October transforms Europe. Forests begin to change colour, temperatures become more comfortable for walking, and many destinations regain their tranquillity after summer.
Three different ways to enjoy autumn travel in Europe.
For those who are still thinking where to travel in October 2026, we have selected three very different trips: a walk across Madeira, a journey through Albania’s cities and natural parks, and a route through Transylvania and the Romanian Carpathians.
Important: the departures and availability shown reflect the time this article was published. Places may change, so it is necessary consult the updated availability before booking.
Travelling through Europe in October: autumn takes centre stage
October travel in Europe reveals familiar destinations from a different perspective. It is particularly appealing for those who enjoy nature, hiking and autumn landscapes, but also for exploring towns and villages without the usual summer crowds.
Madeira, Albania and Romania offer three different approaches: demanding trekking among volcanic mountains, easy walks combined with culture, or a route through the Carpathians’ great landscapes.
Madeira: walking across the island
For active travellers, Madeira offers one of October’s most spectacular routes: a crossing the island from Porto da Cruz to Porto Moniz, following trails, levadas and mountain paths.
Six walking days cross Madeira’s great landscapes, from Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo to laurel forests and the central plateau. Designed for experienced mountain walkers seeking more than an easy hiking holiday.
Madeira✔️ Departure 4 OCT 2026
✔️ Guaranteed departure
✔️ Price from 1410€
Albania in autumn: cities and natural parks
Albania is probably the most balanced of the three options. A route of 8 days combining heritage, small towns, rural landscapes and easy nature walks.
October offers milder temperatures, fewer visitors and landscapes beginning to take on autumn colours.
The route combines Albanian history and nature without a demanding trek.
✔️ Departures 17 and 31 OCT 2026
✔️ Price from 1280€ + fees
Romania: Transylvania and Carpathians in Autumn
If there is a European destination where autumn is part of the journey itself, it is probably Romania. At the end of October, Carpathians and Transylvania change colour, creating some of the season’s most attractive scenery.
The route combines medieval cities, fortresses, castles, rural towns and easy walks, visiting Bucharest, Sibiu, Brașov, Sighișoara, Maramureș and Cluj-Napoca.
There is nature too: near Zărnești, specialists accompany a walk through Carpathian forests to explore the habitat of brown bears and other wildlife.
✔️ Departure 22 OCT 2026
✔️ Price from 1860€ + fees
Which trip to choose for October?
The three trips have autumn as their common denominator, but are designed for different profiles.
If you look trekking and mountains, Madeira is the most active and demanding option. To combine culture, nature and easy walks, Albania offers a short, balanced route. And if you are drawn to Autumn landscapes, medieval cities and Carpathians, Romania is probably the journey where the season plays the greatest role.
October still offers many possibilities for European travel, but availability and departure status may change.
Always check the latest trip information before booking.