5 top fall destinations
This morning I noticed the first yellow leaves on the ground. An unmistakable sign that summer is coming to an end. But that’s no reason to be gloomy. Autumn offers great moments in many ways. On the one hand, the weather in the mountains is more stable and the vegetation shines in bright autumn colors. The days are getting shorter, the dawn and dusk are longer, and you don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn to witness the sunrise. Ground fog wraps the landscapes in a mystical robe again and on rainy days we can make ourselves comfortable on the sofa with a hot tea and an exciting book. I like autumn. In addition to spring, it is my favorite season for city trips and short trips in Europe. And since on gray August days you tend to put together the next trip in your head, I have put together five autumn travel destinations for you for inspiration. From mountain villages to exotic cities, everything is included.
Dubrovnik
Numerous shipping companies and Game of Thrones are partly responsible for the fact that Croatia’s southernmost city begins to groan under the onslaught of tourists during the summer months. There are days when it’s hard to get through. In autumn, the situation slowly calms down again and if you travel to Dubrovnik at the end of October, you will have the city almost to yourself during the morning and evening hours. In between, you can use the time to explore southern Dalmatia between Ston and Cavtat or to relax on the island of Lokrum just outside Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is the ideal destination to soak up some sun, let your hair be ruffled by the sea breeze and marvel at epic sunsets.
Marrakech
Marrakech fascinates. In the hustle and bustle of the medina, it’s best to just let yourself drift and roam from souk to souk. At some point you will be spit out of the street maze again. In addition to all the exotic scents and sounds, Marrakech also attracts with dreamlike oases of peace in the middle of the old town. You can either linger on one of the numerous roof terraces or retreat for tea to one of the two luxury hotels Royal Mansour and La Mamounia and feel like you’re in 1001 nights. Marrakech is great for a long weekend. So that you can start your holiday as stress-free as possible, I recommend a direct flight with EasyJet. Yes, don’t fly there with Royal Air Maroc – you might think that the loss of luggage is part of the standard program with this airline.
Domodossola
Only a stone’s throw away from Brig, Domodossola is a great weekend destination. Toast to the weekend with an aperitivo in the Piazza del Mercato. Afterwards you can either take leisurely walks around Domodossola – for example to the Sacro Monte Calvario – or go hiking in the adjacent valleys. As an alternative to bad weather, you can choose between a trip to EXPO Milano 2015 (until 31 October) or a culinary indulgence programme at a “Sentieri del Gusto” event. Domodossola is also quite spontaneous – namely when rain is forecast for the northern side of the Alps and sun for the southern side of the Alps on Thursday evening.
Budapest
Grey in grey, Budapest is a true showpiece. Last November, we went on a three-day city trip to the capital of Hungary and spent hours walking to explore all the historic buildings in the Buda and Pest districts. Budapest is particularly attractive during the blue hour. Along the banks of the Danube, there are numerous photo spots for great “Blue Hour” pictures. Afterwards, you can warm up with a hearty dinner in the Zona restaurant or in one of the cozy coffee shops.
Lower Engadine
But the Swiss mountains also show their photogenic side in autumn. Especially when the larches slowly put on their yellow robe and light up the landscape. You can experience this natural spectacle in the Swiss National Park and in the Lower Engadine, for example. And in keeping with the cinema release of Schellen-Ursli (15 October 2015), you can combine your trip to the Lower Engadine with a detour to Guarda. The village is a real gem and inspired Alois Carigiet to draw Schellenursli’s house.
Note: Last year’s trip to Dubrovnik was supported by the Croatian National Tourist Board – thank you very much for this. As always, my readers can be sure that I always represent my views and enthusiasm here.
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