Autumn getaways in Spain: 7 destinations you simply must discover

Autumn is one of those times of the year when you feel like discovering Spain in a different light. Temperatures are more pleasant, many destinations are quieter than during the summer, and parks, streets, squares and landscapes are transformed by the colours of the season. If you are thinking about planning an autumn getaway in Spain, you have countless options.



In this article, we suggest seven destinations to enjoy autumn in a different way: Madrid, Granada, Zaragoza, Salamanca, Valladolid, Cáceres and Tenerife. Seven very different places, but with something in common: they all have good reasons to make it onto your list of upcoming trips.

Why is autumn a good time to travel around Spain?

Travelling in autumn has many advantages. To begin with, the intense summer heat is behind you, and you can explore the cities more comfortably. It is an especially pleasant time to walk around, sit on a terrace, visit monuments or spend an entire morning discovering a museum.

In addition, the change of season transforms many urban spaces. Parks fill with ochre, yellow and reddish tones, while the softer autumn light creates an especially beautiful atmosphere.

It is also a good time to enjoy gastronomy. Markets, restaurants and bars bring back heartier dishes and seasonal produce, and many cities host festivals, cultural events and gastronomic offerings during these months.

So, if you are looking for autumn destinations in Spain, do not think only of forests and natural landscapes. Cities also have plenty to offer during this season.

Couple travelling in autumn.

Cities to visit in autumn in Spain: 7 destinations worth a getaway

We have selected seven very different destinations so that you can choose according to the type of trip you have in mind:

Madrid

Madrid is one of the best options for an autumn getaway. The capital maintains its huge cultural offering all year round, but at this time of year it is especially pleasant to explore on foot.

El Retiro is one of those places that deserves a special visit during these months. When the trees begin to change colour, walking alongside the Crystal Palace, the Great Pond or along its paths becomes one of the most enjoyable plans in the city.

But a getaway to the capital offers much more. The Prado Museum, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Malasaña and Chueca are some of the stops you can include in your itinerary. If you have little time to discover the city, we recommend taking a look at our guide to what to do in Madrid in 48 hours, where you will find a route to make the most of a two-day getaway.

And, between one walk and the next, it is worth setting aside some time to discover the Literary Quarter. Its streets hide history, literature, charming squares and some of the most interesting corners of central Madrid. If you would like to get to know this area better, in our guide to what to see in the Literary Quarter we tell you which are its must-see spots and which corners you should not miss.

Cibeles Palace Madrid.

Where to stay in Madrid

To enjoy Madrid during an autumn getaway, ideally choose a well-connected accommodation that allows you to get around the city easily and return comfortably after a day of sightseeing.

Our hotels in Madrid are authentic oases amid the dynamism of the capital. Spaces where the elegance of contemporary design, a privileged location and attention to every detail come together so that you can experience the city's most sophisticated side and enjoy sublime rest.

Room at Hotel Vincci Capitol 4*.

Granada

Granada is one of those destinations that works especially well when temperatures drop. The city has a combination that is difficult to match: heritage, gastronomy, distinctive neighbourhoods and a privileged natural setting.

The Alhambra needs no introduction, but at this time of year it becomes even more impressive. The afternoon light falls differently on the red walls, and walking through the Generalife Gardens with dry leaves on the ground is a spectacle.

Afterwards, you can lose yourself in the Albaicín, climb up to the San Nicolás Viewpoint and contemplate the Alhambra with the Sierra Nevada as a backdrop.

Autumn is also a good time to visit the Granada Alpujarra. The mountain villages and landscapes around the Poqueira Valley take on a particularly beautiful appearance during these months, with colours characteristic of the season and pleasant temperatures for doing a route.

If you are looking for beautiful places to visit in autumn, Granada and its surroundings are a safe bet.

Alhambra Granada.

Where to stay in Granada

Granada deserves at least a getaway of several days so that you can combine visiting the city with an excursion around its surroundings.

Choosing one of our hotels in Granada ensures that your getaway has the same magic as the city itself. Design and comfort retreats where attention to detail and the most attentive service become the perfect meeting point between the history of the Albaicín, the charm of the Alhambra and the most comforting rest.

Breakfasts at Hotel Vincci Albayzín 4*.

Zaragoza

Zaragoza is one of those cities that perhaps we do not immediately associate with autumn and that, nevertheless, has many reasons to visit during this season.

One of the great moments of the year arrives in October with the Fiestas del Pilar. The city fills with activities, concerts, cultural offerings and a lively atmosphere in the streets, making Zaragoza one of the liveliest destinations to visit during autumn. If you would like to know more about this festival, do not hesitate to consult our guide to the Fiestas del Pilar.

Beyond the festivities, the city offers an interesting heritage that you can discover at your leisure during a getaway. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, La Seo del Salvador, the Aljafería Palace and the surroundings of the Ebro riverbank are some of the visits that should not be missed.

And, of course, there is its gastronomy. Exploring the city centre and stopping to enjoy some tapas is one of the best ways to get to know Zaragoza.

If you prefer an urban getaway that combines heritage, gastronomy and atmosphere, Zaragoza is an option worth considering.

Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar.

Where to stay in Zaragoza

A good location is especially important when visiting Zaragoza so that you can explore many of its attractions on foot.

Staying at our Vincci Zaragoza Zentro 4* means treating yourself to the perfect retreat in the heart of the city. A contemporary design space where cutting-edge comfort and the little details make your rest another part of the experience after a day exploring the capital of Aragon.

Lobby of Hotel Vincci Zaragoza Zentro 4*.

Salamanca

Salamanca is another strong candidate for any list of the best cities in Spain to visit in autumn.

The city has such spectacular architecture that simply walking through the centre is reason enough for the trip. You move from the Plaza Mayor to the university façade, the Cathedrals or Casa de las Conchas almost without realising it, before ending the afternoon in the Calixto y Melibea Garden.

And autumn suits it particularly well. The softer light, cooler temperatures and university atmosphere make it a perfect time to explore the historic centre.

One of the best experiences is simply walking. You can start in the Plaza Mayor, lose yourself in the streets of the centre, stop for a drink and continue to the banks of the Tormes.

In addition, Salamanca is a city with a strong gastronomic tradition. Its traditional cuisine is another good reason to sit down at the table and let the trip continue a little longer.

Salamanca Spain.

Where to stay in Salamanca

For an autumn getaway to Salamanca, choose accommodation from which you can comfortably get around the centre and enjoy the city both during the day and as the afternoon falls.

Staying at Vincci Ciudad de Salamanca 4* is the perfect way to round off a day exploring the historic centre. A warm and sophisticated design retreat where absolute comfort, carefully prepared gastronomy and impeccable service turn rest into a true luxury.

Snack Bar Lounge at Hotel Vincci Ciudad de Salamanca 4*.

Valladolid

Valladolid is one of those cities with unique historical heritage, museums, green spaces and gastronomy, making it a very interesting alternative for an autumn getaway.

The historic centre concentrates many of its main attractions. Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral, the Church of San Pablo, the Colegio de San Gregorio and the surroundings of Plaza de San Pablo allow you to discover much of the city's history while enjoying a pleasant walk.

But Valladolid also has spaces for enjoying autumn outdoors. Campo Grande is one of the places worth exploring when the trees begin to change colour. Walking along its paths and making your way to its pond is a perfect plan for this time of year.

And if there is one thing that cannot be missed, it is gastronomy. Valladolid is a very interesting destination for lovers of tapas and Castilian cuisine, so you can take advantage of your getaway to discover its bars and restaurants.

Valladolid Spain.

Where to stay in Valladolid

If you want to discover Valladolid on foot, the most practical option is to choose accommodation that allows you to have the main points of interest close by.

The Vincci Frontaura 4* hotel is the perfect address to round off a getaway to Valladolid. An urban oasis of contemporary design that combines a first-class gastronomic offering with a fabulous wellness space, ideal for relaxing and letting yourself be pampered after a day of sightseeing and enjoying great tapas around the city.

Spa at Hotel Vincci Frontaura 4*.

Cáceres

Cáceres is one of those destinations that seem made to be explored on foot. Its impressive historic complex, declared a World Heritage Site, takes on a special charm when autumn arrives.

Walking through the Monumental City is like travelling back in time. Plaza Mayor, the Arco de la Estrella, the Co-Cathedral of Santa María, the Palacio de los Golfines de Abajo and the narrow streets of the old town are all part of a unique route.

And that is precisely one of the great attractions of visiting Cáceres in autumn: you can take your time walking, entering its monuments, sitting down for a drink and enjoying the city.

In addition, Cáceres is a good starting point for discovering other corners of the province. If you have several days, you can head to the Jerte Valley, the Ambroz Valley or Hervás, which is especially interesting in autumn because of the colours of its forests.

If you are looking for a getaway that combines heritage and nature, Cáceres is one of those destinations worth keeping on your radar.

Cáceres Spain.

Where to stay in Cáceres

To make the most of a getaway to Cáceres, you can choose a Vincci hotel and use it as a starting point for discovering both the city and other places in the province.

If you are looking for a getaway where luxury and nature embrace, Vincci Valdecañas Golf 4* is your ideal option. Located in a privileged setting on an island, this boutique resort features a first-class golf course, spectacular views and absolute tranquillity, making it the perfect retreat to disconnect and discover the treasures of the province of Extremadura.

Golf Course at Hotel Vincci Valdecañas Golf 4*.

Tenerife

If when you think of autumn you imagine yellow leaves, parks and cool temperatures, Tenerife completely changes the scenery.

The island is one of the perfect destinations for those who want to continue enjoying good weather once summer has ended. Here, autumn is experienced alongside the Atlantic, with beaches, nature, towns and a huge variety of outdoor activities.

One of the great highlights is the Teide. The National Park offers volcanic landscapes that are completely different from those you will find at the other destinations on this list.

It is also worth setting aside time to discover Santa Cruz de Tenerife, La Laguna or some of the towns in the north of the island. And, of course, to enjoy Canarian gastronomy: papas arrugadas, cheeses, fresh fish and other local specialities.

If you are planning a route around the island, you can consult our guides to the most beautiful towns in southern Tenerife and the best beaches in Tenerife.

Tenerife shows that an autumn getaway does not necessarily have to mean cold weather. If what you are looking for is a break by the sea, it may be precisely what you need.

Road to Mount Teide in Tenerife.

Where to stay in Tenerife

The choice of accommodation will depend greatly on the type of getaway you want to take: you can look for a location by the sea, a strategic base for exploring the island or a peaceful place to disconnect.

Staying at Vincci Selección La Plantación del Sur 5* means treating yourself to the ultimate expression of luxury and relaxation in the Canary Islands. A majestic Canarian colonial-style complex surrounded by tropical gardens and overlooking the Atlantic, where its pools, exclusive Nammu Spa and sublime gastronomic offering turn your autumn getaway into an unforgettable experience.

Pool at Hotel Vincci Selección La Plantación del Sur 5*.

Which destination should you choose for your autumn getaway?

As you can see, there is no single way to enjoy autumn. You can lose yourself among the parks of Madrid, discover Salamanca's heritage, enjoy the Fiestas del Pilar, explore Granada and its surroundings, stroll through Valladolid's Campo Grande, travel back in time in Cáceres or completely change the scenery and head to Tenerife.

The choice will depend on what you are looking for:

• - If you feel like a urban and cultural getaway, Madrid, Salamanca or Valladolid are perfect options.


• - If you want to combine city and nature, Granada and Cáceres offer many possibilities.


• - Zaragoza is a great alternative if you are looking for atmosphere and gastronomy, especially in October.


• - Tenerife is the ideal destination if you want to enjoy a different autumn by the sea.

Whatever you choose, the important thing is to make the most of this season to travel at a leisurely pace, discover new places and enjoy Spain with a very special light and atmosphere.

The best cities in Spain to visit in autumn with Vincci Hotels

Spain is full of places worth discovering when autumn arrives. And after a day of sightseeing, walks and gastronomy, having accommodation where you can rest is an important part of the experience.

Choose your destination, find the Vincci hotel that best suits your getaway and get ready to enjoy one of the most beautiful seasons of the year.

Your next autumn getaway may be much closer than you imagine.

"Come. Be surprised. Discover more than 40 4- and 5-star hotels where every experience is unique. Open your eyes. Look around. Enjoy the most privileged locations. Look. Touch. Feel a design and style that can be appreciated in every detail. Rest. Relax. Let yourself be cared for by a service where you are at the centre. Dream. Smile. Live. You are at a Vincci"

TRAVEL.LIVE.VINCCI