Italy is known to be a perfect summer destination, but it’s also great during other seasons, especially in autumn. Whether you visit the west, east, north or south, the country is full of things to see and do. With glorious weather, incredible autumnal views and less of the hustle and bustle, there’s never been a better time to explore Italy. Being considered a shoulder season, travelers should stop and enjoy the best the country has to offer without rubbing their shoulders. Planning an autumn vacation in Italy? Celebrate the season with these unique activities.
ten Explore the warm colors of fall
Admiring the fall colors is one of the most unique things to do during the season. One of the places to catch the most incredible trees in fall colors is Casentino National Park. This park is home to several species of plants, including maple, cherry, chestnut, and beech, which glow in a spectacular array of warm fall colors. Interested in a city break? Why not explore the Italian countryside aboard a historic train, taking in some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery? There are so many destinations in Italy to live these experiences.
9 Take a few visits to Italian vineyards and cellars
Italy is known for its incredible wine culture and fall is the perfect time to experience the beauty of its wineries and vineyards. Going on wine tours stimulates great emotions and provides exciting experiences on another side of the nation. There are around 140 wine routes in Italy, and Prosecco is one of the best known routes. Located in northern Italy, on the hilly side of Veneto, this wine route stretches for 33 kilometers and winds through beautiful wine villages and countryside full of beautiful vineyards. If you plan to sample a few varieties, it will be good to have a driver.
8 Join the locals in collecting olives
Picking olives is a common tradition in Italian culture, and autumn is when the fruits are harvested. These fruits are an important aspect of the Mediterranean lifestyle, as the oil extracted from them is used to prepare certain Italian dishes. Simply put, olives are a symbol of Italian culinary culture and vacationers can participate in harvesting and making virgin oil from the fruit. Foodies, especially lovers of Italian cuisine, won’t want to miss this fantastic opportunity.
seven Take a walk in the woods
What better time to immerse yourself in nature than in the fall? Italy is home to many beautiful forests, where vacationers can easily get lost in the woods, enjoying the spectacular nature. Hiking is one way to immerse yourself in the beautiful fall foliage. Plus, trees have many benefits for the body and mind, so taking a walk in nature would definitely do anyone justice. The Giants of Sila are one of the most magnificent jungles to discover in Italy.
6 Learn some cooking skills
Everyone is in love with Italian food, and learning how to make one of the tastiest dishes would be a great way to celebrate fall in the country. If learning to cook like a perfect chef is a dream, then fall would be the best time to make that dream come true. The season is accompanied by several products that are part of authentic Italian cuisine, including olives, chestnuts, pumpkin and mushrooms. Travelers can get involved in the whole process of combining these products to prepare some of the most unique meals to surprise friends and families back home.
5 Go on a truffle hunt
Autumn is white truffle hunting season, and joining the locals in the woods for one of the most unique activities is a great way to celebrate the season. Truffles are known for their sweet aroma and taste, which makes them an important symbol of the Italian gastronomic lifestyle. The northern Italian region of Piedmont, particularly the town of Alba, is the best place to experience white truffles at their most impressive. The region is renowned as the truffle capital of Italy, but places like Le Marche are also worth a visit.
4 Spend an autumn holiday on an Italian island
While the islands are known to be amazing in the summer, they can also be great places to be in the fall, and the Italian islands have a different charm in season. Visiting an island offers vacationers an incredible opportunity to explore the sea, take thermal baths, hike and enjoy nature walks. Some of the islands to check out are Ponza, Lampedusa, Asinara, Ischia and the Elba Islands. Each of the islands offers unique activities, ranging from swimming, mountain biking, hiking trails, boating, gardens and parks.
3 Explore Underground Naples
Being Halloween season, fall is the perfect time to visit some of the most mysterious places, like the underground city of Naples. Here, travelers will find caves, tunnels, an ancient cemetery and more to make an autumn vacation great. Naples has incredible years, dating back over 2400 years. If magical and sacred places are exciting, there’s no reason to miss an opportunity to explore this magnificent underground city.
2 Pay a visit to a zoo
Italian zoos explain why this is one of the most spectacular destinations to explore with children, especially in autumn. With splendid weather, this is the best time to see some of Italy’s most unique animals. If you travel to Rome, don’t leave without visiting Villa Borghese, the oldest zoological garden in the country. About 1144 animals thrive in this beautiful gardenand seeing them up close is definitely an interesting fall activity that would suit a whole family.
1 Explore Italian castles
Castles allow visitors to travel through history, and Italy is one of the best destinations to discover them. There are several fortresses spread across the country, and the time to experience their most spectacular is in autumn. The atmosphere of Italian castles and historical buildings is unique and every vacationer would enjoy this feeling. One of the castles to discover is that of Trentino, Castello di Avio, nestled deep in the hills in a breathtaking hidden natural environment.
