There is a time of year when Italy takes on a whole new feel. Forests turn golden, hillsides glow with shades of red and copper, and seasonal favourites such as mushrooms, chestnuts, truffles and freshly pressed olive oil return to the table. Autumn is much more than the run-up to winter: it is a wonderful time to explore villages, landscapes and traditions that can get overlooked during the busy summer months.
We have picked five destinations from northern to southern Italy, each with its own reason to visit between October and November. Expect beautiful scenery, local festivals, traditional food and plenty of opportunities to experience a more authentic side of the country.
Contents
1. Alba and the Langhe: truffle season is here
If you love good food, Alba is a must-see autumn destination. The rolling hills of the Langhe, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape together with Roero and Monferrato, turn into a patchwork of vineyards in shades of gold and red. But the real star of the season is white truffle. The 96th International Alba White Truffle Fair runs from 10 October to 6 December 2026, with markets, tastings, cooking shows and events celebrating local food and wine. Make sure to pair your truffle dishes with a glass of Barolo or Barbaresco.
2. South Tyrol: chestnuts, new wine and woodland walks
Autumn in South Tyrol comes with its own special tradition: Törggelen. Across the Eisack Valley, around Bolzano and near Merano, farm inns open their doors after the grape harvest to celebrate new wine and freshly picked chestnuts. Traditional dishes include dumplings, Schlutzkrapfen ravioli, cured meats, sauerkraut, Krapfen doughnuts and roasted chestnuts. Before sitting down to eat, take a walk along the Chestnut Trail, which winds through forests, vineyards and small villages. It is one of the best ways to enjoy the season’s colours. Törggelen usually continues until the end of November.
3. Assisi and Umbria: time for freshly pressed olive oil
Autumn in Umbria means rolling hills covered with olive trees, stone-built villages and olive mills coming back to life. Assisi is a great base for exploring the region: the town is rich in history and art, while the surrounding countryside offers the chance to see olives being pressed and taste freshly made extra virgin olive oil. The regional Frantoi Aperti festival runs from 17 October to 15 November 2026, with events across Umbria. In Assisi, UNTO adds tastings, guided visits and activities celebrating new olive oil, running until 28 November. A slice of bread topped with freshly pressed oil might just be one of the highlights of your trip.
4. Montella: where chestnuts are a big deal
If autumn means roasted chestnuts and traditional food to you, put Montella, in the province of Avellino, on your list. The town is famous for its IGP-certified Montella Chestnut, celebrated every year at a festival that attracts visitors from across Campania. The 42nd edition takes place on 1, 2, 6, 7 and 8 November 2026. The streets fill with food stalls serving chestnut-based sweets, local specialities and wines from the Irpinia area. It is also a great opportunity to discover inland Campania, away from the region’s better-known coastal destinations.
5. Bagno di Romagna: colourful forests, food festivals and hot springs
For an autumn break combining outdoor walks and a little relaxation, consider Bagno di Romagna. The town lies close to the Casentinesi Forest National Park, where beech forests turn wonderful shades of yellow, orange and red. Autumn also brings local food festivals, with specialities such as tortelli alla lastra, zambudelli sausage, fried schiaccina and roasted chestnuts. The final event in the 2026 autumn festival calendar is scheduled for 1 November. And after a day outdoors, you can unwind in the town’s thermal baths, one of the reasons why this destination is also popular during the colder months.
