best places to visit in southern italy in october best places to visit in southern italy in october

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. Driving the Amalfi Coast: Is it a Good Idea? White Truffle Festival . Julie Last updated: March 11, 2023 Italy, Itinerary 2 Comments. Central Italycan go either way in October sunny days or scattered rain showers. Required fields are marked *. From Rome, take the train to Naples. And Piedmont is home to the slow food movement, so there are plenty of other Piedmontese delights to indulge in while there, such as eggy pasta and full-bodied Barolo wines, perfect gastronomic choices for the incoming cooler weather autumn brings. Its much darker here, even for little kids. Cinque Terre, located on Italy's northern Ligurian coast, is made up of five colorful, seaside towns Manarola, Monterosso, Getting exceptional reviews, this cave hotel is located in the heart of Sassi di Matera. Outside of the busy summer time, in October you will be able to visit Sicilys stunning archaeological sites without melting in its torrid sun and you will still be able to enjoy beautiful sea views. Rome with kids magical in October, when the city usually gets crisp sky and mild temperatures. 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. If youre looking for something specific, check out the Table of Contents below so you can jump ahead to what youre looking for. The land of Parma ham and Parmigiano is wonderful to visit at this time of the year, after the oppressive summer is gone and before the cold and foggy months begin. Italy In October 2023 - Weather, Events, Places to Visit, Tips And Plus, with the alternating license plate program, you will be limited to which days you can drive here. 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. Matera at sunset | Southern Italy Itinerary. LUXURY CAVE HOTEL: Quarry Resort. Wonderful places to visit in Puglia at this time are. AMALFI COAST: Pick out which towns you want to visit in our article about the best towns to visit on the Amalfi Coast. Southern Italy Here are two day trip options from Alberobello. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Most tourists are gone, so youll have less crowded trails and towns. Touring Pompeii is one of the most popular things to do on a visit to Italy. Some rooms can accommodate up to four people, so this is a good choice for families. Thanks to the lovely autumn weather in Italy in October, visitors can enjoy many places in the country that 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. Palermo. Good To Know: If youre set on visiting teh Dolomites in October, or its the only time that works for you, dont stress! The best way to get around the Amalfi Coast depends on the time of year you will be doing this trip. October in Italy is, Youre looking forward to exploring Italys famous museums and cities without crowds. Paestum is one of the best places in Italy to see Greek ruins. Small centers with a strong Franciscan vocation are likely to have special festivals or markets to mark the occasion. Related: 7 underrated regions in Italy for the best food and wine. While this might sound like a lot, they do sell out. If you have more than 10 days, you can add time to places already listed on this itinerary, such as another day in Matera, Sorrento, or Positano. Take a boat tour to see the cliffs and sea caves, stroll through the town, spend some time on the beach, and dine in a cave. In our Rome, Florence, and Venice Itinerary, I list how to do it in the opposite direction. If you start the zipline experience from Castelmezzano around 10:30 am, you will finish around 12:30 pm. Sandals can be tempting, but youll want your toes covered on cooler evenings. There are numerous ways to plan your day trip to the Amalfi Coast towns. Italy in October - Here's What to See and Do - Italian Breaks The city was later excavated and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For more information on what to do, read our article Best Things to Do on the Amalfi Coast. Its larger size, ferry port, and train station makes it a breeze to day trip around the Amalfi Coast. If coming at this time, check the conditions of the paths carefully before venturing up. 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. A scarf will also come in handy in October. The best time to visit Sicily is from May to June or September to October. October is a popular time to visit Italy for families with kids as it coincided with the midterms break of many schools. I personally think it is best to choose between Sorrento and Positano. You really can't go wrong with a visit anywhere in Italy this autumn, but there are some spots that may be just a little more beautiful than others. Purchase a guidebook that is for sale at ticket booth to get the most out of your visit. Especially if going towards the end of the month, double-check the schedule for ferries if you are counting on going to the islands and be prepared for the occasional rainy day. There's really never a bad time to visit Italy. Kochia flowers in Hitachi Seaside Park, Hitachinaka (Shutterstock) If youre willing to embrace autumn, rather than fight it, then travel to Japans Kanto region to see some spectacularly colourful leaves. You will stay in Sorrento/Positano for four nights. The most convenient places are at the cafes right outside of the archaeological park. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. 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. 2. #5 in Best Places to Visit in Italy. Towns and villages put on autumn festivals (sagre), casual gatherings full of delicious food and drink. Dont miss some of my favorites: October on the Amalfi Coast brings pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Hike across the ravine and explore the caves and cave churches. Have drinks with a view at Crialoss Bistrot or the Quarry Resort Lounge and then have dinner. Its a wonderful time to be at the beach in Puglia because the summer crowds have disappeared and you may have an entire beach club to yourselves. We also have a guide to the best things to do on the Gargano Peninsula,how to spend one day in Vieste, and about how to take a boat tour to visit the Gargano sea caves. After a long, hot summer (and they always are) in Italy, were ready for things to cool off! In the morning, visit Pompeii. We had a wonderful lunch at Osteria Piazzetta Cattedral. Florence with kids always lovely with children but way too hot in summer. 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). Marta Correale is an Italian mama of two. From Castelmezzano, travel to photogenic Matera and then Alberobello, a town that looks like it belongs in the pages of a fairy tale. You will have to price out both of these options. Some themed events are organized in city museums and parks and costumes (any theme, not just scary ones) are encouraged. On day 10, rather than going to the Bari Airport, drive to Vieste. You can still swim in Sicily in October, so let your kids build sandcastles and play in the water in Sicilian family-friendly beach destinations like Cefal and Sampieri. Trying to decide when to visit Italy? Home to three ancient Greek temples dating back to 450 BC, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is often an overlooked destination in Italy. For more tips and tricks to help you plan the perfect trip, consider reading this article: 7 Things to Know When Planning Your First Trip to Europe. ), dine on local salame, visit the Perugina chocolate factory (home of Italys bacio candy), walk the streets of Perugia, cycle the path of Lago di Trasimeno, and visit St. Francis hometown of Assisi for his festival on October 4th. Every Halloween, Triora hosts a Halloween festival with a bonfire, concerts, workshops on ancient witchcraft, and more. October is one of the best months to visit Sicily. These can all be visited in one day by private driver or by bus. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. 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. Grotta Palazzese is a famous restaurant in a cave. 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! You can fly into either Rome (Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport) or Naples (Naples International Airport). However, you will have additional travel time to get to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. However, you can travel back to Rome/Naples if you find it is cheaper or easier to get a flight here. These late spring and early fall months offer hospitable To save money, stay in a hotel that offers breakfast, put together picnic lunches, and skip the drinks at dinner. It is a 5-minute drive from Castelmezzano. Sorrento is the most convenient town. If you are active and adventurous, one of the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast is hike the Path of the Gods. 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. With even less time, skip Castelmezzano and go right to Matera. The main things to see are the Temple of Neptune, the Temple of Hera, and the Roman Forum. I rent from DiscoverCars.com. If you cannot find convenient flights home from Bari, then you can return to Naples or Rome and fly home from here. And, in many of our chosen countries, youll be visiting outside the busiest times of year. With three additional days, you can add on southern Puglia. Rent a whole house and have a beautiful view of Castelmezzano. Naples International Airport is more convenient. If you come to hike the trails (which most visitors do), you risk missing out due to trail closures and rainy muddy trails. This has the advantages of being able to travel on your own schedule and visit the places you want to go. If you have any questions about how to do this, let me know in the comment section below. Here in Tuscany, the vines turn from green to gold, orange, and red, and theres excitement for the olive harvest. If you are planning to visit the Amalfi Coast outside of the summer season, then it is much easier to get around by rental car. Today you will day trip to towns near Alberobello. Attractions that need advance booking are: Last Supper (Milan) The Last Supper tends to book out quickly. In addition, make sure to check on the Roma Jazz Festival which usually happens in the month of October. Castelmezzano is tiny and it doesnt take long to walk from one side to the other. Today, spend your time exploring Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa and in the afternoon drive to Matera. October is also the best month to visit the historical Tuscan villages of Montepulciano, San Gimignano, and Montalcino, renowned for their rich cultural If you are a truffle addict, you should really be thankful There are fewer route options in October than during the high-season months, but youll still have quite a few options. In this itinerary, we will give suggestions on how to get around each day. Venice with kids blissfully devoid of mosquitoes, hungry and annoying in summer. 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. 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. 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. Temperatures in January in southern Italy are all about 7 C to 12C (44F to 53F). Bring close-toed shoes with good tread. and do a crawl between bacari. Spend your first few days on the Amalfi Coast, visiting Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii, and several Amalfi Coast towns. The best way to get around southern Italy, with the exception of the Amalfi Coast, is by car. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. This one bedroom home has a kitchen and a balcony with a stunning view of Castelmezzano. boat tour to visit the Gargano sea caves. The weather is nice enough for outdoor aperitivo, and strolling along the Arno. The best places to visit in Tuscany in October are: Find here >>> our complete guide to Tuscany in the fall. Learn what it is like to visit Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast in October and November. 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. Amalfi Coast the Amalfi Coast is wonderful any time of the year and October is a lovely time to visit. If you are into food, this will be your personal corner of paradise. The best time of year to visit Lago di Braies is early in the summer (June) or in the fall (late September October). November 1st is a national holiday. Plan on spending two hours on Mount Vesuvius. I recommend checking both DiscoverCars.com or AutoEurope.com and the individual car rental companies for the best prices and vehicle availability. 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. But the Veneto region offers a lot more than just Venice. The Northern Tuscan countryside is beautiful in October with the changing colors of the vines and some of the trees in the forests. This page contains affiliate links. It starts in Rome/Naples and ends in Bari. Some visits have been rainy and weve explored more in towns (like Bolzano). You can enjoy the changing tones of the leaves in many areas, but the Foreste Casentinesi is one of the best. Its a very unique experience, sleeping in one of these cozy stone buildings, and there are quite a few to choose from. 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 Plus, there's nothing more relaxing than the beautiful reflection of leaves changing tones in the rippling lake waters. For lunch we recommend Il Rusticone (fantastic pizza and sandwiches) or Uacciardidd (amazing local food at low prices in a non-touristy setting). Have lunch at Trattoria al Vecchio Scarpone or Peperusko, spend a little more time exploring Castelmezzano, and then drive to Matera. You can even still jump in the water if its a sunny day. This area is known for its rolling hills, natural scenery, wine, and Some of the must-visit places in Rome are the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and the Vatican City. We cover where to stay in great detail in our guide Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast, but here is a quick overview. BUDGET: Ostello dei Sassi. 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. Head indoors to see how prosciutto or parmigiano cheese is made in Parma, or sample balsamic vinegar in Modena. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. Umbria is a wonderful part of Italy to visit in October. Check into your hotel, spend the evening strolling through Materas picturesque streets, have drinks with a view at Crialoss Bistrot (make your reservation in advance), and then have dinner in one of Materas fabulous restaurants. 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. Italy has more than 1,500 lakes, and any of them would make for the perfect September, We dont run tours. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. The best way to travel around Sicily is with a rental car (although adventures on Sicilian trains will probably give you a lifetime of memories). Yes, youll find a few places closed because the summer rush is over, but its a really nice time to visit. Many villages have local sagras (festivals celebrating whatever local food or drink has been harvested or cultivated) and it's generally a gorgeous time for long hikes, long drives or long leisurely meals. I highly recommend you secure a ticket as soon as you have your dates set. 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. Early in the month, theres a good chance youll see some beach weather! You will stay in Matera for two nights. Note: This post contains affiliate links. Gorgeous Beaches of Cala Gonone. Southern Italyis the warmest part of the country in October. On this itinerary, you have one full day to explore Matera. You can join a tour, hire a driver to take you to a few towns, cruise along the Amalfi Coast by ferry or private boat, or use the bus to hop from town to town. Temperatures are pleasant and it's harvest season -- think mushrooms, chestnuts, olives and, of course, wine. For this southern Italy itinerary, you will get around by rental car and possibly by train, ferry, bus and/or private driver on the Amalfi Coast. This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and related sites (Amazon.it, Amazon.co.uk, etc). Whats Going On:The celebrations are focused on the UNESCO World Heritage site of Assisi, in Umbria. At the beginning of this trip, you can add 2 days in Rome. If you have seen photos of Puglia, most likely you have seen Polignano al Mare. Capri is easily accessible from Sorrento and Positano by ferry. BEST OF ITALY: In our guide to the Best Places to Visit in Italy, we list 25 beautiful destinations to consider for your next trip to Italy. On day 10, rather than going to the Bari airport, drive to Lecce. I like to use a search consolidator like DiscoverCars.com or AutoEurope.com. best things to do on the Gargano Peninsula. Three Days in Puglia: Lecce and the Southern Coast of Puglia, Three Days in Puglia: Gargano Peninsula & Vieste. Early morning Vatican and Sistine Chapel Tour, Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill ticket by GetYourGuide, What is the nearest airport to Lake Garda? The Northern Tuscan countryside is beautiful in October with the changing colors of the Let them witness the olive harvest, join a mozzarella-making class, and visit Puglias unique towns like Alberobello and Ostuni. The most convenient airport is in Bari (the Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport). WebCentral Italy: 65-80F (18-27C) Southern Italy: 70-80F (21-27C) As mentioned, September days can be summer-like. We rented a private boat for the day during our stay in Positano and it is one of our favorite experiences in Italy. Travel time from Naples to Positano can be as quick as an hour and fifteen minutes (by private driver or by car) or as long as two to three hours (Campania Express train + bus, ferry, or driver). 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! ), then you can combine this southern Italy itinerary with the 10-day itinerary that includes Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre and Venice. If you can, come in September or in the late Spring. Besides seeing the autumn colors, Italy's seasons are often marked by specific foods and wine, so make sure to enjoy all of these culinary delights when visiting this autumn, too. Read more about the city in our Complete Guide to Visiting Matera. Here is a sample itinerary. Youll want a car for driving to villages for festivals and for visiting vineyards. Hotel Costs for Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. The one at the provided link has a good cancellation policy, for peace of mind. I adore Rome in October: my hometown turns wonderful at this time! It is challenging to get around Basilicata and Puglia without a car since public transportation is limited in this part of Italy. The best places to visit in October in Italy, when to book what, what to expect from the weather. It is possible to travel using a combination of buses and trains, but schedules are limited, and you will need to add extra travel time to this itinerary. Unless you know already what parts of the museums interest you, I highly recommend you get a guide and join a tour (either small group tour or private). If you pick up the car in Sorrento, you save several days of a rental car fee (which can really add up). Its not stiflingly hot anymore, but you can still swim. These cliffside villages just south of Naples between Sorrento and Salerno are some of the country's most coveted destinations in summer. Today, you will drive to the region of Basilicata and you have the option to add on Paestum, another important archaeological site in Italy. Budget Hotel, double room with two people: $75 to $150, Mid-Range Hotel, double room with two people: $150 to 600, Luxury Hotel, double room with two people: $600+, Budget Hotel, double room with two people: $50 $150, Mid-Range Hotel, double room with two people: $150 $300, Luxury Hotel, double room with two people: $300+. PUGLIA: Read about 15 beautiful places to visit in Puglia and the best things to do in Alberobello. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases. This itinerary is to be used to help people plan an independent trip to southern Italy. You may not have heard of these towns before, but they could be one of the most memorable places you visit on this itinerary. If you love truffles, youre in luck October is the beginning of Albas International White Truffle Festival! The weather is usually too cold for swimming and rains are frequent. 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! Italy in October - Life in Italy Note: We have not included any time in Naples on this itinerary. Palermo is southern Italys hottest destination right now. 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. Prices will be much more affordable, too. Rental cardemand isnt high in October, so you should be able to get a great rate on your car. You can see a longer list at the end of our article Best Things to Do in Matera. Visiting Italy in October: all you need to know (2022 update) This is usually not a day off for offices and it should not affect your ability to visit museums and attractions. But you can share it with a travel agent and they could make the arrangements for you. Dive into the Greek era in the Temple Valley (Sicily) What: the so-called Temple Valley is a large archeological park located We love road-tripping around Tuscany in October, to villages in the countryside. You get one of the best views of Matera from this park. 8 best places to visit in Sicily - Lonely Planet Theyll point you in the direction of the best ones which are often the small ones that are only advertised with paper signs on the walls of surrounding towns. October in Rome is famous for crisp, bright days and wonderful fall colors. The problem is the rain. Each one adds 3 days to this itinerary. 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! Safe travel planning! Its still warm but there arent as many crowds and prices are lower. Nearby Pompeii is much more pleasant without the crowds and heat of the summer months. If you pick up the rental car at your arrival airport, this is the more expensive option. First trip to Italy?