Autumn in Europe presents an interesting proposition for travellers. While some destinations are settling into their quieter months, others are coming into their own. Yet even those slowing down have a distinctive charm, revealing a different side to places more commonly associated with summer. The result is a bevy of travel possibilities across the continent, each with its own autumnal appeal.
Tuscany
Few places capture the essence of a European autumn quite like Tuscany. Beyond its rolling golden hills, the season brings some of the region’s most celebrated culinary traditions to the fore. From hunting for elusive white truffles to the olive harvest and freshly pressed oil tastings, there’s much to entice even the most seasoned foodies.
“Those who join a truffle hunt can expect to fully immerse themselves in the woods, learning about truffles and the natural environment that is essential to their growth,” Ernesto Giunta recently told Observer. Giunta co-owns Tufo e Tartufi, a truffle-hunting company that regularly works with Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco. “We aim to share the art of truffle hunting and the dedication that we and our four-legged companions bring to work every day.”
Experiences like these are what make autumn in Tuscany so special, offering the chance to discover the region's culinary traditions first-hand, and showing that real luxury begins before anything reaches the table.
Scottish Highlands
Autumn brings a different kind of drama to the Scottish Highlands. The changing colours transform its already otherworldly landscape, while the rugged hills and unpredictable weather give the region a decidedly cinematic quality (we’re looking at you, Skyfall). It’s arguably one of the most rewarding times to visit, especially for travellers who appreciate a little peace and quiet.
Days are best spent exploring woodland trails, spotting wildlife and taking in the scenery before retreating to the warmth of a country house hotel. Think roaring fires, a cosy nightcap and the unbridled joy of having nowhere else to be. As actor Alan Cumming remarked, the Highlands prove “that sort of fairyland, mystical, mythical thing really exists”.
The Douro Valley
Wine has shaped life in Portugal's Douro Valley for centuries, with its terraced vineyards and historic wine estates producing some of the country's most celebrated wines. Autumn brings the grape harvest, one of the most important moments in the region's calendar, while the vineyards themselves put on an impressive display of seasonal colour.
A stay in the Douro Valley offers plenty of ways to explore, from boat trips along the river to visiting local wine estates. Add leisurely lunches and a chance to experience the valley at a more relaxed pace into the mix, and it's easy to see the appeal of visiting in autumn.
Côte d'Azur
To some, the Côte d'Azur might seem an unlikely choice for an autumn escape. After all, few destinations are quite so synonymous with summer. But beyond the famous beach clubs lies a different side of the French Riviera, one that comes into its own once the peak season crowds have departed.
Autumn is a wonderful time for coastal walks around Cap d'Antibes, wandering the streets of Nice and exploring the hilltop villages of Èze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence. And while the weather may be less predictable, the region's excellent restaurants, galleries and year-round hotels are reason enough to visit long after summer fades.