The best travel destinations in October: where it’s worth travelling to

Contents:

• Destination #1: Andalusia (Spain) – Moorish palaces & white villages
• Destination #2: Algarve (Portugal) – the Atlantic, cliffs & late-summer tranquillity
• Destination #3: Rome (Italy) – Ancient backdrops & golden autumn
• Destination #4: Amsterdam (Netherlands) – Canals, museums & autumnal charm
• Destination #5: Prague (Czech Republic) – Old Town romance & light art in autumn
• Destination #6: Marrakesh (Morocco) – Oriental charm without the summer heat
• Destination #7: Aswan & Abu Simbel (Egypt) – the magic of the Nile & the wonders of the sun
• Destination #8: Cape Town (South Africa) – Spring, wine regions & coastal roads
• Destination #9: New York City (USA) – Skyline & Indian Summer
• Destination #10: Kyoto (Japan) – Temples, tradition & the first signs of autumn colours
• 31 dream destinations for a golden October: the best places to visit
• Conclusion: Plan your perfect ‘Golden October’!

Destination #1: Andalusia (Spain) – Moorish palaces & white villages

• Why visit in October: Andalusia is perfect for a trip in October, as the region is usually pleasantly warm, yet significantly more comfortable than in the height of summer. It’s just right for strolling through old towns during the day, taking in viewpoints and patios – and enjoying long dinners al fresco in the evening without the heat dictating the pace. What’s more, everything feels much more relaxed than during the summer holidays: more space in the narrow streets, better photo opportunities and ideal conditions for a mix of city, nature and coast. 

• Highlights: Seville (Real Alcázar, Cathedral & Giralda, Plaza de España), Granada with the Alhambra, Córdoba (Mezquita), the white villages of the ‘Pueblos Blancos’, Ronda & Puente Nuevo, Caminito del Rey near Málaga – plus, depending on your route, a few hours on the beach along the Costa del Sol or Costa de la Luz – and for even more inspiration, we recommend our blog post ‘Andalusia: The most beautiful places, sights & insider tips’

• Ideal for: culture and leisure travellers, road trip enthusiasts (7–12 days), couples, and anyone wishing to combine ‘city and countryside’ without worrying about the weather.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Very easy via direct flights to Málaga (AGP) or Seville (SVQ) (subject to flight schedules). A hire car is a good option for round trips (e.g. start in Málaga, finish in Seville – or vice versa).

• Event 2026: Bienal de Flamenco de Sevilla (9 September–3 October 2026) – the perfect time to visit if you want to experience Andalusia alongside live flamenco at its very best. 

Destination #2: Algarve (Portugal) – the Atlantic, cliffs & late-summer tranquillity

• Why visit in October: The Algarve is now an insider’s tip. The sea is still pleasantly warm from the summer, the beaches are much quieter, and the coastal walking trails along the steep cliffs are ideal to explore in mild temperatures of 20–26°C.

• Highlights: Praia da Marinha, Benagil Cave, cliff walks near Lagos, boat trips along the caves, boutique hotels with sea views – and for even more inspiration (including more beaches, natural highlights and insider tips), check out our blog post ‘Algarve Attractions: The Most Beautiful Places, Beaches and Hidden Gems’.

• Ideal for: couples, those seeking relaxation, active connoisseurs, a combination of a beach holiday and nature experiences.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Direct flights to Faro (FAO) from Zurich or Basel (seasonal); alternatively via Lisbon with a connecting flight or hire car.

• Event 2026: Sagres Birdwatching & Nature Activities Festival (2–5 October 2026) – on the south-western tip of the Algarve near Sagres (Cabo de São Vicente). According to the organisers, this is “Portugal’s biggest nature event”: guided excursions, boat trips, workshops, talks and other outdoor activities.

Destination #3: Rome (Italy) – Ancient backdrops & golden autumn

• Why visit in October: Rome is at its most pleasant at this time of year. The intense summer heat has passed, the temperatures are ideal for long days exploring the city, and the warm autumn light makes the ancient monuments look particularly impressive. Queues are shorter and restaurants are more relaxed – perfect for an enjoyable city break.

• Highlights: The Colosseum, the Vatican Museums, St Peter’s Basilica, Trastevere, Piazza Navona, an aperitivo with a view over the city’s rooftops – and for even more inspiration beyond the classic sights, we recommend our article ‘Rome’s hidden gems: 10 special sights away from the crowds’.

• Ideal for: culture vultures, foodies, long weekends, a combination of history and la dolce vita.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Direct flights several times a day from Zurich, Basel or Geneva to Rome (FCO or CIA); alternatively, a comfortable journey by train via Milan.

• Event 2026: Rome Film Fest (14–15 October 2026) – an international film festival at the Auditorium Parco della Musica.

Destination #4: Amsterdam (Netherlands) – Canals, museums & autumnal charm

• Why visit in October: Amsterdam has a particularly atmospheric feel in autumn: golden light on the canals, fewer crowds than in summer and a distinct ‘culture and café’ season. It’s ideal for strolling around during the day (Jordaan, De Pijp), fitting in a visit to a museum, and ending the evening in a Brown Café or a modern bar by the water.

• Highlights: The Canal Ring & Jordaan, the museum district (Rijksmuseum/Van Gogh), food halls, a cycle tour through Vondelpark, a day trip to Zaanse Schans or Haarlem – and for comprehensive planning, check out our article ‘3 Days in Amsterdam – The Most Beautiful Places, Canals & Sights’. 

• Ideal for: couples, friends, culture & cuisine, long weekends.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Direct flights from Zurich/Basel/Geneva (subject to flight schedules) or conveniently by train via Germany.

• Event 2026: Amsterdam Dance Event (21–25 October 2026) – the 30th-anniversary edition featuring hundreds of venues across the city. 

Destination #5: Prague (Czech Republic) – Old Town charm & light art in autumn

• Why visit in October: Prague is the perfect choice for a city break in October: pleasantly cool air for long walks, early dusk for atmospheric evenings – and that quintessential ‘Central European autumn’ atmosphere, with its blend of coffee houses, Baroque architecture and the banks of the Vltava. Perfect for taking in the classic sights at a leisurely pace in the morning and immersing yourself in a festival programme or the culinary scene in the evening.

• Highlights: Charles Bridge in the early morning, Old Town Square, Prague Castle & Lesser Town, walks along the Vltava, cafés & beer culture, viewpoints such as Letná – and for even more inspiration (neighbourhood guides, culinary tips and genuine insider tips), we recommend our blog post ‘Discovering Prague: Sights, delights and unforgettable experiences’.

• Ideal for: a short break (2–4 days), culture lovers, photo spots, good value for money.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Direct flight (subject to timetables) or by train with a change (e.g. via Munich/Nuremberg).

• Event 2026: Signal Festival (15–18 October 2026) – Prague’s major festival for light art, projections and digital installations across the city. 

Destination #6: Marrakesh (Morocco) – Oriental charm without the summer heat

• Why visit in October: Marrakech is pleasantly warm at this time of year, but no longer as stiflingly hot as in the height of summer. During the day, temperatures are often around 25–30°C: perfect for strolling through the souks, visiting palaces and gardens, or retreating to a shady café for a break. In the late afternoon, the light softens and the city glows as if made of gold – and in the evening, it remains mild enough to sit on a rooftop terrace for hours or dine in a riad courtyard without getting cold. 
• Highlights: Djemaa el Fna, Jardin Majorelle, souks, a visit to a hammam, a trip to the Atlas Mountains or the desert.
• Ideal for: design enthusiasts, culture lovers, a long-haul holiday feel within a short flight.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Direct flights from Zurich, Basel or Geneva to Marrakech (RAK); flight time approx. 3–3.5 hours.

• Event 2026: Marrakech Airshow (7–10 October 2026) – international aerospace and aviation trade fair in Marrakech; a must-see for anyone interested in aviation.

Destination #7: Aswan & Abu Simbel (Egypt) – The Magic of the Nile & the Wonder of the Sun

• Why visit in October: Upper Egypt is much more pleasant to visit in October than in the height of summer: warm, but no longer mercilessly hot. This is ideal for visiting temples, taking felucca trips on the Nile and going on early morning excursions – without the heat dominating the day. Aswan feels quieter than Cairo or Luxor, and Abu Simbel is a genuine ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ highlight.
• Highlights: Philae Temple, Nubian villages & a felucca ride at sunset, a trip to Abu Simbel, optional combination with a Nile cruise (Aswan–Luxor).
• Ideal for: culture travellers, bucket-list experiences, a combination of relaxation and the feeling of exploring a wonder of the world.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Flight to Cairo (or via European hubs), then on to Aswan by domestic flight; Abu Simbel by flight or a very early road trip.
• Event 2026: Abu Simbel Sun Festival (22 October 2026) – on this morning, sunlight streams into the interior of the temple and illuminates the statues in the sanctuary (a phenomenon that traditionally takes place on 22 October).

Destination #8: Cape Town (South Africa) – Spring, wine regions & coastal roads

• Why visit in October: In Cape Town, October is spring – often mild, sunny and ideal for days out in the open air: Table Mountain, the coast, the food scene and the Winelands, without the crowds of the peak season. What’s more, the atmosphere is ‘light-hearted’: longer days, more outdoor life, and the major scenic routes are particularly enjoyable at this time of year. 

• Highlights: Table Mountain (cable car/hikes), V&A Waterfront, Camps Bay, Cape Peninsula (Chapman’s Peak/Cape Point), penguins at Boulders Beach, Stellenbosch/Franschhoek (wine tasting). And for a comprehensive guide with a neighbourhood guide, route ideas and additional tips, check out our article “Cape Town: Indulgence, Nature & Design in One of the World’s Most Spectacular Cities”.

• Ideal for: Nature and city life in one, food and wine, that road trip feeling without long domestic flights.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Usually with one change to Cape Town (CPT).
• Event 2026: Cape Town International Kite Festival (October; dates to be announced) – a colourful family event featuring the international kite scene, with a focus on fundraising and charity (Mental Health Month).

Destination #9: New York City (USA) – Skyline & Indian Summer

• Why visit in October: New York is perfect for an action-packed city break right now: often pleasantly mild during the day, cool enough in the evening for cosy dinner spots and rooftop drinks – without the summer humidity. Add to that that typical autumnal vibe: golden trees in Central Park, clearer views of the skyline and a cultural season that’s really picking up steam 

• Highlights: Central Park in autumn, the Brooklyn Bridge, the High Line, museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Broadway shows. For a compact guide covering neighbourhoods, attractions, museums, food and hotel ideas, as well as practical tips: your blog post ‘New York Attractions & More: Your Guide to the Perfect City Break’. 

• Ideal for: First-time visitors, city break enthusiasts, a combination of sightseeing, shopping and culture.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Daily direct flights from Zurich to JFK or Newark; seasonal flights from Geneva with a stopover.

• Event 2026: NYC Village Halloween Parade (31 October 2026, from 7.00 pm) – iconic costume parade in Greenwich Village, one of the most atmospheric nights of the year in New York.

Destination #10: Kyoto (Japan) – Temples, tradition & the first signs of autumn colours

• Why visit in October: Kyoto’s famous autumn foliage season (‘Kōyō’) begins in October. Temperatures are pleasantly mild, the air is crisp, and the temple gardens have a particularly atmospheric feel. Less humid than in summer – ideal for long walks.
• Highlights: Fushimi Inari-Taisha, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, traditional tea ceremonies, the Gion district, and temple illuminations in the evening.
• Ideal for: culture enthusiasts, photographers, first-time visitors to Japan with a focus on tradition.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Flight to Osaka (KIX) or Tokyo (HND/NRT) with a connecting flight; onward journey by Shinkansen to Kyoto.
• Event 2026: Jidai Matsuri (22 October 2026) – a historical parade featuring magnificent costumes from various eras of Japanese history.

31 dream destinations for ‘Golden October’: the best places to visit

• Egypt – Average temperature 26.7°C, 0 days of rain, water temperature 27°C
• Australia – Average temperature 19°C, 11 days of rain, water temperature 22°C
• Balearic Islands – Average temperature 18.5°C, 9 days of rain, water temperature 22.4°C
• Bulgaria – Average temperature 11.7°C, 12 days of rain, water temperature 18°C
• Brazil – Average temperature 23.8°C, 2 days of rain, water temperature 22°C
• Germany – Average temperature 10.5°C, 18 days of rain, water temperature 12°C
• France – Average temperature 12.4°C, rain on 20 days, water temperature 19°C
• Greece – Average temperature 19.8°C, 6 days of rain, water temperature 22.6°C
• Great Britain – Average temperature 10°C, 10 days of rain, water temperature 16°C
• Hawaii – Average temperature 27°C, 16 days of rain, water temperature 26°C
• Indonesia – Average temperature 28°C, rain on 6 days, water temperature 27°C
• Italy – Average temperature 21°C, 10 days of rain, water temperature 18°C
• Canary Islands – Average temperature 23.3°C, 9 days of rain, water temperature 21.5°C
• Croatia – Average temperature 17.5°C, 5 days of rain, water temperature 18°C
• Maldives – Average temperature 28.3°C, 9 days of rain, water temperature 28°C
• Malta – Average temperature 21.6°C, 15 days of rain, water temperature 23°C
• Madeira – Average temperature 21°C, 14 days of rain, water temperature 24°C
• Morocco – Average temperature 21.2°C, 6 days of rain, water temperature 21°C
• Mauritius – Average temperature 20.4°C, 3 days of rain, water temperature 24°C
• Monaco – Average temperature 17.3°C, 7 days of rain, water temperature 18°C
• Montenegro – Average temperature 12.7°C, 10 days of rain, water temperature 21°C
• Mexico – Average temperature 28.2°C, 6 days of rain, water temperature 27°C
• Portugal – Average temperature 18.9°C, 8 days of rain, water temperature 19°C
• Scotland – Average temperature 9.5°C, 13 days of rain, water temperature 17°C
• Seychelles – Average temperature 27.4°C, 10 days of rain, water temperature 26°C
• South Africa – Average temperature 17.1°C, 11 days of rain, water temperature 17.5°C
• Spain – Average temperature 18°C, 11 days of rain, water temperature 22°C
• Turkey – Average temperature 21.2°C, rain on 7 days, water temperature 21.7°C
• Tunisia – Average temperature 21.9°C, 11 days of rain, water temperature 22°C
• United Arab Emirates – Average temperature 30°C, 0 days of rain, water temperature 31.1°C
• Cyprus – Average temperature 22.2°C, rain on 5 days, water temperature 24°C

Conclusion: Plan your perfect ‘Golden October’!

October 2026 is ideal because many destinations now offer a pleasant climate and fewer crowds: a late-summer feel in the Algarve and Andalusia, perfect city breaks in Rome, Amsterdam and Prague – and the best time to visit Marrakech, Egypt and long-haul destinations such as Cape Town, New York and Kyoto. In short: more atmosphere, less heat, smarter travel.

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