Where to travel in Europe in October: Sun, culture and autumn charm without the crowds

October is shoulder season in many parts of Europe, a sweet spot for travellers looking to avoid the summer crowds and peak prices while still enjoying mild weather, cultural events and golden autumn landscapes. 

Popular attractions, overrun by visitors in busier months are often quieter, and the continent has many quirky cultural festivals you can take part in. 

Whether you are chasing the last of this year’s sun, planning a vineyard tour or searching for misty mornings and golden foliage, here’s our guide on the best places to visit in Europe this October. 

For late-season sun:  Malta and Cyprus

If you aren’t ready to let go of summer just yet, head south. 

Soak in the last of the sun in style in Malta, where temperatures still reach a pleasant 25°C in October. 

Explore Baroque buildings, or pop into St. John’s Co-Cathedral without the crowds in Valletta, the island’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Head over to the Upper Barrakka Gardens for stunning panoramic views of the harbour. 

Travellers can also visit Mdina, the historic “Silent City”, for its charming streets in an ancient walled capital city. 

If you’re there on the first Saturday of October, you can experience Notte Bianca, Malta’s biggest cultural event, when Valletta’s museums and palaces stay open late for performances and art exhibitions. 

Outdoor lovers can hike around Dingli Cliffs or take a catamaran trip to Comingo and the Blue Lagoon, where there are plenty of snorkelling and swimming opportunities. 

October is also the start of the bird migration season in Malta, making it an ideal time for bird lovers to visit for a glimpse of raptors and honey buzzards, among others. 

Similar to Malta, Cyprus provides ideal weather for both watersports and lazing on the beach in October, with average temperatures over 20°C. The sea is still warm enough to swim in, at around 24°C, meaning travellers can snorkel, swim, paddleboard and windsurf.

You can even visit water parks in Paphos and Ayia Napa, which remain open until the end of October, ortake a deep sea diving excursion to marvel at a range of shipwrecks. 

Explore ancient ruins like Kourion and the Tombs of the Kings, or hike in the Troodos Mountains. 

Wine lovers can learn more about Cypriot viticulture and winemaking traditions at the Limassol Wine Festival from 27 September until 5 October, whereas film lovers can unwind with the International Short Film Festival running from 11 to 17 October, also in Limassol. 

Local celebrations for Cyprus Independence Day also take place all over the island on 1 October. 

Beer and culture at Oktoberfest in Germany

Beer enthusiasts can catch the end of Munich and Berlin’s Oktoberfest in October, which runs from 20 September to 5 October this year. 

Take part in traditional parades in Munich, or explore huge beer tents like the Hofbräu-Festzelt or Augustiner-Brӓu. Ride on nostalgic fairground rides at the Oide Wiesn, or old Oktoberfest, in the southern part of Theresienwiese, where you can also watch horse races, visit historic attractions or listen to brass music.

The world’s biggest folk festival also offers visitors the chance to sample classic Bavarian delicacies such as Hendl (roast chicken), Bratwurst (sausage), Apfelstrudel (apple strudel) and Schweinshaxe (crispy pork knuckle). 

Berlin’s Oktoberfest offers much of the same festive atmosphere as the Munich festival, but on a smaller, less crowded scale, which is often preferred by visitors. 

Indulge in street food like currywurst (fried, steamed or grilled Bratwurst sausage), live music and funfair attractions. 

Halloween in Transylvania

For a spookier October twist, try Halloween at Bran Castle, in Transylvania, Romania. Although the links between the castle and Bram Stoker’s Dracula are tenuous at best, its dramatic gothic atmosphere can still make for an unforgettable time. 

Around Halloween, the castle offers themed nighttime tours, letting visitors explore secret chambers, dimly lit corridors and mysterious narrow stairways and chilling myths and legends shared by guides and locals. Travellers can attend exclusive parties in the castle courtyard as well. 

Keep in mind that the Halloween celebration usually takes place on the Saturday of Halloween week, not necessarily on 31 October itself. 

Paris’s unmissable October wine festival

For wine lovers, France’s Montmartre Wine Festival, also known as the Grape Harvest Festival, is a must-visit. 

This is a local celebration of wine in Paris’ historic Montmartre neighbourhood, complete with a grand parade through the winding streets offering dancing, music and intricate costumes, as well as wine tastings from local vendors. 

Enjoy concerts, street performances, and the taste trail, which is a big outdoor food market selling cheeses, charcuterie, French wines and other regional produce. Travellers can also participate in guided vineyard tours of Clos Montmartre or wine auctions. 

This year, the festival is taking place from 8 October to 12 October, with the theme being “The Eternally Young 18th arrondissement.”

Fairytale charm and stunning autumn vistas

For breathtaking autumn foliage, cooler weather and views straight out of a fairytale, head to Lake Bled, Slovenia, in October. 

With far fewer tourists during this time, travellers can take a traditional Pletna boat ride to Bled Island and explore its quaint medieval clifftop castle or visit the small island church. 

Outdoor lovers can hike to viewpoints such as Ojstrica for panoramic views of dazzling autumn colours or take slower walks or a bike ride around the lake. Nearby Triglav National Park offers trails through lush forests and golden alpine meadows, or if you are looking for something even further off the beaten path,  the lesser-known Lake Bohinj. 

Across the border in Hallstatt, Austria, is another great destination for vibrant autumn colours in October. Wander around the charming Old Town, with its picturesque, colourful houses and narrow streets. Pop into a cosy cafe to experience Austria’s famous coffee culture and warm up in the October chill.  

The Hallstatt Skywalk offers stunning panoramic views of the lake and town, with travellers also being able to indulge in lazy boat rides on the peaceful lake for a closer glimpse into traditional life in the town. 

Learn more about the town’s long salt mining history at the Hallstatt Museum, or visit the Salzwelten, the world’s oldest salt mine, for underground wooden slides and interactive exhibits. If you are feeling adventurous, take a cable car up to Krippenstein to hike or visit the Dachstein Ice Cave, which is open until the end of October.