It’s slower, cheaper and more low-key than nearby hotspots - and all the better for it.
Active highlight:
Explore the Shar Mountains, North Macedonia’s new national park, with peaks over 2,700m and remote ridgelines that feel truly wild. Alternatively, hike or run the scenic trails above Lake Ohrid, where monasteries and Byzantine churches dot the hillside.
Where to stay:
Base yourself in Ohrid’s old town, with a stay at Villa Varosh - a stylish guesthouse with lake views, stone balconies and trail access right from the doorstep.
New England, USA – Leaf-peeping, trail-running Americana
Temperature in autumn: 10–22°C in September, 5–15°C in October
Travel time from the UK: Approx. 7 hrs flight
Book a flight: British Airways, Delta or JetBlue to Boston
Time difference: GMT –5
Why now?
Nowhere does autumn quite like New England. Every year, its forests explode in a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges and golds that draws leaf-lovers from across the globe - but there's much more than just foliage to explore.
The region’s vast trail networks, historic mountain huts, and postcard-perfect towns offer the ultimate mix of wilderness and Americana. Go for a run in the White Mountains, paddleboard across a misty lake in Vermont, or summit Mount Monadnock - one of the most climbed peaks in the world - for a fiery treetop panorama you won’t forget.
Active highlight:
Trail run or hike a section of the Appalachian Trail as it weaves through New Hampshire and Massachusetts, or tackle a classic ridge walk in the Presidential Range for a real taste of backcountry New England.
Where to stay:
Book into AMC Highland Center Lodge in Crawford Notch, New Hampshire - it’s right on the trail network and offers bunk rooms, hot meals, and excellent access to the White Mountains. Or, for classic New England charm, try a heritage inn in Stowe, Vermont.
West Sweden – Islands, forests and wild swims
Temperature in autumn: 15–20°C in September, 8–14°C in October
Travel time from the UK: Approx. 2 hrs flight
Book a flight: Ryanair or SAS to Gothenburg
Time difference: GMT +1
Why now?
Sweden’s west coast is a dream in autumn - quieter, cooler and bathed in that famous Scandinavian golden light. The summer crowds have retreated, but the sea’s still warm(ish), the forests are glowing, and the sauna-and-swim culture is in full swing.
From the pink granite archipelago of Bohuslän to the inland lakes of Dalsland, it’s a season for slow adventure - hiking through mossy pinewoods, kayaking island to island, or foraging for mushrooms and lingonberries before warming up in a wood-fired sauna. And when you’re back in the UK, you can keep the tradition going - check out our guide to the best beach saunas for a post-swim warm-up.
Active highlight:
Paddle the Dalsland Canoe Trail, a chain of lakes, rivers and forest inlets linked together by a 100km+ canoe route. Or explore the Kosterhavet Marine National Park by sea kayak, spotting seals and cycling quiet island lanes.
Where to stay:
Stay at Lådfabriken - a colourful, design-led B&B in a former boat factory on the Bohuslän coast. It offers local food, art, and access to brilliant coastal walks and swims.
Japan’s Nakasendo Trail – Maple magic and mountain villages
Temperature in autumn: 15–25°C in September, 10–20°C in October
Travel time from the UK: Approx. 12 hrs flight
Book a flight: British Airways, ANA or Japan Airlines to Tokyo
Time difference: GMT +9
Why now?
Autumn in Japan is all about the kōyō - the changing of the leaves - and the Nakasendo Trail might just be the best way to experience it. This ancient walking route once connected Kyoto and Tokyo through the Kiso Valley, and today it winds past cedar forests, waterfalls, and perfectly preserved Edo-era post towns.
In October and early November, the path glows with crimson maples and golden ginkgo trees, the air is cool and clear, and traditional ryokan inns offer warm welcomes, steaming onsen, and exquisite seasonal meals.
Active highlight:
Walk the section between Magome and Tsumago, a gentle 8km stretch with beautifully restored villages and forested hills. For something more ambitious, link multiple days and stay in local ryokans along the way - luggage forwarding makes it all gloriously easy.
Where to stay:
Stay at a traditional ryokan in Tsumago or Kiso-Fukushima. Fujioto Ryokan in Tsumago is a favourite, with tatami rooms, local dishes, and the kind of hospitality that makes you want to stay forever.
Andalucía, Spain – Autumn tapas and trails
Temperature in autumn: 25–30°C in September, 18–26°C in October
Travel time from the UK: Approx. 2.5 hrs flight
Book a flight: easyJet, Ryanair or Vueling to Málaga, Seville or Granada
Time difference: GMT +1
Why now?
Andalucía in autumn is a different beast entirely. The baking heat of summer has mellowed, the cities are breathable again, and the surrounding sierras are finally inviting. It’s the perfect time for slow travel on foot or by bike, with olive groves, Moorish architecture and endless tapas breaks en route. Need inspiration? Check out our top picks for walking holidays in Spain and epic cycling routes across the country - Andalucía features strongly in both.
Wander the white villages of the Alpujarras, hike the rocky trails of Grazalema or cycle the olive-covered Via Verde paths of Jaén. Cities like Córdoba and Granada are also at their best - buzzing, not boiling.
Active highlight:
Walk part of the GR7 long-distance trail through the Sierra de Grazalema, a rugged limestone range filled with vultures, crags and cork oaks. Or cycle the Via Verde de la Sierra, a traffic-free former railway line through tunnels, valleys and sleepy hamlets.
Where to stay:
Base yourself at La Almunia del Valle near Monachil - an eco-boutique hotel tucked into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada with direct access to trails and panoramic mountain views.
The Lake District, England – Fiery fells and fell-running
Temperature in autumn: 10–18°C in September, 5–12°C in October
Travel time from the UK: Drive or train from most UK cities
Book a journey: Trains to Windermere or Penrith; best explored with car or boots
Time difference: GMT
Why now?
The Lake District is pretty year-round, but it hits another level in autumn. Bracken turns bronze, woodlands burnish gold, and the fells are quieter under big moody skies. It’s also peak season for trail running and big hill days, with cooler air and fewer queues on the classics.
Crisp mornings, pub fires, and that unbeatable post-hike pint - it’s the perfect mix of movement and chill time. Want a local perspective? Mountain Leader Elsey Whyman-Davis shares her inside guide to the Lake District.
Active highlight:
Run the Fairfield Horseshoe or tackle a big hiking day up Helvellyn via Striding Edge. For something less committing, the woodland loops around Grizedale or Tarn Hows are equally soul-stirring.
Need more ideas? Check out our round-up of the 10 best walks in the Lake District.
Where to stay:
Book into The Yan at Broadrayne, just outside Grasmere - it’s a stylish conversion of a working farm with hearty food, drying rooms and fell access right from the door.
The Peloponnese, Greece – Myth, mountain paths and mellow weather
Temperature in autumn: 22–30°C in September, 18–25°C in October
Travel time from the UK: Approx. 3.5 hrs flight
Book a flight: British Airways, easyJet or Jet2 to Kalamata or Athens
Time difference: GMT +2
Why now?
If you’re after warm sun, mountain walks, olive groves and ancient ruins—without the crowds—the Peloponnese is your autumn playground. The sea is still swimmable, the air is clear, and the region’s sleepy villages and dramatic landscapes make it feel like you’ve time-travelled to a simpler Greece.
Hike in the Taygetos mountains, explore stone tower villages in the Mani peninsula or follow the Menalon Trail through pine forest and perched monasteries.
Active highlight:
Walk a section of the Menalon Trail, a certified long-distance route through the heart of Arcadia. Think remote villages, Byzantine chapels and the sound of goat bells echoing through cypress valleys.
For climbers, autumn is peak season in Leonidio - a coastal town that’s become one of Europe’s premier winter-sun sport climbing destinations. With hundreds of bolted limestone routes and a laid-back scene that rivals Kalymnos, it’s ideal for everyone from beginners to 8a crushers. The cliffs stay dry, the sea stays warm, and the taverna-to-crag ratio is hard to beat.
Where to stay:
Stay at Aristi Guesthouse in Dimitsana - a rustic mountain lodge with stone walls, open fires and traditional breakfasts that’ll power you through any trail. If you're looking for a bit of luxury to fuel your sends in Leonidio, the Hotel Hatzipanayiotis is a stunning spot located in the heart of the action.
Ready for the good stuff?
Autumn might just be the adventure traveller’s best-kept secret. With cooler temperatures, fewer people and landscapes lit up in full technicolour, it’s the perfect time to slow down, go further, and experience places at their most authentic.
Whether you’re hiking golden ridgelines in Montenegro, cycling vineyard valleys in Portugal or trail running through a flaming Lake District, these autumn escapes prove that when the crowds go home, the real adventure begins.
