Image | Asturias TourismAre you going to save a few days of vacation and want to take advantage of them in October? Wise choice! When summer vacations are a dream, it is convenient to take advantage of the good weather that is still in October and better prices to travel before the arrival of the freezing winter.
In the next post we propose very different places so that you can take inspiration and choose where to travel in October for an unforgettable getaway.
Fez
Located 200 kilometers east of the capital of the Alahuite kingdom, Fez is an ideal place to get lost and discover the authentic Morocco. Perhaps somewhat overshadowed by popular cities such as Marrakech, Casablanca or Rabat, the truth is that Fez better preserves its traditions and lifestyles, something that is breathed in its streets, as it is the cultural and religious capital of Morocco.
Declared a World Heritage Site, the Fez medina is preserved intact thanks to General Lyautey, who forbade building inside. Palaces, temples, madrasas and walls testify to the glorious past of Fez, a town where XNUMX million people already live.
Fez, actually, looks like three cities in one on the banks of the Zitu and Fez rivers as it is divided into three parts that reflect its history. Fez el Bali (the old city founded in 789 by Idrís I) Fez el Jedid (built in the XNUMXth century by the Merinids) and the New City (built by the French with Hassan II avenue as the main axis.)
In recent years a program of restoration of the medina has been organized, including the renovation of the streets, walls, monuments and bridges, since some were deteriorated and in certain areas waste and debris accumulated in the streets, affecting the image of the city.
Olinda
Olinda is a beautiful city in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, which must be known by walking to marvel at its museums, churches and colorful buildings that blend with the exuberant vegetation.
Declared a Historical and Cultural Heritage of Humanity by Unesco in 1982, Olinda was founded in 1535 although after the looting of Calvinist Dutchmen who burned the town, it had to be rebuilt. In this way, many buildings date from the XNUMXth century, which are the great tourist attractions of Olinda today. Some examples are the Convent of Sao Francisco, the Mosteiro de Sao Bento, the Mercado da Ribeira or the Sé. It is also a city that offers delicious cuisine and is very committed to the world of art. What more could you ask for for a getaway in October?
Zaragoza
If you do not know where to travel in October but you have proposed it to be in Spain, you could get to know Aragonese culture a little better by visiting Zaragoza for the Puente del Pilar. Take the opportunity to go sightseeing and get to know its most emblematic monuments such as the Palacio de la Alfajería, the Basilica del Pilar, the Cathedral of Salvador, the Roman Theater or the Museum of Zaragoza.
In addition, from October 6 to 14, the Fiestas del Pilar are celebrated in 2018. The Aragonese capital is decorated in a special way and organizes a multitude of activities for tourists and locals: concerts, parades, fireworks, processions ... October 12 is the most important and the Offering of Flowers to the Virgin takes place among interesting manifestations of popular folklore.
If you still have some time left, you can also take the opportunity to make a brief getaway to Tarazona, a charming monumental city just one hour from Zaragoza.
Porto
This Portuguese city has a special charm evident to all who visit it. It is the second most important town in the country after Lisbon and it is located to the north at the mouth of the Douro River.
The best way to get to know Porto is to walk through its elegant neighborhoods and typical streets that Unesco declared as a World Heritage Site in 1996. Let yourself be surprised by that beautiful mix between decadence and tradition that the city breathes by visiting the Porto Cathedral, the Church of San Francisco, the Clérigos tower, the San Bento train station or the Stock Exchange Palace.
Talking about Porto is also talking about its delicious wines. The vast majority of its wineries are located in Vila Nova de Gaia, on the opposite bank of the river. A good way to get to know Portuguese gastronomy and its wine culture is to visit them and take a guided tour. They are also offered in Spanish and usually last one hour, although there are different options that also include the possibility of a tasting.
Without a doubt, it is worth going to Vila Nova de Gaia not only to contemplate the Porto shoreline from the other shore but also to skirt the Douro River and take a nice walk watching the boats tails docked.
Asturias
Image | Asturias Tourism
Declared a Natural Park in 1996 and a Biosphere Reserve in 2001 by UNESCO, the Redes Park occupies the eastern central area of the Principality of Asturias. During the month of October, the park becomes especially beautiful when it is filled with the colors of autumn. Its environmental wealth is thus manifested in a multitude of landscapes and contrasts that do not leave you indifferent.
In addition, we must add the bellowing of deer as a soundtrack and a blossoming of apples, mushrooms, hazelnuts and chestnuts that will delight anyone who loves good food. Another of the activities that can be done during the visit to the Redes Park is to see in freedom several species of animals characteristic of northern Spain such as the wolf, the brown bear, the deer or the grouse, who live among beech trees, the dominant tree in the mountains of Redes, although there are also other species such as the sessile oak.
If you love doing ecotourism but still don't know where to travel in October, a visit to the Redes Natural Park in Asturias can be a great plan.