There are places in Italy that are just magical in October, and you absolutely have to visit. Visiting Italy in October offers a charming blend of autumn hues, pleasant weather ideal for sightseeing, and an abundance of cultural festivals and events you’d absolutely enjoy.
The country receives most of its visitors from May to September, making October less busy and a perfect time to visit as the oppressive heat of summer gives way to autumn.
Taking a trip to Italy in October is one of the best gifts you can give yourself as you would be able to experience the entire peninsula without the usual long queues and summer heat.
In this blog post, we will cover the best places to visit in Italy in October.
10 Best Places to Visit in Italy in October
If you intend to travel to Italy in October, here are the 10 best places we recommend you visit in Italy.
1. Tuscany in October
Tuscany is beautiful in October, particularly because it’s magnificent vineyards turn all shades of yellow, red, and orange, creating an intoxicating view.
You could get lost wandering around in it’s beauty, or explore the Festival of Santa Reparata, that usually happens on the 8th of October every year in the city’s historical center.
Also, you can participate in the olive oil harvest that takes place towards the end of October – this is when the extra virgin olive oil is processed.
Road trips are great for exploring the Tuscan landscape. Some areas you could check out are, Florence, San Gimignano, Siena, and Lucca. Each of them host a unique view and event that you just need to experience for yourself.
2. Sicily in October
For beach lovers, you can swim in Cefalu Beach and Mondello Beach. I think it’s safe to say Sicily looks like something born out of a fantasy novel in October and should definitely be at the top of your list of places to visit in Italy.
One of our favorite outdoor sites in Sicily include the Temple of Apollo in Siracusa and the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento.
In addition, you can also take a hiking tour of Mount Etna and visit Palermo. In 2006, Le Vie Dei Tesori was established in Palermo – a unique festival that transforms cities and villages across Sicily into widespread museums with concerts, art exhibitions, and more.
Sicily also hosts food festivals celebrating local produce such as pistachios and olives.
3. Rome in October
October in Rome promises mild comfortable weather and is one of the best places to visit in Italy in October.
It’s still peak season in Rome, however, you can enjoy the perfect combination of beautiful scenery and temperature by sitting outside in a restaurant or going on a picnic in some of Rome’s green places such as Villa Borghese, Appian Way Regional Park, and Trastevere Botanical Garden.
We recommend visiting the classics like the Colosseum, the Vatican City, and the Roman Forum. You may also check out some less visited places, like:
- Centrale Mortemartini: a museum with ancient Roman and Greek sculptures in an old power plant).
- The Domus Aurea.
- Ostia Antica.
4. Amalfi Coast in October
Amalfi Coast in October brings pleasant weather with fewer crowds. You can still swim and enjoy the coast in early October because it gets cooler towards the end of the month.
You can take a tour of popular destinations like the Blue Grotto of Capri, Positano, and Ravello.
5. Umbria in October
Umbria is definitely one of the best places to visit in Italy in October. The region is often known as the “green heart of Italy,” because the hills around the area are covered with over seven million trees bearing five different types of olives.
The temperature is mild with at least five hours of sunshine daily in October.
Umbria celebrates various food festivals throughout October that highlight local products like truffles and olives, such as:
- The Eurochocolate Festival: Held since 1933 is an event that hosts chocolate art displays, tastings, sculpting, and street performances. It is one of the largest chocolate festivals in Europe, held in Perugia, the region’s capital.
- Autumn Food Festival: White truffles are displayed at this festival held at the end of October in the small town of Gubbio, featured in the old-time Don Matteo TV series. The festival features cooking events and interviews with starred chefs.
We recommend you visit some of its cities and villages, such as:
- Orvieto
- Assisi: where the St. Francis Festival takes place on October 4th.
- Todi
- Norcia.
6. Emilia Romagna in October
If you’re a food lover, Emilia Romagna is a must-visit. The area is known for having some of the best foods in Italy.
At the beginning of October, the Mostra del Fungo e del Tartufo e Festa dell’Uva ( the mushroom and truffle exhibition and grape festival) is held on the streets of Gubbio.
Every year, Tartufesta ( the white truffle festival) is held between October and November in the hilly area around Bologna. You shouldn’t miss the National White Truffle Fair in Sant’ Agata Feltria where vendors proudly display truffles and other seasonal products.
Music and motor lovers are not left out as the Verdi Festival is held in Parma and Buseto and ACI Racing Weekend in Imola, which are held between mid-September to mid-October.
Lastly, check out the city’s capital, Bologna, and attend the Tortellini Festival at the beginning of October.
7. Piedmont in October
Piedmont is our next stop in the best places to visit in Italy in October as its beautiful scenery in autumn is perfect for taking pictures.
The city is also known for its exquisite wines as it houses the famous Barolo and Barbaresco wine towns. You can stop at a winery to sample the local wines.
Also, it is a great time to stroll along the Po River which runs along Torino, the country’s chocolate capital.
Moreover, Piedmont is well-known for its International White Truffle Festival held at Alba in October. So, you can check it out as well.
8. Venice in October
Although the city of Venice sees tourists almost all year round, the crowds dwindle in October, and the weather is cooler.
You can visit the Murano to see a glass demo and take a ride around the canals in a gondola or the small ferries.
9. Puglia in October
Puglia has become one of the hottest places to visit in Italy in October. The region boasts of sunshine most of the time but there can be some rain.
If you are a lover of fine Wine, you can visit some of the wineries and taste some of their special wines like Rosato.
Some of the interesting towns and villages to visit in Puglia include:
- Ostuni
- Galatina
- Locorotondo
- Martina
- Franca.
10. Val d’Aosta in October
Val d’Aosta is Italy’s smallest town. It is still authentic and unspoiled by mass tourism. Hence, the region is one of the best places to visit in Italy in October.
You can hike to the mountains and enjoy the fresh air with breathtaking views of the valleys.
Val d’Aosta is known for its Alpine foods and wines, including more than one hundred varieties of cheese, which includes the famous DOP Fontina produced from whole milk by the Val d’Aosta breed of cows.
The Chatillon’s Festival (the region’s “Honey capital”) usually hosts a festival dedicated to their honey on the last Sunday in October.
Another unique festival in October in Val d’Aosta is the Black Bread Festival (Lo Pan Ner) held on October 26th. Don’t miss out on these festivals if you’re in Italy this October.
Activities to Engage in Italy in October
Here are the common activities you can engage in when you visit Italy in October:
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Wine tasting
- Truffle tours
- Olive harvest.
Events and Festivals in Italy in October
Many festivals and events take place in Italy in October. Here are some notable ones you should look out for:
| Events or Festivals | Description | Location | Date |
| White Truffle Festival | A celebration of one of Italy’s most prized culinary treasures featuring tastings, markets, and cooking classes. | Alba (Piedmont) | Vary |
| Tortellini Festival | A showcase of various tortellini dishes prepared by local chefs. | Bologna (Emilia Romagna) | Vary |
| Pistachio Festival | A festival that celebrates Sicilian pistachios with tastings and music performances. | Bronte (Sicily) | Vary |
| Feast of Saint Francis | A religious celebration featuring large processions and festivities honoring St. Francis. | Assisi (Umbria) | October 4th |
| Halloween | A new entry into the Italian events that involves costume parties and tips and treats for kids. | Italy | October 31st |
Also, the dates for each event may vary, so ensure to check with local tourism offices or at your accommodation.
Tips for Traveling to Italy in October
To enhance your traveling experience to the iconic country, here are a few tips you must consider:
- Book flights, accommodations, and popular sites such as museums and galleries ahead to secure a suitable spot.
- Pack comfortable clothes and shoes that fit the weather conditions – light jackets, short sleeves, closed-toe shoes, and shawls. Don’t forget to add an umbrella in case it rains.
- Rent a car for easy exploration of the countryside and get a bicycle to enjoy cycling activities.
- Confirm the dates of events and festivals from local tourism offices.
Ready to Visit Italy in October?
If you are considering a trip to Italy in October, check out some of our favorite places – the vibrant Tuscany, the food basket of Italy, Emilia Romagna, the magical Sicily, and picturesque Piedmont.
Remember to book ahead and pack accordingly – we recommend layered clothing as you’d experience sunny days and crisp evenings.
Also, October is a perfect time to enjoy Italy’s beautiful weather and landscape with your kids. So, come along with your kids and soak in the experience together.
