Italy has more than 1,500 lakes, and any of them would make for the perfect September, October or November vacation. Spend an hour strolling through the streets of this small, white-washed town. Whats Going On:The celebrations are focused on the UNESCO World Heritage site of Assisi, in Umbria. Many tourists and visitors have skipped over this destination in lieu of smaller villages, nature getaways or beachy, more outdoorsy vacations. Locals gather in piazzas for sagre and wine festivals, and were all squeezing in the last few outdoor meals before chillier weather arrives. This is where we stayed in Matera. The best places to visit in Tuscany in October are: Find here >>> our complete guide to Tuscany in the fall. Here are a few recommended hotels and B&Bs: La Casa Nel Verde. Winter is from November to February. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. However, you can still get lovely sights of the beautiful landscape changing its colors from green to golden, making an autumn trip here worth it. 2022-2023 | All rights reserved | Privacy Policy, Disclaimer, Terms & Conditions Take into consideration that as autumn evolves, you'll see fewer tourists and lower prices, meaning a more affordable vacation if you're on a budget. This is the time to enjoy the stunning foliage of the Tuscan forests and to taste the warming food of this amazing terroir. To get from Naples to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, you have a few options. A visit here typically lasts two to three hours. Please note:this is a seasonal travel guide about Italy in October, meant to help you decide the best time of the year for your visit. This southern Italy itinerary is a point-to-point trip. Mount Vesuvius sees the snow on the peak from time to time, making the scenery magical and unbelievable. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Will you be alone in Piazza San Marco in October? The roads on the Amalfi Coast during this time become a traffic nightmare. October is one of the most beautiful times of the year to visit Italy. Safe travel planning! Things to do in Italy in October. Plus, the area is chockablock with vineyards, castles and organic Alpine farms, all perfect activities to do during an autumn vacation. I highly recommend you spend at least two full days here: the evenings in Matera especially, as the sun starts to go down on its cave dwellings and the citys wine bars come to life is a delight. If you have any questions about this southern Italy itinerary, let us know in the comment section below. Day 1: Getting to Sorrento & the Amalfi Coast Day 2: Pompeii and Sorrento Day 3: Amalfi Coast day trip Day 4: Capri Day 5: Paestum & Castelmezzano Day 6: Castelmezzano & Matera Day 7: Matera Day 8: Alberobello Day 9: Puglia day trip from Alberobello Day 10: Fly home, Southern Italy Itinerary map (map adapted from Google). You can choose between several types of tickets: Trains do not usually need to be booked in advance however, high-speed trains on popular routes such as Rome to Florence do tend to book out or only have very expensive tickets available. Afternoon: Visit a cave house, explore the streets of Matera, and visit the Matera Cathedral. Along with May and September, the month of October is one of the best months to visit Italy. Paestum is one of the best places in Italy to see Greek ruins. AMALFI COAST: Pick out which towns you want to visit in our article about the best towns to visit on the Amalfi Coast. 10-day itinerary that includes Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre and Venice. This area is known for its rolling hills, natural scenery, wine, and October is a quiet month for holidays in Italy. October is a little quieter in Tuscany, which makes visiting its towns easier if youve got kids with you. The villages and their wonderful food will be, however, well able to keep you busy in October too! Heres a sampling of whats on in October: Good To Know: When deciding on a festival or sagra, check in with someone at your accommodation for the scoop on local events. 10th? The zipline experience takes about 2 hours and we cover it in detail in our Guide to Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa. If you start the zipline experience from Castelmezzano around 10:30 am, you will finish around 12:30 pm. There are a ton of food and wine festivals in October in Italy, along with other events like marathons, celebrations of patron saints, and Halloween. From Alberobello, it takes one hour to drive here. It starts in Rome/Naples and ends in Bari. Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast: Best Locations & Hotels, 10 Days in Italy: 5 Amazing Ways to Spend 10 Days in Italy, 10 Days in Italy: Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre & Venice, 14 Days in Italy: Best Way to Spend Two Weeks in Italy, Northern Italy Itinerary: Venice, Dolomites, Verona & Lake Como. Tuscany and its rolling hills go through a magical time in the fall. On this itinerary, you have one full day to explore Matera. This is usually not a day off for offices and it should not affect your ability to visit museums and attractions. Many hotels and restaurants will be closed on the Amalfi Coast, in Matera, and in Puglia. Next, drive 30 minutes to Ostuni. The extreme heat has gone with the summer, which is fabulous news if your hotel doesnt have air-conditioning. We have TONS more information about Italy in our Italy Travel Guide, including Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany, the Dolomites, the Amalfi Coast, the Cinque Terre, Basilicata, and Puglia. Overall, October in Italy is not a time for swimming in the sea although, in the South, it is not unheard of to have nice beach days at the beginning of this month! Verona with kids Verona is one of my favorite cities to visit in Italy with kids, well able to keep them busy even on a rainy day! Getting exceptional reviews, this cave hotel is located in the heart of Sassi di Matera. Articles on this website may contain affiliate links and, should you make a purchase through them, we might make a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you can, come in September or in the late Spring. Most Italians take their vacations in August, and schools are back in session in September, so theres not a lot of movement on the part of Italians. I recommend you use the website trenitalia.it or italo.it: these are the ones that allow buying tickets directly, without additional agency gees. Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa are two small villages that sit side by side in Basilicata, Italy. LUXURY CAVE HOTEL: Quarry Resort. The warm weather makes it comfortable for tourists to explore as many places as they can. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. Either way, check out our200+ Essential Italy Travel Tips! See all Venice must-see sites, making the most of the slightly smaller crowds. Sandals can be tempting, but youll want your toes covered on cooler evenings. Please note: this post contains affiliate links. Northern Italyis definitely cooling down (and has been since September) but can still see gorgeous sunny days. However, you still run the risk of getting stuck in traffic jams on Amalfi Drive, particularly the months of July and August. We love to: We always recommend seeing the classics like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon, and then seeing something a little less visited like: Italys green heart may not be very green after a hot summer, but its worth traveling around the region to visit its cities and small villages in the fall, including: Sample the newly-pressed oil (or help with the olive harvest! Top experiences include visiting Marina Grande, spending some time at a beach club, shopping, trying limoncello, and having dinner. There are many other towns to stay in on the Amalfi Coast, but they can be challenging to get to using public transportation. Castelmezzano is tiny and it doesnt take long to walk from one side to the other. Also, some of the cities are perfect for a trip, such as Rome, Milan, Turin, or Puglia, Matera and Paestum one of the most successful October trips we have taken in Italy has led us to Puglia, Matera and Paestum: the wonderful photo below with my daughter and a temple is from there! These cliffside villages just south of Naples between Sorrento and Salerno are some of the country's most coveted destinations in summer. Rooms can accommodate two people and breakfast is included. Palermo is southern Italys hottest destination right now. However, it is an awesome experience. Youll spend a little more money, but youll avoid the traffic and get to see the Amalfi Coast from the sea, which is beautiful. October is also the best month to visit the historical Tuscan villages of Montepulciano, San Gimignano, and Montalcino, renowned for their rich cultural It is closer to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast so you will have less travel time today. For Explorers Everywhere. We locals even have a name for the glorious days of autumn in Rome: Ottobrate Romane. Early morning Vatican and Sistine Chapel Tour, Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill ticket by GetYourGuide, What is the nearest airport to Lake Garda? We have so many cool places to share with you. Julie Last updated: March 11, 2023 Italy, Itinerary 2 Comments. If you want to start in Puglia and end in Naples/Rome, heres how to do it. Weather The main things to think about when dressing for October: October is an excellent month to travel by car or go on a road trip in Italy! Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. A scarf will also come in handy in October. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. The best things to see and do in Italy in October; The best things to see and do in Italy in November; From the Quarry Lounge Restaurant Terrace, you can have a cocktail and snacks as you look out over the ravine and the Rock Church (non-hotel guests can do this too). Some of the must-visit places in Rome are the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and the Vatican City. You will stay in Sorrento/Positano for four nights. Sample chocolate in Modica, wander the streets of Ortigia, live the luxe life in Taormina, and explore fascinating Palermo. If you want to extend your visit in Puglia, here are two options. Have drinks with a view at Crialoss Bistrot or the Quarry Resort Lounge and then have dinner. In October, Umbria celebrates its most famous saint, St Francis and especially the city of Assisi hosts large festivals in his honor at the time of his death, the 4th of October. Vesuvius. Some visits have been rainy and weve explored more in towns (like Bolzano). if you can rent a car, October is a fantastic time for a mini road trip in Sicily, away from the scorching temperatures of summer! Since his birthdate is unknown, his life is celebrated on the anniversary of his death. Spend your time visiting the two sections of Alberobello, Rione Monti and Rione Aia Piccola, do a little shopping, visit several rooftop terraces for views of the town, and have a bite to eat. But that's precisely why it's the perfect time to head to Rome. Its not an official holiday here, but more and more Italians are embracing Halloween and its trick-or-treating and parties. Average temperatureshoveraround the 13C mark (55F). Check out our Venice posts:16 Best Things to Do in VeniceVenice at NightVenice With Kids. From Rome, take the train to Naples. Towns and villages put on autumn festivals (sagre), casual gatherings full of delicious food and drink. Alberobello is famous for its trulli, small round buildings with conical roofs made of stone. A trip to Capri will take a full day. Temperatures are pleasant and it's harvest season -- think mushrooms, chestnuts, olives and, of course, wine. The best places to visit in Emilia Romagna in October are: The cities of Emilia Romagna offer endless opportunities for sightseeing and the area is a foodie paradise: this is the part of Italy that gave to the world tortellini, ragu alla bolognese, prosciutto di Parma and Parmesan, just to name its most famous creations! I cant predict the weather, but I can tell you that the weather in Italy in October is generally pleasant and doesnt interfere with exploring the country. While not traditionally an Italian holiday, Halloween has well and truly arrived as a festivity, especially for kids. While October in Italy is mainly famous for its many amazing food festivals, those who are not particularly interested in this and would rather enjoy a sea vacation Visit Puglias charming whitewashed villages: You may or may not have sunny beach time, but youll have plenty to see in the area (the villages above) and the food (fresh produce, seafood, and mozzarella) in Puglia is incredible. If you pick up the car in Sorrento, you save several days of a rental car fee (which can really add up). October is one of the best months to visit Sicily. In 79 AD, the eruption destroyed Pompeii, Herculaneum, Stabiae, and Oplontis. Yes, youll find a few places closed because the summer rush is over, but its a really nice time to visit. Best of all, travelers no longer have to quarantine upon arrival in Italy, as long as they can show proof of full vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test result. From Alberobello, it takes 3 hours and fifteen minutes to drive to the Naples airport and five and a half hours to drive to the Rome airport. Casa delle Stelle. Polignano al Mare is located on the coast, just a 30-minute drive from Alberobello. Some even offer the chance to take part in the harvest! Soak it up with the Romans by sitting outside at a caf or restaurant or picnicking in one of Romes green spaces like Appian Way Regional Park, Trastevere Botanical Garden, Villa Borghese, or Villa Doria Pamphili.There are still crowds (its still high season), but an October visit is worth it. But the lake region, which is in the north of the country, is home to some of the largest and most beautiful. Rental car fees change constantly so I cant predict which one will be cheaper for your trip. Its a very unique experience, sleeping in one of these cozy stone buildings, and there are quite a few to choose from. Most people don't have to be convinced to visit Tuscany at any time of year, but autumn can be an especially idyllic time to enjoy the region. Cala Gonone is a beautiful town, but the town itself is not the reason it made the list. Learn what it is like to visit Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast in October and November. For a full list of things to do, take a look at our article Best Things to Do in Matera. Sorrento is the most convenient town. You might be out on a sunny day in short sleeves but as the sun sets it gets chilly. In fact, one of the best things to do in Castelmezzano is to zipline to Pietrapertosa and then zipline back to Castelmezzano. We followed the guide in Rick Steves Guide Book, which was sufficient, but I think we would have gotten more out of our visit if we took a guided tour. If youre not interested in winter sports, Rome is an excellent option for families visiting Italy in December. It gets cold, and tourist crowds thin out considerably. If youre looking for something specific, check out the Table of Contents below so you can jump ahead to what youre looking for. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. On a good year, you will be able to enjoy long days out and still wear summer clothing here, without the scorching heat of the summer. This means that you can head up into these hills to see the changing leaves and enjoy some beautiful autumn hikes. While these Italian lakes are popular summer vacation destinations, autumn sees less action, even though you can still enjoy boat rides, lakeside strolls and the general ambience of peace and tranquillity well into autumn or even early winter. Here are a few recommended hotels. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. The region has beautiful medieval towns and stunning forests which, in October, gifs locals and visitors with an amazing harvest of olives, truffles, hazelnuts and more! I highly recommend you secure a ticket as soon as you have your dates set. October is surprisingly busy in Italy and advance booking for all main attractions is recommended. Visiting Italy in October: all you need to know (2022 update) BUDGET: Ostello dei Sassi. Tickets cannot be purchased upon arrival and the cell service on Vesuvius isnt reliable enough to purchase tickets online upon arrival. WHAT TO SEE/DO IN ITALY IN OCTOBER. Late October may not be warm enough for swimming, and tourist services start closing up shop for the off-season. Day 10: Drive to Lecce (1.5 hours) and spend the remainder of the day in Lecce Day 11: Visit Gallipoli and Santa Maria di Leuca as a day trip from Lecce Day 12: Visit Otranto, Torre SantAndrea, and the Cave of Poetry as a day trip from Lecce Day 13: Drive to Bari and fly home. It is beautiful inside, with stone walls and skylights in the ceiling. How to get to the Lake, Tuscany without a car: 5 best ways to enjoy one of Italys most beautiful region, Renting a car in Italy in 2023: all you need to know, Recommended places to visit in Italy in October, What to book in advance for October in Italy. Dont miss some of my favorites: October on the Amalfi Coast brings pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. The scenery in Piedmont is at its best in September and October. For the most part, theyre at home, going to work, and going to school. From Castelmezzano, it takes an hour and fifteen minutes to drive to Matera (85 km). Halloween is celebrated in Italy but not in the same way as in the US. How to Get to Pompeii: From Sorrento, take the Campania Express train or Circumvesuviana to Pompeii (Pompeii Scavi station), or drive here if you have a rental car. The best times to see the massive color changes are the last few weeks of October and the first few of November. There's really never a bad time to visit Italy. You can even still jump in the water if its a sunny day. The problem is the rain. Best for churches, galleries and countryside. The most expensive way to day trip to the Amalfi Coast is to hire a private boat. From the train station in Pompeii, you can take a bus or a shuttle to Mount Vesuvius and then you can walk the Great Cono trail around the crater. During the summer months (July and August), southern Italy will be hot and the Amalfi Coast will be packed with tourists. Spend the remainder of the day in Sorrento. You can avoid the 5 fee by using Trenitalia.com, but this website is more difficult to use. Check out our post on Driving in Italy to learn about Italian driving rules and norms! The most expensive way to day trip to the Amalfi Coast is to hire a private boat. Even if you dont want to spend time at the beach, its a wonderful time of year to be in Puglia with kids. Today, you will drive to the region of Basilicata and you have the option to add on Paestum, another important archaeological site in Italy. Good To Know: This chart gives you an idea of past weather conditions and average temperatures, but before your trip, take a look at the weather forecast. The open cellars initiative involves wineries all over the region and is a great opportunity to go wine tasting in Tuscany with kids. If you need to warm up, the region is also full of thermal and mineral spas. Visiting Italy in October: all you need to know to plan a trip! is a writer for TPG and TPG UK covering travel, news, points and miles and more. If you dont want to wear a raincoat, bring a small travel umbrella.