There’s something undeniably magical about the start of autumn. The air turns crisp, the landscapes transform into a canvas of golden, red, and amber hues, and the world seems to slow down after the rush of summer.
For travellers, this season offers the perfect sweet spot: destinations are quieter, prices are more affordable, and nature puts on a show unlike any other.
Escaping the crowds of peak summer, autumn invites you to enjoy travel in a smoother, more relaxed way, whether that’s wandering through forests glowing with foliage, sipping wine in vineyards during harvest season, or exploring charming towns without the hustle of tourists. It’s a time for off-the-beaten-path adventures, where you can connect more deeply with the places you visit every moment.
In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the best autumn destinations and show you why this season just might be the most rewarding time of year to travel.
We picked these destinations with one main focus: their wildlife and natural landscapes. Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, and each place offers something unique from colourful forests and scenic trails to spots where you can see local wildlife in their natural habitat. These are destinations where nature takes centre stage, making your trip both relaxing and unforgettable.
Autumn is more than just a season of colour, it’s a chance to connect with nature, witness incredible wildlife, and experience destinations in a calmer, more authentic way.
best destinations in Europe, autumn 2025
1. 🇸🇯 Svalbard, Norway– Arctic Wilderness in Autumn
For those who crave raw wilderness, Svalbard in autumn is unforgettable. As the days grow shorter, the Arctic landscape transforms into a dramatic canvas of glaciers, icy fjords, and golden tundra. Wildlife spotting is at its peak—keep your eyes open for polar bears roaming the ice, seals resting along the coast, and elusive Arctic foxes blending into the rocky terrain. The soft twilight that lingers all day adds a magical atmosphere, perfect for photographers and nature lovers alike.
2. 🇬🇪 Georgia – Wine Country & Mountain Monasteries
Autumn in Georgia feels like stepping into a storybook. The Kakheti wine region bursts into shades of red and gold, making it one of the most scenic times for wine tasting and countryside drives. Beyond vineyards, the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region offers hiking through colorful forests and visits to centuries-old monasteries set against the dramatic backdrop of the Caucasus Mountains. The cool weather makes exploring more pleasant, while the golden light enhances the charm of ancient villages and rugged landscapes.
3. 🇱🇻 Latvia – Baltic Colors & Tranquil Escapes
Latvia is often overlooked, but autumn reveals its most enchanting side. The Gauja National Park, known as Latvia’s “golden autumn” destination, is a paradise for hiking, with rolling forests, sandstone cliffs, and medieval castlessurrounded by fiery foliage. In Sigulda, you can take in panoramic views or ride a cable car over the valley. Back in Riga, the Art Nouveau district and peaceful Bastejkalns Park glow with autumn hues, offering a slower pace away from the crowds.
4. 🇧🇶 Azores, Portugal – Nature’s Atlantic Gem
The Azores are a dream for those who love nature and wild landscapes, and autumn is a particularly rewarding time to visit. With fewer tourists around, you can enjoy spotting dolphins and whales almost in solitude. The islands’ volcanic origins shine through in dramatic cliffs, emerald crater lakes, and steaming geothermal springs. In Furnas, relax in hot springs surrounded by autumn greenery, and don’t miss a stop at the Gorreana Tea Factory, Europe’s only tea plantation. The season’s vibrant light brings out the Azores’ lush landscapes like never before.
5. 🏴 Scotland – Rugged Beauty & Red Deer Rut
Scotland in autumn is simply spectacular. The highlands and valleys turn into a patchwork of red, orange, and golden hues, while the crisp air adds an invigorating feel to outdoor adventures. In Perthshire, known as “Big Tree Country”, you can witness some of the UK’s most impressive displays of foliage, especially at the Hermitage and Queen’s View. Autumn also marks the red deer rutting season, where you can hear the echoing calls of stags across the glens. Waterfalls surge with new energy after autumn rains, making the landscapes even more dramatic.
Poland may surprise many as an autumn destination, but it’s a country full of seasonal treasures. In the Tatra and Bieszczady Mountains, trails wind through colorful forests and offer breathtaking views of jagged peaks dusted with early snow. The Mazury lake district is peaceful and reflective, while the Białowieża Forest, one of Europe’s last primeval forests, comes alive with wildlife. Autumn is also the best time to spot the European bison, and in Biebrza National Park, you can observe thousands of migrating birds. It’s a paradise for hikers, photographers, and wildlife lovers.
7. 🇭🇷 Croatia – Golden Parks & Coastal Calm in autumn
Croatia isn’t just a summer beach destination, it’s stunning in autumn. The famous Plitvice Lakes and Krka National Parks are especially magical, with waterfalls framed by vibrant red and yellow foliage. Historical cities like Dubrovnik and Split feel quieter and more authentic once the summer crowds are gone. Autumn is also the season of wine harvests and truffle festivals in Istria, making it a treat for food lovers. Even along the Dalmatian coast, you can still enjoy mild weather and uncrowded beaches, perfect for a peaceful seaside escape.
Final Thoughts
Autumn is often overlooked as a travel season, but it might just be the most rewarding of all. From Arctic wilderness in Svalbard to the colourful forests of Poland and the tranquil coastlines of Croatia, these destinations prove that fall offers something truly special, wildlife at its peak, landscapes painted in fiery colours, and the chance to experience places without the heavy crowds of summer. Whether you’re chasing red deer calls in Scotland, tasting wines in Georgia, or soaking in hot springs in the Azores, traveling in autumn means embracing a slower, more meaningful way of exploring the world.
So pack your warm layers, grab your camera, and get ready to discover the magic of autumn, one golden destination at a time.
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