As the heat of summer fades and the crowds dwindle, autumn opens the door to a different kind of travel. Rust is rooted in slow living, and there’s something about exploring cities and coastlines at this time of year that feels calmer, richer, and more inspiring. Here are five destinations where the autumn sun lingers, the pace softens, and the beauty is all yours to savour.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon in autumn has a golden calm to it. The city basks in soft light, with warm days that are perfect for wandering through tiled streets, sipping coffee at sunlit terraces, and watching the Tagus at sunset. It’s a season where Lisbon feels slower, more intimate, and endlessly inspiring.
Hotel recommendation:
Memmo Príncipe Real - Boutique, elegant, and warm. Located in the fashionable Príncipe Real neighbourhood, it's full of character: marble, oak floors, local art, and generous terraces.
Marrakesh, Morocco
With cooler evenings and warm, sun-filled days, Marrakesh in autumn is bliss. Explore the souks at an easier tempo, pause in hidden riads, and let the city’s colours, scents, and textures inspire. From handwoven textiles to patterned ceramics, this is a destination that speaks to those who believe beauty lives in the details.
Hotel recommendation:
La Mamounia - One of the world’s great palaces - gardens, architecture, art, and craftsmanship.
Tokyo, Japan
In autumn, Tokyo is a city transformed by colour. Maple and ginkgo leaves paint the parks red and gold, offering a moment of calm within the metropolis. It’s a reminder that even in the world’s busiest cities, there’s space for stillness. Take it slow, embrace the seasonal food, and wander neighbourhoods that mix modernity with tradition.
Hotel recommendation:
The Peninsula Tokyo - Elegant, refined, a serene base in the heart of Tokyo with design and service.
Seville, Spain
As the summer heat fades, Seville comes into its own. Orange trees still scent the streets, the evenings are warm, and the city’s rhythm feels perfectly unhurried. Flamenco, tapas, and sunlit plazas are best enjoyed without rushing. An autumn invitation to savour life at the table.
Hotel recommendation:
Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel - Historic architecture, rich Andalusian style, magnificent courtyards.
Bodrum, Turkey
On the Aegean coast, Bodrum basks in gentle sunshine long after the summer holidays end. Beaches are quieter, the water is still warm, and the town’s mix of ancient ruins and chic seaside cafes feels perfectly balanced. It’s the kind of place where time slows, and days are best measured by swims and shared meals.
Hotel recommendation:
Mandarin Oriental Bodrum - Offers serene luxury on Paradise Bay, with private beaches, olive groves, and sweeping views of the Aegean.
A Season Made for Stillness
Autumn is a season of pause. A moment to step away from the fast pace of summer and lean into calm, before the buzz of Christmas starts to kick in.