Best for late sun

Sitting to the west of Morocco, the north African sun warms the soils of Madeira steadily throughout the year, reaching peak temperatures in September. The subtropical climate means the Portuguese archipelago is full of flora and fauna. See the full scope from giant prickly cacti to colourfully petalled plants at the botanical gardens or visit in October when the annual flower festival takes to the streets with parades and events. Get even closer to nature by following the ancient levadas on hiking trails that snake over the island, or take the ferry to Madeira’s little sister, Porto Santo where a magnificent 9km stretch of wild beach is the place for swimming.

Best for leaf-peeping

There are more than 20 million trees in the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean, reason perhaps that it’s becoming known as the UK’s leading leaf-peeping destination, with a dedicated 50-mile Drive for visitors to follow. To experience the glories of the deciduous trees turning red, it’s best to leave the car behind and lace up your walking boots. The Wye Valley Hiking Trail starts at Chepstow Castle and will take you over Welsh hillsides, down valleys and along the banks of the River Wye. The autumn colours of oak, ash and beech trees will line the path in gold from October to early November.

Best for culture

There’s no welcome quite like that of a puppy, and that is precisely what greets you at the Guggenheim Bilbao. Jeff Koons’ West Highland terrier – entirely covered with flowers – is just one of the artworks that make up the monumental permanent collection of contemporary and 20th-century art. Come for a weekend and spend a day inside the gallery and a day outside it admiring Frank Gehry’s titanium architecture that follows the shape of Bilbao’s Nervion river. Cross the water via Santiago Calatrava’s Zubizuri bridge, and then hop your way around the city’s commercial galleries stopping along the way for sustenance at its many pintxo bars.

Best for the glories of harvest

In autumn the Umbrian landscape sits ripe and golden with the vines turning red. It is the season of the vendemmia or grape harvest and you’ll pass narrow tractors on the lanes and see many hands out picking in the fields. As well as wine it is the moment for the region’s precious bounty: truffle, mushrooms, chestnuts and olive oil. Locals celebrate with sagra feasts in every small town and the Italian spirit visitors are welcome. Bland Badger runs creative retreats every autumn in this region where you can join foraging and cookery workshops, while truffle hunting is just one of the many activities on offer at the Hotel Castello di Reschio.

Modified from Conde Nast Traveller