Dreaming of Europe This Fall? Here Are Two Destinations We Can’t Stop Thinking About

If you’re craving a European getaway that still feels warm, vibrant, coastal, and full of life—but without the overwhelming crowds and peak-season prices—there are destinations that we find ourselves recommending again and again.

The kind of places where you can slow down, linger over a glass of wine, wander without an agenda, and actually enjoy being there.

Portugal: Europe’s Best-Kept Secret (At Least for a Little While Longer)

Imagine...

✨ Coastal charm that rivals Italy

🍷 Incredible food and wine like Spain

☕ Historic cities, cozy cafés, and storybook streets that feel a bit like England

🌞 Sunshine that lingers well into the fall

But what we love most about Portugal isn’t any of those things.

It’s the pace.

There is something wonderfully unhurried about life here. Long lunches. Sunset strolls. Conversations that stretch over another glass of wine. Locals who genuinely seem happy you’re visiting.

Whether you’re wandering the colorful streets of Lisbon, sipping wine in the Douro Valley, exploring seaside villages in the Algarve, or discovering hidden corners of Porto, Portugal has a way of making you feel like you belong.

It’s one of those destinations that quietly steals your heart.

The Azores...

Honestly, they’re unlike anywhere else we’ve ever been.

Scattered in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores feel like a place the world forgot—in the very best way.

Picture:

🌿 Emerald-green volcanic landscapes

♨️ Natural hot springs tucked into lush forests

🐋 Some of the best whale watching in Europe

🥾 Spectacular hiking trails with ocean views around every bend

🌸 Endless country roads

🌊 Dramatic cliffs dropping into the Atlantic

☁️ Misty mornings that feel straight out of a fairytale

The easiest way to describe the Azores?

Imagine if Hawaii, Iceland, and Ireland somehow had a baby.

The islands are wild and beautiful, yet peaceful and approachable. They’re perfect for travelers who love nature, adventure, wellness, and the feeling of discovering somewhere before everyone else does.

One day you might be hiking around a volcanic crater lake. The next, soaking in geothermal waters. And later that evening, enjoying fresh seafood while watching the sun disappear into the Atlantic.

It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and simply be.

Why We Love Europe in the Fall

Fall might actually be our favorite time to visit Europe.

The weather is often still beautiful. The summer crowds have thinned. Prices become more reasonable. Reservations are easier to get. And destinations feel more relaxed and authentic.

It’s a season made for lingering.

For wandering cobblestone streets with a coffee in hand.

For long dinners that turn into unforgettable evenings.

For saying yes to one more glass of wine, one more scenic overlook, one more spontaneous detour.

And if you’re looking for somewhere a little different this fall, Portugal and the Azores just might be calling your name.

Trust us—we’ve fallen already.

We’d be happy to line up a trip for your family or friends to either of these amazing destinations... contact us at letsgo@sunnyandturquoisetravel.com to get started!