My mid October Trips the past 3 years:

Trip to Paris/Amsterdam. I had a great time in Amsterdam. An ok time in Paris, things just didn't go according to plans there, but its Paris, so it was still fun. The weather was much cooler there than where I live. Amsterdam was fun since there was no summer crowds. But it was cold.

Trip to Budapest and Vienna. Lots of fun. Budapest was chilly and and windy, but the fall weather turned for a wonderful warm weekend in Vienna. Budapest was not crowded and it was a lot of fun.

Trip to Malaga and Granada. The weather was spectacular. Cool mornings and wonderfully sunny days in Granada. No crowds and the people were wonderful. A great weekend on the beach in Torremolinos, fun to walk the boardwalk, sit outside, even dip in the water as the weather was warm, but not hot.

I think I preferred Malaga/Granada the best as I love the warm weather. The crowds were gone. The people were fantastic. And the rates were lower. Alhambra was crowded, but not insane, and I pre-purchased my ticket and enjoyed a stunning fall morning in the Palace of Nasrid.

I guess it all depends on what you want to do.