Three enchanting places to experience autumn in Italy

In our previous article, “Autumn in Italy”, we shared what makes this season so special in Italy: from the flavors of autumnal food, like chestnuts, mushrooms, and pumpkins, to local traditions and festivals.

In this new article, we want to take you on a journey to discover three charming villages and landscapes where you can spend unforgettable autumn days. Northern Italy, with its mountains and the Alps, offers spectacular views and breathtaking foliage; central Italy, between the Apennines and lakes, provides peaceful scenery and picturesque villages; and the south is no less enchanting, with nature-rich locations and authentic atmospheres, perfect for enjoying autumn away from the crowds.

Here are three destinations that will make you fall in love with the autumn season in Italy: the Langhe in Piedmont, Castel di Tora in Lazio, and the Umbra Forest in the Gargano, Puglia.

The Langhe, Piedmont: Autumn of Colors and Emotions

The Langhe are not a single place, but a vast hilly area in southern Piedmont, between the provinces of Cuneo and Asti. This unique landscape, composed of gentle hills, villages, vineyards, forests, and castles, offers a variety of stunning and evocative scenery. The Langhe are divided into the lower Langhe, with elevations under 600 meters, and the higher Langhe, where some peaks exceed 800 meters, as in the municipality of Mombarcaro.

In autumn, between mid-October and late November, the hills are painted in intense shades of yellow, orange, and red. Walking through the forests and trails becomes a simple yet unforgettable experience: the rustle of leaves underfoot, the scent of wood and grape must, and the wind caressing the hills awaken deep emotions.

Villages like Barbaresco, with its iconic medieval tower, Serralunga d’Alba, and Sinio tell the millennia-old story of the area. Nebbiolo vineyards glow with warm, vibrant hues, and following the trail from Barolo to La Morra offers sudden, breathtaking views of golden rows of vines and ancient towers. A stop at a local winery for a glass of wine makes the experience even more authentic.

Grinzane Cavour Castle and the Verduno Belvedere offer views that seem painted, perfect for photography enthusiasts or anyone who simply wants to enjoy the beauty of nature.

In autumn, the Langhe are also the stage for major food, wine, and cultural events. The Alba International White Truffle Fair, from October 11 to December 8, offers tastings, markets, cooking shows, and folkloric moments. Wineries and producers organize wine tastings and guided tours, while “Gourmet Sunsets” offer aperitifs with local wines and vermouth in panoramic settings surrounded by hills.

In autumn, the Langhe are not just a landscape to admire, they are an experience to live with all your senses. Every walk through forests, villages, and vineyards provides genuine emotions and unforgettable memories.

Castel di Tora, Lazio: Autumn Between History, Nature, and Tradition

Castel di Tora is a charming medieval village in Lazio, perched on the shores of the artificial Lake Turano, surrounded by a rare natural beauty. Located in the province of Rieti, about 70 km from Rome, the village is encircled by the woods of the Monte Navegna and Monte Cervia Nature Reserve, which in autumn are painted in warm shades of yellow, orange, and red, offering evocative landscapes and intense fragrances.

The historic center of Castel di Tora sits atop a rocky hill and has preserved its medieval atmosphere, with narrow stone streets, arches, stairways, and flowered balconies. The Church of San Giovanni Evangelista, with its frescoes and lakeside bell tower, is the spiritual heart of the village. Ancient walls and a timeless atmosphere tell the story around every corner, providing perfect spots for photography or a leisurely stroll through historical beauty.

In autumn, Castel di Tora comes alive with traditional events featuring music, performances, and cultural gatherings. Seasonal activities include workshops, guided nature walks, and events focused on local traditions. The nearby nature reserve also offers themed excursions through forests and autumn trails, ideal for immersing yourself in the seasonal colors and scents.

To fully enjoy Castel di Tora, you can take a walk or rent a bike along the shores of Lake Turano, admiring the reflections of autumn on the water. Visiting the village in the late afternoon allows you to enjoy a magical light that illuminates the stone facades and enhances the atmosphere. Stopping at a local tavern lets you taste traditional dishes such as polenta, wild boar, and local cheeses, accompanied by regional wines, while the village’s legends and historical curiosities enrich the cultural experience.

Castel di Tora is the perfect retreat for those who wish to combine history, nature, and traditions in a lesser-known yet extraordinarily charming part of Lazio. Walks along the lake, trails through autumn woods, and the village’s intimate atmosphere offer moments of peace, wonder, and inspiration—perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway in beauty and tranquility.

Umbra Forest, Puglia: An Enchanted Autumn in the Heart of Gargano

The Umbra Forest is the green heart of Gargano, a vast nature reserve covering over 10,000 hectares (about 25,000 acres) in the Gargano National Park, Puglia. Its name derives from the Latin umbra, meaning shadow, highlighting its dense and ancient forest cover, mainly composed of beeches, oaks, maples, and other tree species. In autumn, the forest transforms into a kaleidoscope of warm colors: yellows, reds, oranges, and browns dress the treetops, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere straight out of a storybook.

Autumn is the ideal time to immerse yourself in nature along one of the fifteen marked trails, suitable for both easy walks and more challenging hikes, on foot or by mountain bike. During these excursions, you may encounter deer, mouflons, and other local wildlife while breathing in the fresh, mossy, earthy scents that make the forest so unique.

The Umbra Forest is perfect for trekking enthusiasts, nature photography, and birdwatching, thanks to the abundance of wild orchids and birds that inhabit the park. Families with children can enjoy the Giocabosco area, a wooden playground nestled among the trees, while all visitors can deepen their understanding of local flora and fauna at the Natural History Museum at the Visitor Center.

In autumn, the forest also offers themed guided tours, educational workshops, and activities focused on nature and environmental conservation, organized by local experts and guides. These experiences make the visit more engaging and allow visitors to discover surprising details about the ecosystems and life that animate the forest.

With its autumnal magic, the Umbra Forest is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore a special corner of Puglia, away from the busiest tourist destinations. Between trails painted in gold and red, the sounds of nature, and the season’s rich scents, every visit offers moments of peace, wonder, and pure immersion in nature.

Italy in autumn is truly a treasure trove of beauty and color, and the three destinations we’ve explored: Langhe, Castel di Tora, and the Umbra Forest are just a few examples of how enchanting the country can be during this season. I chose to showcase these places because, while not among the most famous tourist spots, they offer unique experiences, combining nature, history, and traditions, perfect for those seeking authentic and evocative moments away from the crowds.

If you wish to immerse yourself in Tuscany in autumn, my website already offers the Ready2Go Trip, a ten-day itinerary in Tuscany and its surroundings designed for the autumn season, featuring natural landscapes, wine tasting, and truffle hunting. If you want to experience this itinerary or create a personalized trip with me to enjoy autumn in Italy, write to me at dolceitalyescape@gmail.com and let’s start planning your dream journey.