I’m a summer person through and through, but I’m also Norwegian and can’t handle heat very well. So when October rolls around, I head for Southern Europe, where I’ve steered clear during the sweltering summer months.
I don’t know about you, but I think October is the best month to explore Europe. You can tailor your trip however you like: head south for warm beach days, or lean into sweater weather with cozy city strolls further north.
October offers the perfect balance of good weather, fewer crowds and lower prices.
Article overview
Why I love Europe in October
Well, I think the intro pretty much sums it up. Southern Europe still boasts daily temperatures of 20°C+ with chillier nights, and the water is still warm compared to spring.
Most things are also cheaper. I booked a 3-night stay for two at an all-inclusive hotel in Dubrovnik for $450, which would have cost almost three times that in summer.
And of course, as an introvert, my favorite October perk is that the crowds have thinned out significantly, even in the most popular destinations.
I’ve already written about the best summer destinations in Europe, where I included some stunning yet somewhat underrated places. Well, October is the time when you can actually visit the hotspots you’ve avoided throughout the busy season.
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Ksamil, Albania
Having been to Ksamil several times now, I can confidently say October is pure magic. In summer, this little slice of the Albanian Riviera gets absolutely swamped—every beach chair taken, every road clogged, and the turquoise coves packed like a postcard come to life… with about a thousand people in it.
But in October, the water is absolutely lovely and you can actually enjoy the famous beaches without elbowing for space. Restaurants are relaxed, some sunbeds are still available for rent, and the whole place takes on a slower, more authentic rhythm.
It’s Ksamil at its best—still stunning, but blissfully calm. Just keep in mind that most places start to close down towards the end of the month.
🌟 Don’t miss >> My complete guide to Ksamil Albania
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is one of my absolute favorite cities in the world, and visiting in October made me love it even more. Sun, pastel colors and patterns, and custard tarts without the summer crowds.
The summer heat can be a little too much, especially when you’re tackling all those hills. But October is the perfect time for wandering Alfama’s winding streets, lingering in sidewalk cafés and hopping between miradouros (Miradouro da Senhora do Monte and Miradouro de Santa Luzia are my favorites).
I only wore a light sweater in the evenings, which made nighttime strolls feel cozy rather than sweltering. And no air conditioning was needed.
Don’t miss exploring the elegant Praça do Comércio, visiting the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, and indulging in a fresh pastel de nata (or ten) from the legendary Pastéis de Belém.
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Dubrovnik, Croatia
When I went to Dubrovnik in October, it honestly felt like I’d found the city’s sweet spot. The weather was perfect—not too hot but still warm enough to sit outside for dinner or even hit the beach. I also got a great deal on the most beautiful apartment.
I wandered the city walls without feeling like I was melting and explored the little side streets of the Old Town without having to dodge hordes of cruise tourists. While there, of course, are still many people, it’s such a different vibe compared to the summer rush.
We did have one day of light rain, but to be honest, it just felt like a nice break. The water was warm enough for refreshing swims at Banje Beach, where sunbeds were available even after noon. Though they still cost €60.
I also loved walking up and taking the cable car down from Mount Srđ—you get this incredible panorama of the Old Town, the islands, and the coastline stretching for miles. It was still pretty hot for this; I looked like a drowned rat once I reached the top.
🌟 Read next >> These are the top 5 Dubrovnik tours you don’t want to miss!
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest completely stole my heart—and October might just be the best time to visit. The air is crisp but not too cold, and the trees have just started to change color.
I loved starting my mornings with the sweeping views from Fisherman’s Bastion, looking out over the Danube and the grand Parliament building, which is even more magical lit up at night. As a night owl, rolling out of bed a 6:00 am was a struggle, but oh so worth it.
During the day, nothing beats wandering along the Danube, exploring Buda Castle and Vajdahunyad Castle. While the ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter showed me its quirky, creative side. I loved the Sunday Farmer’s Market at Szimpla Kert.
And nothing beats warming up with a soak in a thermal bath, followed by a chimney cake or lángos from street stalls. Budapest in October truly feels like a fairytale city come to life.
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Montenegro
Okay, I know Montenegro is not a city, but the country completely surprised me with how much it packs into such a small space. It is very close to Dubrovnik, so I just jumped on a bus and was in a new country within hours.
And October turned out to be the perfect time to visit. I felt like the only tourists left (outside Kotor), and had the beach to myself most days. I started in Herceg Novi, wandering its charming old town and climbing the fortresses for sweeping views of the bay.
Speaking of Kotor—wow. The climb up to the fortress is a workout, but the views of the fjord-like bay are absolutely worth it. And Sveti Stefan looked like something straight out of a postcard, while the island itself is private, the nearby beaches are dreamy.
Beyond the coast, I found some of the most beautiful nature—Durmitor National Park with its emerald lakes, Tara River Canyon for jaw-dropping views, and even hidden waterfalls.
In many ways, I felt like Montenegro is a mini version of Norway, just with better weather and old towns.
Mallorca
I’ve been to Mallorca several times in July and in October, and honestly, I think fall is the way to go.
I loved wandering through Palma’s old town without the rush, sitting in little cafés tucked into historic streets, and marveling at the stunning Palma Cathedral with plenty of space to breathe.
Even the popular beaches, like Cala Llombards and Calo des Moro, felt almost peaceful compared to the chaos of July and August. And my favorite area in Mallorca, Mondrago National Park, home to my favorite beach, S’Amarador, goes back to feeling like a hidden gem.
October is also the perfect time for a bit of adventure, like hiking in the Serra de Tramuntana Mountains, exploring Torrente de Pareis or Mortitx Canyon. Driving along the scenic coastal roads to towns like Sóller and Deià was also a highlight, especially with fewer cars on the road.
Chania, Crete
Anywhere in Crete is incredible in October; however, I particularly love the Chania Region because of all the insanely beautiful beaches. I have been here in August as well, and let me tell you, October is a different world.
I could stroll through Chania’s charming Old Town, with its Venetian harbor and colorful alleyways, without bumping shoulders with groups of tourists every few steps. The vibe felt so much more relaxed, like the island had taken a deep breath after summer.
Highlights include hiking the Samaria Gorge, swimming in the famous Balos Lagoon and Elafonisi Beach when they weren’t overflowing with people, and enjoying long, lazy dinners of fresh seafood, or copious amounts of Greek Salad in my case, right by the water.
But to be honest, you can’t go wrong with any Greek island in October.
Kraków, Poland
Kraków will always have a special place in my heart—it’s one of my favorite cities in the world, and after living there and visiting countless times since, it feels like a second home.
October is a magical month to be in the city. The weather is starting to cool down, but most years, I could still get away with sandals and a t-shirt during the day, just throwing on a light jacket in the evenings.
The fall colors make strolling through Planty Park or up to Wawel Castle even more beautiful, and I love grabbing a hot infused tea in one of the cozy cafés around the Old Town as the evenings get crisp.
Beyond the postcard-perfect Main Square, October is also a great time to explore Kazimierz, the old Jewish Quarter, without the heavy summer crowds. This is where I used to live, so I’ve spent countless afternoons wandering its quirky streets and ending up at a quirky bar.
And if you have a few days, the nearby Wieliczka Salt Mine or the hiking trails around Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains make for perfect fall day trips.
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Seville, Spain
Seville is scorching hot in summer. I would go as far as saying it is the warmest place I’ve ever experienced in Europe. I was there in June, and it wasn’t even considered a heat wave.
However, come October, the intense summer heat that often pushes past 40°C had finally cooled down, leaving behind perfect exploring weather.
I could wander through the Royal Alcázar of Seville (a must for my fellow architecture lovers) and its lush gardens without melting in the sun. I took my time inside the Seville Cathedral and climbed up the Giralda Tower for sweeping views of the city.
Evenings in Seville are magical — eat your weight in tapas and watch the city’s nightlife unfold in the plazas. The air was still warm, but comfortable enough for strolling along the Guadalquivir River or catching a late-night flamenco show.
Rome, Italy
Rome in October is honestly quite busy, but at least you don’t have to make your way through the crowds with sweat dripping down your face. The weather was still warm enough to enjoy gelato every day, but cool enough to actually walk the city without hiding in the shade.
I could wander the Colosseum and the Roman Forum without feeling like I was sharing with the entire world, and visiting the Vatican Museums was so much easier without endless lines.
What I loved most, though, was slowing down and discovering some lesser-known gems — like the Appian Way, one of the oldest Roman roads, where you can actually rent a bike and ride past ancient ruins and aqueducts. And the Botanical Garden, which was surprisingly calm.
I also spent time in the Trastevere neighborhood and in Villa Borghese, a stunning 17th-century villa turned art museum, filled with masterpieces by Caravaggio, Bernini, and Raphael, surrounded by a gorgeous park.
And that’s it for now! If you have another favorite destination to visit in October, please share in the comments below. I’m always looking for travel inspo!
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