Got a chunk of annual leave for October but have no idea how to spend it? We may be able to help.
October is a brilliant month to travel. Autumn is blazing its way across Europe‘s forests and countryside, spring blooms are blanketing mountains and moorlands in Australia, and the intense summer heat finally subsides in North Africa and the Middle East. It’s also a shoulder month in many destinations, meaning smaller queues and fewer folks in your holiday snaps.
From feasting on fresh sardines in Portugal to wandering ancient temples in Egypt, here are the top picks of where to travel in October.
1. Portugal
- Why go: Explore Portugal’s charming cities without the summer heat
- Season: Autumn
- Temperature: 23°C (77°F) high, 14°C (59°F) low
October blows through Portugal like a welcome breeze after a fiery summer. Visit during this time and you’ll be rewarded with the very best of its cities, cuisine and beaches. Climbing Lisbon and Porto’s steep cobbled streets in the summer can be sweaty work, but by October, it’s all the more enjoyable.
The sea in Portugal is much cooler than that of its Mediterranean neighbours, but after a long, cloudless summer, the water is finally warm enough for a comfortable dip. The locals say the best time to eat seafood is any month with an “r,” so be sure to get your fill – including Portugal’s famous sardines. Wine lovers can also head to the picturesque Douro Valley to participate in the annual grape harvest activities.
2. Italy
- Why go: Eat your way around Italy during the harvest season
- Season: Autumn
- Temperature: 23°C (73°F) high, 7°C (45°F) low
There’s never a terrible time to visit Italy, but anyone who’s queued outside the Colosseum in the sweltering summer sun can attest to the benefits of holding out for September. Millions of visitors pour through Italy from June to August, but the shoulder months are considerably quieter.
The autumn sun is still gloriously warm and ideal for al fresco dining – and it’s just as well because October is also in the middle of the harvest in Italy, which means a delicious array of fresh fruits and veggies and plenty of local vino. If you travel primarily for food (let’s be honest, who doesn’t), you may be interested in an olive oil, cicchetti and cheese-filled adventure inspired by nonnas’ kitchens all over the country.
3. The Cyclades, Greece
- Why go: Sail the Greek islands in solitude
- Season: Autumn
- Temperature: 23°C (74°F) high, 17°C (63°F) low
Swap views of sunbathing tourists for turquoise blue waters, and trade queuing for exploring ancient ruins at your own pace. As the worst of the crowds has thinned out and the gorgeous weather lingers long after everyone returns home, early to mid-October is the perfect month to sail the salty waters of the Cyclades. You’ll avoid inflated prices and have your pick of golden sands to sprawl on.
Roll with the waves of the Aegean Sea as you cruise between Mykonos and Santorini, stopping off at ancient villages and secluded coves for a swim. Fuelled with fresh food plucked straight from the land and sea, this is Greek island life at its best.
4. Romania
- Why go: Experience the ultimate Halloween-themed adventure
- Season: Autumn
- Temperature: 17°C (63°F) high, 7°C (45°F) low
Love spooky tales and haunted castles? Then our Halloween in Transylvania trip has your name on it. All spooky stuff aside, Romania is a fascinating country with well-preserved medieval citadels and a rich history shrouded in folklore and mythology. Not to mention its forests and countryside which turn dazzling shades of orange in autumn.
Prepare to raise your eyebrows as you visit the 12th-century town of Sighisoara (AKA the birthplace of Count Dracula), ride a Ferris wheel in a salt mine-cum-amusement park, and enjoy an autumnal feast in a traditional Saxon village. (Halloween costumes are optional but encouraged.)
5. Turkey
- Why go: Treat your tastebuds to Turkey’s seasonal produce
- Season: Autumn
- Temperature: 26°C (79°F) high, 15°C (59°F) low
It doesn’t get more colourful than Turkey in October. The sea is the bluest of blues, the vibrant magenta bougainvillea is in full bloom and ruby red pomegranates are once again plentiful in markets across the country. Watermelon, quince and grapes are also at their most delicious, so be sure to get your hands on a freshly pressed juice.
The shoulder season is the best time to avoid the scorching summer and bitterly cold winter that envelop much of the country. The coastal city of Fethiye still boasts pleasant temperatures of up to 30°C (86°F) and the sea is warm, calm and crystal clear. Take advantage of near-perfect weather and hike along the southern coast on the famous Lycian Way – a path once used by ancient Greeks and Romans. Or, fall in love with the landscape of Cappadocia on a trek or from a hot air balloon.
6. Tasmania, Australia
- Why go: Experience Australia’s largest island during its spring bloom
- Season: Spring
- Temperature: 18°C (64°F) high, 7°C (45°F) low
As the northern hemisphere slows down for winter, the southern hemisphere is waking up and blooming with life. Tasmania, or ‘Tassie’ as it’s affectionately nicknamed, boasts some of Australia’s most pristine landscapes. This island has everything from misty mountains to Tarkine forests and powder-white beaches. It also has a top-notch gastronomy scene thanks to abundant local produce.
Hike through the glacier-sculpted terrain surrounding Cradle Mountain, feel sea spray on your face as you walk across the Bay of Fire’s orange-hued boulders or look out for seals and migrating whales on a wilderness cruise of the East Coast.
7. Egypt
- Why go: Enjoy moderate crowds and manageable temperatures
- Season: Autumn
- Temperature: 30°C (86°F) high, 23°C (73°F) low
There’s a metaphorical exhale throughout Egypt in October as the summer heat subsides. Crowds start growing in October, but it’s a far cry from how busy it is in December and January. With moderate crowds and manageable temperatures, you can focus on soaking up the history of Egypt’s ancient temples instead of worrying you’ll melt into the sand.
For a unique experience, you could align your trip with the biannual Abu Simbel Sun Festival at the Temple of Ramses. At sunrise, the sun perfectly illuminates the statues in the temple’s central chamber, followed by singing and dancing when they fall back into shadow.
Still deciding on October?
Check out our recommendations on where to travel in November and December, or explore our last minute deals.
