The key facts
- Vienna's Christmas markets start on 6 and 13 November — earlier than December
- New hotels: Casa Verbena Madrid (Hilton Outset, European debut) and Van der Valk in Maastricht
- Berlin Science Week (1–10 November) and the 43rd Athens Marathon (7–8 November)
November as the season between the holidays
November is traditionally considered an awkward month for travel: the days are shorter, the weather is less predictable, and Europe sits between autumn and winter. That is exactly why, as Euronews Travel notes in its 2026 guide, there are fewer tourists at this time of year, a rich cultural programme, and by the end of the month the first Christmas lights appear in the cities. The guide covers destinations, hotel openings and events, as well as tips for booking winter trips early.
Early markets and winter sun
For those who want to catch the Christmas spirit before December, Vienna is one of the best options: the markets at Schönbrunn Palace and on Stephansplatz open on 6 November, and the most famous one, on Rathausplatz, opens on 13 November. The rest of the month is a good time to explore museums, coffee houses and palaces — the Belvedere, the Hofburg and the Kunsthistorisches Museum — without the summer crowds. Those who prefer warmth should consider Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands: according to the publication, it is one of the most affordable islands in the archipelago, where in November you can stroll along beaches, volcanic landscapes and dunes without the summer heat, and the sun sets later than in most of mainland Europe. An added reason to go is the 1 November opening of the 478-room Elba Corralejo Resort & Spa with 20 swimming pools.
New hotels and events of the month
Among hotel openings, the guide highlights two. In Madrid, Hilton's new Outset collection makes its European debut: the 45-room boutique hotel Casa Verbena Madrid is located on the pedestrian street Calle de Preciados near Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace, with interiors designed by Spanish designer Lorenzo Castillo. In Maastricht, on the banks of the river Meuse, the four-star-plus Van der Valk Exclusief Hotel Maastricht-Maas is opening — 113 rooms with South American accents, a restaurant, a bar and a panoramic wellness area on the fifth floor. The events programme includes Berlin Science Week from 1 to 10 November on the theme 'In Touch' , with open days for the public on 6–8 November; the 43rd Authentic Athens Marathon on 7–8 November along the historic route from Marathon to the Panathenaic Stadium; and the International Balloon Festival in Portugal's Alentejo region from 7 to 12 November, held since 1997. In the same region, in Borba, the annual wine and vine festival will take place from 11 to 15 November.
Planning winter trips
The guide also advises planning ahead. The last week of November is a good time to visit the largest Christmas markets without the December crowds: Vienna starts early, while Strasbourg, Nuremberg and Prague switch into festive mode later. For winter sun, the publication names the Canary Islands and Madeira, and recommends booking Christmas and New Year trips in advance because of high prices. Skiers should keep an eye on the 2026–2027 season: new hotels and chalets are opening in the Alps, including The First Cortina in Italy and The Ski Lodge in Verbier , as well as properties in Morzine and Les Menuires.
