October is a wonderful time to travel as usually it will be less crowded and the weather will be cooler than the summer months. Whether you’re looking to escape to the sun, see incredible landscapes transform into autumn colours or experience a new culture, there are different options to choose from depending on your interests. Check out our top recommendations on the best places to go on holiday this October.
Best October holiday destinations
Canada
Few places do autumn quite like Canada, and October is when the landscapes truly come alive. Our Maple Leaf Trail tour is especially scenic at this time of year, with forests bursting into brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow. It’s the perfect backdrop for exploring landmarks like Niagara Falls, Quebec City’s old stone buildings and the charming streets of Old Montreal. You'll also get to experience the buzz of Toronto, with crisp, clear days and a lively seasonal atmosphere. It's a great way to enjoy both Canada’s natural beauty and its vibrant urban life.
Tenerife, Spain
As one of the best places to go in October for sun, our Tenerife holidays offer all the ingredients for a wonderful Autumn escape; pleasant climate, diverse landscapes, beaches and excellent sightseeing. Travel around this scenic island with our knowledgeable guide to see the capital, Santa Cruz, the majestic Mount Teide, the dramatic cliffs of Los Gigantes, and the historic town of La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colonial architecture and vibrant cultural scene. If you're looking for a unique and memorable experience, we suggest stargazing in Tenerife as this time of year offers the right conditions to observe the beautiful night sky.
South Africa
Spring is in the air in South Africa during October, making it a brilliant time to explore this incredibly diverse country. In Cape Town, you can enjoy clear skies and colourful blooms as you visit iconic sights like Table Mountain, the Cape of Good Hope and the vibrant V&A Waterfront. Travel along the Garden Route and take in the natural beauty of the charming town of Knysna and the dramatic coastal landscapes of Tsitsikamma National Park. It’s also a fantastic time to go on safari, as the mild spring weather and thinning vegetation make wildlife easier to spot. With a bit of luck, you might even see the iconic Big Five for a truly unforgettable experience.
Austrian Alps
The Austrian Alps are renowned for their beautiful landscapes, majestic peaks, lush valleys, pristine lakes, and charming alpine villages. A visit to this region during autumn is a sight to behold with the variations of red, orange and yellow foliage contrasting against the towering mountains. On our Austria holidays, we'll be based in the village of Kirchberg in Tirol and one of our excursions will be to Innsbruck, Austria’s fifth largest city that is full of history and stunning natural surroundings. Its most famous landmark is the Golden Roof or Goldenes Dachl, a roof covered in over 2,600 fire gilded copper tiles to commemorate the wedding of Emperor Maximilian I to Bianca Maria Stforza.
Turkey
Turkey in October is a dream for history lovers and those seeking a more relaxed climate. The days are still sunny and warm, but without the intense heat of summer, making it ideal for sightseeing. In Istanbul, you can visit iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar at a comfortable pace. Venture to Cappadocia to see its otherworldly rock formations and unique landscapes shaped by centuries of volcanic activity. Along the coast, sites like Ephesus offer a glimpse into ancient civilisations, all surrounded by beautiful scenery and a welcoming autumn light.
Cannes & Cote Azur, France
The Côte d’Azur or French Riviera has been the playground of the rich and famous since the 19th century and all of its allure still remains. Cannes is the perfect base for exploring this region in France, with its elegant Boulevard de la Croisette, sandy beaches and colourful Old Town. For those looking for a taste of the high life, it’s very easy to take a day trip to Monaco, the epitome of glamour, wealth and luxury. Despite being the second smallest country in the world, it offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, a stunning coastline, parks, gardens and a picturesque Old Town. It’s also home to the world famous casino Monte Carlo, the backdrop for many famous films including ‘Goldeneye’ and ‘To Catch A Thief.’ On our Cannes & the Cote d'Azur holiday, we'll also enjoy excursions to Nice, the capital of the French Riveria and stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, the historic town of Antibes and see how famous artists like Picasso were inspired by the village of St-Paul-de-Vence.
Danube, Douro & Rhone Rivers
Want to see more of Europe in the autumn, in a short space of time without having to unpack? Then a river cruise with us may be the perfect solution! On a Douro River cruise you can soak up the scenic beauty of Portugal’s terraced vineyards, visit charming towns like Régua and Pinhão, and enjoy port wine tastings along the way. Or perhaps you'd prefer the majestic Danube, where highlights include the imperial grandeur of Vienna, the historic streets of Bratislava and the vibrant culture of Budapest. For something truly picturesque, a cruise along the Rhône offers a journey through the heart of French wine country with stops in Lyon, Avignon and Arles, blending culinary delights with Provençal charm. Whichever itinerary you choose, our river cruises provide a relaxed and enriching way to experience multiple destinations in one seamless journey.
Estoril, Portugal
For a laid-back coastal escape in October, our Estoril & Lisbon Coast tour is hard to beat. The weather remains pleasantly warm, making it ideal for discovering the region's coastal charm and nearby historic gems. Explore the elegant town of Sintra, where the Sintra Palace sits nestled among wooded hills. Spend time in the stylish seaside town of Cascais, known for its marina and relaxed atmosphere. In Lisbon, admire the iconic Belém Tower, a symbol of Portugal’s maritime heritage, wander through the atmospheric Alfama district, and experience the city’s famous yellow trams. Altogether, it's a relaxed and culture-rich way to experience Portugal in autumn.
Sicily, Italy
Whilst experiencing the region’s best sightseeing on our Sicily holidays, you can enjoy a relaxing stay by the Mediterranean Sea and at this time of the year the temperature is around 23 degrees, ideal for swimming or snorkelling. Located off the toe of Italy, Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea crammed full of wonderful sights, experiences and charming seaside towns and villages. Taormina, the ‘Pearl of Sicily’ is regarded as being one of the most beautiful towns in Italy with its colourful maze of narrow streets and terraces, teeming with cafés, restaurants and boutiques. It's best known for its Greco-Roman amphitheatre, which offers amazing views of the Mediterranean Sea and Mount Etna, Europe’s largest volcano and one of the world’s most active. History buffs will love exploring the world renowned and UNESCO listed archaeological park of Syracuse or ‘Parco Archeologico della Neapolis.’ It contains outstanding vestiges dating back to Greek and Roman times, such as the Temple of Athena, a Roman amphitheatre, the Ear of Dionysius and much more. Cinema fans can visit the towns of Savoca and Forza D'Agrò, filming locations from the classic film “The Godfather”. You can browse all October availability for our holidays to Italy here.
Montenegro
October is a fantastic time to visit Montenegro, when the summer heat fades and the crowds thin out. Along the dazzling Montenegro Riviera, you'll find a mix of medieval towns, rugged mountains and crystal-clear waters. The UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor is a highlight, often compared to a fjord, with dramatic cliffs rising above the calm sea. Wander through the atmospheric Old Town of Kotor, admire the views from the fortress above, and enjoy the relaxed charm of Budva’s walled centre and beaches. With mild temperatures and golden light, it’s the perfect month to experience this Adriatic gem.
Ready to travel in October?
There are plenty of other top places to go in October. Browse our website and check out our range of incredible holiday destinations in Europe or our long haul holidays and find your perfect autumn getaway.
