Why Travel Around Spain in Autumn and What Are the Best Destinations?

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Travelling around Spain in autumn is the ideal choice if you want to enjoy a peaceful break at your own pace. Once summer comes to an end, temperatures drop, the roads are far quieter, and prices are usually much lower. It is the perfect time to go on a road trip, explore cities without the summer crowds, and make the most of discovering local nature and food.

To help you plan your next trip, at DoYouSpain we have selected the best destinations to visit in Spain during autumn. Compare your choices, book your car hire at the best price, and decide which place you are going to visit first.

Benefits of Travelling Around Spain in Autumn

Choosing autumn for a getaway offers massive advantages compared to summer. The main one is freedom: with fewer tourists around, the roads are much clearer, parking is hassle-free, and you can visit Spain’s top sights without queues or crowds.

On top of that, there are big savings. As demand drops, it is far easier to find great deals on both accommodation and cheap car hire. What’s more, the mild temperatures during these months make outdoor activities far more comfortable, coinciding with the time of year when local gastronomy is packed with seasonal produce.

A Coruña in Autumn to Celebrate Halloween

If you are looking for a break packed with unique traditions, A Coruña is a fantastic choice for autumn. At the end of October, the city transforms to celebrate Samaín (the end of summer), the ancient Celtic festival that gave rise to modern-day Halloween. During these days, the historic quarter comes alive with street parades, cultural activities, and a truly unique atmosphere that appeals to visitors of all ages.

Magosto Festival

In November, the celebrations continue in the streets with Magosto, one of the best-known and most beloved traditions in Galician culture. Roasted chestnuts and young wine take centre stage at this festival, where locals gather around bonfires and traditional open-air dances. Exploring by car allows you to get out of the city and head into the surrounding villages, where you can experience the most authentic and traditional magostos.

Thermal Baths

To round off your trip, the area boasts excellent wellness options for pure relaxation. Having your own hire car in Coruña gives you the flexibility you need to visit the thermal spas scattered across the province, or even take a day trip to the famous hot springs of Ourense to enjoy a warm soak surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

Ibiza in Autumn to Enjoy Its Peace and Beaches

When the peak season draws to a close at the beginning of October, the pace of Ibiza completely transforms. While many travellers still visit the island around this time to experience the famous closing parties at the clubs, daytime reveals a far more laid-back island that is remarkably easy to enjoy. Under the gentle autumn sun, it is the ideal moment to connect with local life and explore the island at your own pace.

Autumn is the finest time of year to take a road trip around Ibiza’s most beautiful beaches and coves, such as Cala Salada, Cala Comte, or Cala d'Hort. During these months, parking hassles become a thing of the past, you can stroll along the sand without the crowds, and the sea remains warm enough for a dip. Along the way, you can wander through the historic streets of Dalt Vila without the summer heat or find a spot along the coast to take in a stunning sunset.

With far less traffic on the roads, hiring a car in Ibiza during this season gives you the freedom to explore comfortably and stress-free. It provides the perfect excuse to drive through picturesque inland villages like Santa Gertrudis or Sant Carles, dine at local restaurants without having to book weeks in advance, and browse authentic craft markets like Las Dalias.

The Costa Brava in Autumn for Hiking and Exploring Its Villages

In autumn, the Costa Brava swaps the summer crowds for a much calmer pace, making it ideal for combining outdoor trails with rural tourism. With far milder temperatures for getting around, the region is perfect for exploring both coastal paths and inland countryside.

Hiking Along the Cami de Ronda

This is the best time of year to enjoy the famous Cami de Ronda, a network of coastal footpaths winding between cliffs, peaceful coves, and historic watchtowers. Hiking during the autumn months is far more comfortable, allowing you to take in sweeping views of the Mediterranean and stop off at practically empty beaches along the way.

Road Trip Through the Medieval Villages of L'Empordà

Hiring a car in Girona to explore the area allows you to hop from the coast to the countryside in a matter of minutes. It is the easiest way to visit medieval villages such as Pals, Monells, or Peratallada. In autumn, there is always something for everyone: from visiting the renowned pottery exhibitions in La Bisbal d'Empordà to strolling through historic streets without queues and finishing up with a meal at a local restaurant.

San Sebastian in Autumn for Its Food and Landscapes

San Sebastian in autumn is the true jewel of the Bay of Biscay. It is the perfect time to admire the sea from the Peine del Viento or walk up Mount Urgull without the scorching summer heat. While the city itself is easily explored on foot, hiring a car in San Sebastian is the most practical option for visiting nearby fishing villages in complete comfort, letting you adapt your plans to whatever the weather brings.

The traditional taverns in San Sebastian's Old Town are one of the city's biggest highlights, and autumn is the best season to experience them. Basque cuisine is all about top-quality seasonal produce: counters at local spots like Ganbara or Tamboril are loaded with wild mushrooms sautéed with egg yolk, rich game stews, and freshly harvested local vegetables. Going out for pintxos during these months lets you savour these autumn dishes at your own pace and grab a spot at the bar without the crowds.

Explore Spain in Autumn at the Best Price by Hiring a Car with DoYouSpain

Having the freedom to travel at your own pace in autumn makes all the difference on any road trip. At DoYouSpain, we compare the market's lowest prices in seconds so you can pick up your vehicle wherever suits you best, quickly and easily.

Booking in advance ensures you get the cheapest possible rate. If you have any questions, you can easily resolve them on our website via the Customer Service Area, through our Virtual Assistant, or by calling us on +34 964 83 09 95.