One of the most popular European tourist destinations, there’s never really a bad time to visit Italy. With mild winters and scorching hot summers, travellers can always find something to do in this Mediterranean paradise. However, for those looking to experience everything this amazing country has to offer – and avoid the large flocks of tourists in high season – Autumn is the perfect time to go.
Our short travel guide explains everything you need to know about visiting Italy in Autumn.
Italian weather in Autumn
While the nights are getting shorter and the days rainier in the UK, October brings some of Italy’s best weather. Temperatures across the country rarely dip below the low teens, while the days remain mild and pleasant, and the nights nowhere near as cold as British evenings.
Events in Autumn
A country known for its amazing Italian cuisine, Autumn is white truffle season in much of central and northern Italy. If you’ve always wanted to taste this magnificent variety of fungi, don’t miss the many truffle fairs across the various Italian regions.
Food not your number one priority? The Barcolana Regatta is another unmissable event. A huge sailing regatta with over 3,000 boats taking part, this event takes place on the second Sunday in October in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region – another spectacular part of Italy worth discovering.
Where to visit
For those who have never set foot in this beautiful country, it can seem overwhelming to know where to begin. While a tour of Italy is a great way to visit multiple destinations, we’ve also picked out 3 places for an easy Autumn itinerary.
Rome: Since the Covid-19 pandemic, big cities like Rome have been significantly hit by the lack of visiting tourists. That’s why now is the ideal time to go. Experience everything the city is famous for while avoiding large crowds at popular hotpots – as well as sweltering weather that will have you staying inside to shelter more than going out.
The Lakes: The lake region, in the North of Italy, is home to some of the largest and most breathtaking of the country’s 1,500 lakes. Whether it’s Como, Garda, Lugano, Maggiore, or Orta, Autumn in this region sees far fewer tourists but still offers visitors the chance to enjoy lakeside strolls, boat rides, and peace and serenity that goes well into Winter…
Amalfi Coast: Prices soar in these cliffside villages in summer, while they’re often packed to capacity and beyond way into September. However, planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast in October will open up many more things to do, places to stay, and restaurants to eat (quietly) in.
Why Autumn is the best time to visit Italy
With several well-known hotspots like Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, and Rome, it can sometimes be difficult to fully enjoy Italy under the crush of too many summer tourists, and too much summer sun. That’s why Autumn is the perfect time to experience everything the country has to offer – but on your terms.