Europe? In this economy?
Now, wait a minute, Europe may be considered one of the pricier regions to travel to, but that doesn’t mean it’s a giant money sink!
If you can look past the bougie picks of London, Paris or Berlin – Western Europe, really – you’ll see that a fantastic autumn adventure can be had for cheap(er), reasonable rates!
So, here are the best autumn destinations in Europe for those hoping to get more out of their ringgit:
Slovakia
Starting off in the underrated gem of Eastern Europe, we have the mountainous nation of Slovakia.
Dominated by the Carpathian Mountains, the nation boasts majestic alpine landscapes and idyllic valleys that rival some of their Western European counterparts.
This highland charm is best represented by the rugged peaks of Tatra Mountains, the highest point of the Carphatians located in Slovakia.
Like its South American cousins in Patagonia, its slopes and trails are a haven for all sorts of hiking, cycling and outdoors activities that are only enhanced by the cool caress of autumn.
Some great spots to see crimson-gold foliage are the romantic Popradské Pleso or Štrbské Pleso lakes, where a curtain of autumn-dyed forests wrap around placid, gentle waters.
Like Japan’s Mount Nokogiri or China’s Mount Tai, cableways can take you up to highland plateaus and lakes such as Skalnaté Pleso while granting you panoramic views of the fall foliage below.
Autumn also brings festivals, markets and feasts to the capital Brastislava. Just a hop and a skip away from Vienna, this culture capital is brimming with churches, palaces and concert halls.
Feast on some juicy goose – a traditional fall Slovak delicacy – while downing wine from Carpathian vineyards. Then, take advantage of the fall concert season at the Slovak Philharmonic or Slovak National Theatre – all the while gazing up at the pleasingly boxy Bratislava Castle.
Hungary
Down south past the Daunbe River, we come to the next underrated autumn haven of Hungary.
Capped by mountains to the north, the rest of the country consists of vast lowlands that feature some of Europe’s most stunning autumn scenes.
Chief among these is the capital Budapest, once co-capital of the mighty Austro-Hungarian Empire alongside Vienna and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Thanks to its Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman heritage, the city is stuffed with vast avenues, classical palaces and soaring churches – the perfect model to drape warm autumn leaves over.
Some must-see heritage sites in the city include Buda Castle, Hungarian Parliament and the Dohány Street Synagogue.
Honestly, they look just as grand if not grander than the overtourism-addled arrondissements of Paris.
And where better to be appreciate the dazzling colours of autumn than at the city’s many parks?
One of these is the unique Memento Park, where many statues built during Hungary’s Communist era stand silently among the brown-red foliage.
Another green, or rather, gold lung of the city is the Gellert Hill, a forested hill that blossoms into a gorgeous array of golds and greens come fall.
Besides remarkable caves formed by springs like such the St. Gellért Rock Church, there’s also the surreal Garden of Philosophers – a circle of world-famous figures staring at an orb that includes Jesus, Buddha and even Ghandhi.
And while you’re there, don’t forget to check out the views of the grand Liberty Bridge, Buda Castle and the Hungarian Parliament!
Czech Republic
Located right at the heart of Europe, the Czech Republic is yet another frequently overlooked destination that should be on every Europhile’s autumn list.
As a nation of gentle plateaus ringed by soaring mountains, it is a natural fit for Mother Nature’s autumn colours.
And nowhere is this more apparent than the Lužnice Valley.
Located in the fabled region of Bohemia and the Toulava tourist area, this valley features a whopping 55km of autumn trails in four stages that meander through bucolic river valleys and historic towns like Tábor and Bechyně.
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For a truly wild autumn however, head further down south to Šumava National Park. Hugging the Czech-German border, it features vast swathes of untouched primeval pine forests that are interrupted only by tiny hamlets and pretty plains.
Back up north, you also have the Pravčická Archway, a stunning natural sandstone gate that only grows more impressive when surrounded by fiery fall foliage. There’s even a 19th century hotel right next to it!
Don’t discount the Czech capital Prague for your fall follies either, as some of Europe’s most charming autumn sights comes straight from this classic city brimming with architectural richness.
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There’s the Letna Gardens’ breathtaking views of the Vlatva River and the city’s numerous bridges stretching far into the horizon, all framed by the park’s fall finery. Stromovka Park and its huge open green spaces also provide a relief from the bustle of the old city.
Autumn is also a time for festivals in Prague, with the most famous of these being the Prague International Design Festival or Designblok, a celebration of contemporary Czech artists and inventors.
Greece
Greece is usually associated with its chain of picture-perfect Mediterranean islands.
But did you know northern Greece is also home to legendary mountains, dramatic gorges and verdant river valleys that that become simply irresistible in autumn?
Fall is most visible in the inland region of Epirus, home of vast gorges within the Pindos and Vikos-Aoos national parks.
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In fact, the Vikos Gorge boasts one of the deepest gorges in the world – the perfect backdrop for maple, cypress and oak forests coated in crimson and gold.
Within the northwestern Thessaly region, the ancient streets of Trikala City hide many scenic river-spanning bridges such as the Central Bridge and the Asclepius Bridge opposite.
However, take a day trip out of town and you’ll find the Thessaly’s famous Paleokarya Bridge, a rustic stone bridge backed by not one, but two waterfall curtains and concealed by autumn leaves. Instant Insta-gold right there! (Note: As of Oct 2025, the bridge itself is closed for renovation work.)
One of the coolest ways to soak in Greece’s fall foliage is with the Pelion Train, a 15km steam train ride between the towns of Ano Lechonia and Milies that goes through a beautiful autumn valley via stone bridge!
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But for enthusiasts of Greek mythology, there’s no better choice for autumn than the home of the gods on the stark peaks of Mount Olympus of Macedonia.
There’s no need to brave the challenging climb to the grand peaks though, as the town of Litochoro provides plenty of great vantage points alongside charming countryside scenes.
Portugal
Now I know we mentioned Western Europe can be a pricey proposition, but we didn’t say all of them were!
This is definitely the case in Portugal, a land famed for its wine country, colonial heritage and, of course, affordable autumn sights!
Starting from the hills of Sintra, we have the famous Pena Palace and its adjoining park.
While the palace stuns visitors from on high with its flashy paintjob and quirky towers, the gardens below immerse you in a fairytale fall of dense forests, mystical lakes and secluded heritage.
Right next door, the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park takes hikers through a series of surreal overgrown ruins -perfect for the twilight season of fall – and jaw-dropping coastal vistas that resemble Japan’s Ise-Shima National Park.
Way up near the northern border, Portugal also boasts the Peneda-Gerês National Park.
As Portugal’s sole national park, it lives up to its name with vast swathes of oak and birch trees covering the hills in an autumn glow. Next to gentle creeks and rivers also lie various secluded falls that soothe the soul.
Wine and spirits are also a salve for the soul. And there’s no better time to get that salve than the harvest season in autumn, when Portgual’s vineyards become steeped in the smoky, cozy haze of autumn.
In sleepy towns such as Estremoz, wine flows freely among the white marble and cobblestone of former royal palaces.
Save a toast to the past at places like Évora too, where splendid Roman ruins no doubt once hosted wine-fuelled feasts as the cool of autumn descended.
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But if vineyards be the thing you seek, then journey to the Douro Valley, a fertile region that has been producing wine in one form or another for almost 2,000 years.
Take a sip of the region’s most famous export – port wine – as you trace the Douro River’s meandering path westwards through sloping vineyard terraces. In autumn, the verdant vineyards are replaced by autumn colours that seem to set the very hills on fire.
Yearning for more Europe? Take a look at our series of guides to Vienna’s must-see spots, cozy cafes and the exciting cities of Austria in general. Our budget destination list might help you save a few ringgit too.
Autumn fanatics might also want to check out our guide to Northern Xinjiang’s autumn landscapes and a ten-day Xinjiang travelogue.
Links
Tatry Region – Mountains and hiking
https://regiontatry.sk/en/hiking/mountains-and-hiking/
Lenise Calleja – Autumn in the Slovak Tatras
https://lenisecalleja.photography/autumn-in-the-slovak-tatras/
Visit Greece
https://www.visitgreece.gr/
Hellenic Train – The Pelion Train
https://www.hellenictrain.gr/en/mythical-route
Visit Portugal – The Douro Valley
https://www.visitportugal.com/en/content/douro-valley
Visit Czechia – 5+1 tips for unforgettable autumn walks in the Czech countryside
https://www.visitczechia.com/en-us/news/2024/09/n-autumn-walks-in-czechia
Parques de Cintra – 5 places that are even more beautiful in autumn
https://www.parquesdesintra.pt/en/about-us/blog/5-places-that-are-even-more-beautiful-in-autumn/
Visit Bratislava – Top 10 Autumn Experiences in Bratislava
https://www.visitbratislava.com/top-10-autumn-experiences-in-bratislava/
