The 5 Best Places to Visit in Autumn

As the post-summer melancholy begins to creep in, autumn offers the perfect excuse to escape and to embrace the golden light, rich flavours, and slower rhythms of travel. Whether you’re after warm seas, cultural wonders, or postcard-worthy cities bathed in amber hues, here are five destinations that promise unforgettable autumnal journeys. All you need to do is pack your bags… and let yourself dream.

𝑨𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒍𝒆 𝑺𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒚.
– Autumn is an ideal season for travel: mild temperatures, lower prices, fewer crowds, and exceptional light… it is often the best compromise of the year to discover a destination under optimal conditions.
– Five very different atmospheres for every profile: paradise beaches, romantic getaways, cultural escapes, or off-the-beaten-path adventures… there is something for every desire and every budget.
– Each destination lends itself to gluten-free travel: from Italy, the global reference for gluten-free dining, to naturally gluten-free dishes in Zanzibar or Uzbekistan, travelling in autumn with dietary restrictions is entirely possible—provided you prepare your trip in advance.

Zanzibar, Tanzania – Spice Islands & Private Paradises

Fragrant, multicultural, and bathed in equatorial sunshine, Zanzibar is a sensory revelation. September and October are ideal months to visit, just before the short rainy season begins. Known as “Unguja” in Swahili, the island sits just off Tanzania’s coast in the Indian Ocean and blends African, Arab, Persian, Indian and European influences into a heady cultural cocktail. Begin your stay in Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where faded coral-stone palaces, carved wooden doors, and bustling souks speak of a storied past in the spice trade. Then, retreat to the tranquillity of Mnemba Island — a private, pristine paradise ringed by coral reefs. This is barefoot luxury at its finest: white sands, turquoise waters, and world-class snorkelling at your doorstep.

• Our favourite hotel: Zuri Zanzibar. A five-star design hotel on the north-west coast (Kendwa Beach), with contemporary architecture inspired by Swahili houses. Rooms open onto the ocean, infinity pool, spa, and gourmet restaurant. The breakfast buffet includes clearly labelled gluten-free options (fresh tropical fruits, eggs, rice, corn cakes, coconut yoghurts…). The hotel is accustomed to special dietary requirements and adapts on request. See availability on Booking.
• A gluten-free restaurant to try: Emerson Spice Tea House (Stone Town). A magical rooftop overlooking Stone Town with panoramic ocean views. Swahili cuisine naturally includes many gluten-free dishes: coconut fish curries, spiced pilau rice, grilled seafood, and local vegetables. Inform the restaurant of your dietary requirements when booking—they will happily adapt. Dinner at sunset here is an unforgettable experience.
• Must-do activity: a Spice Tour. Zanzibar is nicknamed “the Spice Island” for good reason. Over 2–3 hours, a local guide introduces you to clove, vanilla, cinnamon, turmeric, nutmeg, and lemongrass plantations. You touch, smell, and taste fresh spices—an immersive sensory experience and a fascinating insight into the island’s trading history. Expect around $20–25 per person.

Average temperatures in Zanzibar:

Tenerife, Canary Islands – A Climate for Every Mood

If you’re seeking year-round sunshine without straying too far from Europe, Tenerife offers an autumn escape that caters to every inclination. The largest of the Canary Islands, it is a destination of striking contrasts — lush forests in the misty North, arid lava fields and sunbaked beaches in the South. Adventure lovers will be drawn to the lunar landscapes surrounding Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, whose summit is accessible by cable car or on foot for the more intrepid. Those in search of pure relaxation can unwind on Tenerife’s dramatic black-sand volcanic beaches or seek out stretches of golden imported sand for a more classic Riviera vibe. Whether it’s wellness, gastronomy, hiking, or heritage you’re after, this island delivers.

• Our favourite hotel: Royal Hideaway Corales Beach (Costa Adeje). A five-star hotel with striking contemporary architecture, cascading terraces facing the Atlantic. Sleek design, infinity pool, spa, and gourmet restaurants. The breakfast buffet includes a clearly marked “sin gluten” corner: breads, pastries, cereals, and cakes, alongside naturally gluten-free options. The hotel is highly attentive to allergens (Spain’s standards are exemplary). See availability on Booking.
• A gluten-free restaurant to try: Gofio Restaurante (Santa Cruz de Tenerife). A fine-dining restaurant celebrating Canarian produce, including gofio (toasted cereal flour, naturally gluten-free in its corn version). The chef works with local producers, and many dishes are naturally gluten-free. Highlights include grilled “vieja” fish and “papas arrugadas con mojo.”
• Must-do activity: climbing Mount Teide (3,718 m). Even if you are not an experienced hiker, you can take the cable car up to 3,555 m (around €40 return) and enjoy breathtaking views over neighbouring islands and the ocean. The volcanic landscape is UNESCO-listed. Bring warm clothing — it can drop to 0–5°C at the summit, even in autumn.

Average temperatures in Tenerife (south):

Prague, Czech Republic – A Romantic Canvas of Autumn Colour

As the temperature drops, Prague only becomes more magical. Often described as one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals, the city turns into a painter’s palette in the fall, its Gothic spires rising above a tapestry of russet leaves and cobbled lanes. Wander along the Vltava River, take in the sweeping views from Prague Castle (Pražský hrad), and warm up with a coffee at one of the city’s storied literary cafés, once frequented by Kafka and Einstein. Prague also shines during the festive season, so consider an early December getaway for a fairy-tale ambiance complete with Christmas markets and classical concerts.

• Our favourite hotel: BoHo Prague Hotel. A five-star boutique hotel in a beautifully restored Art Nouveau building, just steps from Old Town Square. A blend of historic elegance and contemporary design. The breakfast buffet is renowned and includes gluten-free options (bread, cakes, muesli, eggs, charcuterie, cheeses, fruits). The hotel can prepare specific options upon request. See availability on Booking.
• A gluten-free restaurant to try: Etnosvět. This restaurant offers an international menu with many gluten-free options. Dishes are creative, beautifully presented, and made with fresh ingredients. The team is well-informed about allergens and takes dietary needs seriously. One of the most recommended addresses by the gluten-free community in Prague. Try their risotto or Thai coconut curry — delicious and safe.
• Must-do activity: an evening cruise on the Vltava (around €15–25 per person, 1–2 hours). Seeing Prague illuminated from the river is unforgettable. In autumn, the mist and golden lights create a truly magical atmosphere.

Average temperatures in Prague:

Uzbekistan – Silk Road Splendour and Desert Light

Still largely off the beaten track, Uzbekistan is the ultimate destination for culturally curious travellers in search of marvels untouched by mass tourism. Autumn is a golden moment to explore this Central Asian gem: the cotton harvest is in full swing, the heat has softened, and the domes of Khiva gleam under a low desert sun near the Karakum sands. Wander through the majestic monuments of Samarkand, a city of mosaics and minarets that once dazzled Silk Road traders, and lose yourself in the timeless charm of Bukhara, where madrassahs and caravanserais whisper tales of centuries past. This is a journey where every tile, every alleyway, every landscape tells a story.

• Our favourite hotel: Hotel & Spa EmirHan (Samarkand). A boutique hotel inspired by Uzbek craftsmanship with all modern comforts. Spa with traditional hammam. Breakfast is a feast of naturally gluten-free local ingredients: dried and fresh fruits (pomegranates, figs, apricots, melons), eggs, fresh cheeses, local honey, rice cakes, and buckwheat pancakes. See availability on Booking.
• A gluten-free restaurant to try: Platan (Samarkand). A shaded terrace restaurant overlooking the Registan, serving traditional Uzbek cuisine. Ask for “glutensiz” or show a translation card in Uzbek or Russian to ensure understanding.
• Must-do activity: admire the Registan of Samarkand at sunset. This monumental square, bordered by three madrassas with turquoise, blue, and gold mosaics, is considered one of the most beautiful architectural ensembles in the world. In autumn, the low evening light sets the façades ablaze. Sit on the steps, take your time, and let the magic unfold.

Average temperatures in Samarkand:

Rome, Italy – Eternal Charms in an Indian Summer Light

What better way to embrace the gentle warmth of the ottobrata romana — Rome’s soft Indian summer — than with a trip to the Eternal City? Autumn in Rome means fewer crowds, golden afternoons, and a cultural feast at every turn. Stroll through history with visits to the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Vatican Museums, and the Trevi Fountain, all bathed in a softer light. But Rome is as much about feeling as it is about seeing. Sip a ristretto at a sunlit piazza, meander down ivy-covered alleys in Trastevere, or hop on a vintage Vespa to explore the city like a Roman. As evening falls, settle into a cosy trattoria for handmade pasta, truffle shavings, and a glass of velvety vino rosso. La dolce vita, indeed.

• Our favourite hotel: Chapter Roma (Trastevere / Testaccio district). A refined five-star hotel set in a former convent. Rooftop with panoramic views over Rome, spa, and gourmet restaurant. The breakfast buffet is exemplary for gluten-free travellers: breads, pastries, cakes, and cereals (Schär and artisanal products), alongside a wide selection of Italian charcuterie, cheeses, fruits, and eggs. See availability on Booking.
• A gluten-free restaurant to try: Mama Eat Roma. A pizzeria and trattoria entirely dedicated to gluten-free cuisine, with a separate kitchen and strict cross-contamination protocols. Crispy Roman pizzas, fresh pasta, tiramisù, supplì… everything is gluten-free, everything is delicious, with no compromise on taste. A must-visit recommended by the entire coeliac community. Booking is highly recommended, especially on weekends.
• Must-do activity: visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum early in the morning (8:30 am at opening). In autumn, the morning light is golden and warm, crowds are minimal, and you can truly feel the power of these ancient sites. Book skip-the-line tickets online (around €18 including the Forum and Palatine Hill).

Average temperatures in Rome:

And you, where are you travelling this autumn?

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