Rest assured, you won’t be missing out if you don’t book a summer trip to Spain. Avoiding the sweaty Spanish heat and the claustrophobic climate of flocking tourists isn’t a bad thing! Instead, Spain in October gives you the chance to fully grasp the country’s charm.
Visiting Spain in October will open up your itinerary to an array of fantastic experiences. With less commotion and a more laid-back ambience, you can truly relax and enjoy the country’s famous landmarks such as La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Plaza de Espana in Sevilla or Alhambra in Granada. Whether you’re slurping down sangria on Bogatell beach, tapas crawling in Madrid, or even hiking the Camino de Santiago, pleasant weather and blue skies are persistent, just like your opportunities.
At Designer Journeys, we want your travel experience to be extraordinary and wholesome. So below is our guide on the ins and outs of travelling to Spain in October for the ideal holiday.
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Where to Go in Spain in October
October in Spain offers the traveller plenty. With mild weather and a plethora of events and festivals, your autumn holiday will be far from boring.
Without the overhead sun and the large crowds, Spain city breaks (to Barcelona, Madrid, and Bilbao, for example), are quieter and more comfortable. The same goes for wine tours and festivals that take place in October, which are popular in Catalonia.
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Planning to Visit Spain in October?
Sunseekers can soak up the last leg of summer in southern Spain. In October in Andalusia, the water temperature averages around 20°C in comparison to an average of 23°C in summer. Ocean swimming may be slightly cooler, but with the blazing sun above, you can relax, tan, and bathe just like in the summertime and without the busy beaches.
Altogether there isn’t a shortage of things to do and see in Spain in October – the real trouble will be choosing where to go and what to do.
What to Do / Best Places to Visit / Unique Experiences
Catalonia
With its varied landscape, you get the best of all worlds when visiting Catalonia: sun-soaked coastal views, ancient towns, and pulsating city life.
October in particular marks the height of the wine harvesting season. Various grape harvest festivals are celebrated all over the region throughout the month. Not only can you participate under a cool and tolerable autumn sun, but you even have a choice in landscape.
In Penedès, which you can visit on our 5-day Catalonia wine tour, taste varieties of Cava with a backdrop of countless rows of vines, set against the Monserrat mountains. In contrast, you can pick grapes by hand in Priorat while looking at stone farmhouses, small villages, and castle ruins dotted across rolling hills. Or, after grape stomping in Sitges, dip your purple toes into the mild ocean at Fragata beach.
Seville
Seville is at its prime in October. The arrival of milder weather waves away the large crowds of visitors, allowing you to appreciate the whole scope of the city in the most authentic way.
Seville comes to life in October with numerous exciting cultural events. You can experience an irresistible mix of modern and traditional culture, art, and architecture, from a different perspective during the White Night festival, an all-night art event. Or feel the rhythm of flamenco as you clap along during Bienal de Flamenco, the world’s largest flamenco festival that takes place across multiple theatres in the city. Needless to say, you won’t run out of things to do in October.
Costa del Sol
If you require a last-minute tan or aren’t ready to swap your swimsuit for a jacket, Costa del Sol is the place to be in October. Avoid the busy beaches and the burning sun that exemplifies the summertime, and instead, peacefully bask in the glow that Spanish autumn promises.
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Despite its generally laid-back ambience, Costa del Sol’s pace begins to hasten with the occurrence of the local feria (fairs) during autumn. Feria del Rosario de Fuengirola is recognized as one of the best in Andalusia, hosting traditional Andalusian singing and dancing, and thrilling bullfights, while horses prance up and down the streets. It’s truly perfect for the whole family as it even includes a children’s fair with entertainment and games.
Festivals / Special Events
The National Day of Spain
On the 12th of October of every year, Spain rejoices in celebrating the day explorer Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas. The day is commemorated by parades in the capital of Madrid, with Spain’s national armed forces at the forefront of these celebrations.
The king of Spain and the prime minister lead the celebration that includes an extravagant aerial display by the Patrulla Águila (the aerobatic demonstration team of the Spanish Air Force). These planes decorate the sky with bright red and yellow smoke to mimic the Spanish flag.
Despite the pomp and pageantry, many Spaniards spend this day in the company of family and friends at home.
Fiestas del Pilar
This festival is spectacularly celebrated every year in Zaragoza, drawing in thousands of eager participants. Fiestas del Pilar commemorates the city’s patron saint, La Virgen del Pilar, with music, bullfights, dancing, grand exhibitions, and much more, culminating in a high pillar of flower offerings.
Film Festivals
October is also the film festival season in Spain. Whether you’re a film aficionado or just curious, you have plenty of opportunities to experience this side of Spanish culture and arts. From the Horror and Fantasy Film Festival in San Sebastian to the Valladolid International Film Festival, the Marbella Film Festival or the Sitges Film Festival – there’s something to suit any taste!
Bilbao Night Marathon
Bilbao’s marathon set in October is one of the most popular in Europe. With the city’s charming water-front scenery and the backdrop of the Basque mountains, it’s no surprise.
Runners (amateurs and professionals) can take advantage of Bilbao’s cooler nights, making it a more pleasant sports experience. Connect with our Local Designers to run like a superstar in this urban circuit with live music and multi-coloured fireworks cheering you on.
Weather in Spain in October
If you’re not ready to welcome gloomy autumn weather, then Spain in October is the ideal choice to chase the last bit of European summer. Mostly dry, sunny skies represent Spain throughout this time. Days won’t be too hot, and nights bring just a hint of cold – you’ll only need a light jacket or sweater.
Keep in mind, the further north in Spain you go, the cooler and wetter the weather. Therefore, northern regions, including Galicia, Asturias, Basque, and Cantabria, witness highs averaging around 21°C.
On the other hand, southern Spain, with cities like Seville, Malaga, and Almeria, experience sunnier and warmer temperatures at around 25°C and above. Therefore, it’s warm enough to catch rays of sunlight while at the beach but perhaps slightly too cold for a swim as ocean temperatures average in the low 20s.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Spaniards dress according to the season. In autumn, locals begin dressing warm, wearing light jackets and jeans/trousers – even when the sun’s out. If you decide to dress less conservatively, you may risk standing out.
- Spain’s public transport is comfortable and reliable. In the big cities, you can easily take the metro or train to hop across different towns or regions.
- It’s useful to learn some local lingo and key phrases; not everyone in Spain speaks English.
- Seafood is actually best in the autumn! If you’re a seafood enthusiast, you can enjoy delicious prawns, scallops, clams, and lobsters during this time.
- If you’re looking to visit major attractions such as La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona or San Lorenzo of El Escorial in Madrid, contact our Local Designers in Spain for stress-free experiences.
With several remarkable festivals, fairs, and parades paired with mild weather and fewer tourists, Spain in October is special. It is authentic but still underrated! For this first-hand experience in the autumn, explore the gallery of our fully-customisable tours in Spain. Or connect with our Local Designers to build your perfect trip!
