English Although some of you may still be making the most of the good weather with a few last days at the beach, far from the chaos and heat of August, for many the summer is already over and autumn has officially begun.
If you’re looking for inspiration for your next weekend trips, autumn in Italy is the perfect time to explore. Here are a few towns and villages that are perfect to visit this season.
Alba (Piedmont)
If you’re a truffle lover, Alba should be at the top of your list. This small town of around 31,000 people is located in Piedmont, near Cuneo. The setting is stunning, with rolling hills, vineyards, and medieval corners that take you back in time.
What really makes Alba famous, though, is the white truffle (‘tartufo bianco’), considered one of the finest varieties in the world. September and October are the best months to visit, especially as the town celebrates the “New Year of the Truffle” on September 30, with parades, tastings, and plenty of opportunities to buy it fresh.
But the celebrations don’t end there, in fact on the following weekends you’ll find plenty of things, from historical re-enactments, to donkey races, music and street performances.
Civita di Bagnoregio (Lazio)
Civita di Bagnoregio is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, and is located in Lazio, not far from Viterbo. Autumn is a great time to visit, ideally in the morning before midday, when the flow of tourists is smaller. There is an entry fee of 5 euros plus parking (which is like 2 euros per hour), but this is one of those places you should see at least once in your lifetime. First, because the setting is unique (as well as the the footbridge you have to cross to get there) and second, because it’s built on fragile rock and is slowly eroding, so one day the town could simply disappear.
It’s also a great stop because of the many attractions nearby. You can pair your visit with a walk through Viterbo (which I think is one of the most beautiful towns in the region) or spend some time at Lake Bolsena, which is very close. Otherwise, if you’re up for a longer trip, Rome is only about an hour and forty minutes away.
Marradi (Tuscany)
Autumn wouldn’t be complete without chestnuts, and Marradi, in Tuscany, is the perfect place to enjoy them. Every Sunday in October, the town hosts its annual chestnut festival, a tradition that’s been going strong for more than 60 years. The streets come alive with stalls, local treats both sweet and savory, entertainment for families, and even cycling routes through the countryside.
Marradi sits right on the border between Tuscany and Emilia Romagna, so it’s a great stop if you want to explore both regions. You could visit Brisighella, a beautiful medieval village just 30 minutes away, or explore the Casentino Forests National Park for a walk in the middle of nature. Alternatively, if you don’t mind a longer drive, Bologna and Florence are each about an hour and forty minutes away.
Santa Cristina Valgardena (Trentino-Alto Adige)
Santa Cristina Valgardena is a small town in the Dolomites, in Trentino-Alto Adige. If you love the mountains, or you’re simply looking for a peaceful place to walk in nature with breathtaking views, this is a stop you shouldn’t miss. There are several routes to choose from, like the Trenino Path, a historic walk that tells the story of the area, or the trails leading up to Monte Pana. The latter is perfect for families, as there are plenty of stops and attractions along the way.
If you plan on staying a few days and want to explore further, within an hour’s drive you can reach Bolzano or head to Val di Fassa in Trentino.
Castelluccio di Norcia (Umbria)
Castelluccio di Norcia is a small village near Perugia, on the border between Umbria and the Marche, right in the heart of the Sibillini Mountains National Park. Just like the previous option, there are plenty of activities if you love nature: from hiking and horseback riding to cycling tours. Plus, nearby, in Acquasanta Terme, you can even find natural hot springs where you can relax in warm thermal pools.
What makes this place truly special are the vast fields that surround it. In summer, especially around July, they explode with flowers in full bloom, but autumn is just as magical, as the landscape shifts into a completely different palette of colors.
In about 30 minutes you can reach Norcia, known for its cozy restaurants and local specialties. And with about an hour’s drive, you can explore cities like Ascoli Piceno or Spoleto.
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