5 best European destinations to visit in autumn for solo travellers

If you ask me, I actually recommend visiting most European travel destinations during the off-season. Traveling, especially to very touristy areas, in the autumn months can massively improve your experience and save some $$. So, if you're currently searching for your next destination, here are my recommendations for you!

1. Santorini, Greece

This is a destination on quite literally everyone's travel list, but most people make the mistake of visiting the island during high season (July and August). This is not only bad for the island from a sustainability perspective, but can also be harsh on your wallet and health. High-season prices are much less affordable, especially as a solo female traveler, and during the summer months, the heat can easily become unbearable, forcing you to stay indoors for many hours of the day. This island is a gem, but if you can visit it off-season, in my opinion, the best months are the end of September-October and April-May. People will probably have more patience and time to deal with tourists during these months, so you may end up having a better experience. One of my favourite hacks was that I travelled to Santorini off-season, stayed at cheaper accommodation, but went around and asked different hotels with infinity pools if I could buy a day pass. It only took me three tries to find one. Given it was still a tourist-quiet time, I had the pool and view all to myself for the whole day!

2. Valencia, Spain

I already wrote a blog post about reasons why you may end up falling in love with Valencia; you can read it here. I actually once spent a whole autumn in this wonderful city, and I always encourage people to visit. This will be the perfect autumn vacation for you if you are not ready to put your swimming costume away just yet and want to take advantage of the number of sunny days that Valencia gets yearly. The end of September and October can still be a time when you spend your days chilling by the beach! If you're a beach person like me, Valencia, with its year-round mild weather, is a must-visit place for you!

3. Paris, France

The first time I visited France was in November and once again I was reassured of why off-season travelling is such a good idea. While you may not be there in the right time for flower packed gardens and cherry blossom, you may enjoy the smaller crowds and budget friendlier accommodation prices. You may need a coat or cute hat, but at least you won't spend ages trying to take a nice photo without a million people to photoshop.

4. Prague, Czechia

Prague is such a cozy city, it only makes sense to visit it in autumn/winter time, at least in my opinion. Autumns and bright, crispy and colourful around here, which makes it the perfect city break. We're talking long walks, beer tasting tours and hearty dishes. During autumn months this city is still lively and vibrant, just without the tourist crowds.

5. Brugge, Belgium

Another typical cozy weather, city break destination. I mean who doesn't love wandering around in picturesque little lanes by the water and sitting down for a fresh waffle? Brugge is called the Venice of the north and rightfully so. This city is full of wonders, there is an Instagrammable spot wherever you look, but given how tiny the city is 2-3 days is a perfect amount to visit if you want a solo city break!

I hope you found these tips and recommendations useful. These are some of my favourite destinations, especially in off-season, so I hope you will enjoy them too! :)

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