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Athens

Craggy coves and beautiful beaches form the magnificent combination that is the coastline of Athens. Thus at the end of an fall afternoon, I found myself with a not unpleasant question: where to head to relax bones still longing for a last splash of summer sun. For this city offers something that other European cities do not: a coastline of over 60 kilometers featuring beaches many a Greek island would covet.

Out of season, the shores of the region still have a magnetic allure, as I found when taking a dip into a dusk across the Vouliagmeni Bay. For those looking for revitalization in azure seas ready to turn golden as the sun sets, swimming off one of the coastline's public or private beaches does not let you down.

With sea salt still on my skin, I sat at a local tavern, a eatery whose regional cuisine is as good as the breathtaking panorama of the bay it sits on. In a tribute to bygone eras, the appetizers is served on large wooden trays.

The city is as renowned for its hills as its coastline: rising terrain within sight of the Acropolis that make it a rich resource for strollers when temperatures are cooler. For those who want to get away from a metropolis that sprawls across almost 200 square miles, these stone formations – holders of wonderful titles such as the Nymphs' Hill and the Hill of the Muses – are a must.

In my opinion, this ancient capital is the continent's most soulful and magnificent.

If you climb the summit of Mount Lycabettus, the city’s tallest peak, either by foot or on the cable railway, the prize is a stunning view of the whole gulf and the offshore isles.

If you want to be in the center, the ancient Plaka district remains the ideal location. The old-school a classic hotel hotel has rooms facing the north side of the Acropolis from about €140 B&B. In the same area, Zorbas is a preferred restaurant with residents and serves the most succulent lamb chops. With vistas of the Acropolis, Athens’ rooftop restaurants are wonderfully atmospheric and perfect for mild fall nights – for a real treat head to a top restaurant or the award-winning Macris.

Palermo

Believe Neapolitan pizza is the last word in pizza? Reconsider. In this city they prefer sfincione, a tender, well-risen slice of dough topped with rich, onion-heavy tomato sauce and topped with caciocavallo cheese and herbs. Savory, satisfying and comforting, it’s available in bakeries, stands and carts throughout the town (a central street in the old town usually has several vendors).

We try it at a stand on Piazza della Kalsa, near where we’re staying. A local spot often has big lines, but they move quickly as young staff serve pieces of sfincione, as well as arancini and chickpea fritters. There are a couple of seats under the shade outside, but we eat as we walk into town along tight a street. This is a nice walk in autumn but wouldn’t always be in the heat. As hot spells rolled over Europe this year, temperatures in Palermo topped 104F in the shade. At the end of July one hot spot hit a record 70C at ground level.

We wander the streets and savour how its rich past is etched in its architecture.

Now, as temperatures rise to 24C by the afternoon, we can wander the metropolis and savour how its long history is visible in its streets. Walking by baroque and art nouveau palaces, and Casa Stagnitta, the city’s oldest coffee roastery, we admire the unique architecture of the medieval church of San Cataldo; Piazza Pretoria, with its Renaissance fountain, installed under Spanish rule; and the impressive cathedral, built on the location of a ancient Islamic temple.

On the way back we detour to the local market, the origins of which also stretch back over 1,000 years. Some criticize its commercialization, but it is still lively and highly dramatic. Being adventurous, we pause for a traditional pani câ meusa, which is surprisingly OK, with its slightly sweet “meat” balanced by cheese topping. The stallholder is especially pleased of his offal specialty but, unfortunately, no amount of salt and lemon can make those a delight for me.

We’re happy to head back to quieter the old quarter, the former Arab quarter to the eastern part, which was damaged in the second world war and languished for decades before being renewed this century. a boutique hotel (ocean-facing doubles from $175 B&B) is a four-room B&B with lots to see close by. Nearby is a historic palace, a 17th-century grand building restored and reopened in recently to house the Valsecchi art collection, which includes works by contemporary artists and Andy Warhol.

Next day we walk 10 minutes to Palermo’s Botanical Garden, with its notable ancient tree. Songbirds are chirping loudly as the sun pours down. Soon we’ll be in London, the time will change and the cold season will begin. We relish a final days in the light.

Vienna

While mourning the end of summer and hanging out at beach bars and swimming areas on the branches of the river, I’m now seeking a different color. This city is a city of parks and well-kept lawns, grassy areas and woodland belts, which exchange their green canopy for a rusty amber and yellowish tint the Austrians call golden autumn.

I depart from the grandiose architecture and old streets of the historic centre. To the southwest of it, Schloss Schönbrunn Park splays from the magnificent royal palace, where the gilt isn’t reserved for the inside, and makes its way into corridors of towering copper bushes and curved walkways that go to the butter-yellow palace.

To the eastern part, in the city’s a large park, I walk beneath the chestnut trees of the main avenue, an path that’s almost three miles long and ancient. On the edge of the park, the retro-styled a trendy hotel (doubles from €78 B&B) is a ideally located retreat.

In a city with many city gardens (thanks to a dedicated effort to encouraging green spaces and building local culture), autumn brings a feast of fresh produce on menus. Pumpkin cream soup is the classic dish – best eaten in a traditional pub such as the decorated Am Nordpol 3 – and accompanied by a Wiener Schnitzel.

Vienna is a city of parks and gardens that change their green cover for a golden and ochre glow.

Unbeknown to many, Vienna is the only European capital to grow wine within its city limits, with 700 hectares of vineyards. There are fourteen designated city hiking trails, known as walking routes. Route one takes you through the wine country of Nussdorf. Relax in a slope wine tavern such as a local winery, drinking a zesty grüner veltliner with a platter (a platter of cold cuts and cheese), while soaking up the sublime city vista.

The hours are getting briefer, but now is the perfect time to wander among the city's grand buildings, galleries and historic abodes – a {cultural crop|