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Top Ten Autumn Days

There are plenty of reasons why we like autumn - turning leaves (of course), quiet paths, the grape harvest, near-deserted beaches, crisp blue skies… Here are our favourite ways to spend a sunny autumn day.

For fantastic autumn colours, it has to be a walk in the Apennines, where wonderful paths wind up the mountain slopes, offering superb views over expanses of oak, beech and chestnut woodland to the peaks beyond. Autumn is also synonymous with truffles and wild mushrooms here, which add extra flavour to the delicious regional cooking.

Relaxing on a beach in Almería. One of the best things about the arrival of autumn in Almería is the near-empty beaches. This part of Andalucia boasts some of the warmest waters in the whole of mainland Spain, meaning you can swim in the sea virtually all year round.

Wine-tasting in La Rioja. Autumn heralds the start of the grape harvest, bringing a wonderful bustle to the vineyards. Book our Rolling Hills & Vineyards cycle, and you can spend your days exploring the panoramic Cantabria Sierra and calling in at wine producers for tastings of their velvety reds.

Exploring Tuscany. Tuscany is arguably at its best in autumn, once the summer tourists have left. With a week at one of our self-catering cottages and apartments, you can take your time to admire the art treasures you come across, and stroll at your leisure through the winding streets of the medieval hill-top towns.

Watching migrating birds fly over the Ebro Delta. Our Meander along the Ebro cycle explores southernmost Catalonia, where the wetlands of the Ebro Delta are an important haven for birds. Be patient, and you may well be rewarded with the sight of a flock of flamingos or other birds flying overhead.

Joining in fiesta celebrations in Asturias. Many of the villages on our Picos to the Sea walk celebrate their fiestas in late September. As well as colourful religious processions, these usually involve lots of merriment – one member of staff once chanced upon a fiesta in Alevia, where the whole village, from toddlers to pensioners in their nineties, descended on the village square to watch local bands perform well into the early hours of the morning.

Walking in the Garrotxa. Like the Apennines, this little-known corner of Catalonia is a good choice for admiring the displays of autumn colours. The beech woods that coat the slopes of the ancient volcanoes provide a rich tapestry of colours, adding an extra dimension to walks here.

Enjoying the warm sunshine of the Canary Islands. If the rain and shortening days of the British autumn leave you wishing for a little sunshine, head to the Canary Islands and discover the great variety of landscapes on La Gomera, Tenerife and Gran Canaria, which boast average temperatures of 25°C in October and 23°C in November.

Exploring the Catalan Coast. Our Collioure to Cadaqués walk is perhaps best enjoyed in autumn, when you can walk along near-deserted beaches. A real highlight is the route around the rugged Cape Creus headland, from where you can look back to the Pyrenees.

Savouring delicious chestnut dishes in the Cévennes. The Cévennes is a land of chestnut trees, which, as well as creating a colourful backdrop, bear plenty of nuts. Stay at the Hotel Balme on our Beneath Mont Lozère walk and you may well be treated to some of Monsieur Gomy's delicious chestnut dishes – some of his menus feature chestnuts in every course. The chestnut gateau served with chestnut ice cream for dessert is particularly delicious!

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