Travellers looking to avoid peak-season crowds should consider visiting Europe in autumn and winter, according to travel experts at eShores. From sun-soaked coastlines that stay warm well into November to fairytale Christmas cities, the tailor-made holiday specialists have revealed four destinations worth adding to your travel list before the 2027 rush.
“Autumn and winter are some of the most rewarding times to travel,” says Gavin Lapidus, founder of tailor-made holiday specialists eShores. “With fewer crowds, better availability and plenty of seasonal experiences on offer, travellers can often enjoy better value and a more authentic experience than during the summer months.”
eShores has shared its top European destinations to visit between September and December 2026.
September: Kotor, Montenegro
Swap the summer crowds for a slower pace in Kotor, one of the Adriatic’s most scenic destinations. Image credit: Nightman1965/Bigstock.com
Swap the summer crowds for a slower pace in Kotor, one of the Adriatic’s most scenic destinations. Set against a backdrop of towering mountains and the UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor, September still brings warm weather that’s ideal for swimming, sailing and waterfront dining.
Visitors can wander the maze-like streets of the medieval Old Town, climb the city walls for panoramic views, or explore Montenegro’s coastline without the intense heat and packed beaches of midsummer.
October: Ljubljana and Lake Bled, Slovenia
Autumn suits Slovenia perfectly. Image credit: _jure/Bigstock.com
Autumn suits Slovenia perfectly. In Ljubljana, riverside cafés spill onto colourful streets lined with Baroque architecture, while just an hour away Lake Bled is surrounded by golden-orange woodland at its most photogenic.
October also coincides with harvest season, making it one of the best times to experience Slovenia’s growing food and wine scene. From wine tasting in nearby vineyards to sampling seasonal dishes in the capital, visitors can enjoy the country at a much more relaxed pace after the summer crowds have departed.
November: Albanian Riviera
Travellers can enjoy the region’s crystal-clear waters, dramatic mountain scenery and laid-back seaside towns. Image credit: Leonid Andronov/Bigstock.com
The Albanian Riviera remains one of Europe’s best-value coastal escapes, and November is when it really comes into its own. With tourist numbers dwindling but temperatures still mild, travellers can enjoy the region’s crystal-clear waters, dramatic mountain scenery and laid-back seaside towns without the peak-season crowds.
From the beaches of Ksamil to the coastal villages of Himarë and Dhërmi, the region offers a blend of Mediterranean charm, fresh seafood and affordable prices that’s increasingly drawing travellers away from more established hotspots such as Greece and Croatia.
December: Tallinn, Estonia
Visitors can browse traditional wooden stalls, warm up in cosy cafés and explore centuries-old buildings dusted with snow. Image credit: dimbar43/Bigstock.com
If you’re looking for a festive city break, few destinations rival Tallinn in December. The Estonian capital’s medieval Old Town looks straight out of a Christmas card, with cobbled streets, twinkling lights and one of Europe’s most atmospheric Christmas markets.
Visitors can browse traditional wooden stalls, warm up in cosy cafés and explore centuries-old buildings dusted with snow. Smaller and less crowded than many of Europe’s better-known festive destinations, Tallinn offers all the Christmas magic with a little more breathing room.