Autumn Leaves And Epic Views! These Are The 10 Best Places To Visit In Spain This Autumn

Autumn Leaves And Epic Views! These Are The 10 Best Places To Visit In Spain This Autumn

Autumn is one of the very best times of year to visit Spain. The tourist crowds of the summer have started to disappear, and with the summer’s relentless heat gone the weather is perfect for exploring.

This applies to travelers that want to explore Spain’s cities as those that want to enjoy epic views. Think stunning mountain villages, picturesque vineyards, and incredible natural vistas. These will be the focus of this piece.

When most people think of Spain they tend to think of busy beaches and bustling cities. But the Spanish countryside is a vast and beautiful place, and one that is ripe for adventurous travelers to explore. There’s nowhere better to get closer to nature, explore the great outdoors, and watch leaves turn from green to shades of ochre and russet.

If you want to explore the beauty of Spain, then these are the 10 best places to visit in Spain this autumn:

Val d'Aran, Catalonia

You may have already heard of Val d’Aran because in the winter months this is a popular ski resort. It is the only part of Catalonia that sits on the northern side of the Pyrenees and in the autumn it is a great place to hike. The views are dramatic, and there are hiiking routes suitable for extreme adventurers as well as those looking for something a little more gentle.

Castañar de el Tiemblo, Ávila

If you’re staying in Madrid and want to escape the hustle and bustle then head to Castanar de el Tiemblo. This is a beautiful chestnut forest and is conveniently close to Madrid for daytrippers. Visit on a weekday and you’ll find the forest quiet and atmospheric. This is a must-visit destination for leaf peepers, because the colour changes of the chestnut trees here is as beautiful as it is dramatic.

La Gomera, Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are a year-round favourite destination, especially for British tourists. This is the place to go if you want your autumn to be warm and sunny! La Gomera isn’t one of the main Canary Islands but a tiny island just 14 miles in diameter. This is a great spot for spectacular beach and cliff views. You’ll even find a sub-tropical rainforest here!

Penedés, Catalonia

The second destination in Catalonia on our list, this one is also the most delicious! The Penedès wine region is where cava is produced. You can get here in less than an hour from Barcelona. This is a beautiful place to hike amongt the vine yards, and of course to stop for a drink or two at the end of the day!

Frank Gehrey's Hotel Marqués de Riscal, La Rioja

La Rioja is another region famous for its wine, and there are 1,200 wineries in this region making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a drink after a day of exploring. One of the best attractions here is Frank Gehrey's Hotel Marqués de Riscal. This is a hotel designed by the genius architect who created the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. It’s a truly beautiful building and one well worth seeing for yourself. 

Cala Morell Necroplois, Menorca

On the Balearic island of Menorca you will find the ancient Cala Morell necropolis. This is a hugely popular tourist attraction on the island, so visiting in the low season during autumn is the best time to see it properly, without rushing and crowds, and to truly appreciate its unique beauty.

Sierra de Aracena, Huelva

It’s hard to narrow the beauties of Andalusia down to just one best sight, but this forest offers Lord of The Rings-style landscapes of oak trees and ancient walkways. Because this stunning forest is just an hour from Seville you can enjoy it as part of a wider city break. Be sure to stop for a taste of the local jamón ibérico as part of your adventure.

Sierra de Francia, Castilla y León

This part of Spain is rarely visited by tourists and sits near the Portuguese border in Castilla y León. To skip over it would be to miss out on a true hidden gem. Forests, streams and historic villages take center stage here. As the leaves change in autumn, the area becomes particularly beautiful.

 Gorbea Natural Park, Basque Country

This is one of the best natural parks in Spain if you want to see the colours of autumn and the leaves changing. The whole landscape of this stunning forested area changes and becomes a riot of colour. It is a truly spectacular sight.

 Las Medulas, Castilla y León

This amazing landscape on the border between Galicia and Castilla y Leon isn’t particularly easy to get to but it is really worth the effort. Once the Roman Empire's most important gold mine, archeologists have since uncovered several Roman settlements nearby too. With its red earth and wooded hills, it's a great place to enjoy autumnal walks.

If you enjoyed reading about Spain’s natural beauty and are thinking about visiting or moving to Costa del Sol, don't hesitate to contact us! We specialize in all things Spain and what it takes to move there. We have thousands of  properties for sale in Mijas, Benalmadena, Fuengirola and more!