L’Italia in autunno è il sogno di ogni viaggiatore: meno folla, aria frizzante, paesaggi dorati e festival stagionali che celebrano la ricca tradizione culinaria e culturale del Paese. Dalle degustazioni di vino in Toscana alle cacce al tartufo in Piemonte, fino ai tranquilli giri in gondola tra i canali nebbiosi di Venezia, l’autunno offre un modo più lento e intimo di vivere l’Italia.
Che tu stia cercando escursioni panoramiche nelle Dolomiti, festival del cioccolato in Umbria o la quiete costiera della Costiera Amalfitana, l’autunno è la stagione ideale per esplorare il Paese nei suoi colori e sapori più autentici.
Italy in the fall (September to November) is arguably the best time to visit. There are fewer crowds, cooler weather, beautiful foliage, and rich harvest festivals. Here are some of the best places to travel in Italy during the fall, depending on what you’re looking for:
Tuscany – For Wine, Food, and Autumn Colors
Best time: Late September to October
Why go: It’s harvest season (vendemmia). Vineyards are buzzing, and the rolling hills turn golden with autumn foliage. Perfect for wine tastings, truffle hunts, and food festivals. Top towns: Chianti, Montalcino, Montepulciano, Pienza, and San Gimignano. Events: White Truffle Fair in San Miniato (Nov), grape harvest festivals across the region.
The Dolomites – For Foliage and Hiking
Best time: Mid-September to mid-October
Why go: The mountain larches turn golden-yellow, and the air is crisp and clear—ideal for hiking or scenic drives. Fewer tourists than in summer or ski season. Top towns: Ortisei, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Bolzano. Bonus: Local alpine dishes and traditional Törggelen feasts (autumn wine & food tradition in South Tyrol).
Venice – For a More Peaceful Experience
Best time: October to early November
Why go: The crowds thin out, and the canals are misty and romantic. Acqua alta (high water) might occur, adding to the charm (just bring boots).
What to do: Wander through quiet alleys, enjoy art exhibitions like the Biennale (if still ongoing), and take a gondola ride without tourist lines.
Umbria – For Truffles, Olives, and Medieval Charm
Best time: October to early November
Why go: Known as “Tuscany’s quieter sister,” Umbria offers rich autumn flavors, olive oil harvests, and authentic medieval towns without the crowds.
Top towns: Assisi, Spello, Perugia, Norcia.
Events: Eurochocolate in Perugia (Oct), White Truffle Fair in Gubbio and Norcia.
Piedmont – For White Truffles and Fine Wine
Best time: October to November Why go: It’s white truffle season in Alba and peak time for Barolo and Barbaresco wine tastings. Top towns: Alba, Barolo, Asti.
Events: International Alba White Truffle Fair (Oct–Nov), Palio di Asti (early Sept).
Amalfi Coast – For Quiet Beauty
Best time: September to mid-October Why go: Still warm enough to swim, but with far fewer crowds than summer. Coastal villages like Positano and Ravello are more relaxed. Tip: Many businesses start closing by late October.
Rome – For Culture Without Crowds
Best time: October Why go: Still warm during the day, cool in the evenings, and much less crowded at the Colosseum, Vatican, and major sites.
Bonus: Autumn food markets, chestnuts roasting in the streets, and open-air events.
Florence – For Art and Fall Atmosphere
Best time: Late September to October
Why go: Fall colors in the Boboli Gardens, art without summer lines, and local markets in full swing.
Tip: Take a day trip into the Tuscan countryside for harvest festivals.
Honorable Mentions
Sicily: Warm weather into November, fewer tourists, citrus harvests; Lakes Region (Como, Garda): Beautiful fall colors, quieter lakeside towns; Abruzzo: Mountain hikes, saffron harvest (L’Aquila), and authentic rural experiences.
Travel Tips for Italy in Fall: Pack layers. It can be warm during the day and chilly at night. Watch for closures: some coastal or island destinations wind down in October. Book harvest events in advance. Wine tastings and truffle hunts fill up fast.
