October is a sweet spot for travel. It’s when summer’s heat starts to mellow, and winter’s chill is still at bay. The best part? It’s a time when most people have already taken their vacations, meaning fewer crowds, better prices, and more space to soak in the beauty of your destination.
As someone who spends a lot of time traveling, October is hands-down my favorite month to explore lesser-known places. Sure, big cities like Paris or New York are tempting year-round, but let’s talk about the quieter, less-visited corners of the world that truly shine in this season.
If you’re like me, constantly looking for spots that feel untouched by mass tourism but still offer a rich cultural experience and stunning natural beauty, then keep reading. I’ve gathered ten incredible places that should absolutely be on your radar this October. Each one offers something unique—whether it’s the charm of off-season appeal or a festival you won’t find anywhere else.
1. Matera, Italy – Where History Meets Mystery
Why Matera is Perfect in October
Matera is one of those places that feels like stepping into a time machine. This ancient city in southern Italy is renowned for its “Sassi,” ancient cave dwellings that date back thousands of years. In October, the tourist crowds thin out, leaving you to wander through the winding streets and caves almost entirely alone.
What I Love About Matera
October offers that perfect mix of pleasant weather and tranquility. The air is crisp, making it ideal for climbing the city’s many stairs (trust me, there are a lot). Plus, the fading sunlight in autumn gives the stones a golden glow that feels almost magical.
Things to Do in Matera
- Explore the Cave Churches: Many of the old cave churches still feature stunning frescoes. My personal favorite is the Crypt of Original Sin, which is often dubbed the “Sistine Chapel of cave art.”
- Take a Walking Tour: You’ll want a guide here, as the history runs deep. The stories of people who lived in these caves for centuries are fascinating.
- Taste the Local Cuisine: October is truffle season and the earthy flavors pair perfectly with fresh pasta. Don’t skip a local wine tasting!
2. Hallstatt, Austria – A Fairytale Village Comes to Life
Why Hallstatt Shines in October
While Hallstatt is becoming more popular due to Instagram, visiting in October is like finding a secret passage to a fairytale world. The misty mornings, the quiet lake, and the snow-dusted mountains make it feel surreal.
My Personal Take on Hallstatt
October brings fewer tourists, and that’s a blessing. During peak summer, it can feel overly crowded, but by autumn, it regains its peacefulness. Walking by the lake with a light jacket, sipping a hot chocolate at a café? That’s my kind of travel bliss.
Must-See in Hallstatt
- Hallstatt Salt Mine: It’s one of the oldest in the world. Going underground and learning about the salt mining that shaped this town is both eerie and fascinating.
- Lake Hallstatt: Rent a small boat and paddle out into the mist. The calmness of the water is almost meditative.
- Bone Chapel: A quirky, if not slightly creepy, part of Hallstatt’s history. The bone chapel, or “Beinhaus,” holds decorated skulls from the 18th century.
3. Sintra, Portugal – Mystical Castles and Lush Gardens
Why Sintra is Special in October
Sintra is like Portugal’s best-kept secret. Its whimsical castles and lush gardens are a treat year-round, but October is especially lovely because the weather is mild, and the summer tourist rush has subsided.
What Makes Sintra Stand Out
The mist that often rolls through Sintra in the fall adds an extra layer of mystique to its already surreal landscape. The cooler weather also makes hiking between the castles more pleasant (no sweltering heat like in the summer).
What to Do in Sintra
- Pena Palace: This colorful palace looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale. In the autumn light, it looks even more stunning.
- Quinta da Regaleira: If you love secret tunnels and mysterious gardens, this is the spot for you. Don’t miss the Initiation Well, a spiral staircase leading into the depths of the earth.
- Hiking Trails: The nearby Serra de Sintra mountain range offers incredible hiking paths. It’s the perfect time to explore, with the trees turning vibrant shades of red and orange.
4. Goreme, Turkey – Hot Air Balloons over Unique Landscapes
Goreme in October: A Different World
Imagine waking up early, stepping outside your cave hotel, and seeing hundreds of hot air balloons lift off into the sky as the sun rises over Cappadocia’s rock formations. That’s Goreme in October—magical, crisp, and unforgettable.
What I Adore About Goreme
The cool October air makes exploring the cave dwellings and the rock formations much more comfortable. Also, it’s still warm enough during the day to enjoy outdoor dining and hikes without needing heavy winter gear.
Experiences You Can’t Miss
- Hot Air Balloon Ride: Yes, it’s touristy, but there’s a reason for that. Floating over the surreal landscape in a balloon is a life-changing experience.
- Explore the Underground Cities: The region is home to some incredible underground cities, like Derinkuyu. These labyrinths are cooler than you’d expect, even if it’s warm outside.
- Stay in a Cave Hotel: Yes, you can actually sleep in a cave here, and the experience is surprisingly luxurious. I stayed in one with views of the balloons floating by in the morning.
5. Giethoorn, Netherlands – The Venice of the North
Giethoorn’s Serene Beauty in October
Giethoorn, a small village known for its canals, is often referred to as the “Venice of the North,” but it has none of the crowds or hustle of the Italian city. October is when the village feels especially peaceful, with autumn leaves adding a splash of color to the idyllic scenery.
Why I Fell in Love with Giethoorn
Picture this: rowing through quiet canals, under bridges draped with orange leaves, without another tourist in sight. That’s Giethoorn in October. It’s a place to slow down and soak in the beauty of a simpler way of life.
Activities in Giethoorn
- Rent a Boat: The canals are the lifeblood of Giethoorn. Renting a boat (either electric or human-powered) lets you explore the village at your own pace.
- Biking Trails: The Dutch love their bicycles, and Giethoorn is no exception. Autumn offers perfect weather for a relaxed ride through the countryside.
- Museums and Local Art: Though it’s a small village, Giethoorn has several local museums where you can learn about its history and the local culture.
6. The Faroe Islands – Nature in Its Purest Form
Why Visit the Faroe Islands in October
Remote, wild, and rugged, the Faroe Islands are for the traveler looking to escape it all. October brings fewer visitors, but the landscapes remain as breathtaking as ever, with jagged cliffs, waterfalls, and puffins still nesting along the coast.
Why I Love the Faroe Islands
If you’re looking to feel like you’re at the edge of the world, this is the place. I felt a true sense of solitude here in October, walking along cliffs with the wind whipping at my jacket, completely alone but never lonely.
What to Explore in the Faroe Islands
- Hike to the Cliffs of Sørvágsvatn: The lake above the ocean is a mind-bending optical illusion and an iconic sight on the islands.
- Visit Gásadalur: A tiny village with a stunning waterfall cascading directly into the ocean. It’s as photogenic as it sounds.
- Bird Watching: October is the last chance to catch some of the puffins before they head off for the winter. Bring binoculars!
Conclusion
October is a month of balance—a time when you can explore the world’s most captivating places without the intense summer crowds or the cold of winter. Whether you’re drawn to the ancient cave dwellings of Matera or the misty magic of Sintra, there’s something special about visiting these hidden gems in autumn. So, why not skip the usual tourist traps and venture somewhere off the beaten path this October? Trust me, you won’t regret it.
The beauty of these places isn’t just in what you see—it’s in the feeling of discovery, the stories you take home, and the connection you form with the world around you. And that, for me, is what travel is all about.
