When it comes to top travel experiences, bring on October. Golden leaves, reduced fares, empty trails and some of the world’s most spectacularly colourful festivals beckon.
Whether you’re looking to add on an extra layer or jet off in search of the last dregs of summer, we’re sure you’ll find something inspiring in our selection.
1. Armenia
The ancient Haghartsin monastery is located near the town of Dilijan
Armenia’s ‘Golden Autumn’ (as it’s known) stretches from late September until the end of November. It’s a time of incredible colours, with the Tavush region erupting in wild splashes of reds and yellows.
Be sure to head to Dilijan National Park, where tiny Lake Parz is encircled by a ruff of trees and trails that slink orange-tinged forests to a hilltop medieval monastery. The walk affords the perfect opportunity to soak it all in.
October is also harvest season. This means not only a bounty of fresh food to sample, but also a great time to try some of the finest wine in the world. Visit Areni Wine Festival at the beginning of the month for samplings from Armenian winemakers, along with traditional food vendors and entertainment such as folk music and dancing.
2. Bratislava, Slovakia
For an alternative autumn break with minimal crowds, consider heading to Slovakia’s capital – especially if you’re a fan of music.
Taking place between September and October, Bratislava Music Festival is considered one of the most important celebrations of its kind and dates back more than 50 years. The event celebrates Slovakian and international classical music, blending world-class orchestras and up-and-coming musicians.
October also brings the Bratislava Jazz Days – another important festival that has nearly reached its half-a-century milestone – with groups performing a mixture of jazz, soul, funk and rock.
Northeast of Bratislava is the Small Carpathians region, best known for its wine growing and castles. October is the end of harvest season, bringing with it a number of small, local wine festivals worth seeking out. Follow the wine route from Bratislava to Trnava, stopping off in villages and towns along the way.
3. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh’s Samhuinn Fire Festival
While Scotland’s weather is never guaranteed, it’s worth risking a trip to the capital during October for its cultural festivities and autumn landscapes.
Edinburgh’s Samhuinn Fire Festival is a re-imaging of an ancient Celtic celebration that marks the transition between summer and winter. Taking place on Halloween night, streets will be filled with a procession of fire, drumming, acrobats and theatrical performances.
If the weather treats you right, head out of the city centre to the Pentland Hills and enjoy Scotland’s beautiful autumnal colours along the park’s 100km network of walking trails – some with views looking back across to the capital.
4. Finland
Ruska season in Finland
Up in Finland, they use the word ‘ruska’ to describe the period when the trees start to turn and autumnal colours paint the forests. It’s the Finnish take on the Japanese hanami, as locals escape into the outdoors for that brief period between the long days of summer and the endless night of winter, before the snows come and temperatures plummet.
As a general rule, ruska spreads north to south, with the forests of the Arctic turning in mid-September, while those further south change weeks later, at the start of October. The red maples and golden birch make for bracing companions on a ruskaretki (autumnal walk), with Lapland’s fells around the Saami village of Kilpisjärvi proving particularly popular – especially when there’s chances to see the northern lights.
To the south, try exploring the Tiilijärvi Lakes Trail in Hollola, which loops around three lakes, some marshes and a hazelnut grove.
5. Ticino, Switzerland
Switzerland might often be thought of as just a summer or winter destination, but the autumn months can be just as magical, especially in the canton of Ticino.
The southern region is the only Italian speaking canton in the country, and along with its language, it also brings Mediterranean charm. Head to Lugano, sitting on the shores of a lake of the same name, for the city’s traditional Autumn Festival at the beginning of October. While here, visit one of the region’s grottos: these hidden caverns serve local produce and are considered an essential part of Ticino’s cultural identity.
The mild climate of Ticino in October makes for great hiking weather. Just one of many routes include the 3-hour scenic mountain ridge trail from San Salvatore (reached by cable car) to the village of Morcote – a designated UN Tourism Village. Enjoy a leisurely journey back by to your starting point by boat.
6. Zagori, Greece
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