The autumn holidays, a one-week holiday, offer plenty of time to get away from it all.
Do your customers want something other than a park or hotel in the Netherlands?
We have listed special destinations ‘close by’ for you. The autumn holidays offer a unique opportunity to explore the splendour of Europe.
As the leaves change color and the days get shorter, these destinations invite you to enjoy their unique charm and hidden treasures.
Whether you are looking for culture, adventure or pure relaxation. Tirana, Albania Tirana, the capital of Albania, is a destination that is increasingly in the spotlight.
Rich in history and culture, this city offers a perfect blend of old and new.
Autumn is a great time to visit Tirana, with mild temperatures that are ideal for exploring the city.
Start your adventure at Skanderbeg Square, the heart of the city.
This large square is surrounded by some of Tirana’s most important landmarks, including the National History Museum, the Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the Opera House.
The colorful buildings and lively street life make this an excellent place to soak up the atmosphere of the city. For panoramic views of the city, take the cable car up Dajti Mountain.
Here you can enjoy nature walks, horseback riding, or simply enjoy a meal at the restaurant at the top, with breathtaking views over Tirana and the surrounding mountains.
The Blloku district, once only accessible to high-ranking party members, is now one of the trendiest areas of the city.
Here you will find numerous cafes, restaurants and boutiques.
Get a taste of local cuisine with dishes such as byrek (a filled savory pie) and tavë kosi (lamb with yogurt).
Tirana also offers a vibrant nightlife, so be sure to set aside a night to dance in one of the many clubs.
From Tirana, it is surprisingly easy to plan a day at the beach.
Just an hour’s drive away is the beautiful Adriatic coast, with popular destinations such as Durrës and Golem.
Durrës, Albania’s largest coastal city, offers wide sandy beaches, a lively promenade, and historical sites such as the amphitheater.
For a quieter beach experience, Golem is ideal, with its serene atmosphere and pristine coastline.
Make sure you arrange a rental car. Germany Germany is a country rich in culture, history, and nature, and autumn is a great time to explore it.
The fresh air and changing colors make it an ideal destination for an autumn holiday.
Berlin, the capital, offers a fascinating mix of history and modern culture.
Visit the Berlin Wall and the Holocaust Memorial for a lesson in history, and discover hip neighborhoods like Kreuzberg and Prenzlauer Berg, where you can enjoy cafes, galleries, and unique shops.
For nature lovers, the Black Forest is a must-see.
This fairytale region offers countless hiking and biking trails through dense forests, past shimmering lakes, and through picturesque villages.
Visit the city of Freiburg, located on the edge of the Black Forest, and enjoy local cuisine, including the famous Schwarzwalder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Cake).
Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is especially famous for Oktoberfest, but there is much more to discover.
Explore the historic downtown, visit the Nymphenburg Palace, and take a trip to the nearby Neuschwanstein Castle, one of the most fairytale castles in the world. England England in autumn is a picture of falling leaves and misty mornings.
The country offers an abundance of historical sites and picturesque landscapes that are perfect for a fall getaway.
Start your journey in London, where you can visit iconic landmarks such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum.
Take a stroll along the Thames and enjoy the fall colors in the city’s parks, such as Hyde Park and Regent’s Park.
Get out of the city and discover the English countryside.
The Cotswolds, with its quaint villages and rolling hills, is an ideal place for hiking enthusiasts.
Visit charming villages such as Bourton-on-the-Water and Bibury, and enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in one of the many tearooms. Another must-see is the Lake District, a region known for its lakes, mountains, and poetic beauty.
Follow one of the many walking routes, such as the trek to the top of Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain, or take a boat ride on Lake Windermere for a peaceful and scenic experience. Belgium Belgium is a destination that has a special attraction during the autumn holidays.
The country, famous for its historic cities, beautiful nature, and culinary delights, offers plenty of opportunities for an unforgettable vacation.
Bruges, also known as the Venice of the North, is a fairytale city that comes alive in autumn. The medieval architecture and scenic canals are surrounded by colorful autumn foliage, creating a romantic atmosphere.
Visit the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take a boat ride along the canals for a unique perspective of the city.
Don’t forget to visit the Belfry Tower for a panoramic view of Bruges.
The Ardennes are a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers.
This wooded area offers countless walking and cycling routes through picturesque landscapes, along rivers and through charming villages.
In autumn, nature is at its best, with a color palette of red, orange and yellow.
Visit the town of Durbuy, which is known as the smallest city in the world, and enjoy the local gastronomy in one of the cozy restaurants. Brussels, the capital of Belgium, offers a rich mix of culture and history.
Visit the Grote Markt, one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, and admire the beautiful guild houses.
Autumn is also the perfect time to explore the city’s many museums, such as the Royal Museum of Fine Arts and the Magritte Museum.
For chocolate lovers, a visit to one of the many chocolatiers is a must.
Antwerp is known for its fashion and modern art.
Visit the Fashion Museum to discover the latest trends and stroll through the trendy Het Zuid district, where you’ll find plenty of art galleries and hip cafes.
The city also has a rich historical heritage, with attractions such as the Cathedral of Our Lady and the impressive Central Station. Cape Verde Secretly not Europe, but still worth mentioning: the Cape Verde Islands, located off the coast of West Africa.
Here you can enjoy an exotic autumn holiday with a mix of Portuguese and African influences.
Each of the ten inhabited islands has its own unique charm and activities.
Sal is one of the most popular islands, known for its extensive sandy beaches and excellent water sports.
Santa Maria, Sal’s main tourist resort, offers a range of activities, such as windsurfing, kite surfing, and scuba diving.
The colorful fishing boats and lively markets give a glimpse of daily life on the island.
Santiago, the largest island, offers a rich cultural heritage and beautiful nature.
Explore the historic town of Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and hike through the Serra Malagueta National Park, where you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the mountains and ocean.
Fogo, a volcanic island, is perfect for adventure seekers.
Climb the active volcano Pico do Fogo and admire the otherworldly landscape of lava fields and wineries.
Taste the local wine, made from grapes growing on the volcanic soil, for a unique tasting experience.
Paradises around the corner
Waves roll in from a clear blue sea, you lie on a white beach while a lovely breeze caresses your skin and palm leaves gently sway in the wind.
The Caribbean?
Not at all… Europe is home to countless idyllic destinations that offer the perfect escape without the interference of long travel times.
With crystal clear waters, hidden coves, and unspoiled nature, it feels like you’re thousands of miles from home, when in reality, you’re only a short flight away.
Ideal for the autumn holidays. La Palma, Spain Often referred to as ‘La Isla Bonita’ or ‘the beautiful island’, La Palma is considered the most exotic and paradisiacal island of the Canary Archipelago.
Unlike the more touristy islands, La Palma offers a relaxed atmosphere and often relatively secluded and calm beaches.
Don’t expect snow-white bounty beaches; Here, you’ll spread your sheet on dramatically dark sand, formed by ancient volcanoes.
Enjoy a day at one of the larger beaches such as Playa de Puerto Naos, where you can enjoy beach bars, restaurants and adventure water sports.
For peace and quiet later in the holiday, seek out Playa de Nogales, a hidden gem surrounded by cliffs and vegetation.
The crystal-clear waters invite you to snorkel and dive, where volcanic eruptions have also created a unique environment underwater.
In the heart of the island lies La Caldera de Taburiente, a gigantic volcanic crater.
The national park, declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is fantastic for nature lovers.
Walk among native laurel trees and Canarian pines, and keep your eyes peeled for the rare La Palma giant lizard or Canarian buzzard.
The magic of La Palma doesn’t stop when the sun goes down: thanks to strict rules against light pollution, the sky here offers a spectacular starry night.
The Rogue de los Muchachos Observatory, located on one of the highest points on the island, offers a rare view of the Milky Way. Sao Miguel, Portugal From the Netherlands, it is only a five-hour flight to São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores, which lies about 1500 kilometers from the Portuguese coast in the Atlantic Ocean.
Although the beaches of São Miguel are not typical bounty beaches, you are in the right place for the tropical island atmosphere.
Praia de Santa Bárbara, a vast beach on the north coast, attracts surfers with its fantastic waves.
Surrounded by green hills and cliffs, Praia dos Moinhos offers a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty.
The verdant forests of São Miguel are the stars of the island, making it a perfect destination for sunbathers who love adventure.
One of the most impressive sights is Sete Cidades, a crater lake with a blue and a green lake, separated by a narrow land bridge.
Not far from there is Lagoa do Fogo, the ‘Lake of Fire’, a high-altitude lake surrounded by rugged nature and silence.
Walking around this lake feels like stepping back in time, far away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
And although there are no white sandy beaches, there are thermal hot springs, such as the one in Furnas, where you can relax after a special hike. Porquerolles, France The largest of the three Îles d’Hyères in the Mediterranean Sea, Porquerolles is located just off the southern coast of France. With white sandy beaches, azure waters, and lush nature, it’s the perfect place to escape the everyday grind.
Beaches such as Plage Notre-Dame and Plage d’Argent invite you to swim, snorkel and sunbathe.
Its crystal-clear waters and scenic coastline attract beach lovers from far and wide.
The interior of Porquerolles is just as enchanting.
Extensive vineyards, fragrant pine forests and hilly landscapes offer fantastic hiking and cycling opportunities.
A special detail is that the island is car-free, so that the tranquility and natural beauty are optimally preserved.
And then there’s Île de Ré, another gem on the French coast, known for its charming villages and tranquil beaches.
Well worth a visit if you’re exploring the French islands. Santorini, Greece Although Santorini is not known for its vast sandy beaches, its coastlines and swimming locations are truly spectacular.
The Red Beach at Akrotiri, with its impressive cliffs and vibrant red sand, Kamari Beach, with its dark volcanic sand, and the White Beach, which is only accessible by boat, offer a unique swimming experience. Santorini’s location in the southern Aegean Sea offers breathtaking views of the caldera, a huge volcanic crater that is partly submerged.
The steep cliffs, topped by the picturesque villages of Oia and Fira, form a dramatic and enchanting landscape.
The caldera, created by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, tells a story of natural forces and historical changes.
In addition to its spectacular coastlines and impressive scenery, Santorini also offers a rich cultural experience.
Visit the archaeological site of Akrotiri, a well-preserved ancient Minoan city, or enjoy the local wines at one of the many vineyards dotted around the island. Gozo, Malta The coastline of Gozo, the island next to Malta, is a succession of the most beautiful Mediterranean beaches.
Ramla Bay, with its striking reddish sand, and the idyllic bay of San Blas are perfect spots for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
In addition, there are plenty of hidden bays and coves that you can discover for yourself.
The rock formations at the Azure Window, an iconic symbol of Malta until its collapse in 2017, and the nearby Blue Hole are spectacular and loved by divers.
The salt pans of Marsalforn offer a unique landscape that you won’t find anywhere else.
Gozo’s interior features rolling hills, lush valleys, and picturesque villages.
The city of Victoria, also known as Rabat, is the cultural heart of the island.
Here you can explore the Citadel, a fortified city with a rich history and breathtaking views of the island.
Victoria also offers charming streets, cozy cafes, and lively markets that will give you an authentic Maltese experience. Asos, Greece Upon arrival in Asos, you will immediately be captivated by the serenity of this village, tucked away in a picturesque bay with colorful houses that cascade against the hills.
Through narrow streets, lined with bougainvillea and citrus trees, you will eventually reach the lush hills and clear blue waters.
The main beach of Asos has soft pebbles and is perfect for families and those seeking peace and quiet, who want to swim and snorkel here, due to its clear and calm waters.
In addition, Asos offers a patchwork of secluded bays and beaches where you can enjoy in peace.
A day of culture?
Visit the old Venetian castle, once a bastion against pirates.
The combination of serene nature, picturesque architecture, and historic charm makes Asos a unique and enchanting destination on the Greek coast.
After a three-hour flight to Corfu and a short ferry ride to the Albanian port city of Sarandë, you’ll reach idyllic Ksamil in just 20 minutes.
Ksamil’s beaches, such as the famous Ksamil Beach, are pearly white and surrounded by turquoise waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The nearby Ksamil Islands are an ideal destination for a day trip.
The nearby Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a fascinating combination of archaeological remains and unspoiled nature.
Home to the ruins of an ancient city, the park offers visitors a unique insight into the region’s rich history and a chance to enjoy the serene beauty of the Albanian landscape.
The smallest inhabited island of the Balearic Islands, Formentera, offers the most beautiful and relaxing beaches you can find.
Often cited as one of the best beaches in the world, Playa de Ses Illetes welcomes you with powdery white sand and crystal clear waters.
Cala Saona, an intimate cove on the west coast, surrounded by red cliffs, is the perfect place to admire spectacular sunsets.
This bohemian island was a haven for famous musicians and artists in the 60s and 70s.
Bob Dylan is said to have lived in La Mola lighthouse for a time, and the band Pink Floyd stayed here during the creation of their iconic music.
Formentera’s combination of natural beauty, tranquil beaches, and rich cultural history makes it a unique and special destination. Capri, Italy Although southern Italian Capri is not known for its vast sandy beaches, its coastlines and swimming spots are nothing short of spectacular.
Capri’s natural beauty is one of the main reasons visitors return time and time again.
The island offers breathtaking hiking trails, such as the Pizzolungo and the Sentiero dei Fortini, which lead along rugged coastlines and through dense forests.
Marina Piccola, on the south side of the island, offers stunning views of the iconic Faraglioni rock formations and is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Also, don’t miss the chance to take a boat ride to the famous Blue Cave (Grotta Azzurra), where the sunlight through the water creates a magical blue glow.
In addition to its natural splendor, the charming villages and modern elegance of Capri are worth exploring, with its luxury boutiques and cozy cafes.
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