Why Fall is the New Summer

 

There will always be a demand for summertime getaways, but these days many savvy travelers have discovered the true magic of fall. September and October coincide at the sweet spot: warm days without the intense heat, beautiful natural light, and a more relaxed, local pace, once the summer rush begins to thin.

 

Even while ever-popular destinations like Santorini or Rome remain in demand, the vibe shifts. Streets may stay lively, but the experience is calmer and more rewarding – meals become rich feasts, walking around is more pleasant, and the golden glow of autumn light adds a special something to every moment.

 

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If you want guaranteed fewer crowds, give November a try. You may not swim the beaches of Puglia, but you could catch the olive harvest and a more local feel. The Amalfi Coast quiets down beautifully – perfect for relaxed meals at local favorites that stay open all year, invigorating coastal hikes, and maybe even a boat ride if the weather’s kind. In cities like Rome or Istanbul, early November means the chance for mild days, and easier access to major sights. Southern destinations, such as Türkiye’s Bodrum or Antalya, can remain sunny and surprisingly swimmable into the first half of the month.

 

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Whether you’re chasing a lingering taste of summer or craving a different kind of escape, the fall season offers something more spacious, more soulful, and often more affordable.

 

Here are four of our favorite regions where fall feels like the best part of summer – the days are still warm, the mood is European charm with a more easygoing atmosphere, and immersive travel experiences fill your days with adventure.

 

 

Southern Italy | Beaches, Harvests & History

 

Southern Italy glows in the fall. The intense summer heat softens into warm, breezy days ideal for coastal adventures and countryside retreats.

 

• Puglia, the tip of Italy’s geographic heel, is a dream in the months following summer. Think idyllic whitewashed towns, warm Adriatic beaches, and olive or grape harvests in full swing. Stay in a countryside masseria, visit ancient trulli villages, and savor seasonal food and wine without the summer rush.

 

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• On the Sorrento and Amalfi Coasts, autumn means stunning sunsets over the Bay of Naples, quieter piazzas, and perfect conditions for visiting Pompeii or taking a ferry to Capri. Although some shops and restaurants will be closed after October, we’ve still experienced good weather and enough options for a great experience in the Amalfi Coast and Puglia. Ferries from Sorrento to Capri do run all year long.

 

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• Calabria, especially around Tropea, offers an underrated coastal escape with turquoise waters, traditional seafood dishes, and cliffside towns that are still warm but blissfully uncrowded. While this region is a popular summertime getaway for Italians, most foreign travelers totally overlook this area.

 

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The Greek Islands | Endless Summer, Local Zest

 

Greece’s islands come alive in a different way during fall. The sea remains warm for swimming, ferries are still operating into October, and the energy shifts after the sleepy heat of summer.

 

• Santorini and the Cyclades are still sun-drenched but far less chaotic. Wander through Oia at golden hour, sip Assyrtiko in a cliffside winery, and enjoy uninterrupted views without jockeying for space.

 

Photo by George Desipris on Pexels

 

• Crete, Greece’s largest island, offers a rich mix of beaches, hikes, and food experiences even into early November. Visit ancient ruins like Knossos, hike the Samaria Gorge, or relax in seaside villages.

 

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• Rhodes, a Greek island nearby Türkiye’s southern coast, combines culture and coastlines – medieval cities, hidden beaches, and a long warm season (same latitude as Nashville or Malaga, Spain).

 

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• Corfu, over in the Ionian Sea, offers a different flavor of Greece – lush, green, and with an Italianate charm. Its waters are still swimmable into early October, and is great for laid-back coastal road trips and family-friendly stays.

 

Photo by Marina Gr on Pexels

 

Portugal | Vineyard Buzz & Coastal Calm

 

Portugal’s southern and central regions are tailor-made for fall travel, with famously sunny days, fewer crowds, and vibrant local life returning after the peak season.

 

• Wine-growing areas like the Douro Valley and the Alentejo are known for rolling vineyards, cork forests, and design-forward accommodations. Autumn is harvest time – come for wine tasting, olive oil sampling, and rural escapes in boutique estates or converted farmhouses.

 

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• Down in the Algarve, the autumn skies have reach painted perfection, and the beach-going throngs have watered down. Use the fresh air to explore dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and sleepy fishing villages. September into early October can still mean beach weather here, with the added bonus of lower hotel rates and easier restaurant reservations.

 

Photo by Alesia Kozik on Pexels

 

Türkiye | Golden Sun & Epic Landscapes

 

Few places do fall better than Türkiye, where diverse landscapes, rich culture, and deep history are all wrapped in a mild climate with the most welcoming charm.

 

• Cappadocia is magic in the fall. Cool, crisp mornings set the stage for hot-air balloon rides over surreal rock formations, while afternoons are perfect for hiking the valleys, exploring cave churches, and tasting local wines.

 

Photo by Timur Garifov on Unsplash

 

• Bodrum and the Aegean Coast are still warm enough for swimming, with harborside dinners, boutique hotels, and boat trips that feel more exclusive in the off-season.

 

Photo by Engin Yapici on Unsplash

 

• The Antalya region is even better under the late-season sunshine, when the oppressive heat and crowds are lifted to reveal stunning Mediterranean beaches, ancient ruins, and seaside towns hanging onto bougainvillea vine.

 

Photo by Ahmet Çığşar on Pexels

 

Looking to explore Türkiye this October?

 

Join our small-group journey (October 1^st – 10^th), featuring the country’s greatest hits: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, and Bodrum. All you have to do is get to Istanbul, we’ve got the rest covered! This curated experience gives you well-organized cultural immersion, along with enough free time to do your own thing, just in time for one of the best seasons to explore.

 

Click here to find out more!