Want to travel to Europe for less? Here are five fantastic places to travel throughout Europe during the shoulder season.
Let’s get one thing out of the way: There’s never a “bad” time to visit Europe. However, there are a few times when it makes a lot more financial sense. Namely, in the continent’s shoulder season.
Shoulder season travel refers to those Goldilocks periods right before or after a destination’s high season. It’s a time when travelers can often find fantastic deals on flights, accommodations, and experience far fewer crowds. Moreover, it’s an especially stellar time for travelers to explore Europe like a local.
“We saw extreme demand for European travel this summer by Americans, but even pre-pandemic Europe historically has been a favorite summer getaway for many,” stated Katy Nastro, travel expert at Going. “A peak European summer translates to crowds taking advantage of warmer weather and, of course, higher prices. Shoulder seasons, though, are a magic time when you can experience the region’s splendor with fewer people, temperate weather, and less sticker shock regarding costs.”
As an example, Nastro pointed to places like southern Spain, which sees an influx of tourists throughout the summer. However, you can still experience a summer-like beach getaway in the region at the end of September or early October. “It’s also a better time to take advantage of attractions since there can be shorter lines and better weather to wait in compared to colder off-seasons,” she added.
Additionally, Nastro noted that most major cities in Europe are great to explore in the fall since “the heat of summer won’t be breathing down your neck, but places where you can get into a bit of nature and explore the changing of the seasons are worth considering as well.”
Need a little inspiration on where to go this shoulder season? Here are five spots sprinkled throughout the continent that make for spectacular shoulder season getaways.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon has been having a real moment in the sun when it comes to travel, and for good reason. The capital city is home to fantastic boutique hotels, historic sites, and the tastiest pastries in the nation (we’re looking at you, pastel de nata). Its shoulder seasons fall from March to May and September to early November, when you’ll find fantastic flight deals and will finally be able to score reservations to some of its hottest hotels like the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz.
Nice, France
Seeking a luxurious European seaside getaway for less? Consider a trip to Nice, France, during shoulder season. This gorgeous town, located on the French Riviera, is a haven for those looking to relax by the gin-clear waters. Of course, its natural beauty attracts hordes of travelers over the summer months, making both accommodations and space scarce. However, you can still make the most of this quaint community by visiting in September or October, when temperatures remain relatively balmy in the mid-70s.
Venice, Italy
Venice is one of the most visited destinations in the continent, welcoming an impressive 5.5 million visitors a year. It’s a busy place, no doubt, but still deserves a high spot on your must-see list thanks to its historic canals and world-class museums. To avoid the high-season throngs, plan your visit during its shoulder seasons of March to May, or September to November. This way, you may enjoy a more tranquil canal experience.
Munich, Germany
Munich is the place to experience centuries-old architecture, delight in delicious Bavarian foods, and sip on some of the world’s best beers. Thus, the city is a popular spot, especially around both the Oktoberfest season and the festive season, thanks to its famed Christmas markets. However, for those who want to experience the city a bit more intimately, it’s a fantastic destination for shoulder season travel too. Plan a visit to the capital of Bavaria in the spring, from March to June, or just after Oktoberfest in mid-October for the best deals.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is arguably the ideal destination for those looking to see and do it all in Europe. The city offers an extensive range of experiences, including stunning beaches, outstanding architecture, and divine culinary delights, all within one compact area. While the summer season tends to be crowded, its shoulder season, which falls from April to May and September to October, still provides warm temperatures and significantly easier access to renowned sites like the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia and Casa Milà.
