Why shoulder season is the smartest time to visit Italy, France and Spain - fewer crowds, lower prices, just as magical.

When it comes to planning your dream European holiday, there’s a sweet spot between the peak of summer and the chill of winter. It’s called shoulder season. Typically running from April to June and September to October, this is when destinations like Italy, France, and Spain are at their most charming (and affordable).

Whether you’re sipping wine in Bordeaux, exploring Tuscan hill towns, or strolling the streets of Seville without a tourist stampede in sight, shoulder season brings the best of Europe, minus the chaos.

Italy: La dolce vita without the lines

Best time to go: April–June or late September

Italy is a masterpiece any time of year, but shoulder season gives you that perfect blend of sunshine, thinner crowds, and a more relaxed local vibe. Picture this: Rome without elbowing your way through the Colosseum, Florence with shorter waits at the Uffizi, or the Amalfi Coast with room to actually enjoy the view.

Planning tips:

Trains are your friend: Italy’s rail network is reliable and scenic. Book a Eurail pass or Trenitalia tickets in advance for the best rates.

Layer up: Spring and autumn can be warm by day and cool at night, especially in northern cities like Milan and Venice.

Skip-the-line passes: Worth every euro if you’re visiting museums or major sites.

France: culture, croissants and fewer tour buses

Best time to go: May or late September–October

From Provence's lavender fields to Montmartre's cobbled lanes, France feels like a postcard in shoulder season. The weather is still mild, Paris cafés are less crowded, and wine country is alive with harvest buzz in autumn.

Planning tips:

Shoulder season = savings: Many hotels in Paris and Nice drop their prices significantly outside July and August.

Market days matter: Local farmers’ markets thrive in spring and fall - perfect for a picnic in the Loire Valley or a baguette-and-brie moment in Lyon.

Museum closures: Smaller towns may reduce opening hours after summer, so double-check schedules.

Spain: sunshine, sangria and a slower pace

Best time to go: April–June or September–early November

Spain in shoulder season is vibrant but not sweltering. It’s the ideal time to wander the Alhambra, catch a flamenco show in Seville, or surf the Basque coast - all without the summer heat or price hikes.

Planning tips:

Tapas trick: Spaniards eat late - embrace it! Some cities offer free tapas with drinks during happy hour.

Festivals: Autumn brings local harvest fairs and cultural events. Check regional calendars when planning.

Siesta is real: especially in smaller towns, shops may close in the afternoon. Plan your sightseeing accordingly.

✈️ Quick tips for planning a shoulder season getaway

✅ Book flights early: While accommodation is cheaper, flights can still fill up quickly. Look for mid-week departures to save.

✅ Pack smart: Layers are key, and don’t forget comfy walking shoes-you’ll be doing a lot of exploring.

✅ Stay central: With fewer tourists, this is your chance to splurge a little and stay in the heart of the action - whether that’s a Parisian arrondissement or a Tuscan farmhouse.

✅ Go with the flow: Shoulder season brings a slower pace. Embrace longer lunches, spontaneous detours, and lingering sunsets.

✅ Get travel insurance: We partner with PassportCard, Australia's only travel insurance with instant payouts for common claims* using the PassportCard. Medical issue overseas, delayed luggage or stolen cash? PassportCard can load funds onto the card so you can pay for common claims on the spot.

Find out more about PassportCard or get a quote for your next trip.

* All benefits and covers are subject to the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions listed in the Combined Financial Services Guide and Product Disclosure Statement and on other policy documentation, including the schedule. Terms and conditions of the PassportCard also apply.

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