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Seville’s Plaza de España, a top destination for autumn travellers in Spain.
Credit: Botond HORVATH, Shutterstock
Spain in October is different. The heatwave’s gone, the crowds thinned and the cities seemed to exhale.
In the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, you can hear your own footsteps. You can drink coffee in Madrid and not sweat through your shirt. And in Seville, you don’t have to run from one shade to another. For many travellers – especially Brits looking for an autumn escape – October might just be the sweet spot.
Where should you go then? Take a look at some of the Spanish cities that are really alive this month.
Barcelona: A softer side to the city
Let August go. October Barcelona feels almost intimate. There are still golden beaches, calm and serene, but there’s no more sardine-like crowds. Barceloneta can now be a calm place to stroll, and not just for towel fights.
The Gothic Quarter Standing still, you can see balconies with flowers dripping down. With temperatures around 20 degrees during the day, wandering is no longer an endurance test.
Culture is buzzing too – the Barcelona Jazz Festival There’s no better night for football fans than a Champions League at Camp Nou. Fancy a quick escape? Sitges is a quirky seaside town. international film festival Every October.
Madrid: Golden parks, late-night energy
Madrid is seductive in October. Madrid’s famed energy is still as strong as ever, even though the air has cooled and Retiro Park turned golden. The autumn is a great time to get into the water.
Spend your morning at the Prado or Reina Sofía – where you might actually get a moment in front of Guernica Without a scrum selfie sticks. La Latina is a great place to stroll in the late afternoon and stop for tapas and wine as the sun sets. Madrid is always up late at night.
October is festival season. Autumn Festival brings together theatre, music and dance from all over the world. For football lovers, the Bernabéu under crisp night skies is pure Madrid magic.
Seville, Flamenco and oranges in autumn light
Seville is the perfect reward for those brave enough to visit in July. The oppressive heat is gone, and replaced with balmy afternoons of mid-20s. You can now explore the city.
The Alcázar is no longer a race against the sun. The Giralda Tower climb is not torture. Everywhere you look, the courtyards are lit by orange light in autumn.
Seville is unforgettable in October because of the flamenco. Late-night, passionate performances are held in hidden bars that will make your spine tingle. Pair it with a tapas crawl – croquettes, jamón, fried aubergines with honey – and you’ll see why people fall hopelessly in love with this city.
Valencia: Paella, sunshine and science
Valencia, which has always been in Barcelona’s and Madrid’s shadows, steals the spotlight in October. The weather is perfect – 23 degrees and sunny skies – which means the beach is still in play if you fancy a lazy afternoon.
The City of Arts and Sciences shines even brighter in the autumn sun, and the Turia Gardens is perfect for strolling or cycling. Of course, you cannot visit Valencia without enjoying a good paella. Not the tourist version – the real Valencian one with chicken and rabbit. It tastes even better when you eat it in October. The evenings are chilly and call for comfort foods with a little warmth.
Granada, history wrapped in autumn colors
Granada is a city that you can’t seem to forget. It feels like an oil painting in October. Alhambra is framed in reds and golds by the trees that are turning. It is easier to enjoy the Alhambra without having to deal with crowds.
Climb into the Albaicín, the old Moorish quarter, and lose yourself in its cobbled alleys. When you reach the Mirador de San Nicolás at sunset, the Alhambra glows pink against the Sierra Nevada – it’s the kind of view you’ll never forget.
Evenings can be lively. Granada is known for a tradition which seems almost too good to believe: you order a drink and a free tapa will be delivered. It’s casual and generous. Every evening feels like a celebration.
October is Spain’s secret Season
Many Spaniards will tell you that October is their favorite month. The sun is still out, but it doesn’t burn. Streets are busy, but not overcrowded. Flights and hotels often drop in price, and yet you get to enjoy Spain at its most authentic – when locals reclaim their cities after the summer madness.
Tourists looking for an autumn getawayThe perfect getaway: close to home, yet warm enough for an enjoyable holiday. All the stress has been removed.
October is the best time to see Spain. Whether it’s flamenco, paella, Valencia, Valenciana, or cava, you can enjoy Spain at its golden best. Enjoy a season of colour, calm and sunshine that will keep you smiling even after you fly home.
