Where to catch some warmth: 5 best destinations for an autumn vacation

October is a special month that embodies the true harmony of the transition from summer warmth to the November Halloween atmosphere. But if you didn't have time to enjoy the summer, it is fine. There are places in Europe where you can enjoy beaches, walks along the promenade, and swim in the relatively warm sea.

The Guardian experts have compiled a ranking of the best European destinations for an October vacation. These cities are a great combination of history, majestic architecture, and fresh seaside.

Genoa, Italy

Genoa is an ideal destination for history buffs. The city has hundreds of Renaissance and Baroque palaces, 42 of which are on the UNESCO list.

Palazzo Rosso has unique 17th-century frescoes and a collection of art, including works by Flemish painter Van Dyck. Palazzo Spinola houses the National Gallery of Liguria, and Palazzo Reale boasts a picturesque terrace overlooking the sea and a mirrored hall. Palazzo Ducale, built in 1298, is the main cultural center of Genoa with exhibitions worth visiting. The next exhibition will be dedicated to the impressionist Berthe Morisot (October 11 - February 23, 2025).

In addition to all the grand architecture, another charm of Genoa is that it is a lively port city where you can enjoy walks on the waterfront and beach vacations. To make the most of the fall sun, take a stroll along the Corso Italia to Boccadasse, a former fishing village with a small beach.

Experts advise you to try local specialties: torta pascualina (pie with chard or spinach, egg and ricotta), seafood dishes, Ligurian cakes and pastries, vegan friskies with cashew fondue, pasta trenette with broccoli sauce, tomato pesto and artichokes.

Aveiro, Portugal

Aveiro is called the Portuguese Venice in guidebooks. The city has a network of canals and is located in a lagoon. A ride on one of the colorful gondola-style moliceiro boats is a great way to experience the local flavor.

Aveiro has a lot to offer in its relatively compact center, which combines Art Nouveau architecture with impressive religious buildings (including a cathedral and a monastery) and a traditional fishing district. Three excellent museums - the Museum of Aveiro, the Art Nouveau Museum and the Aveiro City Museum - are located within easy reach of each other.

Along the coast is the Dunas de S. Jacinto Nature Reserve, where forest paths are ideal for cycling among the pine trees. And the lagoon, which is located between the city and the coast, offers several options for water activities, including paddleboarding, kayaking and windsurfing.

Alicante, Spain

The city on the Costa Blanca has a long history. It was once inhabited by Greeks and Phoenicians, Romans and Moors. The exquisite old town with architectural masterpieces of past eras creates a colorful ensemble with narrow streets of fishing districts lined with blue and terracotta flower pots.

The city is especially charming in early fall. Start the day with a walk along the palm-lined Esplanada d'Espanya, a promenade paved with wave-shaped mosaics. At the end of the Esplanada is El Postiguet, an ideal beach for swimming. At the top is the Castillo de Santa Barbara, a well-preserved 16th-century fortress that you can climb to see the Mediterranean Sea and the Costa Blanca.

Experts advise staying in Barrio Santa Cruz, the oldest district of the city, at the foot of Monte Benacantil, where the castle is located. The area also includes the Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art, a gallery dedicated to 20th-century Spanish artists, including Dalí and Picasso, the Painter Amalio Museum, and more. In Alicante, you should try turrón - nougat with almonds and rosemary honey.

Zadar, Croatia

September in Croatia is great: the sea is still warm, but the streets are no longer crowded with tourists. Zadar in northern Dalmatia is a combination of ancient history, great food, bustling cafes, beaches, and outdoor activities.

It is worth taking a walk along the Riva, a promenade that stretches along the western part of the peninsula, where the old town of Zadar is located. Not far from the coast are the remains of the Roman forum and the ancient Byzantine church of St. Donatus, which is now an atmospheric concert venue. Nearby is the bell tower of the Romanesque Cathedral of Anastasia and St. Mary's Church with a mixture of Roman, medieval, Renaissance and Baroque elements and a 10th-century bell tower. The 20th century is represented by the concrete Archaeological Museum of the 1970s. Two other interesting sights in Zadar are the food market and the Museum of Ancient Glass.

Thessaloniki, Greece

Instead of traveling to Athens and the Greek islands, which are still crowded with tourists even in the fall, experts advise choosing Thessaloniki. Historically, Thessaloniki has been a geographical and cultural crossroads of roads and eras - it is a major port that is home to the Via Egnatia, a Roman road that once stretched from the Adriatic to Constantinople. Large Muslim and Jewish communities existed there before the turmoil of the 20th century, leaving their mark on the city.

The city is made for walking, and even better for getting lost on purpose. During the day, you can visit the impressive Archaeological Museum, walk along the Roman walls to Ano Poli, the old town with its Ottoman-style houses and tiny Byzantine churches, and then stroll along the Aegean Sea along the picturesque promenade. To get a dose of mountain air, drive 90 minutes south of Thessaloniki to the foot of Mount Olympus.

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