best places to visit in southern italy in october
For lunch we recommend Il Rusticone (fantastic pizza and sandwiches) or Uacciardidd (amazing local food at low prices in a non-touristy setting). Sicily in October is a dream. We had a wonderful lunch at Osteria Piazzetta Cattedral. Learn what it is like to visit Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast in October and November. Top experiences include visiting Marina Grande, spending some time at a beach club, shopping, trying limoncello, and having dinner. Midday: Lunch. Serious truffle enthusiasts (or simply hungry travelers) should plan to stop at the Truffle Festival (October 9 to December 5, 2021) in Alba, a town famous for the rare funghi. Hot in summer and cold in winter, it is perfect in October, when you can sightsee in mild temperatures and make the most of its crisp bright sky. From some of the worlds finest ancient Greek and Roman ruins to medieval hill towns, sprawling cities layered with history, and natural wonders including puffing If youre not interested in winter sports, Rome is an excellent option for families visiting Italy in December. Cinque Terre Cinque Terre is a wondwrful part of Italy however, it is not always at its best in October, especially towards the end of the month. Also known as the Dolomites, the Italian Alps are located in the northern Trentino-South Tyrol region of Italy. Its faster to drive out to Pompeii and take E45 for a portion of the drive, rather than risk getting stick in traffic along the Amalfi Coast (even from Positano). Italy in October Your 2023 Complete Guide, 4 Reasons You Should Visit Italy in October, 4 Reasons You May Not Want to Visit Italy in October, October Temperatures and Precipitation in Italy, The 8 Best Places in Italy to Visit in October, Destinations to Skip on an October Trip to Italy, Activities and Events in Italy in October, The Best Places to Visit in Italy in October with Kids, Suggested Modes of Transport for Italy in October, Best Things to Do in Florence + What to Skip, day-trip to many of the villages from Florence, family tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, Italy In December Your 2023 Complete Guide, Venice in Winter All the Details on Our Favorite Time to Visit, Italy in March Your 2023 Complete Guide (From Someone Who Lives Here), Privacy Policy, Disclaimer, Terms & Conditions, road trip to Tuscan villages, participate in the olive harvest, attend a, explore small villages, honor St. Francis in Assisi, visit the Aeolian Islands, sip Sicilian wines, see archaeological sites, take a boat trip, go for a hike, relax at a seaside cafe, have hot chocolate at a caf, wander the streets, and admire the holiday decorations, visit a, sip Barolo or Barbera wine, attend the Alba International White Truffle Festival, polenta festival that includes a donkey race, ifvisiting Italy in October is a good choice for, School is back in session (in Italy and abroad) so there are, Italy in the fall isnt Vermont, but we do have, We retire our summer fruits and fresh salads and cheeses and change our focus to, Youre looking for sun and sea on a beach vacation. Places not to miss in Umbria in October are: Puglia, the heel of Italy, is often blessed with amazing weather in October. 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. Find the right card for you. This is where we stayed and we chose it because it was the highest rated property on Booking.com during our visit. Day 1: Arrive in Bari, drive to Alberobello Day 2: Puglia day trip from Alberobello Day 3: Visit Alberobello in the morning and afternoon, in the late afternoon drive to Matera Day 4: Matera Day 5: Drive to Castelmezzano, tour Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa, sleep in Castelmezzano Day 6: Drive to Paestum and continue to Sorrento/Positano Day 7: Amalfi Coast Day 8: Pompeii and Sorrento Day 9: Capri day trip Day 10: Travel to Naples/Rome and fly home. In terms of clothing, October is a time for long pants, long sleeve shirts and light jackets although in the central hours of the day, especially in the South, you may get temperatures so mild to allow for short sleeves. Even if you dont want to spend time at the beach, its a wonderful time of year to be in Puglia with kids. Tuscany and its rolling hills go through a magical time in the fall. In addition to the festivals in Alba and San Miniato, youll find more tartufo celebrations in Tignale, Gubbio, and Rimini. This Southern Italy itinerary includes the following places of interest: Naples Pompei Sorrento Amalfi Coast (Positano, Praiano, Amalfi and Ravello) Matera Bari Kids dress up in the evening (but not at school).Triora, in Liguria, is known as the city of witches (and the Ligurian Salem) because of the 1800s interrogation of over 300 women that were accused of witchcraft. Good To Know: Dont expect pool weather at your Tuscan agriturismo in October, and even if it is sunny and warm, many properties close their pools at the beginning of the month. The last week of October is usually one of the busiest due to the proximity of the National Holiday on 1st of November, All Saints, a traditional long weekend for Italians. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. Morning fog in the vineyards and autumn light make it a good time for photographers to visit.Post-harvest, stop in a winery to sample local wines. In the last couple of years Italy has embraced the tradition of days at the pumpkin patch! You can still do this southern Italy itinerary at this time, but pack your umbrella and be prepared for slim pickings for hotels and restaurants. If you head over earlier, seeing these famed mountains swathed in autumn colors is just as breathtaking as seeing them covered in snow. The one at the provided link has a good cancellation policy, for peace of mind. This B&B also gets exceptional reviews. Check here before booking an award fare. Both of them are beautiful to visit and fun to explore. This is also the time when wineries open their doors to visitors and this includes children! Spend your first few days on the Amalfi Coast, visiting Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii, and several Amalfi Coast towns. Many hotels and restaurants will be closed on the Amalfi Coast, in Matera, and in Puglia. To check train schedules and to book your trains online (this may only be necessary if you are taking the train from Rome to Naples), Italiarail.com is the easiest website to use. 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! WebCinque Terre. Afternoon: Visit a cave house, explore the streets of Matera, and visit the Matera Cathedral. Your email address will not be published. While not traditionally an Italian holiday, Halloween has well and truly arrived as a festivity, especially for kids. The view of Matera from Murgia Materana Park. The open cellars initiative involves wineries all over the region and is a great opportunity to go wine tasting in Tuscany with kids. It is closer to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast so you will have less travel time today. Whats Going On:The celebrations are focused on the UNESCO World Heritage site of Assisi, in Umbria. The best time to visit Sicily is from May to June or September to October. A month of transition, October looks very different in the north of Italy and the South and the type of experience you are going to have will depend largely on your exact destination. Be prepared for temperature changes. Finally, taking a tour is another popular way to day trip to the Amalfi Coast. Plus, when you are ready to pick up your rental car at the end of this section of the itinerary, you can do so in Sorrento. Join us for the Best of South Italy in 13 Days! The best way to get around the Amalfi Coast depends on the time of year you will be doing this trip. And, in many of our chosen countries, youll be visiting outside the busiest times of year. 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. The warm weather makes it comfortable for tourists to explore as many places as they can. We had a fantastic experience at Chiancole Trulli Experience, but we also recommend Trulli DAngio, Romantic Trulli (located in Rione Monti and just a short walk to a lot of great restaurants), Trulli Resort Aia Piccola (a 3-bedroom apartment that is a great pick for families), and La Mandorla Luxury Trullo (a gorgeous, luxury trullo with hot tub). Piedmont is famous for food and wine, so why not get an early start on that winter bod? The extreme heat has gone with the summer, which is fabulous news if your hotel doesnt have air-conditioning. Hike across the ravine and explore the caves and cave churches. A view of the zipline between Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa, Tim on the zipline with Castelmezzano in the background, Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa in the distance. Weather Along with May and September, the month of October is one of the best months to visit Italy. The Matera Cathedral and Sassi di Matera (the old town). UPSCALE CAVE HOTEL: La Dimora Delle 3 Zie. For more information on what to do, read our article Best Things to Do on the Amalfi Coast. We rented a private boat for the day during our stay in Positano and it is one of our favorite experiences in Italy. Touring Pompeii is one of the most popular things to do on a visit to Italy. Plus, the area is chockablock with vineyards, castles and organic Alpine farms, all perfect activities to do during an autumn vacation. Hiring a driver for the day is another popular way to visit the Amalfi Coast. Locals gather in piazzas for sagre and wine festivals, and were all squeezing in the last few outdoor meals before chillier weather arrives. Before leaving Paestum, grab a bite to eat. From Castelmezzano, it takes an hour and fifteen minutes to drive to Matera (85 km). First trip to Italy? While you, Youre hoping to hit the ski slopes. The best place to stay in Alberobello is a trullo. It starts in Rome/Naples and ends in Bari. Here are a few more itineraries for Italy: To see all of our articles about Italy, take a look at our Italy Travel Guide. From Alberobello, it takes one hour to drive here. These range from small group boat tours to tours that include both a drive on the Amalfi Coast and a quick boat ride, like this very highly rated tour. And, with Europes many discount airlines competing for your s, you may find excellent deals. Sleep in Alberobello. This bed and breakfast gets near perfect reviews on Booking.com. This is a popular day trip destination from both towns and popular things to do here include taking a boat tour around Capri, visiting the Blue Grotto, riding the chair lift to the top of Monte Solaro, and spending some time in Capri town. At the beginning of this trip, you can add 2 days in Rome. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Alberobello is famous for its trulli, small round buildings with conical roofs made of stone. These can be great fun for kids find here >>> a list of kid-friendly pumpkin patches in Italy. Please note: this post contains affiliate links. It is very easy to tour Capri on your own, and we share how to do this in our article How to Plan Your Capri Day Trip and 10 Best Things to Do in Capri. Driving the Amalfi Coast: Is it a Good Idea? Today, spend your time exploring Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa and in the afternoon drive to Matera. If you cannot find convenient flights home from Bari, then you can return to Naples or Rome and fly home from here. For more great itineraries in Europe and around the world, visit our Travel Itineraries page. Should you make a purchase, we might make a small commission. Tuscany in October. The area is known for its white truffle hunting season from September to January. I look forward to sharing Italy travel tips with you and giving you a glimpse of life in beautiful Italy! The best time of year to visit Lago di Braies is early in the summer (June) or in the fall (late September October). Ciao and welcome to Mom in Italy. BUDGET: Ostello dei Sassi. See all Venice must-see sites, making the most of the slightly smaller crowds. Its still warm but there arent as many crowds and prices are lower. For budget travelers, the bus is the most economical option. Wonderful things to do in Venice in October include: They come in several forms, with meat/fish/seafood/vegetables and they are a wonderful excuse to sit indoors and have a rest when the sun starts to go down or rain threatens to ruin your plans. 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. If you come to hike the trails (which most visitors do), you risk missing out due to trail closures and rainy muddy trails. If youd like to visit during the Festa di San Francesco, its best to book your accommodation early. If you are active and adventurous, one of the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast is hike the Path of the Gods. 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. Read more about the city in our Complete Guide to Visiting Matera. I personally think it is best to choose between Sorrento and Positano. If youre traveling long distances, look into flying. The Colosseum the citys parks are perfect for sunny days and the many family-friendly museums in the city offer refuge for the wet days. You can enjoy the changing tones of the leaves in many areas, but the Foreste Casentinesi is one of the best. Evenings can be cool, especially in the latter half of the month, and in some places its not unusual to get a brief summer rainstorm or two. 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. If you dont want to wear a raincoat, bring a small travel umbrella. October is a popular time to visit Italy for families with kids as it coincided with the midterms break of many schools. For more information about how to get from Naples to the Amalfi Coast, read our guide about How to Get to the Amalfi Coast. This trip with me for two. Next, drive 30 minutes to Ostuni. Rent a whole house and have a beautiful view of Castelmezzano. This is where we stayed in Matera. The mild October weather makes exploring the town and hiking in the natural parks a pleasant experience much more so than in the heat of summer. Check out our monthly guides:Italy in JanuaryItaly in FebruaryItaly in MarchItaly in AprilItaly in MayItaly in JuneItaly in JulyItaly in AugustItaly in SeptemberItaly in October Italy in NovemberItaly in December, Good To Know:Its always best to reserve tickets for any museums or events you dont want to miss. We have stayed in both and both have advantages and disadvantages. Head indoors to see how prosciutto or parmigiano cheese is made in Parma, or sample balsamic vinegar in Modena. Its still fairly warm in Italy in October during the day, but the evenings can be chilly, and they definitely are up north. Marta Correale is an Italian mama of two. We had the apartment with mountain view, so we had a small kitchen and plenty of space. From 399 a night, sleeps five, coolstays.com Villa with pool in southern Sicily Although the summer high season has passed, Oil offerings for the lamp that burns at St. Francis crypt, Pets and farm animals are blessed (not always on the 4th, can be in the period surrounding the holiday), photograph the colorful ivy on the walls of buildings, Centrale Montemartini (museum with ancient Roman and Greek sculptures in an old power plant), Monopoli relaxed Puglia living (make this your home base), Polignano a Mare head down to the oft-photographed Lama Monachile, Siracusa (and Ortigia) the morning market, Ragusa Ibla evening strolls, delicious gelato, Palermo Sicilian life at its beautiful, crazy and chaotic best. Ride theHop-On/Hop-Off bus, take afamily tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, eat pizza andgelato, throw your coin into the Trevi Fountain, attendGladiator School, explore Romeschildrens museum, and be entertained in Piazza Navona. Youre hoping to score great discounts on hotels. Expect more rain and cooler temperatures in the evening. On this site, you will find Italy travel ideas, inspiration, guides and tips that I hope will help you plan a wonderful stay in my wonderful, complex, magical country. Festivals and events around the world in October Speak to someone who's been You will have most of a day here, which means that you can thoroughly explore Alberobello. 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! Most tourists are gone, so youll have less crowded trails and towns. Matera has a unique history and it is visually stunning. For the most part, theyre at home, going to work, and going to school. The most expensive way to day trip to the Amalfi Coast is to hire a private boat. It is a time when trees don their autumnal colors and the temperature starts to drop, significantly in the North and on the mountains and more subtly in the Central and Southern Regions of Italy. Sorrento is the most convenient town. After this short hike, visit the Rock Church (Saint Mary of Idris). For information on renting a car, including rental car fees, drop fees, and things to know ahead of time, take a look at our article Important Things to Know Before Renting a Car in Europe. 6. At this time, the temperatures are usually much milder than in summer and, by the end of the month, tourism services tend to wind down; however, you will still be well able to enjoy all this wonderful area has to offer: food, coastal views and history being only the beginning! This is the time to enjoy the stunning foliage of the Tuscan forests and to taste the warming food of this amazing terroir. Thanks to the lovely autumn weather in Italy in October, visitors can enjoy many places in the country that 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 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. Montegratto Terme is one of the best thermal baths in Veneto and also home to the Butterfly House and Fairy Forest, where you can admire hundreds of butterfly species and explore the unique paths of the forest -- just keep watch for ogres, trolls and fairies! Check into your hotel and spend the evening exploring the town. SORRENTO & CAPRI: Learn how to spend 3 days in Sorrento, get a list of the best things to do in Capri, learn how to plan your day trip to Capri,and find out whether or not the Blue Grotto is worth it. In the afternoon, drive from Paestum to Castelmezzano (135 km, 2 hours). A trip to Capri will take a full day. Doing This Itinerary in the Opposite Direction, Day 1: Getting to Sorrento & the Amalfi Coast, How to Travel from Rome to Naples, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast. A scarf will also come in handy in October. and visit the towns of Barolo, Grinzane Cavour, Bra, Alba, Barbaresco, La Morra, and Monforte dAlba. Venice with kids blissfully devoid of mosquitoes, hungry and annoying in summer. He is the patron saint of Italy (along with St. Catherine of Siena) and of animals and the environment. But you can share it with a travel agent and they could make the arrangements for you. This means that you can head up into these hills to see the changing leaves and enjoy some beautiful autumn hikes. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. While this might sound like a lot, they do sell out. The weather is usually too cold for swimming and rains are frequent. The weather is hit and miss and you will have less daylight hours than if you came in the spring. From where we live in the USA, it is much easier for us to find direct flights to Rome versus Naples. However, in most cases, in October Italy will treat you to fall atmospheres made of mild temperatures, beautiful foliage and earthy foods from harvest festivals. You get one of the best views of Matera from this park. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases. To give you an idea of temperature, historically the temperatures for October in Italy were: 4 October: San Francesco marked especially in Assisi, where several religious ceremonies in honor of the citys most beloved sun take place on the night of the 3rd and the day of the 4th of October each year. Octobers an excellent time to go to Italy the weather is mild and pleasant, which is nice for sightseeing and the occasional outdoor meal. Visiting Italy in October: all you need to know (2022 update) If you have a morning or midday flight, consider driving to the airport on the evening of day 9 or adding an extra day to this itinerary for travel time. 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! Yes, youll find a few places closed because the summer rush is over, but its a really nice time to visit. October is one of the most beautiful times of the year to visit Italy. 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. If you have seen photos of Puglia, most likely you have seen Polignano al Mare. Its larger size, ferry port, and train station makes it a breeze to day trip around the Amalfi Coast. From Castelmezzano, travel to photogenic Matera and then Alberobello, a town that looks like it belongs in the pages of a fairy tale. Miscellaneous: Factor in approximately $50 USD per day per person for miscellaneous fees, such as a short taxi, souvenirs, etc. The official website provides opening times, costs, the link to purchase your entry ticket, the link to purchase your parking pass, directions to the parking areas, how to get there via a combination of train + taxi or train + bus, etc. Early in the month, theres a good chance youll see some beach weather! 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. This may be your chance to see the Colosseum empty, Piazza Navona filled with locals (instead of tourists) and admire the leaves changing from green to red to orange and yellow at the Villa Borghese Park. After a long, hot summer (and they always are) in Italy, were ready for things to cool off! 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. Naples International Airport is more convenient. PUGLIA: Read about 15 beautiful places to visit in Puglia and the best things to do in Alberobello. There's really never a bad time to visit Italy. However, you may not have the same number of flight options as you would from Rome, since Rome has a larger airport. However, you still run the risk of getting stuck in traffic jams on Amalfi Drive, particularly the months of July and August. A visit here typically lasts two to three hours. candice[at]mominitaly[dot]com. It is located on Via Roma, in Castelmezzano, so it has a great location if you prefer to stay in town. 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). Matera is unique in Italy but has fickle weather. It gets cold, and tourist crowds thin out considerably. Where To Go: Best Places To Visit in Italy in October. In our Rome, Florence, and Venice Itinerary, I list how to do it in the opposite direction. Today, you will drive to the region of Basilicata and you have the option to add on Paestum, another important archaeological site in Italy. But you will have a choice to make: pick up the rental car the first day of this itinerary (at the arrival airport) or pick it up in Sorrento just before driving to Castelmezzano. Alternatively, you can visit the Gargano Peninsula, which is in northern Puglia. Here are some estimated costs per person (all prices are in USD during peak travel times). is a writer for TPG and TPG UK covering travel, news, points and miles and more. Villages to check out include: You can day-trip to many of the villages from Florence, or base yourself in the countryside If you visit in late October, you may be able to participate in the olive oil harvest. October is a quiet month for holidays in Italy. If youre in Italy in October, you may want to check out these activities: You may want to read our posts on traveling toItaly With TeensandItaly With a Baby or Toddler! We loved it here, but it is more challenging to day trip to places like Capri and Pompeii. Once you get here, the best place to park is Parcheggio Via Indipendenza. This Italy itinerary is a great starting point for designing your own custom itinerary. Morning: Murgia Materana Park. We have been ziplining numerous times around the world and this is a good one! Mount Vesuvius is an active volcano on the mainland of Italy. The main things to see are the Temple of Neptune, the Temple of Hera, and the Roman Forum. Make sure you have layers! Plan on spending two hours on Mount Vesuvius. November 1st is a national holiday. You can spend most of the day at Polignano al Mare or combine it with nearby Monopoli or Locorotondo (a short drive from Alberobello). This town is very small and a half of a day is really all that you need to see the highlights. It takes 2 to 4 hours to tour Pompeii, depending on your interests. 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 youre looking for beach weather, head south to Puglia and Sicily. Beaches in the south often have swimming weather (but its not guaranteed). Please send me information and pricing on your 10 day southern Italy road trip. October in Rome brings mild, pleasant weather. 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! But that's precisely why it's the perfect time to head to Rome. Purchase a guidebook that is for sale at ticket booth to get the most out of your visit. You can also add a day to visit Naples. Visit Murano and see a glass demo. On this itinerary, you have one full day to explore Matera. WebSome average temperature ranges for different parts of Italy are: Northern Italy: 45-65F (7-18C) Central Italy: 55-70F (13-21C) Southern Italy: 65-75F (18-24C) We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. The best things to see and do in Italy in October; The best things to see and do in Italy in November; Our family loves the fresh air in October and the cooler evenings. MID-RANGE CAVE HOTEL: B&B Al Convento. Its also more expensive than Sorrento. From late fall through early spring (November through mid-April), expect cloudier skies and an increased chance of rain. Here are our picks for the best times to visit Italy's crown jewel of an island. October is the best time of year to experience the harvest, and Tuscany is the best place to do it. Cinque Terre, located on Italy's northern Ligurian coast, is made up of five colorful, seaside towns Manarola, Monterosso, Three Days in Puglia: Lecce and the Southern Coast of Puglia, Three Days in Puglia: Gargano Peninsula & Vieste. The 8 Best Places in Italy to Visit in October. 2022-2023 | All rights reserved | Privacy Policy, Disclaimer, Terms & Conditions Hotels and rental cars will also be more expensive during this time and you will face delays when traveling along the Amalfi Coast. But the Veneto region offers a lot more than just Venice. There are numerous ways to plan your day trip to the Amalfi Coast towns. Other visits have been amazing with gorgeous weather, colorful larch trees, and no crowds in popular areas like the Alpe di Siusi. A classics graduate, teacher of Italian as a second language and family travel blogger, Marta launched Mama Loves Italy as a way to inspire, support and help curious visitors to make the most of a trip to Italy and learn about Italian culture on the way. La Gradinata B&B. If you want to start in Puglia and end in Naples/Rome, heres how to do it. There are many different ways to plan your time in Matera, but here is a sample itinerary that covers many of the best places to visit.