Autumn, or fall, is a wonderful time to travel in Italy. Tourist crowds are thinning, prices and temperatures are dropping, and the food is fantastic. Here's a look at what Italy has to offer in fall
Fall Weather and Climate in Italy
Early fall is still pleasant in many parts of Italy but as the season ends, it's definitely gotten cold. Autumn is more mild along the coast but colder inland, especially in the mountains. October generally brings crisp, cool mornings and evenings but many sunny days. November is one of Italy's rainiest months, but there are usually still a good number of sunny days. Toward the end of November and into December, snow starts falling in many parts of Italy
Italy has a diverse climate. Most of Italy is surrounded by water of different temperatures, and the Apennines form the spine, and all of this ends up creating a variety of micro climates
Mediterranean low pressure areas start in the Gulf of Genoa and spread across Italy, bringing rain and thunderstorms inland. Summer thunderstorms in Tuscany can be quite spectacular, especially in August when the sign of them signals a break in the hot and humid weather
High seasons for the traveler in Italy are the Christmas season, February school break (for ski resorts) Easter and the whole month of August. August 15th is ferragosto, when practically everything is closed
Since fall weather can be unpredictable, it's best to pack clothes that can be worn in layers. Even in November there may still be warm days along the coast. One November I was hot in a short-sleeved shirt while hiking in the Cinque Terre. Take a versatile but not too heavy sweater, a rain jacket, sturdy shoes that can be worn in rain, and a good umbrella. In late fall, you may want a heavier coat, too
Fall Festivals and Culture in Italy
Highlights of fall are All Saints Day, music festivals, and food festivals including truffles, chestnuts, mushrooms, grapes (and wine), chocolate, and even torrone. Opera and theater
season starts many places in fall, too. National holidays during fall are All Saints Day on November 1 and Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception on December 8. On these days, many services will be closed
Visiting Italy's Cities in Fall
Cities often clear out and restaurants and shops close during August when most Italians take their vacations. In fall, restaurants and shops in cities are open. Although there are fewer sunlight house, earlier sunsets mean more time to enjoy cities after dark. Many cities light their historic monuments at night so strolling through a city after dark can be beautiful and romantic. While you'll find smaller crowds and lower hotel prices most places, Florence and Rome are highly popular in September and October. There are fall music and theater festivals in some cities, including Rome and Florence
Fall Outside the Tourist Areas
If you're away from major tourist areas, you'll find museums and attractions have shorter hours than in summer. Some things may only be open on weekends. Seaside resorts and camping areas may begin to shut down in late fall and there's less nightlife although cultural events, like
.jpg "Piza tower")
All Saints Day is celebrated November 1 and is a national holiday in Italy. During November you'll
find some music and cultural festivals and performing arts seasons are starting
Italian Food in Fall
Autumn is the best time for gourmet food lovers. What can be better than fresh truffles? Visit a
truffle fair to taste truffle foods or just enjoy the aroma penetrating the air. There are lots of fresh mushrooms in fall so many restaurants will feature them in special dishes. Wine and olive harvests are in fall
October is a great month for Italian food festivals, especially mushrooms, chestnuts, chocolate, and truffles. On October weekends, you'll find fall food festivals and wine harvest celebrations all over Italy. Slow Food's big International Food Event is in October and World Pasta Day is the fourth Sunday in October
Although Halloween is not such a big celebration in Italy, it is becoming more popular and you may find Halloween festivals, especially in the larger cities.
.Truffles are a top fall food in Italy and are celebrated with truffle fairs and festivals
Truffles are found mainly in the regions of Piedmont, Tuscany, Umbria, and Le Marche. During October and November there are many white truffle fairs held in these regions and fall dishes tartufo bianco, are plentiful in this part of Italy. What could be more romantic than feasting on a meal made with the sensuous truffle ?
.jpg)
Going to a truffle fair is worthwhile even if you don't want to buy truffles. The scent of fresh truffles fills the air and there are locally made truffle dishes to try (usually for much less than you'd pay in a restaurant). There's often entertainment and concession stands sell local foods such as cheese, salami, honey, and wine
Here's a sampling of Italy's best fall white truffle fairs
" Piedmont - Alba's white truffle fair and market, one of the best in Italy, takes place on weekends from the end of September through mid-November. Besides the truffle market and fair, there'll be lots of entertainment. Events start with a night of concerts and gastronomic stands and end with the truffle world auction and a white truffle walk for tourists. There's even a donkey race. For more about the Alba Truffle Fair
The countryside around San Miniato, found in the Pisa Province of Tuscany, is spectacular, especially as the sun sets
This territory produces 25% of Italy's celebrated white truffle production so it's logical that each November on the second, third and fourth weekends--in the heart of the regulated truffle gathering season--a truffle fair is held in the high town. San Miniato comes alive, with displays, theater performances, fine dining in homes, palazzi, and restaurants, and even marching bands. It's a great time to visit the medieval gem of a town, San Miniato
So, come along with us as we explore the Tuscan village of San Miniato during its annual truffle fair
Romantic couple Destinations in Italy
The birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Tuscany is a region rich in architecture, painting and sculpture. Enjoy some of Europe's finest museums and galleries, or simply relax with one of its world-class Chiantis and fall in love with its rolling countryside. Blessed by man and nature alike,
it's little wonder the region is a premiere celebrity hot spot.
What not to miss: Plan a day trip to Florence and take in the magnificent Uffizi Gallery, Italy's finest art museum. Built during the 16th century, the Uffizi is home to collections by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and many other artists that will remind you of watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in your pajamas. While you're in town, take a romantic stroll through the world-renowned Boboli Gardens. Located next to the Pitti Palace, these immaculately tended gardens contain an amazing array of flora as well as a gorgeous view of the city below.