Are you a fan of crisp autumn air and outdoor adventures?
You’re in the right place! In this article, we’re going beyond the typical outdoor fall activities like visiting pumpkin patches or gathering colorful leaves.
If you’re all about exploring and immersing yourself in nature, and soaking in the stunning autumn landscapes, keep reading. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite outdoor activities for fall, including thrilling options like hiking tours, boat trips, canyoning, white-water rafting, surfing, and even skiing! Ready for an unforgettable autumn adventure? Let’s dive in!
In this article, we’ve gathered some of our favorite—and perhaps a little unexpected—fall activities in Europe. It was tough to narrow it down, but these are our top must-do experiences.
HIKING IN AUTUMN
Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities, and fall makes it even more magical. As the leaves turn into the most stunning colours, the air turns crisp, and the trails become a little quieter, it’s the perfect time to explore nature. With so many breathtaking hiking spots across Europe, it’s tough to pick just a few. However, here are some of my absolute favourite – and perhaps more unexpected – hiking destinations for the fall season.
Hiking in Greece – White Mountains
Greece is more than just sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters—it’s also home to lush landscapes and endless greenery. Popular hiking spots include the Imbros Gorge, where you can even enjoy a refreshing swim in the Libyan Sea, and the famous Samaria Gorge in Crete’s White Mountains. As Europe’s largest gorge, the Samaria Gorge stretches an impressive 16 kilometers. Along the way, you’ll discover the Ksyloskalo Omalos Plateau, breathtaking rocky trails, ancient forests, and picturesque riverbeds. Don’t miss charming Greek villages like Agia Roumeli, where you can unwind and take a dip in pristine, turquoise waters.
Hiking in Italy – Mount Etna
Italy is known for its rich history, stunning coastlines, and diverse landscapes—but it also offers incredible volcanic adventures. One of the best spots for this is Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, located in Sicily. Explore its craters and lava flows on an off-road journey from Catania, while learning about its fascinating geology. Venture into one of Etna’s lava caves with helmets and flashlights to discover its hidden underground. After a coffee break at a mountain shelter, hike through the unique vegetation to the rim of an extinct crater, offering breathtaking views, before returning to Catania.
Our Tip: Embark on a sunset hike to add a touch of magic to your Mount Etna adventure. Watch as the sun sets, casting vibrant colours across the sky and enhancing the breathtaking views around you.
Hiking in Norway – Oslo & Lofoten
When you think of Norway, you likely picture huskies, vast landscapes, and awe-inspiring natural beauty. A hiking tour here offers all of that and more. Near Oslo, explore stunning spots like the Lysaker River, Nordmarka Forest, and Vettakollen Hill, where you’ll be rewarded with one of the best views of the city. For a more adventurous experience, head to the Lofoten Islands and hike the Småtindan Mountains, where unspoiled nature and dramatic scenery await.
Our Tip: For animal lovers, a husky hike is the perfect way to connect with nature and meet these charming dogs up close!
BOAT TRIPS IN AUTUMN
Boat trips provide a unique way to see a destination from a fresh perspective, and in the fall, they offer truly mesmerizing views. Whether you want to extend the summer by escaping the chill or fully embrace the crisp air and vibrant autumn scenery, a boat trip is the perfect choice. No matter your preference, we’ve got you covered!
Boat Trips in Italy – Sicily, Sardinia & Lake Garda
For a late-summer getaway, consider exploring Italy’s beautiful islands, such as Sicily with its charming spots like Trapani and Palermo, or Sardinia, with the picturesque town of Olbia. These spots will make you feel the summer breeze just a bit longer, while offering incredible views and crystal-clear water.
To fully embrace fall, a boat trip on a lake like Italy’s Lake Garda is the perfect option. Enjoy stunning views of picturesque Italian towns, while the surrounding scenery and vegetation gradually transform into their autumn hues.
Our Tip: Especially the months of October and November are perfect to witness the vibrant seasonal colours sweeping across nature.
Boat Trips in Greece
Greece is another top destination for extending your summer, where the sea remains warm, and the summer crowds have eased. The southern regions, particularly places like Crete, Santorini, and Mykonos, still offer that perfect summer vibe well into the season.
CANYONING & RAFTING IN AUTUMN
If you’re an adrenaline enthusiast, rafting or canyoning could be the perfect activities for you! White-water rafting offers an exhilarating adventure through fast-moving rapids, and autumn is the ideal time for it, with vibrant landscapes and cooler temperatures adding to the excitement. Canyoning is another fantastic fall activity, where you’ll explore gorges and waterfalls by climbing, jumping, and sliding your way through stunning natural surroundings.
Canyoning & Rafting in Croatia – Cetina River
Just a 30-minute drive from Split, you’ll find the stunning Cetina River, a prime location for rafting and canyoning. Surrounded by breathtaking views of the Croatian countryside and untouched nature, the Cetina Canyon offers canyoning experiences suitable for all skill levels. The included city transfer from Split makes it an easy and refreshing escape from urban life.
Our Tip: For seasoned canyoning enthusiasts seeking a challenge, try Extreme Canyoning, featuring abseiling from cliffs over 50m high, towering waterfalls, and jumps of up to 17m.
Canyoning & Rafting in Germany – Southern Bavaria
Southern Bavaria is home to some of the best rafting and canyoning spots in Germany. The Allgäu region, near Lake Constance, is a highlight, with breathtaking tours through the Starzlchklamm, Schwarzwasserbach, and Kobelach. Additionally, Lenggries, just 60km from Munich, is a top canyoning destination, offering tours around Sylvensteinsee in the Karwendel Mountains, catering to both beginners and experienced adventurers. Also, the Berchtesgardener Land and Garmisch-Partenkirchen offer incredible rafting and canyoning offers for all ages and levels.
Canyoning & Rafting in Austria – Tyrol
Austria is home to some of the most stunning canyons and rivers for rafting and canyoning, and fall makes the experience even more magical with its vibrant colours. The Austrian Alps in Tyrol are a top spot, featuring the mesmerizing Hochalp Canyon and Wiesbach Canyon—both perfect for beginners and ideal for a family adventure. Along the way, you’ll uncover hidden gems, take in breathtaking views, and enjoy everything from gentle rappels to refreshing swims in natural pools.
SURFING IN AUTUMN
“Autumn waves are the best waves,” as surfers in Portugal like to say—and we couldn’t agree more! Fall, especially September and October, is the perfect time to surf. The water remains warm, the waves are sharp, and the summer crowds have disappeared. You’ll have those early winter swells practically to yourself. With the winds calming down and the waves becoming cleaner, the surf conditions are unbeatable.
Surfing in Portugal – Arrifana, Ericeira, Peniche & Cascais
Popular surfing spots during fall in Portugal are Arrifana, Ericeira, Peniche and Cascais. So get your board, and catch those waves!
Surfing in Morocco – Taghazout & Agadir
Morocco’s surf season runs all year around, offering consistent swells, relatively warm water, and mild air temperatures. During this time, winter storms in the North Atlantic send powerful northwest swells down to Morocco’s point breaks and reef breaks, creating ideal surfing conditions. Popular spots are Taghazout and Agadir.
Our Tip: Surf lessons in Morocco are especially budget-friendly, making it an ideal spot for catching waves during the fall and winter months.
SKIING IN AUTUMN
In the glacier regions of the Alps, skiing season kicks off as early as the beginning of October. If you’re a skiing enthusiast eager to hit the slopes, this is the perfect destination to jumpstart your winter adventures!
Austria
The skiing season at Stubaier Glacier in Stubaital, Tyrol, begins as early as October. As Austria’s largest glacier ski resort, it offers something for everyone, with 105 kilometers of slopes that cater to all skill levels, from beginners on blue runs to advanced skiers tackling the red and black slopes. Perfect for all ages, it’s a top destination for early-season skiing.
Also the Hintertuxer Glacier is a popular destination for skiing during fall, renowned for its excellent snow conditions and reliable slopes. With 62 kilometers of perfectly groomed powder runs for all skill levels, state-of-the-art cable cars, and exceptional dining options, it’s a top destination for skiing enthusiasts.
Switzerland
In early November, the Swiss ski resort of Zermatt opens its slopes, catering especially to experienced skiers, but also beginners are welcome. With the iconic Matterhorn as a stunning backdrop, the resort offers more than 300 kilometers of ski runs and reliable snow conditions thanks to its high altitude. It’s a perfect destination for both breathtaking views and thrilling skiing adventures.
Ready for a fall outdoor adventure? Whether you’re looking to extend summer, take in the breathtaking autumn scenery, or jump-start the winter season, we’ve got the perfect activity for you! Whether you’re craving relaxation or chasing adrenaline, there’s something for everyone. Whatever you decide, have an unforgettable autumn!