Best Beaches to Visit in October and Alternative Autumn Trips

This palace built in the nineteenth century sits on a rugged hill in the foothills of the German Alps, very close to the Austrian border. It rises above the village of Hohenschwangau near the town of Füssen. The surrounding forests turn bright orange and yellow in October, making it the most scenic time of year for photos. The autumn weather is cool and crisp. You will avoid the massive summer tour groups, though the site is never truly empty. The walk up the hill from the ticket office is steep, but the autumn air makes the climb much more comfortable than in July. You can view the exterior from Mary's Bridge, which hangs over the Pöllat gorge. However, this bridge often closes without warning if there is early frost or maintenance work.

The Atacama Desert is a plateau at high altitude stretching along the Pacific coast of northern Chile. It sits between the Andes and the Chilean Coast Range, which block moisture from both sides. This makes it the driest desert outside of the polar regions. October is springtime in the Southern Hemisphere. Day temperatures are warm but comfortable, and night temperatures do not drop as low as they do during the freezing winter months. The skies are exceptionally clear for stargazing. The altitude here can cause headaches and shortness of breath. Many of the salt flats, geysers, and lagoons sit well over three thousand meters above sea level.

This massive Catholic basilica in the Eixample district of Barcelona has been under construction since 1882. Designed by Antoni Gaudí, it is the tallest church in the world. The interior features pillars shaped like trees and stained glass windows that cast colorful light across the stone. October brings mild Mediterranean weather to Barcelona. The intense summer humidity drops, making the walk to the basilica pleasant. The queues are shorter than in July, though you still need to book online. Because it is an active construction site, you will hear drilling and see scaffolding inside and out. Some areas may be blocked off depending on the work schedule.

Located in Hunan Province, China, this park is famous for its giant quartz sandstone pillars. These natural towers rise hundreds of meters from the valley floor, often surrounded by mist. It is part of the larger Wulingyuan Scenic Area. October is one of the dry months, which means less heavy rain to block your views of the peaks. The summer heat is gone, leaving cool days that are perfect for hiking the long trail networks. The park gets incredibly crowded during the National Day golden week in early October. Avoid the first week of the month at all costs, as lines for cable cars can last for hours.

Plitvice Lakes is one of the oldest and largest national parks in Croatia, located in the mountainous area near Bosnia and Herzegovina. It features sixteen interconnected lakes linked by a series of waterfalls. The water flows over natural tufa barriers, creating deep green and blue pools. In October, the beech and pine forests surrounding the lakes turn striking shades of red and gold. The autumn colors contrast sharply with the bright water. The summer crowds are gone, so you can walk the wooden boardwalks without being pushed. October can bring rainy days, which makes the wooden walkways slippery. Some boat or bus routes inside the park may reduce their hours or close early in the season.

These massive waterfalls sit on the border between Argentina and Brazil, splitting the Iguazu River into upper and lower sections. Most of the falls are located on the Argentine side, where walkways take you right to the edge of the water. October is a shoulder month with moderate temperatures and high water levels. The winter dry season is over, so the falls flow with immense power. The spring weather is warm but lacks the oppressive humidity of the summer months. Spray from the falls will get you completely wet, especially on the lower trails and boat rides. Heavy rain can occasionally close the walkway to the Devil's Throat, the most famous section.

The Colosseum is the largest standing ancient amphitheater in the world, located in the center of Rome. Built in the first century under the Flavian dynasty, it held gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. October is the sweet spot for visiting Rome. The summer heatwaves are over, meaning you can walk around the exposed stone arena without getting sunburned. The evening air is perfect for outdoor dining nearby. Despite the cooler weather, October remains a very popular month for school trips and European travelers. The surrounding plaza is always filled with sellers trying to hawk cheap souvenirs or tour tickets.

Standing 63 stories tall in St. Louis, Missouri, this stainless steel structure is the tallest arch in the world. It was built as a monument to the westward expansion of the United States. October weather in Missouri is generally dry and cool, making it pleasant to walk around the grassy park grounds along the Mississippi River. The autumn leaves in the surrounding park add color to your photos of the reflective steel. To reach the top, you must ride in a tiny, cramped tram capsule that sways slightly. If you suffer from claustrophobia, you will find the four minute ride to the viewing deck highly uncomfortable.

Santorini is a volcanic Greek island in the southern Aegean Sea. It is famous for its steep cliffs, white buildings with blue domes, and volcanic beaches. If you are determined to find the best beaches to visit in October, Santorini is one of the few European islands where the sea remains warm enough for a swim early in the month. The black sand beaches of Perissa and Kamari are much quieter than in summer. By late October, many restaurants, beach bars, and ferry routes begin to shut down for the winter. Winds can pick up, making boat tours bumpy and evenings chilly.

Tromsø is a Norwegian city located on an island well north of the Arctic Circle. The city features a historic center with old wooden houses dating back to 1789. October marks the beginning of the northern lights season. The nights are dark enough to see the auroras, but the weather is not yet as bitterly cold as it gets in January. You can also experience the transition to polar night as the days rapidly shorten. Snow is common in October, which can make driving on the island difficult if you are not used to winter roads. Many of the summer hiking trails are blocked by ice by the end of the month.