5 Fun Food Festivals Not to Miss this Fall
More than one in five global travellers said they have travelled especially to attend a food festival with more than half saying that they travel specifically for the thrill that comes with exploring global cuisines*. To celebrate the harvest this spring, Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, is presenting five beautiful destinations that are perfect for celebrating food, immersing yourself into a new culture and pleasing your palate with different and unique flavours.
Zibelemärit (Onion Market) - Bern, Switzerland
The historical and picturesque city of Bern is nestled within the banks of the Aare River and is highly endorsed for its old town, sightseeing and history. Every year it hosts the traditional Onion Festival, where 50 tons of onions are sold and transformed into tasty delicacies.
Where to stay: With a central, yet quiet location in the city centre, Bed and Breakfast Wildrose offers spacious rooms and complementary full English breakfast that guests can enjoy on the terrace during sunny days.
Seafood Festival - O Grove, Spain
Around two-thirds of the earth’s surface is covered by water – just think of all the delicious fish, succulent squid, and juicy shellfish out there! Every October, for the last 53 years, the picturesque coastal town of O Grove organizes the Seafood Festival. Travellers from all over the world have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of delicious local dishes with fresh seafood from Ría de Arousa in a destination highly rated for seafood, beaches and scenery.
Where to stay: Offering a sun terrace and beautiful views of O Grove, Habitaciones Castelao is a great place to stay to enjoy all the activities of the festival. All rooms at the property have a flat screen TV, Wi-Fi, a coffee machine and a kettle.
Castagnades (Chestnut) Festival - Meyras, France
For travellers looking for something less busy, in the heart of Ardéchois villages, the Castagnades festival invites guests of all ages to a friendly atmosphere with gastronomic competitions and local products made of chestnuts. Set in a valley between the Ardèche and Fontaulière rivers, the small village of Meyras, hosts the Chestnut Festival. Meyras is highly endorsed by Booking.com travellers for tranquillity, nature and gourmet food.
Where to stay: When it comes to places to stay, look no further than Maison Sous Le Pont B&B. This traditional stone house features a beautiful terrace among the trees, where guests can enjoy delicious local dishes made of fresh local products.
Hawaii Food and Wine Festival - Hawaii, USA
If you really want to savour Hawaii’s great cuisine, there’s no better way to taste it than durning the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, which takes place on the Hawaiian islands of Maui, Oahu and Hawai’i . The festival hosts popular chefs, cooking demonstrations, delicious local dishes and various wine tastings to wash it all down. Booking.com travellers have endorsed the islands of Hawaii for their beaches, nature, tranquillity and the relaxation they offer.
Where to stay: The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas are luxury villas set between North Ka’anapali Beach and the mountains of West Maui, offering spacious villas with views of the ocean or island. The property has three onsite restaurants and two bars serving an array of cuisine from Italian to American.
Mid-Autumn Festival - China
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Mooncake Festival is the second most important festival in China and eating mooncakes is the most common activity of the day. Although this is technically not a food festival, it is a great opportunity to taste the delicious, sweet Chinese pastry.
Where to stay: A world-renowned gem, sprawling Beijing is highly endorsed for history, culture and food and is a great destination to experience this unique festival. Positioned in the central hub of Beijing, the Rosewood Beijing is an artistic masterpiece of modern and old, featuring a lush garden, an outdoor pool and tastefully designed dining spaces.
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*According to data collected by Booking.com with 12,781 respondents across 13 markets in September 2016. Respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have travelled at least once in 2016 and had to be planning at least one trip for 2017. All respondents had to consider themselves part of their travel decision-making process.