October brings a welcome change of pace for travellers, with autumn colours appearing across Europe, temperatures cooling in many popular destinations and a new season of events, exhibitions and openings to discover.
It’s a good time to get away, whether you’re looking for a city break, a dose of autumn sunshine or somewhere new to explore.
From the destinations worth adding to your travel list and the biggest happenings taking place around the continent to the hotels opening their doors this month, here’s Euronews Travel’s guide to where to go and what to see this October.
Destinations
Transylvania, Romania
Although there’s absolutely more to Transylvania than vampires, October is nevertheless a pretty good time to embrace the spooky side of the Romanian region.
Bran Castle, better known as Dracula’s Castle, is an obvious stop, but the real draw at this time of year is the scenery. As autumn takes hold, the forests of the Carpathian Mountains turn vivid shades of red, orange and gold, with the region’s varying altitudes helping to stretch the display over several weeks.
Base yourself in Brașov, a beautiful city with plenty of atmosphere of its own, and use it as a starting point for exploring the surrounding mountains. Back in town, restaurants make the most of the crisp autumn weather with outdoor heaters and blankets, so you can sit outside without having to retreat indoors.
Malta
If you’re keener on getting the last of the year’s sunshine – and warmth – you might want to head to Malta.
The Mediterranean island has average highs of 25°C in October, but there’s more to Malta than sunshine and beaches – although they’re definitely perks.
History buffs have long known that the island is a fascinating mix of influences, having been ruled over by Arabs, Italians and the British over the centuries, with each leaving their mark.
More recently, Malta has been getting deserved attention for its food and culture scenes. Its capital, Valletta, is particularly beautiful, with one of the world’s most spectacular natural harbours and ION Harbour by Simon Rogan, the island’s only two-Michelin-starred restaurant.
Be sure to take a boat trip out to the Maltese archipelago and specifically to the Blue Lagoon, a remarkably beautiful turquoise cove located on the tiny, mostly uninhabited island of Comino. Next, head onto Gozo, famed for its slower pace, dramatic coastal landscapes, and ancient history, which feel more rustic and peaceful than Malta itself.
Hotel openings
Corpus Christi Lisboa – Leonardo Limited Edition
Leonardo Hotels is expanding into Portugal for the first time with the opening of Hotel Corpus Christi Lisboa – Leonardo Limited Edition in October.
Set in a former 18th-century monastery in the heart of Lisbon’s historic Baixa district, the 132-room hotel has been created following a sensitive renovation that preserves the building’s listed features. It will also mark the Leonardo Limited Edition brand’s debut on the Iberian Peninsula, with a high-end restaurant adding to the offering.
Native by Numa, London
Native by Numa will open its latest aparthotel in London’s Fitzrovia in October – and it’s also housed in a religious building, namely a former convent.
Set on Margaret Street, close to the iconic shopping hub of Oxford Circus, the 29-room property combines the building’s heritage with Fitzrovia’s creative character.
Rooms range from compact studios to one- and two-bedroom apartments, all with kitchenettes, while original arched sash windows and other architectural details have been preserved. Bold colours, retro-inspired furniture and statement bathrooms add a contemporary touch, and workspaces mean it’s a great bet for those on a workcation.
Events
San Sebastián Gastronomika, San Sebastián, Spain
For food-focused travellers, October is a great time to visit San Sebastián, with the city’s famous pintxos bars and Michelin-starred restaurants joined by San Sebastián Gastronomika from 5-7 October.
The three-day food congress brings together leading chefs who pioneered the Basque cookery style for talks, live cooking, tastings and demonstrations, with this year’s event celebrating 50 years of New Basque Cuisine. The event also includes a global cod festival, making it a particularly good time to eat your way around the city.
Púca Festival, Midland Region, Ireland
If you’re looking for a properly spooky – and traditional – autumn event, head to Ireland’s Midlands, where Halloween has its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain.
In fact, the area is where Halloween was first celebrated, and the Púca Festival, running from 29 October to 1 November, marks the season with music, folklore, fire and plenty of supernatural atmosphere.
You can also explore ancient sites including the Hill of Ward and Hill of Tara, where Celts once lit fires to ward off spirits.
Attractions
Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany
Although Oktoberfest is, confusingly, held mostly in September, it actually always concludes on the first Sunday in October. That’s on the 4th this year, which means you have four days to celebrate Bavarian culture with traditional music, food, and beer.
While there are many Oktoberfest events around the globe these days, it must be experienced in Munich at least once.
Oktoberfest transforms the city into one giant Bavarian celebration, with the Theresienwiese packed with enormous beer tents, brass bands, steins of local beer, traditional food and fairground rides, while revellers wearing lederhosen and dirndls fill the streets.
Biennale d’Art Contemporain, Lyon, France
Lyon’s biannual Biennale d’Art Contemporain returns this autumn, bringing contemporary art to galleries, museums, former industrial spaces and unexpected corners of the city.
The 2026 edition, which runs from September 19 to December 13, explores new ideas around art, society and the future, with artists from around the world presenting ambitious installations, performances and works.
It’s also a good reason to visit pretty Lyon and explore its cultural scene beyond its famous food and historic streets.
Planning ahead: What to book now for the future
Following August’s historic astronomical event, the next big solar eclipse is already causing a rush for flights and hotels.
On 2 August 2027, the path of totality will sweep across southern Spain, Gibraltar, North Africa and the Middle East, with the longest period of totality – around six minutes and 22 seconds – in Egypt.
Already being billed as the “eclipse of the century”, travellers are clearly taking notice.
EasyJet has recorded a 70% increase in bookings to destinations along the path of totality, while bookings to Spanish destinations including Seville, Almería and Málaga have risen by 69% since the 2026 eclipse.
With the best viewing spots expected to be in high demand, and some accommodation already becoming difficult to find, this is one trip that really needs booking now, rather than at a later date.
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