October 2026 travel guide: Where to go, what to see and the new hotels to book
Planning an autumn escape? From spooky season in Transylvania and Ireland to food festivals in San Sebastián, Oktoberfest in Munich and new hotel openings in Lisbon and London, these are the travel highlights to know about this month.
October 2026 promises a delightful array of travel opportunities across Europe. The region is adorned with autumn colors, cooler temperatures, and a vibrant calendar of events and exhibitions.
For those seeking a spooky adventure, Transylvania, Romania is a must-visit destination. The Carpathian Mountains are ablaze with vibrant autumn foliage, creating a picturesque backdrop for Bran Castle, also known as Dracula's Castle. Base yourself in the charming city of Brașov, where hearty autumn cuisine and cozy outdoor seating await.
If you crave warmth and sunshine, Malta awaits with average temperatures of 25°C. Explore the island's rich history, influenced by Arab, Italian, and British rulers. Indulge in its burgeoning food and culture scenes, with Valletta, Malta's capital, offering a stunning harbor and ION Harbour by award-winning chef Simon Rogan.
Hotel enthusiasts will appreciate the opening of Corpus Christi Lisboa – Leonardo Limited Edition in Lisbon. Located in a 18th-century monastery, this 132-room hotel preserves its historical charm while offering modern amenities, including a high-end restaurant.
For food lovers, San Sebastián, Spain is a hotspot in October. The city's renowned pintxos bars and Michelin-starred restaurants will be joined by San Sebastián Gastronomika, a three-day food congress celebrating 50 years of New Basque Cuisine. The event features global cod festivals and live cooking demonstrations.
Ireland's Midlands is the perfect destination for a truly spooky experience. Join the Púca Festival from October 29 to November 1, where you can immerse yourself in music, folklore, fire, and supernatural atmosphere while exploring ancient sites like the Hill of Ward and Hill of Tara.
Lastly, no October travel guide would be complete without mentioning Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. The celebration, which traditionally concludes in September, will wrap up on the first Sunday of October, providing four days of traditional Bavarian culture, music, food, and beer.
Written by urgent.news from Euronews's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
