Places To Visit In Italy in Fall
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please see my legal page for more details.
Fall foliage, harvest season, and delicious food, and wine are just some of the reasons why you should consider visiting Italy in fall!
With different regions to explore and hidden beaches in Italy, there are many things to do in the fall in Italy.
Weather in Italy in Fall
If you find hot summer days too exhausting, then visiting Italy in fall is a must! Not only is the weather cooler but choosing to explore Italy during the fall months means there’ll be fewer tourists, shorter lines at attractions, and more affordable accommodation.
Southern Italy (Naples, Sorrento) starts to see rain during these months while Northern Italy (Milan, Venice, Bologna, and Turin) usually experience less than ten days of rain every year.
The best places to visit in Italy in Fall?
Here are some of the best places are to enjoy fall foliage in Italy:
Casentinesi Forest National Park
Casentinesi Forest National Park is located on the border of Romagna and Tuscany, in the provinces of Forlì Cesena, Arezzo, and Florence. This 368 square kilometers forest is one of a kind!
It’s one of the best places to visiting in Italy in Fall. The national park is a UNESCO world heritage site with dense woods, scenic waterfalls, and mystical sanctuaries.
In fall you can enjoy the colors and fragrances of the park. There are many trails that can be explored either on foot, by bike, or on horseback. This is one of the most beautiful forests in Europe and worth adding to your Italy Bucketlist.
Palermo
Palermo is the capital of the island of Sicily in the South- East of Italy. The island is a very popular tourist destination in spring and summer amongst Europeans. The best season the visit the island is however in fall: the sea will be warm from all the summer sun, the temperature will not reach above 30°C and you will be able to visit all the highlights without too many other visitors around.
If that did not convince you, perhaps the incredible street food in Palermo will. Make sure to Try out the local delicacies like Arancina (fried rice balls containing ragu or the vegetarian alternative a la norma) or the Focaccia Maritata – a sandwich filled with spleen, ricotta, and cheese. Both of which can be eaten in the Antica Focacceria San Francesco is located in the heart of the old town.
Make sure to visit some of the beautiful local churches in Palermo while you are there.
The prettiest ones are the Church of Gesu, San Giuseppe dei Teatini, and the beautiful Church of San Cataldo. As the historic city center is not large you can easily walk to both the focacceria and all of the churches.
For a historical stay, you might want to try out the luxurious Villa Igiea hotel which used to be the private home of a wealthy Sicilian merchant family.
By Caroline of Veggie Wayfarer
Rome
Rome, the Eternal City, is one of the most visited cities in the world, and for a reason. Located in the central Lazio region of Italy, the city is the epicenter of commerce, culture, and food in the country.
Steeped in rich history and culture for centuries, Rome holds the visitor in a blissful trance. Especially in the months of September to November, the city holds a beautiful golden glow. Walk along the Tiber River where the cork trees take on a dark orange and red hue.
Visiting any of the city’s ancient sites is a must on your Rome Itinerary. The early morning is always the best time to visit Rome’s attractions, but one thing that makes Fall extra special in Rome is the exodus of summer’s tourist flood.
The streets will take on a more relaxing, laid-back atmosphere as you make your way from one highlight to the next. Make sure to see the colosseum, pantheon, and trevi fountain before venturing over the Tiber River to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums.
Rome is absolutely choker block full of amazing places to stay. Try staying at Crossing Condotti apartment-style lodgings in the central Tridente district. YOu will be able to experience the winding cobblestone alleyways and ivy-covered facades right outside your doorstep.
By Haley of HaleyBlackall.com
Val d’Orcia
One of the most beautiful destinations for fall is definitely the picturesque Val d’Orcia in Italy! A trip at this time of year allows you to experience the stunning Tuscan countryside at its best. And, thanks to the breathtaking surroundings, the unique agriculture, and the many medieval towns, this impressive region has even been on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 2004!
The Val d’Orcia is located in the heart of Tuscany, around 120 kilometers south of Florence, and in fall you will find a backdrop straight out of a travel magazine. Endless rolling fields, dreamlike viewpoints, picturesque cypress avenues, beautiful panoramic roads, and charming villages in splendid Renaissance-style amaze visitors. This 60,000-hectare area has become a symbol of the beauty of a well-kept Renaissance agricultural landscape.
Especially worth seeing is the pretty town of Pienza, considered the cradle of the Renaissance and set in breathtaking countryside. But the other charming hill towns like Montalcino or Montepulciano are also really worth seeing! Walking through these historic towns, you will discover countless pretty squares and historic buildings. The many good restaurants and cozy cafés that invite you to take a sightseeing break are also fantastic.
In the Val d’Orcia you will find a lot of fabulous accommodation. A real insider tip and a perfect starting point for excursions in the beautiful agriturismo Il Macchione with pool.
By PlacesofJuma
Best Fall Festivals in Italy
Fall in Italy is full of festivals and events with loads of delicious foods and wine.
Alba White Truffle Festival
Alba White Truffle Festival is held in the Piedmont Wine Region in northwest Italy. The best way to go to Alba is by plane to Turin Airport (TRN) then a 50-minute drive. The festival dates back to 1928 where people would come out to try and rate the best truffles of the season.
These days the festival attracts international visitors and there’s an addition of wine and foodie experiences making this the most anticipated fall festival in Italy. The Truffle Fair is held during weekends from October to November.
Eurochocolate
Eurochocolate is one of the top chocolate festivals in Italy in the fall. The festival is held in Perugia, the Umbrian town famous for Perugina Baci chocolates.
Besides chocolate, there’s music, wine, and food demonstrations.
Rome Film Festival
Festa del Cinema di Roma (The Rome Film Festival) is held annually from late October through early November. This is Italy’s first independent and international film festival that welcomes local and international filmmakers to share their work.
The festival launched in 2005 and it’s one of the best places to network with producers and film industry peers in Italy.
