Lorraine Williamson
For many in Spain, the real holiday season begins once the summer crowds pack up. September and October are when flight prices dip, queues vanish, and once-overrun beaches return to a slower rhythm. This isn’t just about saving money—it’s about travelling with less stress and more joy.
Autumn’s biggest draw is the sudden price drop. On Spain’s islands, returns to Palma de Mallorca can cost little more than €60. Flights to Las Palmas or Santa Cruz de Tenerife are nearly half their summer peak. Even beyond Spain, cities like Tangier and Bordeaux show sharp reductions. The same trip that felt out of reach in July suddenly becomes affordable in September.
Atmosphere over excess
Late-season travel also changes the mood. Ibiza swaps frantic beach clubs for mellow evenings and golden sunsets. Madrid’s plazas feel less frantic, Seville’s streets more walkable, and Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter easier to explore without dodging crowds. It’s the same Spain, but at a pace that feels more personal.
Cities reimagined
Cultural trips benefit most. From Bilbao’s galleries to Valencia’s modernist markets, autumn is a time when locals reclaim their cities, yet the terraces remain lively. Visitors can blend in, experience traditions without the tourist crush, and discover a Spain that often hides behind high-season queues.
Top seven cities in Spain for your autumn trip
Horizons further afield
Spain isn’t the only winner. Tokyo and Bangkok, surprisingly affordable in September and October, are drawing travellers willing to go long-haul. Even San Francisco and Guayaquil appear on flight search engines at prices few would expect outside low season. For those chasing adventure, autumn opens doors that summer closes.
Why insiders wait until autumn
The logic is simple: fewer people, kinder prices, and the same blue skies. Whether it’s a quick island escape, a cultural weekend, or a bucket-list trip abroad, smart late-season travel turns September and October into the most rewarding months of the year.
Source: 20 Minutos