Four Destinations We Love for Autumn Travel

If we had to pick one season to travel, we might quietly choose autumn. Summer has its obvious appeal, but there are some places we actually prefer once the hottest and busiest weeks are over. The days are still warm, evenings are more comfortable, restaurants are easier to get into, and everything tends to move at a slightly slower pace.

Autumn travel is not simply about avoiding peak season either. In some places, it is genuinely one of the best times to go, whether that is because of the grape harvest, warm seas without the August crowds, or temperatures that make exploring enjoyable again.

These are four destinations we find ourselves recommending again and again between September and November.

Puglia, Italy: For a Slower Pace and Long Lunches

Puglia is beautiful in summer, but August can be busy, particularly along the coast. By late September, things start to calm down and the region feels much easier.

For us, Puglia has always been more about the pace than ticking off sights. Long lunches, small towns, olive groves, afternoons by the pool and dinners that stretch on much longer than planned.

It is a great choice if you are looking for good food, beautiful hotels and not too much structure.

For hotels, we like Borgo Egnazia, near Savelletri, which works particularly well for families and has plenty going on without needing to leave the hotel every day. Masseria Torre Maizza, part of Rocco Forte Hotels, is smaller and more intimate, with a lovely sense of place. Further south, Palazzo Daniele in Gagliano del Capo is completely different again: pared-back, design-led and best for travellers who care as much about where they stay as what they do.

The Peloponnese, Greece: Beaches Without the August Crowds

The Peloponnese does not always get quite as much attention as the Greek islands, which is partly why we like it.

You still have beautiful beaches and clear water, but also historic towns, ancient sites and some fantastic driving routes. September is especially good, with warm sea temperatures and fewer crowds, while early October can still work very well depending on what you want from the trip.

Places such as Monemvasia, Nafplio and Epidaurus give you plenty to explore without feeling like you need to plan every hour of the day.

We often recommend Kinsterna Hotel, near Monemvasia, for its character and relaxed atmosphere. Amanzoe, above Porto Heli, is a completely different proposition and one for a special trip, with beautiful architecture, privacy and a real sense of space. For families, Costa Navarino is hard to beat if you want plenty of facilities, activities and choice while still feeling connected to the region.

The Douro Valley, Portugal: Harvest Season and Slow Days

Autumn is a particularly special time in the Douro Valley. The grape harvest usually takes place through September and into early October, and the vineyards gradually change colour as the season moves on. It is one of those places where you really do not need a long list of things to do.

A few days here are about long lunches, wine tastings, river views and taking things slowly.

It is particularly good for couples and anyone interested in wine, food and beautiful countryside. If you want nightlife or lots of sightseeing, it probably is not the right fit. If you want a few days where very little is required of you, it absolutely is.

Six Senses Douro Valley is usually our first choice, particularly for couples wanting a proper switch-off, with fantastic spa and vineyard setting. The Vintage House Hotel in Pinhão is more traditional and sits right on the river. For something more connected to the wine itself, Quinta Nova gives you the chance to stay on a working wine estate and experience the region from within it.

Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains, Morocco: Once the Heat Eases

Marrakech is one of those places that suits autumn. By October, the days are warm enough for wandering the medina, gardens and souks without feeling rushed, and evenings are mild enough to sit outside for dinner. Everything about the city feels a little easier at this time of year, from the pace in the souks to how long you can happily stay out in the gardens. Marrakech gives you colour, noise, food and energy, and then within around an hour you can be in the Atlas Mountains with a completely different pace.

For a first visit, La Sultana is hard to beat, a riad tucked into the medina with a rooftop that looks straight out over the city walls. El Fenn brings something more playful, an art-filled riad with real personality, better suited to travellers who want their hotel to feel like part of the adventure rather than a retreat from it.

Royal Mansour is on another level again when it comes to privacy and service, with each guest staying in their own riad. In the Atlas Mountains, Kasbah Tamadot or Olinto is a lovely contrast to the city and works particularly well as a few quieter days at the end of a Marrakech stay.