If you’re wondering where to hike in Europe in October, you’re in for crisp air, golden forests, and far fewer crowds than summer.
Because October just might be Europe’s most underrated hiking month. The sizzling scorching temperatures are gone, the summer crowds are gone, the trails are quieter, and the landscapes? They’re showing off with those gorgeous autumn colors, golden forests, and mellow Mediterranean light that photographers drool over.
Whether you’re dreaming of fall hiking along sun-soaked coastlines or crunching through alpine trails under a canopy of fiery leaves, we’ve got your hiking boots covered. These are some of the best fall hikes in Europe, and yes – they’re all part of our self-guided hiking tours at Monkeys and Mountains.
So you know they’re epic, flexible, and totally logistics-free. Just pack your boots, your sense of adventure, and maybe a light jacket.
When it comes to where to hike in Europe in October, these 8 destinations offer the perfect mix of autumn scenery and comfortable temps:
1. Coastal Bliss: Fall Hiking in Cinque Terre, Italy
October is your last golden window to hike Italy’s famed Cinque Terre before things quiet down for winter. On our Cinque Terre Hiking Tour, you’ll ramble across cliffside trails linking those iconic rainbow-colored villages, hike to a 1,000-year-old abbey (reachable only by foot or boat – so basically, a fairytale), and sip espresso in posh Portofino.
Mild weather, quiet trails, unbeatable sea views, and gelato as a reward? Yes please. Perfect for hikers who like a little wine with their walks and believe every great hike should end with pesto.
2. Sun, Sea, and Stones: Coastal Hiking in Croatia from Dubrovnik to Split
If your idea of the perfect fall hiking adventure involves sunshine, ancient towns, and views that make you gasp out loud, our Croatia Hiking Tour is your dream ticket. October still brings sunny days and balmy temps, plus you’ll be hiking between medieval cities, over vineyard-draped hills, and hopping across five (!) Adriatic islands.
It’s like stepping into a postcard – but with more hiking and less Photoshop. Ideal for anyone torn between a cultural city break and an outdoor escape. Spoiler alert: this is both.
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Another perk of choosing where to hike in Europe in October is the lower cost of accommodation and airfare compared to peak summer months.That alone can save you hundreds of $$$.
3. Alpine Magic: Spanish Pyrenees in Peak Fall Glory
Love mountains, but hate frostbite? The Spanish Pyrenees in October are chef’s kiss. Cool but not cold, dramatic but not crowded, these trails take you through quiet valleys, over ancient stone bridges, past Romanesque churches, and into forests ablaze in gold and orange.
Think Heidi meets Game of Thrones – minus the dragons, sadly. If you’re craving crisp air, crunching leaves, and a solid mountain escape before winter sets in, this one’s for you.
4. Spain’s Secret Side: Hiking the Sierra Nevada & Alpujarras
Want a more off-the-beaten-track fall adventure? Say hello to Andalusia’s Sierra Nevada mountains, where you’ll hike through ancient white villages, past olive groves, under golden poplars, and over ridgelines that stretch for miles.
October means sunny skies, crisp mornings, and just the right amount of sweater weather. Plus, with our tour, your luggage gets transported while you wander. Magic. Culture, nature, jamón and flamenco? Don’t mind if we do.
5. Three Parks, One Epic Adventure: Mountains of Catalonia, Spain
Can’t choose between mountains, monasteries, or waterfalls? Don’t! On our Mountains of Catalonia tour, you’ll hike through three natural parks – Montseny, Sant Llorenç, and Montserrat – each with its own flavor of awesome.
You’ll get forest trails, rocky outcrops, sacred sites, and plenty of Catalan food that tastes even better after a day of hiking. It’s basically a sampler platter of the best fall hikes in Spain. Dig in.
6. Costa Brava Calling: Camino de Ronda, Spain
This one’s for the sea lovers. The Camino de Ronda hugs the rugged Costa Brava coastline with secret coves, pine forests, and seaside villages that will 100% make you want to move to Spain.
October = warm enough to swim, cool enough to hike, and quiet enough that you’ll feel like you’ve got the trail to yourself. Smugglers’ paths (no smuggling required), delicious seafood feasts, and sunsets that wreck your camera battery. What’s not to love?
7. Misty Mornings, Cozy Pubs: The Wicklow Way, Ireland
Sometimes you want a little moody magic with your hiking. Enter: The Wicklow Way, just outside Dublin. Think ancient forests, mossy valleys, sparkling lakes, and the kind of mist that makes you believe in fairies.
And yes, there’s always a welcoming pub at the end of the trail. Sláinte! It’s perfect for introspective hikers, forest lovers, and anyone looking for a peaceful autumn escape.
8. Bonus Round: The Lycian Way, Turkey (Yes, it still counts!)
Okay, so Turkey’s not technically Europe, but the Lycian Way is just too good to leave off the list. This 500km trail hugs the stunning Mediterranean coast and October is prime time – fewer people, warm seas, and epic ruins at every turn.
On our Lycian Way self-guided tour, you’ll hike through pine forests, pass ancient Lycian tombs, and dip your toes in turquoise water. Beach, ruins, mountains and possibly a kebab mid-hike? Yes, yes, and yes.
So… Where Will You Hike in Europe This October?
Whether you’re chasing coastal calm, fiery foliage, or mountaintop magic, October is the secret season for hiking in Europe. Mild temps, fewer tourists, and Mother Nature at her artsy best? Yes, yes, and yes.
And if you’re the kind of hiker who dreams big (think continent-spanning trails), you’ll love exploring routes like the European Long Distance Paths – they’re a rabbit hole of hiking goodness.
Ready to chase those golden leaves and cool breezes? Book your fall hiking adventure with us now and let October lead the way.
