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- Autumn Magic: Why October is the Perfect Time to Explore Italy
Autumn Magic: Why October is the Perfect Time to Explore Italy
Hello October!
One of the things I miss most about fall in Canada is the changing foliage. The fun of walking around, kicking up the fallen leaves and deciding which colours I like best. In my part of Italy, fall looks very different. There are no trees filled with red, yellow and orange leaves. It's greener, sunnier and warmer.
If you're planning a trip to Italy, I definitely recommend October. You can enjoy the fall vibes in the north while still enjoying summer vibes in the south. Plus, it's the start of harvest festivals where you can immerse yourself in local culture.
October is the perfect time to travel to Italy. The kids are back in school, the locals have returned from vacation, and the tourist crowds have thinned out. The stifling summer heat is also gone, making way for cooler, more comfortable temperatures. You might get more rainy days, but hey, Italy is beautiful in the rain, too.
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Travel news
Travel advisor issues for Italy
The U.S. Department of State recently issued a Level 2 travel advisory for several European countries, including Italy. Travellers are urged to "exercise increased caution" due to the potential threat of terrorism. Although this advisory encourages vigilance, it does not suggest cancelling travel plans but rather following local authorities and monitoring local news. | Read full article
What to know about train strikes in Italy
When planning your trip to Italy, keep in mind that train and public transport strikes are common, especially during peak travel periods. To avoid disruptions, check for announced strikes ahead of time and be aware of guaranteed service times that ensure limited train operations even on strike days. | Check train strike update page
Travel tips and advice
Festivals and cultural events in October
October marks the start of many local festivals, many of them focusing on food. You'll find plenty of dishes to indulge in, from chestnuts and truffles to mushrooms and wine. Here are a few notable ones to consider.
Alba White Truffle Festival (Piedmont) – Indulge in everything truffle. Held in Alba, the festival celebrates the prized white truffle, featuring truffle markets, gourmet food stands, and regional wine tastings. | Festival info page
Festa della Castagna (Chestnut Festival) – Discover the flavours of chestnuts at one of the many festivals held in towns across Italy. You can find chestnut festivals across Tuscany, Campania and Piedmont. Many feature food stalls, chestnut-based dishes and cultural activities.
Wine festivals – October is the perfect month for wine lovers. You can explore vineyards and attend harvest festivals like the Vendemmia (grape harvest) in Tuscany and Umbria.
Olive harvesting – October marks the beginning of the olive harvest in regions like Puglia, Tuscany and Umbria. You can visit local farms and participate in the harvest, followed by olive oil tastings and tours.
Festa di San Francesco (Feast of Saint Francis) – An annual religious celebration held on October 4 to honour Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of Italy, animals and the environment. The event takes place in Assisi, his birthplace. It is a significant religious event marked by religious processions, masses and blessings.
Venice Marathon (Veneto) – Taking place on October 27, the Venice Marathon brings over 5,000 runners to the city. If you're into running, it's a great way to experience the beauty of Venice as you make your way through this historic city. | Event website
Featured Destination
Naples
Naples often gets a bad reputation, especially from people who've barely seen it. As I live an hour away, I've been here more times than I can count. I can say that I know Naples quite well, and the more I visit, the more I like it.
Naples Italy
Like any other large city, Naples has some not-so-nice areas, especially near the train station. That is not a reflection of what the whole city is like, and trust me, there are many very upscale neighbourhoods in Naples that those same visitors who complain about it never see.
Most people might not know that Naples is a city with a long and fascinating history spanning millennia. Here, you can explore ancient Greek cisterns, walk in the secret tunnels made for a king and visit the dressing room of a Roman amphitheatre where Emperor Nero once performed. As the home of the kings who ruled the area centuries ago, Naples is home to a royal palace, Baroque churches, museums and gorgeous architecture.
It's also the birthplace of the famous Margherita pizza. In addition to pizza, you have a choice of excellent restaurants serving local delicacies. Naples truly is a foodie destination, so if you're looking for a culinary experience in Italy, make sure you do a food tour in Naples. Trust me, you'll love it.
Recommended reading on the blog:
Have you considered visiting Italy in the fall? I hope you consider October, as there is so much to discover here. Are you curious about what Italy’s like in other seasons? Make sure to keep an eye on future issues.
Alla prossima!
Kasia