A dating expert has revealed the perfect autumn destinations for senior couples seeking romance after the busy summer holiday crowds have dispersed.  James Rodgers, Head of Dating at Senior Lovers, said interest in autumn travel is up among senior couples, showing they increasingly value quieter experiences over peak season chaos at popular European destinations.

The notable shift toward post-summer travel among older couples will inevitably be followed by more tailored offerings from the tourism industry as businesses recognise the growing importance of this demographic and their preference for September and October getaways.

“September and October truly offer the best value experience for senior couples,” Rodgers said. “You get the benefit of still-warm temperatures but without the overwhelming crowds or price hikes of peak season.”

In one respect, the autumn travel market already looks particularly suited to senior couples seeking meaningful experiences over mere sightseeing.

Portugal continues to be on the rise as a preferred autumn destination because of its mild climate, and more and more senior couples are considering visiting the Algarve who would not typically look beyond their usual Mediterranean favourites.

“The Portuguese coast provides that perfect mix of beautiful beaches that aren’t packed, along with historic towns where you can actually move around without fighting against crowds,” he explained.

Using feedback from Senior Lovers members, Rodgers found that those who visited Portugal in autumn reported higher satisfaction rates than summer travellers, citing peaceful environments and authentic experiences as key factors.

“Many older couples particularly value being able to secure restaurant reservations without booking weeks in advance, and finding peaceful spots to enjoy sunset drinks together,” he added.

Italy’s Lake Garda secured second place in the expert’s recommendations, with seniors appreciating its microclimate that keeps temperatures mild well into autumn.

“Lake Garda offers stunning views, boat trips that aren’t overbooked, and wonderful lakeside restaurants where you can actually hear each other speak without shouting over tourist chatter,” Rodgers told readers.

Our recent observations show there’s a lot of variation in the activities preferred by senior travellers, with some seeking cultural experiences while others prioritise relaxation and natural beauty.

Southern Spain, particularly the Costa del Sol and Andalusia region, took the third spot on the expert’s list of recommended destinations.

“The cooler temperatures make exploring historic cities like Seville and Granada so much more pleasant for seniors,” he said. “You can wander through the Alhambra without the exhausting summer heat, which makes a huge difference for older visitors. Plus, daily siestas provide the perfect excuse to rest, recharge and unwind at your own pace.”

Cyprus claimed fourth place, with Rodgers noting the Mediterranean island maintains beach-worthy temperatures well into November.

“Cyprus is especially good for senior couples who may have some mobility issues, as many resorts cater very well to older visitors with accessible accommodation and facilities,” he pointed out. “The locals are incredibly welcoming, and the pace of life slows considerably after the summer rush.”

The increased focus on accessible tourism required to meet the needs of older travellers will inevitably be followed by improvements in facilities and services across many Mediterranean destinations.

Greece’s lesser-known islands rounded out the top five recommendations, with particular focus on Crete and Rhodes.

“These islands stay warmer longer than the more northern parts of Europe, but what seniors really appreciate is how the authentic Greek experience becomes more accessible once the summer crowds leave,” said Rodgers. “You can experience traditional tavernas, speak with locals, and discover the real culture in a way that just isn’t possible in July or August.”

The autumn visitor patterns mainly relate to couples seeking relaxed cultural experiences, with interest from older travellers growing significantly following the school restart across Europe.

“Our members consistently tell us they’ve found better value, more attentive service, and a far more relaxed pace during these post-summer months,” he explained. “For many older couples, the ability to enjoy destinations without the noise and rush of peak season creates a much more conducive environment for romance and connection.”

Rodgers isn’t the first travel specialist to point out the benefits of autumn travel for seniors.

A study by AGE Platform Europe surveying tourists aged 55 and above found that while summer remains popular (36.6% of respondents), spring (31.8%) and autumn (16.1%) are gaining preference among senior travellers.

Security, cleanliness and reliability ranked as top priorities for older tourists according to the same research, with natural environment and local culture also scoring highly in importance.

The study revealed that 67.5% of senior tourists prefer travelling with a partner, with the majority opting for trips lasting between 4-13 nights.

For seniors considering an autumn getaway, Rodgers suggests booking accommodations that specifically mention catering to older guests and checking average temperatures for your chosen destination.

“Always confirm what facilities remain open after peak season,’ he advised. ‘Some restaurants and attractions may reduce their opening hours, so it’s worth planning ahead to avoid disappointment.”