Italy In Autumn – Reasons You Should Visit The Country

The autumn has arrived and with it comes one of the best times to visit Italy. Many people come to the country during the summer, when the weather is at its warmest, tourism is at its highest and the many amazing wine producers in the country are tending their vineyards to ensure the latest crop is up to the standards expected by their customers. However, autumn brings with it a whole new range of delights and many consider it to be the best time of the year to visit the country, especially if you are a wine enthusiast.

Still not convinced? The below are just some of the reasons why Italy in the autumn needs to be experienced.

The Harvest

For wine lovers there can be few better reasons to visit the country than the harvest that occurs during September and October every year. While you will be able to see the vineyards getting tended during the summer, it is in the autumn that you will witness the start of the magical process of creating great wines.

Many wineries offer guided tours that go into the intricacies of the harvest. You will learn enormous amounts about the best times to harvest different grape varieties plus you will often have the opportunity to taste various wines and local cuisines made using produce from the region. If you choose a good seasonal restaurant you will be able to enjoy autumnal foods in their freshest state, allowing for an unsurpassed culinary experience.

The Temperature

Let’s face it, as much fun as the sun is, it is often hard to get everything you want done when its rays are beating down on you. For many, it is much more appealing to just lay around in the sun and soak in the rays, but this often means they don’t get the most possible out of their vacations.

By visiting during the autumn you will be able to enjoy more comfortable temperatures that are ideal for those who want to explore without having to worry about the toll the sun will take on their bodies. This makes this time of year ideal for those who are not big sun-lovers, plus you will get the see the beautiful colours of the surrounding countryside as it begins its slow and stunning transition into a new season.

Fewer Tourists

If you really want to get a true idea of the real Italy it is almost always best to visit outside of the traditional tourist season. While there will still be plenty of people around in autumn, you should find it easier to navigate the various streets and may even discover some slices of Italy that end up begin hidden away by all of the bluster of tourist season during the summer.

This means that you can become immersed in the culture you actually came to see, rather than the tourist-based activities that often distract away from what Italy really has to offer. You may even be able to converse more with local people, who themselves are often more relaxed now that things have calmed down and they no longer need to worry about masses of people.

The Festivals

The harvest offers much more than the chance to see winemakers at work. It also acts as the trigger for festivities that celebrate all aspects of Italian culture. Almost every region you could visit plays host to annual festivals that celebrate this time of year, allowing you to become even more immersed in everything that Italy has to offer.

For many, the best part of these festivals is the amazing culinary delights they will be able to experience. The wine will flow freely and the festivities will include plenty of interesting shows and activities that demonstrate a whole different side of Italy that you may not see at any other time of the year. There are plenty of places to visit, so choose the festival that is right for you. We recommend any that is focused around the harvest, as it is here that you will learn just how vital agriculture, food and wine are to the Italian people.

Lower Prices

As Italy comes out of the traditional tourist season you should find that the prices of hotels and flights starts to come down too. This is ideal for those who want to vacation on a budget, as it means they don’t have to spend enormous amounts of money.

Furthermore, you also get to experience the many advantages that we have already discussed. However, it is important to remember that popular tourist destinations take a little longer to lower their prices than more rural areas. The month of September, in particular, can be a tricky one as major cities – like Rome and Florence – will often still be costly, whereas you will start to see prices drop in other areas of the country. Do your research and you should be able to save an enormous amount of money.

The Wine

As always, one of the main reasons to visit Italy is the many wines that are on offer all throughout the country. The autumn, in particular, is one of the best times to visit solely because the harvest is often being celebrated throughout the country, which means you have even more opportunity to be exposed to wines that you may otherwise have never heard of.

Take advantage of this and broaden your cultural horizons by taking part in as many events as possible. Not only will you get to see all of the colours, sights and sounds associated with Italy coming to life during the harvest months, but you will also be able to enjoy the country in ways that you would not have imagined if you have only ever visited during the summer.

The Final Word

The harvest months are a special period for the Italian people, particularly those who are embedded in the wine industry. It is at this time of year that all of the hard work pays off and people are able to reap what they sow and share it with others.