Where to go
The best places to visit in October, from autumn colour to the last warm seas
October brings autumn colour in the north and the final swimming days in the south. Six places at their best this month, from the maple forests of Québec to the still-warm sea off Cyprus.
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On the road north of Québec City, the maples turn red, orange and gold, and the lakes reflect the whole spectrum. People drive here from across North America to see it, and they are right to.
October is one of the best months of the year to travel. The Mediterranean is still warm enough to swim, prices have dropped after summer, and in the far north the northern lights season begins just as autumn colour peaks. These six places are at their best in October.
Short answer: where should you go in October?
For warm seas, Cyprus, Rhodes and Malta are the best bets in October. For autumn colour, Québec in Canada and Lofoten in Norway are the most dramatic, and Madeira is ideal for walking in mild weather.
Best for swimming: Cyprus
Best for fall foliage: Québec
Best for northern lights: Lofoten
Best for hiking: Madeira
Best for history and beaches: Malta and Rhodes
Québec: maple forests in autumn colour
Autumn colour in Québec usually peaks from late September to mid-October. Drive north from Québec City to Charlevoix, where the hills roll down to the St Lawrence River, or west to the Laurentian Mountains around Mont-Tremblant.
Québec City is one of the oldest cities in North America, with intact walls and narrow lanes in its old town. French is spoken here, and the food leans more towards France than the US. Try poutine, fries with cheese curds and gravy, at a simple café, and maple syrup from the producers on the Île d'Orléans just outside town.
The catch: the colour depends on the first frosts and varies year to year. Keep a couple of days flexible and follow the foliage reports.
Anassa
Anassa near Latchi, Cyprus.
Cyprus: Europe's warmest sea
Cyprus sits at the far eastern end of the Mediterranean, and its sea stays warm later into autumn than almost anywhere else in Europe. In October the beaches are half empty and the days still long enough for lazy afternoons.
Drive up into the Troodos Mountains for villages, wineries and painted churches, and see the Roman mosaics at Paphos. The Akamas peninsula in the west has beaches without a building in sight, and at Lara Bay sea turtles nest in summer.
The catch: school half-terms fill flights in October. Book early if your dates are fixed.
Anassa: a village by the Akamas
Anassa sits near Latchi in the north-west of the island, built like a village of white houses with a small chapel, running down to its own beach. The Akamas peninsula begins next door. For couples who want the quietest corner of Cyprus.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Anassa
Svinøya Rorbuer
Svinøya Rorbuer in Svolvær, Lofoten.
Lofoten: northern lights and autumn peaks
In October the nights in Lofoten are dark enough for the aurora, while days are still long enough for mountain hikes. The birch trees turn yellow, the peaks reflect in the fjords and the summer crowds have gone home.
Climb Reinebringen or Festvågtind for the views, drive the E10 between the fishing villages, and look out for the empty wooden racks where cod hangs to dry from February. Restaurants in Henningsvær and Reine serve fish landed the same day.
The catch: the weather turns quickly, and the aurora keeps its own schedule. Leave a spare day in your plans.
Svinøya Rorbuer: fishermen's cabins in Svolvær
Svinøya Rorbuer occupies a small island beside Svolvær, with old and new rorbuer, traditional fishermen's cabins, on stilts above the water. From your cabin you see the mountains around the harbour, and on a clear night the aurora from the jetty. For travellers who want Lofoten as it used to be.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Svinøya Rorbuer
Reid's Palace
Reid's Palace on the cliffs at Funchal, Madeira.
Madeira: the levadas in mild weather
Madeira is mild all year, and October is a fine month for the levadas, the narrow irrigation channels you can follow on foot through the laurel forest. The walk from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo crosses the island's highest peaks.
Funchal has the Mercado dos Lavradores, the Madeira wine lodges and the cable car up to Monte, from where you can ride the wicker toboggans back down.
The catch: mountain weather changes fast. Check the forecast and pack a rain jacket.
Reid's Palace: gardens above the Atlantic
Reid's Palace stands on the cliffs west of central Funchal, with large gardens running down to the Atlantic. Afternoon tea on the terrace is a long-standing ritual. For travellers who want Madeira with style.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Reid's Palace
The Phoenicia Malta
The Phoenicia by Valletta's city gate.
Malta: ancient temples and a warm sea
Malta has temple ruins older than the pyramids, a capital built by crusading knights and a sea that stays warm well into October. Valletta is small enough to explore in a day, and from the Upper Barrakka Gardens you look across the Grand Harbour to the Three Cities.
Take the ferry to Gozo for its cliffs and the Blue Lagoon off Comino, and eat fish at the Sunday market in the fishing village of Marsaxlokk.
The catch: Malta is densely built and traffic is heavy. Stay in Valletta or on Gozo rather than in the resort strips.
The Phoenicia: just outside the city gate
Set in its own gardens by the main gate into Valletta, The Phoenicia has a pool that looks out across the water. The old town is a few minutes' walk away. For travellers who want Valletta on the doorstep and calm in the evening.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at The Phoenicia
Lindos Blu
The pool and sea view at Lindos Blu, Rhodes.
Rhodes: the knights' city and autumn sun
The old town of Rhodes is one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities, built by the Knights of St John. In October its lanes are quiet again, and the sea is still warm enough to swim.
Walk the Street of the Knights to the Palace of the Grand Master, take the bus to Lindos for its acropolis and the bay below, and drive inland to villages whose tavernas serve autumn dishes.
The catch: many coastal hotels and restaurants close at the end of October. Check opening dates if you travel late in the month.
Lindos Blu: sea views near Lindos
Lindos Blu sits on the hillside near Lindos, adults only, with pools looking straight out to sea. The village and its acropolis are a short trip away. For couples after autumn sun and quiet.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Lindos Blu
Good to know before you book
Half-term fills flights: school holidays across Europe fall in October. Book early or travel outside them.
The season winds down: in Greece and Cyprus many beach hotels and tavernas close from late October.
Foliage moves: in Canada it usually peaks from late September to mid-October.
Aurora season has begun: from September the nights in northern Norway are dark enough.
October travel: your questions answered
Where is the best place to visit in October?
Cyprus, Malta and Rhodes are best for warm seas in October. Québec and Lofoten are best for autumn colour, and Madeira for walking in mild weather.
Where can you swim in October in Europe?
Cyprus has Europe's warmest sea in October. Rhodes, Malta and Crete are also good choices, and the Canary Islands are warm throughout autumn.
When is fall foliage best in Canada?
In Québec, colour usually peaks from late September to mid-October, a little later further south.
Can you see the northern lights in October?
Yes. The aurora season in northern Norway starts in September, and October nights are dark enough, often with clearer weather than midwinter.
Where is good for an October half-term holiday?
Cyprus, Rhodes and the Canary Islands are popular for sunshine. For a city break, Rome, Barcelona and Lisbon are pleasant in October.