In Spain, you can feel the shift from summer to autumn in the air. The intense heat begins to fade, and the mornings become noticeably cooler. It’s the time of year when the country’s great forests swap their summer greens for a rich palette of yellow, orange, and red.
Although autumn officially begins in late September, the peak colours are usually concentrated between mid-October and late November. It’s a short window that can vary by region and year, making planning essential.
This guide features seven of Spain’s most iconic autumn routes, with forests and landscapes that define the season across different regions. For those based in the capital and looking for shorter day trips, we also have a dedicated guide to the best autumn spots near Madrid.
Why travel to Spain in autumn?
The main draw of an autumn trip to Spain is the radical transformation of its landscapes. But the season’s beauty also comes with a range of practical advantages that make for an even better trip:
- Fewer crowds, more space: As the summer holidays end, the number of tourists drops dramatically. This means shorter queues for landmarks, more tables at restaurants, and a general sense of calm.
- Ideal weather for exploring: The intense heat gives way to milder temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities. The days are still long enough to enjoy. It’s the best time of year for woodland hikes, vineyard walks, or strolling through historic towns.
- The quality of the light: The autumn light is a highlight in itself. Softer and more golden, it enhances the season’s colours and creates unique photographic opportunities.
- Seasonal food: Autumn marks the arrival of seasonal ingredients that enrich Spanish cuisine. It’s the season for wild mushrooms (setas), chestnuts, game, and the first olive oil harvests.
Spain’s most impressive autumn landscapes
The following list features seven classic destinations for autumn in Spain. Each place was chosen not just for its visual impact, but also for the complete experience it offers, considering the quality of the trails, local amenities, and ease of access for travellers.
Selva de Irati, Navarra: The giant of the Pyrenees
Considered the second-largest beech and fir forest in Europe, the Selva de Irati is a stunning display of yellow and ochre in the Navarrese Pyrenees. The ideal time to visit is between the second half of October and early November, when the beech leaves create a carpet of colour on the forest floor.
Access
It has two main entrances that are not connected: via Ochagavía (east, the more popular access for visitors) and via Orbaitzeta (west).
Trails and fees
The main activity is hiking on well-marked trails. Access is regulated on weekends and bank holidays, with a parking fee of around €5-€7 per car.
Good to know
Services inside the park are minimal. There are no restaurants, and mobile signal is virtually non-existent. Bring a water bottle, snacks, and download your maps in advance.
Faedo de Ciñera, León: A fairytale forest
Voted Spain’s Best-Kept Forest, this small wood in León is famous for its 500-year-old beech trees and an atmosphere that feels straight out of a fairytale. Its short, accessible route makes it a popular autumn destination for families. The best time to catch it in its full glory is from late October to early November.
Access
The starting point is the village of Ciñera de Gordón (León). The route is linear (out and back along the same path) and very easy, at about 2 km each way, making it perfect for children.
Parking
As it’s a very popular trail, the car park in the village gets full quickly on weekends. The best advice is to arrive early.
Good to know
The path is well-marked and runs through a gorge alongside a stream. It can be muddy in places, so suitable footwear is recommended.
Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, Aragón: The golden canyon of the Pyrenees
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Ordesa is the destination for those seeking autumn landscapes on a monumental scale. Here, the magic lies in the stunning contrast between the golden beech trees on the floor of one of Europe’s deepest canyons and its sheer grey rock walls. The peak colours appear for a short time, usually during October.
Valley access
Access to the Pradera de Ordesa, where the main trails start, is restricted. During the autumn high season (October weekends and the 12th October bank holiday), private cars are not permitted. You must take the dedicated bus from the village of Torla-Ordesa. Check the bus timetable before you go.
The classic trail
The most famous walk leads to the Cola de Caballo (‘Horse’s Tail’) waterfall. It’s a long but mostly flat linear route (about 5-6 hours return) with unforgettable scenery, including the Gradas de Soaso waterfalls.
Good to know
The park is in high-mountain terrain, so check the weather forecast and be prepared for sudden changes. The charming village of Torla is the ideal base for exploring the area.
La Fageda d’en Jordà, Catalonia: The forest on a volcano
La Fageda d’en Jordà is no ordinary beech forest. It grew on the old lava flow of the Croscat volcano, in the heart of the La Garrotxa volcanic zone. This unique feature creates an undulating landscape, giving the woods a magical atmosphere, especially when the autumn colours appear between late October and mid-November.
Access and parking
The starting point is the Can Serra Information Centre, on the road between Olot and Santa Pau. Parking is paid (parking meter) and gets full quickly. Arriving early is the best strategy.
Trails
There are several marked routes. The shortest and most popular trail (itinerary 1) is a 30-minute, fully accessible circuit. For a longer walk, combine it with a hike up the Santa Margarida volcano.
Good to know
The forest is mostly flat, making it perfect for families. A local tip is to try the yoghurts from the La Fageda co-operative, made nearby and famous throughout Catalonia.
The vineyards of La Rioja: A sea of red and gold
Unlike the forests, autumn in La Rioja is a unique, man-made display of colour. After the grape harvest, the vine leaves erupt in shades of red, orange, and gold, transforming the valleys into a rolling mosaic. The ideal time to see this landscape, which blends scenery with wine tourism, is during the first half of November.
Getting around
The best way to explore the region is by car. Drive the back roads of the Rioja Alavesa sub-region, stopping in medieval villages like Laguardia for panoramic views of the vineyards.
Visiting the wineries
Wine tourism is the main attraction. Book visits and tastings at the bodegas (wineries) in advance. Many, like Marqués de Riscal, also boast spectacular architecture.
Good to know
Autumn is a very popular season here. Book not only your winery visits but also your accommodation well in advance, especially for weekends.
Somiedo Natural Park, Asturias: The wild autumn
Somiedo is the wildest version of the Asturian autumn. This Biosphere Reserve is one of the last refuges of the Cantabrian brown bear, and its steep mountains are covered in golden woods that contrast with glacial lakes. The best time to visit is from late October to early November, when the colours are at their peak and the wildlife is more active.
Main routes
The two most popular areas are the Valle del Lago and the Lagos de Saliencia route, both with well-marked trails. The ideal starting point is the village of Pola de Somiedo.
Wildlife watching
The chance of seeing animals is real but requires patience and respect. Look for designated viewpoints for watching bears and deer. Use binoculars and never approach the animals.
Good to know
The weather in Somiedo can change in minutes. Always be prepared for rain, wind, and cold. The access roads to the lakes are narrow and winding, so drive carefully.
Castañar de El Tiemblo, Ávila: A classic escape from Madrid
For those in and around Madrid, the Castañar de El Tiemblo is one of the most classic autumn destinations. This forest in Ávila is famous for its giant, centuries-old chestnut trees, including the iconic ‘El Abuelo’ (The Grandfather). The best time to visit is during the first half of November.
Access and tickets
Access is highly restricted on autumn weekends. There is an entrance fee (around €6 per person), and booking your ticket online in advance is essential to guarantee a spot.
The trail
The main route is the Senda del Castañar, an easy circular walk of about 4.5 km, ideal for the whole family.
Good to know
On busy days, you may need to park in a recreational area and take a local bus to the start of the trail. Always check the official El Tiemblo tourism website for access conditions before you go.
Essential tips for planning your autumn trip to Spain
Autumn in Spain is a short, intense, and popular season with locals. Good planning is essential. Take note of these tips:
When to go: The peak colours vary. The North and mountains (Irati, Ordesa) usually peak from late October to early November. The Centre and vineyards (El Tiemblo, La Rioja) are at their best in the first half of November.
Watch out for bank holidays: The weekends around 12th October and 1st November are extremely busy. Avoid them if you can.
Book everything (seriously): Demand is incredibly high. As well as hotels and casas rurales (rural guesthouses), book park entrance tickets and winery visits online in advance.
Layer your clothing: Temperatures can change significantly throughout the day. The combination of a t-shirt, a fleece, and a windproof jacket is ideal. Don’t forget sunglasses for the low afternoon sun.
Start your day early: In autumn, the days are short, and it gets dark around 6 p.m. Plan your hikes to finish in daylight.
Carry cash: In small villages and rural areas, paying by card isn’t always an option for a coffee or parking.
Photos:
- *1: Selva del Irati by Rufino Lasaosa, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
- *2: Miguel Ángel García. from Ólvega., España, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- *3: “SELVA DE IRATI -Noviembre 2012-” by ANDARA RUTAS, CC BY-NC 2.0
- *4: LBM1948, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- *5: “Faedo Ciñera” by Javier Del Pozo Fernández, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
- *6: “Arroyo de Ciñera en otoño” by Guillén Pérez, CC BY-ND 2.0
- *7: Plazadelcamino, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
- *8: Moahim, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- *9: Moahim, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- *10: “Parque Nacional de Ordesa y Monte Perdido(Huesca)” by Susana Montero Pérez, CC BY-NC 2.0
- *11: Phqneste75, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- *12: Catalaalatac, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- *13: “La Fageda d’en Jordà (XIX)” by José Luis Mieza, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
- *14: Felipoween, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- *15: “La Fageda d’en Jordà” by Carlos Luna, CC BY-SA 2.0
- *16: “La Rioja” by Ana P. Bosque, CC BY 2.0
- *17: “Paisaje de viñedos en La Rioja” by Víctor Gómez, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
- *18: “Vinyes de Tardor” by Angela Llop, CC BY-SA 2.0
- *19: “Colores del otoño en Somiedo” by OSCAR RAMOS, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
- *20: ALusitana, CC BY-SA 3.0 ES, via Wikimedia Commons
- *21: “Asturias” by Tolao, CC BY-ND 2.0
- *22: es.topsportholidays.com, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- *23: “Refugio en El Castañar de El Tiemblo.” by Carlos, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
- *24: Miguel Angel Masegosa Martínez, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- *25: “Vista desde El Castañar de El Tiemblo” by es.topsportholidays.com, CC BY-SA 2.0