From early Christmas markets in Vienna to late-autumn sunshine in the Canary Islands, November offers plenty of reasons to plan a <a 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 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.
