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.
The best places to go on holiday this October include:
Best October holiday destinations
Canada
Why visit Canada in October?
October is a good time to travel across Canada, with cooler weather, clear conditions, and striking seasonal colour as forests shift into rich tones of red, amber and gold. On our Canada's Maple Leaf Trail tour, you’ll move between natural scenery and urban highlights, with plenty of variety along the way.
Top attractions and things to do:
- Visit Niagara Falls and see one of Canada’s most recognisable natural landmarks up close.
- Explore Quebec City, with its historic streets, fortified core and distinctive architecture.
- Wander through Old Montreal, known for its cobbled streets, cafés and heritage buildings.
- Spend time in Toronto, a major city with waterfront areas, diverse neighbourhoods and a broad cultural offering.
Tenerife, Spain
Why visit Tenerife in October?
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.
Top attractions and things to do:
- Explore Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island’s capital, where coastal promenades, architecture and local markets give a sense of everyday life on the island.
- Visit Mount Teide, the island’s most distinctive natural landmark, with volcanic landscapes and wide-reaching views from Spain’s highest peak.
- Discover San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved historic layout and traditional architecture.
- For something different, consider stargazing on clear evenings, when Tenerife’s high-altitude locations and low light pollution create favourable conditions for observing the night sky.
South Africa
Why visit South Africa in October?
October marks the start of spring in South Africa, with warmer days, clearer skies and landscapes coming into colour. It’s a great time to get out and explore, whether you’re combining cities, coastal scenery or wildlife experiences.
Top attractions and things to do:
- In Cape Town, see Table Mountain, one of the country’s most recognisable natural highlights, and take a boat trip to Robben Island.
- Join a Cape Peninsula tour, visiting Cape of Good Hope for dramatic coastal scenery, along with Boulders Beach Penguin Colony to see a colony of African penguins up close.
- Enjoy wine tasting in Stellenbosch.
- Travel along the Garden Route and take in the natural beauty of the town of Knysna and the dramatic coastal landscapes of Tsitsikamma National Park.
- Go on safari, where milder weather and lighter vegetation make it easier to spot wildlife, including the chance to see the Big Five.
Turkey
Why visit Turkey in October?
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.
Top attractions and things to do:
- In Istanbul, visit landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar, each showing a different layer of the city’s history and culture.
- Head to Cappadocia, known for its rock formations, valleys and cave dwellings formed through volcanic activity over time.
- Explore the Gallipoli Peninsula, a key World War I site with memorials, historic battlefield areas and striking coastal scenery.
- Visit Ephesus, where the Temple of Artemis once stood. The site is filled with extensive ruins set in open countryside, including the Library of Celsus, which together give a strong sense of the city’s classical past.
Cannes & Cote Azur, France
Why visit Cannes & Cote Azur in October?
Cannes is the perfect base for exploring this region in France, where the Côte d’Azur has long been known for its coastal scenery, historic towns and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. October brings a more laid-back feel, making it a good time to enjoy the coastline, cities and hilltop villages without the peak-season rush.
Top attractions and things to do:
- Stay in Cannes, with its seafront promenade, beaches and old town offering an easy base for exploring the French Riviera.
- Visit Nice and walk along the Promenade des Anglais, a seafront walkway lined with cafés and views across the Bay of Angels.
- Explore Antibes, a coastal town known for its harbour, old streets and relaxed atmosphere.
- Discover Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a hilltop village with art galleries and narrow streets that have long attracted artists, including Picasso.
- Take a day trip to Monaco, known for its harbour views, gardens and the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo.
Danube & Douro Rivers
Why take a river cruise in October?
Want to see more of Europe in a short space of time without having to unpack? Then a river cruise could be the perfect choice. On a Douro River cruise, you can soak up the scenic beauty of Portugal’s terraced vineyards, visit charming towns like Peso da Régua and Pinhão, and enjoy port wine tastings along the way. Or you might prefer the Danube, where highlights include the imperial grandeur of Vienna, the historic streets of Bratislava and the vibrant culture of Budapest. Whichever itinerary you choose, our river cruises offer a relaxed and easy way to experience multiple destinations in one seamless journey.
Estoril, Portugal
Why visit Estoril in October?
For a relaxed coastal break in October, our Estoril & Lisbon Coast tour is a great choice. The weather remains pleasantly warm, making it ideal for exploring the coastline, nearby towns and historic highlights. It’s an easygoing way to experience this part of Portugal at a gentler pace.
Top attractions and things to do:
- Explore the town of Sintra and visit the Sintra National Palace, known for its striking architecture and hillside setting among wooded surroundings.
- Spend time in Cascais, a relaxed seaside town where you’ll find a marina, beaches and an easy-going waterfront promenade.
- In Lisbon, see the Belém Tower, wander through the Alfama district and take a ride on the city’s yellow trams through its older neighbourhoods.
- Visit the walled town of Óbidos, with its cobbled lanes, whitewashed houses and castle walls that are easy to explore on foot.
Sicily, Italy
Why visit Sicily in October?
October is a great time to explore Sicily, with warm Mediterranean weather and fewer crowds than the peak summer months. It’s still pleasant enough to enjoy time by the sea, alongside some of the island’s best-known cultural and historic sites.
Top attractions and things to do:
- Visit Taormina, the “Pearl of Sicily”, known for its narrow streets, terraces, cafés and boutiques. The Ancient Theatre of Taormina is a highlight, with views across the sea and towards Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano.
- Explore Syracuse and the Neapolis Archaeological Park, where ancient Greek and Roman remains include theatres, temples and striking rock formations such as the Ear of Dionysius.
- Discover Palermo, where lively markets, Norman architecture and layers of history reflect the island’s diverse cultural influences.
- Take a trip to the Aeolian Islands, a volcanic archipelago known for dramatic scenery, clear waters and relaxed island villages.
Montenegro
Why visit Montenegro in October?
October is a great time to visit Montenegro, when the summer heat has eased and the crowds are thinner. With mild temperatures and softer light, it’s an ideal month to explore the Adriatic coast and nearby mountain scenery at a more relaxed pace.
Top attractions and things to do:
- Take a boat trip on Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO-listed bay known for its dramatic scenery and calm, fjord-like waters.
- Wander through the Old Town of Kotor, with its cobbled streets and historic squares, and take in views from the hillside fortress above.
- Spend time in Budva, where the walled old town, beaches and waterfront promenade offer a mix of history and coastal life.
- Travel the Serpentine Road, Kotor, a winding mountain route with sweeping views over the bay and surrounding coastline.
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.
