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Europe’s Best Cities for Fall Vacations

As the heat of summer fades, European cities are beginning to welcome lazy autumn vacationers. They dress in golden tones, their air becomes fresher, and after a stormy hot summer, a more measured flow of life returns there. For travelers, this is a great opportunity to enjoy the cities with the locals – with lower prices, shorter lines and free tables at top restaurants. These, in our opinion, are simply wonderful bonuses. Read on and you will find out which cities in Europe we recommend choosing for an autumn holiday.

Madrid, Spain

Madrid is one of the hottest European capitals in summer, so September with its cool evenings is the most awaited time in the city. During the day, the weather is still warm and sunny, and the spacious gardens and parks of the city are gradually turning into luxurious golden, yellow and orange hues. As the crowds of summer tourists go home and the people of Madrid return to their daily activities, we have a great opportunity to enjoy this beautiful and incredibly energetic capital of Spain.

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Walk around the city

along with the unbearable heat. Walk around the city to admire the graceful basilicas, manors and elegant architecture, as well as the main tourist attractions. The city’s main square, Plaza Mayor, is a good starting point for walking to the Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía. Don’t forget also the Golden Art Triangle of Madrid, which is made up of Prado Museum , Queen’s Contemporary Art Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum (museothyssen.org), which house one of the finest collections of art in Europe.

Get to know the local parks

Of all the places and attractions in the city, one thing stands out in autumn: the Retiro Park. This is one of the best green areas in Europe with picturesque boulevards, amazing fountains, exhibition areas, charming gazebos and sculptures of Spanish national heroes. The golden autumn leaves look incredibly beautiful here, and locals regularly go to the park to get a moment of respite from this vibrant city.

Take a leisurely walk through the park enjoying fragrant roasted chestnuts, or sit in one of the cozy cafes and have a cup of coffee while snacking on crispy churros, and you will quickly understand why the locals love this place so much.

Enjoy gastronomy

After an action-packed day, it’s time to explore the world-class drinks and food that Madrid generously offers. The city’s best bars are located in Malasaña’s hipster paradise, while the best eateries and tapas bars are in La Latina and Las Letras. Madrid is considered one of the main nightlife capitals of Europe. Here you will find everything your heart desires, from traditional tapas bars to elegant cocktail clubs. Wherever you go, take a jacket with you – warm autumn days here are quickly replaced by cool evenings.

Explore the history

Once you’ve had your fill of the city, we recommend you take a break outside of Madrid. The most popular day trip destination from Madrid is the historic city of Toledo, where Muslims, Christians and Jews once lived peacefully side by side. In the cobbled old town, you will find mosques, Gothic temples, and synagogues, and this romance of antiquity is enhanced by autumn tones and the shine of paving stones after rain.

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Milan, Italy

Milan is perfect for autumn. Through the cool days and the golden light, the beauty of the northern capital of Italy shines in a very special way. Milan is far from the relaxation and simplicity of southern cities. Milan is the Italian mecca of financial transactions, fashion and creativity. In autumn, it can be viewed in its most natural setting, when locals enjoy hearty meals in elegant restaurants, trams rush through the streets in a rain of golden leaves, and on cloudy days, the beautiful contrast between Milan’s modern architecture and its historic buildings is best seen. In a word, autumn in Milan is delightful.

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Appreciate the art

To see the Last Supper of Da Vinci, which is located in the Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie (Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie), tickets still need to be booked in advance, but other popular places will be freely accessible.

In the fall, the impressive Milan Cathedral is a must-see – Il Duomo . Its gothic-style spiers rise high in the sky and glow in soft pink against a golden autumn background.

Go shopping

Just around the corner is Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a neoclassical shopping mall with global brands such as Prada, Gucci and Louis Vuton. Of course, this is not the only place for shopping in Milan. After all, it is one of the main fashion capitals of Europe.

You should also pay attention to the beautiful shopping area – Quadrilateral d’Oro (Golden Quadrangle). In autumn, it becomes the epicenter of the autumn fashion week. This event literally covers the whole city for a whole week. Fashion Week brings together thousands of models, designers and fashionistas from all over Europe, and a special attraction at this time is people-watching while walking in the city. Then comes the turn of movie stars: at the end of September, the annual Milan Film Festival takes place here .

Enjoy cooking

On cool autumn days, traditional Milanese dishes become especially tempting. Milanese cuisine combines the rich traditions of Central Europe with the fresh produce of the Mediterranean, resulting in dishes that are hearty and incredibly tasty. Start your meal with an aperitivo hour when local restaurant tables fill with Aperol Spritz and Negroni cocktails, accompanied by olives, prosciutto and a variety of cheeses.

Then take the opportunity to try traditional local dishes such as saffron risotto, delicious ossobuco, minestrone or breaded veal. Any of these dishes are perfect for chilly evenings.

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Thessaloniki, Greece

Thessaloniki is known as the second largest city in Greece and is a great place for an autumn holiday. Just like in the entire Mediterranean region, Thessaloniki is pleasantly warm during the day and cool in the evenings. Autumn is a wonderful time to enjoy the sounds, sights and smells of this seductive Greek city.

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Explore the history

For a long time, the city was in the shadow of Athens, the capital of the state, so the second largest Greek city for many still remains an undiscovered gem. History buffs will be pleasantly surprised by the rich history of the city, as at one time Thessaloniki was the second most important city of the Byzantine Empire after Constantinople.

You can plunge into history even deeper – many artifacts have been preserved here since ancient Roman times. Here are the ruins of the castle and the Arch of Galeria, dedicated to the Roman emperor of the same name. But the real breath of the city can be felt in the Galeria Rotunda. With the passage of time, this church has evolved in step with the various civilizations that have called Thessaloniki home for centuries. The history of the city dates back to the 4th century BC, which is quite impressive.

The most famous landmark of Thessaloniki is a bit younger – the White Tower, built in the 15th century. The Ottomans once used it as a prison and execution site, making the tower a dark but intriguing part of Thessaloniki’s history.

Stroll around the city

After visiting the White Tower, be sure to take a walk along the north shore at sunset, where you will meet a variety of citizens. In the evenings, locals come out to watch performances by street artists and musicians, and restaurant owners invite everyone to dinner in their cozy Greek taverns. Rose-gold autumn sunsets bathe the city and seashore with their light, creating an amazingly beautiful backdrop for them. Be sure to stop at the city’s favorite meeting place – Aristotle’s Square. It is filled with great bars and restaurants where you can relax after a long day of exploring the history of the city.

Enjoy cooking

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Luckily, Thessaloniki has no shortage of restaurants. Enjoy traditional local dishes: lamb in fragrant spices, fresh Mediterranean fish, a variety of creamy sauces and excellent appetizers. Also, do not underestimate the street food: the menu includes fluffy Greek pies with spinach and cheese or buttercream, large pretzels and, of course, the famous gyros.

Let your heart beat faster

It is already clear that an autumn holiday in Thessaloniki is a very tempting offer. If this is not enough for you, it is worth noting that Thessaloniki is also a great starting point for a trip to the legendary Meteora . There you will see stunning monasteries built 400 meters above the ground, which are perhaps the most impressive monasteries in the world.

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Nice, France

Nice, the capital of the French Riviera, is also a great place for an autumn vacation. Here, as in other Mediterranean cities, autumn is characterized by warm days, a relaxed rhythm of life and fewer tourists. There are always free tables in restaurants, you can safely walk along the promenade, and on the beach you will find a lot of free sun loungers where you can spend at least the whole day. This is what a real Mediterranean paradise looks like.

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Immerse yourself in the local culture And believe me, she has something to surprise you with! The city has been heavily influenced by Italy, and it is here that the French regularity meets the energy of the Mediterranean. The locals are an integral part of the charm of the city, and it is in autumn that the citizens enjoy their amazing city to the fullest. The culmination of this is the famous Festin dou Poworth, when for one night the port area turns into a giant festival with concerts, street performers and delicious food.

Another magnet of the city is its amazing historic centre. The cobbled streets are literally dotted with enticing restaurants, lively bars and cafes. Come back here in the evening and there will be plenty of loud cocktail bars along the same streets. The setting sun in the background pleasantly fills the picturesque surroundings, charming squares and residential buildings with warm light.

The famous light of Nice has captured the hearts of many artists, and autumn is the best time to admire it. The golden rays of the sun shine over the sea and mountains, magically illuminating this corner of the Mediterranean paradise. Walking through the narrow streets of the old town, appreciate the expanse of the Promenade des Anglais, which is hugged by the sea on one side, and a row of stunningly beautiful houses on the other. The Colline du Château is the perfect place to take in the magical views and fall in love with the French Riviera. Here, truly heavenly landscapes stretch over the red roofs of city buildings.

Go shopping

In autumn, the city is much less crowded, so you can easily do some shopping. Rue Paradis presents the world’s most expensive brands, while Avenue Jean Médécin offers affordable prices. As for lunch after a morning shopping run, Nice definitely has plenty to choose from. Here you can taste everything from classic Mediterranean cuisine and French fusion to the highest class dishes. Each of the local dishes perfectly complements the local wine, which is produced in the nearby mountains. By the way, a tour of local wineries and wine tasting is another great way to enjoy the mild Mediterranean climate in autumn.

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Lyricist: James Taylor

The best resorts in Europe – TOP 10

After all, it is here, in Europe, that one of the best resort places in the world is located. Today we will consider some of the best resorts in Europe, among which there are suitable both for lovers of parties and entertainment, and for those who want to improve their health.

Contents

1. Ibiza

Ibiza, or Ibiza, in Spain is undoubtedly the best resort in Europe in terms of parties, for which tourists mainly come here. Here you can meet many English and Germans, a little less often the French, Russian tourists are not frequent guests on the island, since holidays on the island are quite expensive. Despite the general opinion about the exclusively nightlife of the island, here you can perfectly relax with a family with children. The northern part of the resort is best suited for this. The party season lasts from the beginning of summer until October, at which time the temperature is kept at 30 degrees.

2. Costa Brava

Costa Brava is a popular summer resort area in Europe, also belongs to Spain. Here, on the Mediterranean coast along the sea, there are small resort towns that beckon with their enchanting landscapes and velvet sun. The beach season lasts from June to October, at this time the temperature ranges from 25 to 30 degrees and the warm, unobtrusive sun constantly shines. From a large number of small towns, the resorts of Lloret de Mar, Blanes and Tossa de Mar stand out. The first one is currently at the peak of popularity, so during the season its streets and beaches are filled with crowds of tourists. Blanes is known for its giant water park, which is loved by both children and adults.

3. Igalo

This European resort in Montenegro is one of the first in the list of lovers of wellness treatments. The Institute is located here, in which a wide variety of diseases are treated with the help of mud. The medical techniques of this resort have no analogues. Nature here is created for beneficial rest and treatment. On all sides the city is surrounded by mountains with lush vegetation, and the climate is very mild and even. Raspberry groves are located right next to the pebble beach.

There is a beautiful Promenade street in the town, where you can find almost anything. Here, tourists like to wander around the shops and souvenir shops, and then sit in restaurants, admiring the quiet and calm sea. The cuisine is focused on seafood, fresh vegetables and fruits, which are rich in the local region.

4. Capri

This extraordinarily beautiful and serene island of Europe has been beckoning the cream of society into its arms for many centuries. Here, since the time of the Roman Empire, emperors loved to relax, which today have been replaced by world-class celebrities. Fascinating grottoes and lagoons attract tourists, and the Mediterranean climate is one of the main advantages.

There are two towns on the island, Capri and Anacapri. They are so opposite that every tourist is obliged to visit one and the other and compare two completely different types of vacation. Capri is a very noisy and cheerful city with many entertainments, bars, restaurants. Here you can find stores of the best brands, and in the restaurant you will come across a celebrity. Anacapri, on the contrary, is quiet and calm. This is a place where you can retire with your loved one or spend time with your family.

5. Portorož

This is the best resort town in Slovenia, which attracts those who wish to improve their health and enjoy their holidays. The sandy beach beckons tourists to crystal clear waters throughout the summer. A variety of types of recovery will help to cope with various problems: skin diseases, asthmatic attacks, gynecological diseases. In addition, the city has courses for the treatment of cellulite.

Portorož is quite a popular resort in Europe and there are a lot of tourists here in summer. Most from Austria and Italy, although Russians are also very common. Finding a Russian-speaking guide is not difficult. All hotels are located across the street from the city beach and have a beautiful view from the rooms.

6. Cannes

At the mention of this chic European resort, the red carpet and world-class celebrities immediately come to mind. It is synonymous with luxurious villas, expensive yachts and vibrant festivals. The atmosphere of the holiday constantly hovers in the atmosphere of the city and infects all visitors. Of course, all tourists rush to see the Palais des Festivals, where all connoisseurs of good cinema gather every year. Here, on the sunny streets, fashionistas from all over the world walk in search of insanely expensive designer shoes. The hotels of the city are suitable for any tourist, regardless of the size of the wallet. There are both paid and free beaches. And, of course, the highlight is the Croisette, where all the best villas and restaurants of the city are located.

7. Corfu

It is impossible not to mention such a country as Greece, which is famous for some of the best resorts in Europe, and primarily for its numerous islands. Especially worth noting is Corfu, which is a great place for any kind of holiday. The local climate is not as hot as in Crete, which is why tourists love it. Throughout the island, olive, lemon and orange trees have grown densely, which adorn the city not only externally, but also with a stunning bouquet of aromas.

The resort is one of the most expensive in Greece. All restaurants, bars and shops speak English, which is very convenient in our time. Corfu is just a godsend for families with children, unlike other resorts, you should not be afraid of snakes and insects here. All beaches are very clean and completely safe.

8. Cascais

This resort in Europe, or rather Portugal is famous for its luxurious houses, golf courses and lush vegetation. However, now the place is gaining fame as a party resort. Night clubs and open-air discos attract many young people and connoisseurs of club life. However, lovers of beautiful architectural structures will be delighted with the old city. Here you can admire the amazing creations of architects while sipping coffee in one of the many cafes or restaurants.

The city’s beaches attract completely different tourists. There is an opportunity to traditionally sunbathe under the soft sun and swim in the crystal clear water. However, surfers will appreciate those beaches where the waves reach unprecedented heights. You can read more about the best resorts in Portugal in a separate article.

9. Nice

The Côte d’Azur and its capital attract crowds of tourists from Europe and other parts of the world every year. All the buildings of the city are painted in warm and sunny colors, which create an atmosphere of carelessness. Walking along the embankment, you will feel the mood of the city, and walking along the historical center – its history.