Travel in November: cheap destinations without the crowds in 2026

November has a bad reputation. Summer is over, Christmas hasn't arrived, it gets dark early and there are few long weekends. That is exactly why it is one of the best months of the year to travel. When hardly anyone is on the move, flights and hotels tend to get cheaper, monuments empty out and cities go back to the people who live in them. In this guide we show you where to go in November depending on what you are after: sunshine, cities, nature or a trip further afield.

The images in this article are AI-generated. Prices vary a lot by date and departure city, so always compare before you book.

Why November is travel's best-kept secret

• It is low season across much of Europe. Between the end of autumn and the opening of the Christmas markets, many destinations see less demand.
• Shorter queues. Museums, cathedrals and viewpoints that test your patience in summer can be enjoyed calmly.
• Mild weather in the south. In the Canary Islands, Madeira, southern Italy or Morocco, November is a very pleasant month.
• Autumn at its peak. The forests of the Iberian Peninsula change colour during the first weeks of the month.

Sunny destinations in November

Madeira is the island of eternal spring, and in November temperatures usually hover around 20 °C. Walk the levadas, the old water channels that cross the laurel forest, climb Pico do Arieiro above the clouds and end the day in Funchal with espetada and a glass of Madeira wine.

The Canary Islands are the easy option for winter sun in Europe. Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura enjoy a few quieter weeks in November before the Christmas peak.

Marrakech is also at its best. The summer heat is long gone and the days are perfect for getting lost in the medina, the souks and Jemaa el-Fnaa square at sunset. If you head out to the desert or the Atlas Mountains, pack a warm layer: nights can be cold.

And if you want sun and city at the same time, add Sicily and Malta. In Palermo, Syracuse or Valletta, autumn is mild and you can explore temples and streets almost on your own.

City breaks without the crowds

Lisbon and Porto smell of roasted chestnuts: on 11 November Portugal celebrates St Martin's Day, the magusto, with chestnuts and new wine. Lisbon's viewpoints are yours at sunset and, if it rains in Porto, you have the perfect excuse to visit a port cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Italy shines in November. Rome, Florence and Venice, packed in summer, can finally breathe: the Colosseum, the Uffizi or St Mark's Square are far less crowded. It is also white truffle season in Piedmont. In Venice, keep an eye on the acqua alta, the autumn high tide: check the forecast and bring waterproof shoes.

Athens feels completely different. Climbing the Acropolis without the summer sun is another experience, and watching the Parthenon light up from Philopappos Hill at sunset is one of those memories that stays with you.

In Paris, the Luxembourg Gardens fill with fallen leaves, cafés invite you to linger and, at the end of the month, the Champs-Élysées lights are switched on.

The trick: Central Europe before the markets

Prague, Budapest, Vienna and Kraków fill up as soon as the Christmas markets open, from mid or late November. Go in the first half of the month and you will find them much quieter, with the parks still in autumn colours. In Budapest, soak in an outdoor thermal bath with the cool air on your face; in Kraków, stroll unhurriedly through the old town and the Kazimierz district. You get there before everyone else and leave just as the rush begins.

Autumn in Spain: forests, vineyards and comfort food

The Irati Forest in Navarre is one of the largest beech forests in Europe, and in autumn it turns gold, red and orange. The Ribeira Sacra in Galicia has terraced vineyards above the canyons of the Sil river. The Jerte Valley turns red during its autumn festival, and the beech forests of Montejo and Tejera Negra are just a short drive from Madrid. Colours vary from year to year, so check how the forest is looking before you go.

In the south, Seville, Córdoba and Granada are a pleasure to explore without the summer heat. Alhambra tickets sell out even in low season, though, so book them first. And everywhere, November is the month of mushrooms, chestnuts and hearty stews.

Further afield: Egypt and Jordan

For a long-haul trip, November is a good time for Egypt or Jordan: temperatures are far more pleasant than in summer for exploring Luxor or Petra. This is not low season, as the best period is just beginning, so book ahead. Before travelling, we recommend checking the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories and CDC Travelers' Health, or your own government's official travel advice.

Tips for travelling in November

• Make the most of the morning. It gets dark very early, so plan the key sights for the first hours and save the evening for museums, cafés and dinners.
• Travel midweek. A Tuesday or Wednesday is usually cheaper than a Friday.
• Dress in layers. If you are heading north, pack a rain jacket and something warm.
• Look at December now. Prices for Christmas and early-December breaks rise as the dates get closer.

Plan your November getaway

The hard part of travelling in November is not finding a destination: it is making the most of such short days. What to see each day, in what order, where to sleep and how to get around. With Pangora Travel you tell it where you want to go, how many days you have and what kind of trip you want, and it builds a day-by-day itinerary you can edit and download as a PDF with maps and accommodation. If you are not sure where to go yet, the surprise destination feature suggests ideas based on your budget and preferences. You get five free trips a year: start planning at pangoratravel.com.