Places to visit in Italy in autumn: 20 destinations region by region

Would you like to know which places to visit in Italy in autumn to enjoy the wonders of a season with copious opportunities? At this evocative time of year, beguiling hues tinge the landscape. It is the perfect opportunity to go to the beach away from the summer crowds, to visit picturesque villages, magnificent art cities, exhibitions, hilly or mountainous destinations, and characteristic festivals where you can taste delicious local specialities.

Are you wondering which places to visit in Italy in autumn? You can choose from a wide range of proposals to satisfy all needs. You could treat yourself to a romantic weekend or a marvellous holiday in enchanting locations set in postcard-style landscapes to admire their artistic, cultural, and natural masterpieces. Embark on an engaging and exciting tour through some of the most enchanting autumn destinations in Italy.

Our journey continues with the discovery of Liguria. We begin in the wild and fascinating Ligurian hinterland, where adventure-loving hikers and nature enthusiasts will be captivated by the vibrant colors of the foliage as they walk through beech, chestnut, oak, cork, and hazelnut groves.

Take the opportunity to visit some of its magnificent parks, like the Cinque Terre National Park, home to some of the most charming villages in Liguria (such as Dolceacqua, famously depicted by Monet), and the Ligurian Alps, Beigua, and Aveto Regional Natural Parks, where you’ll find ancient castles and legendary abbeys.

If you prefer trekking, explore the Megalithic Road near Alpicella or the fascinating trails of the Roman aqueduct near Genoa. Brugnato, on the banks of the Vara River, is also perfect for sports enthusiasts who enjoy trekking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Other beautiful destinations for your autumn weekends include the hilltop village of Castevecchio di Rocca Barbena, Badalucco with its Olive Oil, Sassello with its traditional Amaretti, Colletta di Castelbianco, and Montemarcello di Ameglia, with their authentic and relaxing atmosphere.

If you prefer exploring cities, Genoa’s attractions are must-sees in autumn and every season: don’t miss the spectacular Aquarium, the Galata Maritime Museum, the unique experience of visiting the Nazario Sauro submarine, or taking part in an exciting tour of the harbor.

Visiting Italy in September allows you to explore the most beautiful destinations where you can admire the colors of autumn in Italy. In particular, you can enjoy the enchanting landscapes of Emilia-Romagna, with its art cities and villages nestled in this welcoming region.

Autumn is indeed one of the best times to stroll through the streets and squares of fairy-tale towns like Modigliana, Montegridolfo, San Benedetto in Alpe, Premilcuore, San Giovanni in Marignano, and Predappio, where you can marvel at unique and spectacular views.

To admire the vibrant foliage, visit the iconic Casentino Forests Park. Alternatively, explore the delightful Val Tidone in the province of Piacenza, near the Lombardy border, perfect for exciting trips through castles, fortresses and sanctuaries.

Head to the Terre dei Castelli Modenesi to discover beautiful locations such as Spilamberto, Savignano sul Panaro, Castelnuovo Rangone, and Castelvetro di Modena.

Finally, traveling towards the Adriatic Sea, explore the picturesque landscapes of the Rimini Apennines, where the Conca River flows. Don’t miss Saludecio with its ancient churches and authentic atmosphere, and the captivating Onferno Caves, ideal for an immersive nature experience.

Among fairytale castles, stunning landscapes, and renowned archaeological sites, Umbria stands out as one of Italy’s prime autumn destinations. Start by admiring the spectacular foliage at Monte Subasio near Assisi, or in the Bosco di San Francesco, Valnerina, or Lake Piediluco areas.

Take time to explore some of the region’s most fascinating villages, discovering the medieval architecture of Norcia, the Umbrian hill views of Montefalco, visiting Bettona, founded in the Etruscan era, or strolling through the ancient streets of Spoleto.

In Spoleto, embark on an engaging journey through time by viewing magnificent masterpieces housed in the Diocesan Museum, aided by a convenient multimedia audio guide to uncover the history and secrets of the works. Don’t miss the breathtaking view from the bell tower of the Duomo.

Families with children should consider the area around Città di Castello for a unique natural experience. Other enchanting places to visit this season include the numerous lakes, such as the beautiful Lake Trasimeno.

Have you already started planning possible places to visit in Italy in autumn? One of the regions that are always ready to surprise you with its different facets depending on the season you visit is Abruzzo. The low season will allow you to enjoy the wonders of the landscape, the villages, and the artistic and architectural masterpieces so that you can get more in tune with the beauty of the places and a more human-scale rhythm of life.

Would you like to know the most spectacular itineraries to practice sports while admiring a splendid natural scenery? The boundless Campo Imperatore plain, which you can cross-walking or by taking advantage of the comfortable pedal-assisted e-bikes, is a marvelous destination for this season. Another suggestion is the Punta Aderci reserve, which you can go through on horseback, heading towards the charming town of Vasto.

Among the oases dedicated to the preservation of ecosystems, we mention the Valle del Sangro, the fairytale forest of Sant'Antonio, the beautiful Abruzzo National Park, Lazio, and Molise, the Camosciara, the forest of Val Cervara.

Other places that are worth a visit are the Lama Bianca forest area, the centuries-old beech forests in the Valle del Foro and the Val Cerreto,  the enchanting Campo Lungo plateau, Lake Barrea, the Macchiarvana oasis, the Pianagrande panoramic viewpoint or the magical villages of the Rocche Plateau.

One of the places to visit in Italy in autumn is Campania, a land with a welcoming character.  Exploring it in this period rather than in the traditional summer months, you will be pleased to note that the change of season lends the surroundings a touch of magic.

Among the most tantalizing localities for your autumnal weekends or bank holidays, we illustrate some that will delight you with fairy-tale atmospheres. One of these is Atrani, a pretty seaside village on the famous Costiera, embellished by a tangle of arches and noble buildings dating back to the Middle Ages. We also mention enchanting Monteverde and Castelcivita, a pearl near the Alburni Mountains.

If you wish to admire the characteristic play of colors and shades of autumn leaves, some of the best spots offering breathtaking views include the romantic Piana delle Pesche and Bocca della Selva, near the Molise border; the Taburno Forest in the province of Benevento; the Monti Lattari, between the Amalfi Coast and the Sorrento Peninsula; the Valle delle Ferriere and the Alento River Park, located near Amalfi and in the Cilento region respectively.

In particular, if you love exploring enchanting natural landscapes and enjoying fantastic mountain bike excursions, don't miss the magnificent Alento River Oasis, a splendid place to embark on exciting boat trips in a lush natural habitat.

Molise, though still relatively unknown, enchants travelers with its stunning wild habitats and stands out as a very appealing destination for autumn in Italy.

Among the historically and culturally rich places to visit during the autumn season, don’t miss Agnone, famous for its ancient tradition of bell making and charming old town; Sepino, with its extraordinary Roman ruins at Saepinum; and Bagnoli del Trigno, a picturesque hilltop village known as the "Pearl of Molise.”

The archaeological area of Pietrabbondante, the amphitheatre of Larino, and the Museum of Venafro, which houses precious artefacts dating back to the Roman epoch, are also worth a visit.

If you are looking for the best places to admire the spectacle of foliage, you could reach the plateau known as Le Forme near Valle Fiorita, at the slopes of the Mainarde mountain chain. Other popular destinations are the Guardiaregia - Campochiaro regional reserve, covered with forests and beech woods, the Quirino torrent canyon and the San Nicola waterfall.

The areas of Southern Italy are a treasure trove of artistic masterpieces and stunning landscapes. In particular, the magical places to visit in Basilicata during autumn are numerous, each more beautiful than the last.

Start your exploration in the region with Borgo San Gaetano in Bernalda, a charming town that preserves the atmosphere of a glorious past, with its elegant noble buildings and majestic castle. Take some time to plan a trip to the hidden gems scattered throughout the area, such as Tricarico, Pignola, and San Costantino Albanese.

Other must-see places include Castelmezzano, the historic center of Melfi, Bernalda, the Rotondella lookout, Grumento Nova, Lake Pietra del Pertusillo and Pisticci.

For trekking and foliage lovers, there are local trails to explore, including the Costara beech forest, the Monticchio lakes, Rifreddo forest, the Fossa Cupa forest reserve, and the Cupolicchio pass.

Although in the collective imagination Apulia is mainly associated with summer destinations, the region offers many attractions even for visitors traveling in Italy during the autumn months.

The inland areas are dotted with artistic and architectural treasures, and among the regional gems we find Lecce, with its baroque architecture; Bari, with its charming historic center; the white city of Ostuni; and then again Galatina, Trani, Taranto, Otranto, Gallipoli and Monopoli.

Visiting these territories, rich in folklore and archaic traditions, you can explore the magnificent villages. It's worth mentioning Rocchetta Sant'Antonio, and Monte Sant'Angelo, a picturesque village on a mountain overlooking the Gulf of Manfredonia, and Grottaglie,  another pearl worth discovering, delighting you with the whiteness of the ceramic masterpieces made by skilled craftsmen and the lush vegetation of fragrant bougainvillea.

Other beautiful places you could add to your autumn Apulia tour are the fascinating places of the Itria Valley, including Alberobello, Ceglie Messapica, and Laterza.

Our journey through some of the fascinating places to visit in Italy in autumn lands in Calabria, a land of ancient and mysterious history. 

In autumn, Calabrian landscapes resemble paintings dotted with fairy-tale villages in which the bright colors of foliage stand out. The landscape displays a mosaic of leaves in warm, enveloping tones, creating a surreal setting that you can contemplate with enthusiasm as you stroll through the areas of the Pollino, Sila, and Serre national parks.

Take the opportunity to enjoy the many benefits of slow travel, quietly visiting the hidden and less-known gems of the Coast of the Gods, including Zambrone, Joppolo, Parghelia, Altomonte, Bivongi, Lungro, a picturesque cultural center of the Arbëreshë community, San Donato di Ninea, a picturesque village nestled on a rocky spur.

Lovers of unspoiled nature can explore the dense forests and venture into the spectacular canyons. Moving on to the wild and majestic Aspromonte, we recommend a trip to Bova, a romantic village in the province of Reggio Calabria.

Even if Sicily immediately evokes in travelers the cheerful, and relaxed atmosphere of the summertime, choosing it as an autumn holiday destination for a trek on the steep slopes of Mount Etna or a hike through the beech forests of the Madonie and Nebrodi mountains, you’ll be amazed by the variety of landscapes and the multitude of events.

If you love nature and foliage, you can visit the Monti Silvestri and Campo della Ficuzza, or opt for the evocative views of the Aeolian Islands. Among the splendid autumnal locations, there are Ragusa Ibla, the wonderful Gola della Tardara, Lake Arancio, and Zafferana Etnea.

Other destinations we recommend are Longi, Sinagra, San Marco d'Alunzio, Belpasso, Biancavilla, and especially the seaside village of Mazara del Vallo, where Blues See Land takes place, an engaging initiative aimed at promoting the values of the circular economy, coexistence and integration between the various cultures of the Mediterranean.

Sardinia, the cradle of archaic civilizations, ancestral rites, and myths, also nicknamed Ichnussa by the Greeks because of its morphology, takes on the appearance of an Eden of bursting nature in autumn. Let yourself be beguiled by the scent of myrtles, junipers, lentisco, and other essences of the Mediterranean maquis. Immerse yourself in the local folklore of magic villages, including Gavoi, Oiena, Castelsardo and Posada.

If you like ancient civilizations, you might also consider exploring archaeological sites, including the ziggurat of Monte d'Accoddi during your autumn trips to Italy. You will experience the feeling of traveling back to the origins of human history.

The autumn season is also great for trekking in the volcanic landscapes of Monte Arcuentu, walk the impassable path leading to the Piscina Irga waterfalls, or the route included in the itinerary alongside the coastline from Cala Domestica to Buggerru and the rugged canyon at Gorroppu, carved by the powerful erosive force of the Rio Flumineddu.

To enjoy the autumn colors, we recommend the parks of the Giara, Sette Fratelli, and degli Angeli in Giba and the boat trip in the scenic setting of Lake Flumendosa.