12 of the most beautiful places to visit in Spain this autumn

Spain is famous for its long hot summers and amazing beach holidays, but that doesn't mean the country shuts down for the rest of the year.

Indeed, much of the more enjoyable travelling in the country happens after the usual tourists crowds head home and temperatures become milder.

Autumn is a more intimate season in Spain, a chance to explore quieter corners and the great outdoors as landscapes turn from vivid green to orange and ochre.

From incredible hiking in the Pyrenees to subtropical forests in the Canary Islands, The Local has put together a list of some of Spain's best autumn getaways.

Val d'Aran, Catalonia

The unique Aran Valley is the only part of Catalonia on the northern side of the Pyrenees. In winter it's a popular ski area but in autumn its dramatic mountain peaks and exquisite villages make for perfect hiking country.

The valley is also a paradise for linguists with locals here speaking Spanish, Catalan and their very own Aranese, a dialect of Occitan which only a few locals speak.

Photo: Paco CT/Flickr

Photo: Javier R. Linera/Flickr

La Gomera, Canary Islands

If fog, mists and open fires aren't your thing, head to Spain's Canary Islands for some autumn sunshine. And while all the islands offer something special, tiny La Gomera is a chance to really get away from it all. This volcanic island is only 22km (14 miles) in diameter, but don't let size fool you. Here you'll you find spectacular beaches and cliffs, and an incredible array of microhabitats, including subtropical rainforest. What are you waiting for?

READ MORE: Seven wonders that make a visit to Spain’s La Gomera worth it

Photo: Jörg Bergmann/Flickr

Penedés, Catalonia

The Penedès wine region where cava — Spain's answer to champagne — is produced is less than one hour's drive from Barcelona but hiking around vineyards once there can be thirsty work. The solution? Whizz through the wineries on a Segway for a tipsy two-wheeled tasting tour.

Photo: hlehto/Flickr

Photo: Porschista/Flickr

 

Frank Gehrey's Hotel Marqués de Riscal, La Rioja

 

This architectural masterpiece by the man who created the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is in the middle of Spain's world-famous wine region. Visit one of La Rioja's 1,200 wineries after the early-autumn grape harvest then sip a glass of something good at sunset while admiring the hotel's undulating lines.

 

Photo: AFP

 

 

 

Cala Morell Necroplois, Menorca

 

The ancient Cala Morell necropolis is particularly busy on All Saints’ Day (on November 1st in 2021), but it remains beautiful throughout the autumn. Just another reason to visit this Balearic gem– as if anyone needed it.

 

Photo: tuulijumala/Depositphotos

 

 

 

 

Sierra de Aracena, Huelva

 

This is Andalusia as you never pictured it, a Lord of The Rings-style landscape of oak forest and ancient walkways. Best of all, Aracena is just over an hour from downtown Seville making it the perfect autumn getaway for people in the know. Rent a house, read a book by an open fire, or wander through the chestnut forests: whatever you choose you can't go wrong here. Oh, and the local jamón ibérico is among the best in Spain.
 

Photo: Jorge López/Flickr

 

 

 

History (and Jazz) in Cartagena, Murcia

 

Spain's Murcia region is sadly overlooked by many tourists but in recent years more people are starting to discover the wonders of lovely Cartagena. With average highs of 21 degrees in November, over 2,000 years of history and a Roman theatre to prove it, this is a sleeper hit for autumn travellers. A jazz festival through most of November only adds to the appeal. In 2021, it runs from November 1st until November 23rd.

 

Photo: mmedp/Depositphotos

 

 

 

Sierra de Francia, Castilla y León

Despite the name, this region has nothing to do with France, and is actually near the Portuguese border in Castilla y León. This beautiful corner of Spain is full of forests, streams and hidden historic villages like the one pictured here: La Alberca. Rarely visited by tourists, this is a unique part of the country, and is particularly atmospheric in autumn.

 

Photo: Turel Jones

 

 

 

Gorbea Natural Park, Basque Country

If it's autumn colours that you are after, head north to the Otzarreta forest, located in the natural park surrounding Mount Gorbea in the Basque Country. It is one of the best places in Spain to see the change of colours when the landscape transforms into a palette of vibrant oranges, burnt umbers and deep browns. 

 

Photo: mimadeo/Depositphotos

 

 

 

 

Las Medulas, Castilla y León

Photo: Munea Viajes/Flickr

This amazing landscape on the border between Galicia and Castilla y Leon is really worth the effort. Once the Roman Empire's most important gold mine, archeologists have since uncovered several Roman settlements nearby too. With its red earth and wooded hills, it's a great place to enjoy autumnal walks.