Time to start planning an autumn getaway with a difference

Autumn can be a difficult time of the year to plan a getaway. Even Europe’s sunspots can experience highly variable weather.

In the Algarve, for instance, October temperatures can change from the high twenties to the mid-teens. So, booking a beach holiday may not be the best choice. You risk having to fill a week with activities in a place that is only really geared up for summer tourism.

Too late for sun, too early for snow—a city break may seem like a good option. But how can you avoid joining the herd?

Fear not, taking a city break with a difference is simpler than you think.

Many ‘city-breakers’ seem to overlook the fact that their choice of city is not limited to the obvious big names like Barcelona, Paris, Rome, Venice and so on.

Visiting someplace less prominent is an easy way of introducing a little quirkiness. Just throw yourself into it and find an undiscovered cultural gem.

Some of Europe’s liveliest cultural scenes are spread across its smaller cities. Furthermore, big name cities typically mean big prices; going somewhere a little less obvious can save you hundreds, even thousands, over the course of a few days.

Getting an authentic, more “local” experience will be much more likely in a city where tourists are the exception rather than the norm.

For a city break, with the potential for more than a twist of autumn sunshine, why not consider Cadiz?

Perched on Spain’s South West Atlantic coast, the city can be easily reached from nearby airports in Gibraltar, Seville and Jerez, and is connected by rail to major Spanish cities.

Cadiz has moorish influenced culture, reflected in the local architecture. The city is a foodie’s paradise, with a buzzing tapas scene that has earned the city a place on Rick Stein’s list of long weekend destinations.

While there, take time to discover the city’s large network of catacombs which wind under the city.

If you’d prefer something slightly cooler why not try Helsinki, the Finnish capital. Located on the Baltic coast, the city is the beating heart of Finland’s vibrant design scene.

Widely accessible from British airports, Helsinki is just a 3 hour flight away and has an interesting mix of baltic, scandinavian and Russian influences.

Saunas are a staple of Finnish life. If you visit, make sure you take time to try one. Incredible public saunas are available throughout the city. For the brave among you, you can even finish your sauna with a bracing dip in the freezing sea!

This autumn might be the time to swap Lisbon for Ljubljana or Paris for Porto. Explore somewhere different to dodge the crowds and experience some truly fascinating culture.

For more information, do get in touch, we’d love to hear from you. You can call us on 01789 263888 or email hello@charterswealth.co.uk.

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