November travel guide: Where to go, what to see and new hotels

November can sometimes be an awkward month for travel. The days are shorter, the weather is less predictable, and much of Europe is firmly between autumn and winter.

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However, that all tends to equal fewer crowds, plenty of cultural events and, by the end of the month, the first signs of Christmas appearing across European cities.

From early festive markets in Vienna to food and wine in Portugal, a major marathon in Athens and winter sun in Fuerteventura, there are still plenty of reasons to get away.

Here’s Euronews Travel’s guide for where to go, what to see and where to stay this November.

Destinations

Vienna, Austria

If you want to get into the Christmas spirit without waiting until December, Vienna is one of the best places to start.

The Austrian capital’s Christmas markets begin opening early in the month, with both the Schönbrunn Palace and Stephansplatz markets opening on 6 November. The most famous market, Rathausplatz, follows on 13 November.

When you’ve had your fill of mulled wine and Christmas lights, November is a great time to explore Vienna’s museums, grand coffee houses and palaces without the summer crowds.

Make sure to check out both the Belvedere and Hofburg palaces and head to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, which is filled with European old masters and Habsburg art treasures.

Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain

For those who would rather avoid the cold altogether, the Canary Islands remain one of Europe’s safest bets for some late-autumn sunshine.

Fuerteventura is particularly appealing in November, when its beaches, volcanic landscapes and enormous dunes can be explored without the intensity of the summer heat – and it’s one of the most affordable islands in the Canaries, too.

For those who suffer from seasonal depression, the sun sets in the Canary Islands later than in most places in mainland Europe, so it’s ideal for staying cheerful as the winter sets in.

There’s also a new reason to stay here. The Elba Corralejo Resort & Spa is opening on 1 November, bringing with it 478 rooms, a staggering 20 swimming pools, restaurants and extensive wellness and family facilities.

Hotel openings

Casa Verbena Madrid, Spain

Hilton’s new Outset Collection is making its European debut in Madrid with Casa Verbena Madrid.

The 45-room hotel is set on Calle de Preciados, a pedestrianised shopping street in the heart of the Spanish capital, within walking distance of Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace.

It is designed by Spanish interior designer Lorenzo Castillo, with boutique rooms drawing on Spanish architecture and culture.

Hotel Maastricht-Maas, Netherlands

Maastricht is getting a new four-star-plus hotel this November, with the Van der Valk Exclusief Hotel Maastricht-Maas celebrating its grand opening on the banks of the River Maas.

The 113-room property has a contemporary design with South American influences, alongside a restaurant, bar, meeting spaces and a fifth-floor panoramic wellness area.

It is also within easy reach of Maastricht’s historic centre, making it a useful base for exploring the buzzy Dutch city.

Events and attractions

Berlin Science Week, Berlin, Germany

Germany’s capital gets particularly cerebral in early November, when Berlin Science Week takes place from 1-10 November.

This year’s theme is “In Touch”, exploring how science affects everyday life through exhibitions, workshops, talks, performances and events across the city.

A public weekend from 6-8 November is one of the highlights, making this a good option for anyone who wants something a little different from the usual museum-and-gallery city break.

Athens Marathon The Authentic, Athens, Greece

November is a particularly good month to visit Athens if you like your city breaks with a bit of sporting drama.

The 43rd Athens Marathon, the Authentic, takes place on 7 and 8 November, following the historic route from Marathon to the Panathenaic Stadium.

Even if you’re not running, it’s a chance to see one of the world’s most famous marathon routes and enjoy Athens at a time when summer’s heat has disappeared.

International Hot Air Balloon Festival, Alentejo, Portugal

The Alentejo region of Portugal is set to gain tonnes of popularity next year, thanks to its appearance in countless travel experts’ trend predictions.

To experience it for yourself before it blows up as a destination, why not visit the International Hot Air Balloon Festival taking place there from 7-12 November.

The festival, which has been running since 1997, will feature balloon flights, public displays and opportunities to see the colourful aircraft filling the skies over the Alentejo landscape.

While you’re there, you could head to Borba, which will host its annual Vine and Wine Festival from 11-15 November, bringing together wine tastings, regional food, entertainment, crafts and local producers.

Planning ahead: Christmas markets, skiing and winter sun

November is also the month when Christmas travel starts becoming a much more immediate prospect.

If you want to visit some of Europe’s biggest markets without the crowds of December, the final week of November is worth considering. Vienna starts early, while cities including Strasbourg, Nuremberg and Prague move into full festive mode later in the month.

It’s also worth booking winter-sun trips now, with the Canary Islands and Madeira remaining as popular choices as temperatures fall across northern Europe.

Travelling over Christmas and New Year is notoriously tricky and sometimes pricey, so it’s best to book ahead to secure the best possible deals.

Finally, if you’re thinking about skiing, November is the time to start looking ahead. A number of new Alpine hotels and lodges are opening for the 2026-2027 season, including The First Cortina in Italy, The Ski Lodge in Verbier and new properties in Morzine and Les Menuires.