Autumn is an invitation to slow down, to fill your eyes with color, and to discover an authentic Italy made of paths, nature, and traditions.
Autumn on the trail
The Via Francigena in Tuscany
It’s no coincidence that we always suggest spring or autumn as the best seasons to set off: the Via Francigena shines brightest in the golden months. You can walk it all the way—starting in Aosta rather than the Grand Saint Bernard—until early November without a problem. Our tips? Definitely the Tuscan stretch. It’s the most beautiful part, especially Lunigiana, the mysterious “Land of the Moon,” among forests, castles, and ancient stone statues, leading all the way to the Versilia coast. But also Lazio, wilder and more medieval, with Etruscan pathways carved in stone and amphitheaters of tuff rock—plus the bonus of visiting Rome in the autumn.
The Langhe
If Piedmont gives its best in autumn, the Langhe are its most delicious expression. Visiting this land in autumn means experiencing it in its fullest form: the grape harvest in progress, golden hills lined with vineyards, Barolo and Barbaresco wine, truffles, chocolate, and hazelnuts. Our suggestion? Pair the trip with a visit to Turin—the most elegant Italian city, with a touch of magic and an alternative soul, not to mention a cuisine that perfectly fits the cooler evenings.
Salento
This is truly a journey that shines in autumn. Imagine walking along the glittering Adriatic, surrounded by flowers and greenery no longer burned by the summer sun, the air filled with the scent of the sea and juniper. The temperature is perfect—you can walk in short sleeves with a pleasant breeze on your arms. You walk all day, accompanied by stunning sea views, until you reach a coastal village ready to welcome you with fresh seafood to reward your journey.
The Via degli Dei
Suspended between Bologna and Florence, this trail is one of the most enchanting ways to embrace autumn’s colors. The Mugello region is perfect for admiring what English speakers call the “foliage”—the golden, amber, and fiery tones of the season. This journey is for lovers of autumn’s palette, but also of good food, and of course, walking: a path winding across mountains named after gods, past forests and timeless cemeteries.
The Chestnut Trail in Switzerland
This is another perfect trip for the season. Gentle walks suitable for everyone, enchanting colors, and mountain towns bathed in the warm light of October and November. The Chestnut Trail is an unforgettable way to celebrate autumn’s beauty.
Tastes of Autumn
One of the many reasons we love autumn? It’s festival season—the most joyful celebration of Italy’s food and wine heritage. They’re moments of sharing and pride, when communities come together to showcase the very best of their land.
We’ve chosen five festivals and markets you can experience this autumn, paired with some of our favorite walks. From Valtellina to Trentino, from Piedmont to Tuscany, these are perfect chances to taste the unique flavors of each territory, hear their stories, and celebrate as though you belonged to the community yourself.
International White Truffle Fair, Alba (10 October – 6 December 2026)
The most important truffle fair in the world takes place in Alba, transforming the town into the capital of this precious tuber. Alongside truffles sought after by buyers worldwide, you’ll find cooking shows, conferences, markets, and much more. Our tip? Visit after walking through the vineyards at harvest time, among the hills where Barolo and Barbaresco are born.
Merano Grape Festival (17–18 October 2026)
Since 1886, Merano has celebrated its most rooted tradition: the grape harvest. Expect food and wine in abundance, youth bands, a grand parade with more than 60 musical groups, floats, and traditional costumes. The perfect ending to your journey on the Alta Via Val Venosta, walking across Monte Sole with views of Ortler’s glaciers.
Antiques Fair of Arezzo (every first weekend of the month)
This beloved fair has been one of Arezzo’s symbols for over fifty years. Set in the heart of the historic center, in Piazza Grande, it’s Italy’s oldest and largest antiques fair. Visiting feels like time travel, among passionate collectors and unique treasures waiting for a new home. Pair it with a journey along the Via Romea Germanica, mysterious and beautiful, which passes right through Arezzo before continuing to Castiglion del Lago.
Sagra dei Crotti, Chiavenna (5–13 September 2026)
Autumn in Chiavenna and Valtellina is at its best: from the Festival of Bresaola to wine celebrations, and from the Bitto Fair in Gerola Alta to the much-awaited Sagra dei Crotti. For a week in September, the crotti—traditional stone cellars—become places of food, wine, and conviviality. You can even follow a tasting trail, wine glass in hand, discovering a different local flavor at each stop. Chiavenna is also the arrival point of the enchanting Via Spluga, descending from Switzerland through alpine lakes and dramatic gorges.
Why travel in autumn
Autumn is much more than a season of transition—it’s a suspended moment that allows you to experience places with a deeper intensity. Here’s why it’s the perfect season for a walking journey:
- A palette of unforgettable colors: Hillsides blaze with red and orange, forests become living mosaics, sunsets glow golden. Every step is an invitation to pause and admire.
- Ideal walking temperatures: Neither summer’s blazing heat nor winter’s chill: autumn offers cool, clear days that make walking effortless and enjoyable.
- Silence and authenticity: As the high season ends, trails grow quieter, villages less crowded, and locals more eager to share stories and traditions.
- A feast for the senses: Roasted chestnuts, freshly foraged mushrooms, young wine, and truffles perfuming the air—autumn sets the table for every journey.
- An invitation to slow down: This is the season of harvest and tradition, one that asks us to live at a gentler pace and savor the details.
- The season of transformation: Just as nature changes, so can we. Autumn becomes a time for reflection and renewal, and walking turns into a ritual of balance and rebirth.
Traveling in autumn means letting yourself be surprised by a season that never stops enchanting. Whether it’s walking among vineyards, celebrating at a local festival, or enjoying a seaside stroll out of season, autumn always has a gift to offer.
With SloWays, you can turn these inspirations into experiences. All you need to do is choose your path and follow the golden light of the season. ✨
