Best Places to Visit in Spain in Fall
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please see my legal page for more details.
There are many reasons to visit Spain in the fall, there are fewer crowds, temperatures are mild with plenty of sunshine, days are longer and attractions and accommodation are less expensive.
The country celebrates its most important national holiday, Día de la Hispanidad, or Spanish National Day on the 12th of October. There are parades and celebrations throughout the country and historic Spain landmarks to visit.
There are many destinations to visit in Spain for fall festivities, wine tastings, and places where you can soak up the sun before the winter sets in.
Where to go in Spain in Fall
Andalucia
One of the best places to visit in the fall is the southern region of Spain, Andalucia. The last breath of summer is still alive in Andalucia until mid-October if not longer. The good thing is that the tourists have left and the locals have finished their vacation a long time ago. So long beaches await with perfect bathing temperatures in the water – only you don’t have to fight about a spot to put your towel.
There is so much more to this time of the year that you’ll love. It’s the perfect time to explore amazing hikes, like El Caminito del Rey or the many coastal hikes. Even if you hike with dogs, it’s a perfect time of the year for beach-to-beach walks as that’s prohibited in the summer months. It’s not too hot and far from cold. Head to either Cadiz or Almeria province for incredible sand-blown beaches combined with exhilarating cliff-walks. It’s also a great time to visit the villages and cities as the most daunting summer heat is wearing off.
You can also spend a weekend in Seville, which has gorgeous weather in the Fall after the heat of summer. There are many things to do in Seville, including Real Alcázar, the Seville Cathedral and more!
You can also get some fall colors in late autumn if you head to higher altitudes like in the Sierra Nevada National Park, Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park, or Cazorla, Segura y las Villas Natural Park. All of these parks offer cooler temperatures and amazing walking opportunities including waterfalls and rivers to cool down on warm days. If you base yourself in Malaga, you can indulge at Molina Lario Hotel in the city center with a pool and incredible city views.
By Linn Haglund of Andalucia Hiking
Barcelona
While Barcelona, Spain might be a summer travel hotspot in Europe on the Mediterranean, consider a visit during the fall for a much more relaxed visit, with far fewer tourists and even more to see and do. As summertime travelers clear out and locals return from vacations, your Barcelona itinerary will have much more opportunity for visiting local haunts like the city’s best tapas spots, waterfront bars, and restaurants, and much more.
A favorite fall activity in Barcelona is enjoying a leisurely paella lunch along the old Port Vell in the Barceloneta neighborhood. Enjoying this piping hot rice and seafood dish in the summertime can be oppressive, but is much more enjoyable in cooler temperatures. Plus, enjoy a stroll through the Barceloneta neighborhood near the beach after a big meal.
Consider staying in the lovely Musik Boutique Hotel in the historic El Born neighborhood. El Born has all the beauty of the Gothic Quarter, with historic, winding streets, but far fewer tourists and a much more local vibe. You’ll find historic churches, some of the city’s best tapas spots, and much more just steps away. Plus, this charming boutique space just steps away from the lovely Parc de la Ciutadella, which is even more enjoyable in cooler fall weather.
By Carley from Home to Havana
Madrid
Madrid is the capital city of Spain and one of the best places to visit in the fall in Europe!
See fall foliage at one of Madrid’s many tranquil green spots. You can spend an entire day at Retiro Park – 118 hectares of green space built in the middle of the 17th century or explore Casa de Camp – home to a zoo and amusement park. Have churros dipped in chocolates at the 122-years old Chocolatería San Ginés open 24/7.
Visit Palacio de Cristal (Glass Palace) – a greenhouse that was originally created to showcase tropical plant life from the Philippines which was a Spanish colony at the time. Go to the Rose Gardens, and if the weather permits, take a boat out onto the lake.
The annual Festival de Cine de Madrid (film festival) is also hosted in the fall in Spain. There’s something for everyone in Spain in Fall and Madrid should be on every European bucket list!
By Chelsey Evans of Chelsey Explores
