Right now, it may seem as if traveling for leisure and recreation is out of the question for a while. However, as the pandemic occurs, experts have seen its patterns and know that it will eventually fade, and life can get back to a bit of normalcy. Until then, we are going to look into the next season, when it seems that travel will once again be an option.
Where are we looking in this article? We are going to Europe to consider some of the best autumn festivals throughout the entire region. Before we do, however, let’s take a few minutes to speak about accommodations in the post-pandemic period.
Where to Stay
No matter where you travel once restrictions have been removed, you may feel a bit uncomfortable with the idea of larger properties full of fellow travelers. Shared entrances, lobbies, dining areas, and amenities may be difficult for many to comfortably use again, and that is entirely understandable.
That is why you may want to always consider a private, luxury rentals. Whether it is for a visit to a major urban area like Barcelona, an island like Corsica, or an emerging destination like Croatia, a private home is very appealing. When that home is a luxurious villa with gardens, private terraces, private amenities (often including pools, fitness rooms, home cinemas, and more), and a full gourmet kitchen, it can make travel much more appealing.
As you begin to learn about the most exciting and popular autumn festivals in Europe, consider time in one of the luxury villas of the region. It can be a wonderful way to savor the very best of the region (imagine a private villa in Provence at summer’s end, or a luxury chalet in the Alps as autumn color arrives), partake of area festivals and events, and know your accommodation is as healthy, safe, and as private as possible.
Where to Go
Naturally, you need to know what sorts of events are occurring in order to make your plans. While we all know about the fun of Oktoberfest in Germany, there are scores of other activities and celebrations in Europe. They include:
Barcolana Regatta
This annual regatta occurs in Italy’s Gulf of Trieste and see more than two thousand boats and over 16,000 sailors competing in the world’s largest sailing race. Happening the second week of October, it is flanked by a lot of associated events – hundreds, in fact. There are concerts and vintage boat events, food markets, and a Fine Art Sails event in which the sails of the competing vessels are painted by renowned artists.
It kicks off from the northeastern Italian town of Trieste, which is nearly opposite Venice and bordering Slovenia. To enjoy viewing the race, visitors head to Trieste and watch the boats from the Trieste Seafront, where the winner races into the finish line. They also watch the progress of the race from Muggia Promenade, the Santa Croce observation post, Vittoria Lighthouse, or the track between the Prosecco area and the famous Opicina Obelisk.
Bienal de Flamenco
Taking place in Seville, Spain on only even-numbered years, it is noted as one of the finest flamenco celebrations in the world. It takes place in venues all over the city and includes more than 70 dancing troupes and individual artists. It is a popular event for fans of guitar music, too, and there are many singing and musical competitions held at the same time as the different flamenco performances.
Barcelona in the Fall
Unlike many locations, Barcelona is noted as a premiere destination in the fall for a few reasons. There is the amazing weather, and once September arrives, the city’s beaches empty of traditional tourist season travelers. Locals love this time of year because the sea is still warm and enjoyable, while the crowds have departed.
Perhaps it is why the famous La Castanyada occurs in the fall. This is a local festival that has events all over the city. The emphasis is on food and street stalls, with the season’s first chestnuts being sold freshly roasted in almost every neighborhood. There is also the equally famous La Merce festival that takes place over a five-day period each fall. It is in celebration of the city’s patron saint and includes night parades, a fire run, the Castellers events, and more.
Perugia’s Chocolate Festival
Every October, the Umbrian capital city becomes a chocoholic’s paradise as the Eurochocolate Festival is held. Taking place over ten days in October, it features music, shows, and events that all focus on the best chocolates in Italy and most of Europe.
Though there are many art and educational events and displays, the real focus is on the chocolate. Local shops, art displays, tastings, and other activities are the focus in this wonderfully fun festival.
Valtellina, Italy
This Alpine region of Italy is the last “fold” of the Italian Alps before they spill into Switzerland and the Valtellina region becomes a foodie paradise every autumn. As one enthusiast noted, “the north-facing wall of the valley bristles with sweet chestnuts, the south-facing flank is terraced into tiny patches of flat soil packed with vines, which produce various delicious wines,” and then there are the local cheeses and cured meats. There are many wine trails and weekend celebrations to enjoy from late September into October, and you even get to see some of the first blooms of seasonal color appear.
Start Daydreaming Now
While there is no certainty that these events will go on as normal in the coming year, it is a good idea to be positive and make plans to attend at least one of them. As you explore the options, you will discover that each region has much more going on in the autumn weather.
As most of us sit at home awaiting the travel restrictions to lift, it is the ideal time to look into the future and choose some unique autumn festivals in Europe to celebrate and savor. The glorious days of fall are far in the distance but are definitely a bright spot to plan on.