October ushers in Italy’s harvest season, bringing lively chestnut festivals and lush rolling vineyards as far as the eye can see. Free from summer’s hustle and bustle, an Italian holiday in autumn is all about colourful hiking trails, quiet coastlines and uninterrupted sightseeing. Whether winding your way through the Lake Como Greenway or sipping wine in the Tuscan hills, there’s no shortage of things to do. Fancy more travel inspiration? Read on for our favourite reasons to visit Italy in October…
For autumn hikes
If you’re an avid hiker, Italy in October is the place to be, with no shortage of rugged trails bathed in autumn’s golden glow. Although temperatures drop in the north, Lake Como is still a must-visit. With the summer crowds long gone, follow the tranquil trail along the Lake Como Greenway, crunching through golden gardens, ancient villages and Baroque churches. If you’d prefer a pulse-raising trek, head to the dizzying Dolomites instead. Some cable cars and hut-to-hut hiking routes close in October, but Cortina d’Ampezzo is still accessible by car, and the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop offers a stunning day hike. This trail circles the three iconic peaks, offering sweeping views of alpine lakes and flourishing valleys.
Image by Fabien Dalpiaz
For chestnut festivals
With harvest season in full swing, chestnut festivals take centre stage in Tuscany in October. Straddling the border between Tuscany and Romagna, the idyllic town of Marradi holds a chestnut festival every Sunday during the month – think stalls stacked with roasted chestnuts and homemade jams. Tuscany’s Monte Amiata region and Caprese Michelangelo (the birthplace of Michelangelo) also celebrate with their own sweet-scented chestnut festivals. What else is on the menu? Expect music-filled streets, artisanal markets and even live cooking demonstrations. Bellissimo.
Image by Faustine Poidevin
For wine season
October’s grape harvest can only mean one thing: wine season in Italy. But where to begin? Head to Tuscany for a private cycling tour through sprawling vineyards and verdant olive groves. Set off from Ponte Vecchio and sip your way through the picturesque villages of Arcetri and Villa Galileo Galilei, before wrapping up at the scenic Piazzale Michelangelo. For a more leisurely afternoon, visit Montepulciano for an exclusive wine-tasting experience at one of the hilltop town’s historic wineries.
Image by Jérôme Galland
For fewer crowds
Head to Italy in October to enjoy crowd-free sightseeing (yes, really). Stroll through Rome’s Piazza Navona and soak in the calm, snap a photo by Trevi Fountain without the usual photo-bombers and admire unobstructed views of the capital’s iconic Colosseum. Speaking of popular hotspots, why not visit Venice in autumn to avoid summer’s crowd-filled canals? Hop in a gondola and cruise down the Grand Canal on a peaceful boat ride. If you’d rather stay on land, roam around Piazza San Marco with a private guide, or skip the line (if there is one) with a reserved entrance ticket to St Mark’s Basilica.
Image by Olivier Romano
For quiet coasts
Swap summer’s hordes for crisp autumn air on the shimmering Amalfi Coast. October might not feel like beach season, but sunny skies and warm waters linger at the start of the month. Time your visit with Praiano’s open-air Sound of the Gods festival, held along the scenic Sentiero degli Dei pathway, or head to one of the coast’s vast beaches to watch the sunset in peace. And don’t worry about early starts – the sun doesn’t rise until around seven in the morning at this time of year.
Image by Faustine Poidevin
Written by Amy Larsen | Header image by Jérôme Galland
