The 10 Most Beautiful Fall Road Trips in Europe

Fall is perhaps the best season for a road trip. The summer crowds have died down, temperatures are often pleasant, and the harvest is getting underway in wine regions. Europe has a surprising variety of landscapes in the fall: the warm south, where temperatures in Sicily and Cyprus hover around 20–25°C, or the dramatic north, where the Scottish Highlands and Finland’s ruska offer spectacular fall colors.

What’s more, rental cars are often more affordably priced outside the high season. In this overview, you’ll discover 10 fall destinations that are especially enjoyable when you rent a car. Still unsure about the best time of year or destination? Then check out our comprehensive fall vacation guide.

On this page:

• Why take an autumn road trip in Europe?

• 10 destinations for your fall road trip

• Practical info: car class, when to book, and fall tips

• Frequently Asked Questions About Fall Road Trips

Why take an autumn road trip in Europe?

Fewer crowds

After summer, the crowds at many European destinations clearly thin out. That doesn’t mean well-known spots are suddenly empty, but popular attractions are often more pleasant to visit. You’re more likely to enjoy a relaxed visit to historic cities, nature reserves, and scenic overlooks, and it’s easier to make a spontaneous stop along the way.

Mild weather

In Southern Europe, temperatures in September and October are still regularly between 15 and 25°C. That’s ideal for a road trip: warm enough for outdoor dining and walks, but usually more pleasant than the hot summer months. In Northern Europe, temperatures are naturally lower, and an autumn road trip is all about fall colors, fresh air, and picturesque landscapes.

Budget advantage

The off-season can offer a significant price difference compared to summer. However, rental rates fluctuate constantly and depend on factors such as demand, availability, car class, and rental location. The main advantage of fall lies in the combination of lower demand and greater availability, though demand does pick up again during school breaks.

10 Destinations for Your Fall Road Trip

1. Sicily: Mount Etna, the grape harvest, and Greco-Roman temples

Sicily is at its best in the fall: warm days, quiet attractions, and an island where the grape harvest is in full swing.

With daytime temperatures ranging from 20 to 24°C, Sicily is pleasantly warm in the fall, and the summer crowds have subsided. On the slopes of Mount Etna, the Nero d’Avola grape harvest is in full swing in September and October—a great time to plan a wine tasting. Combine that with a climb up the volcano itself and a visit to the impressive Valley of the Temples near Agrigento, where you can stroll among the Greek columns in the fall without the crowds.

Discover the most beautiful sights on a road trip through Sicily.

Want to explore the island on your own? Check out the car rental options in Sicily.

2. Morocco: Marrakech, the Sahara, and Chefchaouen

Just outside Europe, you’ll find one of the most colorful fall itineraries: from red dunes to a mountain town painted blue.

Morocco is outside of Europe, but it definitely belongs on a list of fall road trips around the Mediterranean. In Marrakech, temperatures can reach around 25°C in October, while nights in the Sahara are already noticeably cooler. The classic route runs from Marrakech through the Sahara dunes near Merzouga to Fez and ends in Chefchaouen, the “blue city” in the Rif Mountains. Plan on 10 to 14 days to cover this route at a leisurely pace, with plenty of time for detours to kasbahs and over mountain passes along the way.

Discover the full road trip through Morocco or read our tips for day trips and tours starting from Marrakech.

It’s surprisingly easy to drive around Morocco in a rental car.

3. Cyprus: Aphrodite, Troodos, and driving on the left

While the rest of Europe is already thinking about scarves, Cyprus remains a summery destination well into fall.

With daytime temperatures still hovering around 25–27°C in October and not dropping to 20–21°C until November, Cyprus is one of the warmest islands in Europe during the fall. Drive past the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite at Petra tou Romiou, head into the cooler Troodos Mountains for a hike among the vineyards, and visit Nicosia, the world’s last divided capital. Please note: Cyprus is a former British territory, so you drive on the left here. If you’re not used to that, an automatic transmission makes the transition much easier.

Take a wonderful road trip around Cyprus and discover all the island’s sights by renting a car in Cyprus.

4. Scotland: The Highlands, lochs, and the Isle of Skye

Want to see the most dramatic fall colors in Europe? Then head into the Scottish Highlands.

Scotland takes on an almost mystical aura in the fall. From mid-September through mid-October, the hills of the Highlands and the Cairngorms are painted in shades of orange, red, and gold—a spectacle you won’t find anywhere else in Europe with such intensity. Drive on to the Isle of Skye, with iconic sites like the Old Man of Storr and the Fairy Pools, or follow a section of the North Coast 500. Just like the rest of the United Kingdom, people drive on the left in Scotland. The narrow single-track roads also require a bit of extra caution.

Rent a car in Scotland and get inspired by our tips for a road trip through the Scottish Highlands. Be sure to set aside time to explore the most beautiful sights around Edinburgh as well.

5. Istria: Croatia’s Tuscany, with historic towns and truffles

Compact, green, and full of flavor: Istria is the ultimate fall destination for those who don’t want to drive too far.

Because of its rolling hills, Istria is sometimes called the “Tuscany of Croatia.” In the fall, the region is all about gastronomy: truffle season begins in September, and throughout the fall, various truffle events take place around Motovun and Livade. Combine the inland area with the wineries around Malvazija, the hilltop town of Motovun, and the coastal towns of Rovinj and Poreč, home to the 6th-century Euphrasian Basilica. Thanks to the short distances, Istria is ideal if you don’t want to spend hours behind the wheel every day.

We’ve mapped out a complete road trip through Istria for you, which you can extend with a journey featuring 9 stops between Zagreb and Dubrovnik. For these road trips, you can easily compare rental cars in Croatia on EasyTerra.

6. Côte d’Azur: Monaco, Cannes, and that Riviera vibe in a convertible

The French Riviera in the fall means fewer crowds, but still that typical Mediterranean light.

The Côte d’Azur is less crowded in the fall and still surprisingly mild. Around Nice, temperatures in September and October are pleasant, though a light shower is possible. A convertible is the perfect way to soak up the Riviera vibe: the coastal road between Cannes, Nice, and Monaco is one of the most photogenic road trip experiences in Europe. Nice is also easily and quickly accessible from many European cities, making a long weekend here perfectly feasible.

Need some inspiration? Discover the 10 most beautiful day trips from Nice, and we’re almost certain you’ll start looking for a rental car in Nice right away.

7. Algarve: Cliffs, White Villages, and Wine

Rugged cliffs, secluded beaches, and wine harvests just a short drive away: the Algarve is an underrated fall destination.

The Algarve is an excellent choice for a sunny fall road trip. In September and October, daytime temperatures range from 20 to 24°C, allowing you to drive comfortably along the coast—from the rock formations at Ponta da Piedade to the cliffs above Praia da Marinha—without the summer crowds on the hiking trails. If you’d like to see more of Portugal, you can extend your route toward the Alentejo, where the grape harvest is in full swing in September and October. Faro is easily accessible thanks to many European flight connections.

Rent a car in Faro and drive at your own pace to the best spots in the Algarve.

8. Andalusia: Seville, Córdoba, and the Alhambra in Granada

Three cities, one route, endless culture: Andalusia is the classic fall city triangle.

Andalusia is much more pleasant for a road trip in October than during the hot summer. Seville, Córdoba, and Granada together form an impressive cultural triangle, with the Alcázar, the Mezquita, and the Alhambra as highlights. With a rental car, you can easily add Ronda, the white villages, or the coast to your itinerary. Note: Tickets for the Alhambra sell out quickly, so it’s best to book them about three months in advance.

If you rent a car in Spain, you can expand your itinerary between cities with day trips from Málaga.

9. Finland: ruska, Lapland, and the Northern Lights

For those looking for something completely different: Finnish Lapland offers an autumn spectacle unlike anything else in Europe.

For vibrant fall colors, Finland is one of the most unique destinations. “Ruska,” the Finnish word for the intense fall colors, typically begins in Lapland as early as September. In the weeks that follow, the colors spread southward, peaking in each region sometime between mid-September and early October. Rovaniemi is a convenient base, offering a chance to see the Northern Lights as well.

Learn more about the peak times for ruska during an autumn road trip through Finland, or rent a car in Finland and explore magical Finnish Lapland.

10. Tuscany: Wine Harvest, Cypress Trees, and Cities Full of Art

Golden vineyards, cypress-lined avenues, and cities of art: Tuscany in the fall is the epitome of the Italian Indian summer.

Starting in September, the rhythm of life in the Tuscan countryside changes with the grape harvest, as the summer heat slowly fades. With temperatures in October often still hovering between 18 and 22°C, it’s wonderful to drive between Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa. Be sure to take time to explore small villages, wineries, and an agriturismo nestled among the vineyards. Be sure to watch out for the ZTL zones in Italian cities. A rental car gives you the freedom you want in Tuscany, especially outside the cities.

You can only truly experience the hilly countryside of Tuscany outside the cities if you rent a car in Italy. We’ve listed the 5 most beautiful routes through Tuscany starting from Florence for you. If Pisa is your base, read our tips for the most beautiful routes starting from Pisa.

Practical info: car class, when to book, and fall tips

Car Class

For most European road trips, a compact or mid-size rental car is sufficient. It offers plenty of space for luggage and is easy to maneuver on narrow roads and in historic city centers. An SUV or 4x4 only makes sense for the Sahara leg in Morocco or off-road routes in Finnish Lapland. Always check with the rental company to make sure you’re allowed to drive on such roads.

Are you traveling to Cyprus, Scotland, or another country where they drive on the left? If you’re not used to driving on the left, we recommend renting an automatic. That way, you won’t have to worry about shifting gears with the “wrong” hand.

Not sure which rental car suits your route? Read on to find out which car class is best for you.

Booking Window

For quieter destinations like Tuscany or Istria, booking 4 to 6 weeks in advance may be sufficient, but that’s not a hard-and-fast rule. For popular times of year, limited car classes, and high-demand destinations, it’s wiser to book 6 to 8 weeks in advance—or even earlier. This is especially true for countries that are popular in the fall (Cyprus, Malta, Scotland). Want to know more about timing? Find out when the best time is to rent a car.

Extra tips for a fall road trip

• Dress in layers: temperatures can vary greatly within a single day, especially in Scotland and Finland.

• Pack rain gear: Fall weather can change quickly, even in warmer areas.

• Be aware of shorter days: in Northern Europe, it gets dark quickly in the fall.

• Watch out for animals: in Scotland and Finland, wildlife can suddenly cross the road.

Traveling with young children? Reserve a child or infant car seat when you book your rental car—don’t wait until you’re at the counter.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fall Road Trips

Where is it warmest in Europe in the fall?

Sicily (20–24°C), Andalusia (22–25°C), and Cyprus (25–27°C in October) are among the warmest destinations in Europe. If you want the best chance of warm, dry weather, choose Cyprus: it stays warm well into November. Outside of Europe, Morocco is an attractive, budget-friendly option with temperatures around 25°C. Keep in mind, however, that averages aren’t a guarantee: the weather can vary greatly from year to year and from region to region.

Which countries are perfect for a fall road trip in a rental car?

That depends on what you’re looking for. For warmth, Cyprus, Sicily, Andalusia, and the Algarve are strong choices. For fall colors, Scotland and Finland stand out. Croatia is a great option for gastronomy and a compact route, while the Côte d’Azur and Tuscany combine culture and wine. Morocco offers a completely different landscape with the Atlas Mountains, the Sahara, and the medinas. So you can find a great fall road trip in virtually any direction.

When should you book a rental car for a fall vacation?

For some quieter destinations, booking 4 to 6 weeks in advance may be sufficient, but for popular destinations like Cyprus and Sicily, it’s better to book earlier. That way, you’ll have plenty of options and can take advantage of off-season rates. Certain car classes also require early booking: it’s best to reserve a 7-passenger car or other specific category 6 to 8 weeks in advance or sooner. Also, don’t just look at the price—the rental terms may be more important than a small price difference.

Are rental cars cheaper in the fall?

Often, yes, but not for every destination and time of year. In October, prices can be significantly lower than during the busy summer months, especially when demand drops sharply. At destinations that become popular in the fall, such as Cyprus, the price differences may be smaller. Therefore, always compare specific travel dates and car classes. Later in the year, around Christmas and New Year’s, rental car prices rise.

Which fall destinations are suitable for families with children?

Istria is attractive because of its short distances and combination of coastline and nature. Cyprus has a mild climate, and the myth of Aphrodite appeals to many children. Andalusia and Tuscany are also great for a family road trip, especially if you don’t change accommodations every day. Lapland and the Sahara require longer or more adventurous drives; be sure to choose a route that suits the children’s ages.

How many days do you need for a fall road trip?

That varies greatly depending on the destination. For compact routes like Istria, Cyprus, the Côte d’Azur, and Tuscany, you can see a lot in just 5 to 7 days. For Sicily, Andalusia, and Morocco, 10 to 14 days is more comfortable. Scotland and Lapland also require more time if you want to avoid long drives. A good rule of thumb: it’s better to have one or two fewer stops than to spend hours driving every day.

What’s the best fall road trip for beginners?

Tuscany is an accessible choice thanks to its good roads, short distances between many attractions, and extensive tourist infrastructure. Cyprus is also straightforward, but don’t forget that they drive on the left there. For your first experience driving on the left, an automatic transmission can be helpful. Scotland is beautiful, but single-track roads, changeable weather, and driving on the left require more attention. For a first adventure in Morocco, an organized tour is often a wiser choice than driving on your own.