15 Italian Cities for an Unforgettable Autumn Getaway

You don't need to wait for your annual leave to get away. All it takes is a little time off and the right destination to make an autumn escape in Italy happen. You can break away from the everyday routine in plenty of ways: art exhibitions, cultural events, local markets, charming neighbourhoods and more.  

These 15 places are perfect for an autumn getaway, whether you're planning a romantic weekend or a last-minute trip with friends.

Autumn in Italy is a magical season, when the landscape is turned into a palette of warm colours, flavours become richer and local traditions are revealed in all their beauty.

It is the perfect time to plan an unforgettable holiday in the Bel Paese. Autumn city breaks in Italy are an extraordinary opportunity to explore fascinating places, enjoy culinary delights and immerse yourself in Italian culture in a less crowded atmosphere than in summer.

Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure with autumn city breaks in Italy. Here are 15 Italian cities to visit in autumn:

– Belluno

– Cuneo

– Alba

– Mantova

– Monselice

– Ferrara

– Camogli

– Sanremo

– Genoa

– Grosseto

– Viterbo

– Naples

– Trani

– Matera

– Ragusa

Naturally overlooking the Piave valley, Belluno is a quiet and peaceful town. The majestic peaks of the Dolomites can be seen between the houses in the town centre, the ideal setting for your autumn city breaks in Italy. The historical centre of Belluno is full of narrow streets and arcades that make this city a small jewel set in a fascinating natural landscape and far from chaos.

From Piazza Duomo, overlooked by the majestic cathedral and the Rosso and Rettori palaces, you can start wandering around the city, admiring the fine buildings that adorn it. Continuing the walk, you will reach the heart of the city with Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, the Municipal Theatre and Piazza dei Martiri, a veritable city lounge where the Bellunesi love to meet and chat.

Among the typical dishes, we recommend casunzei, ravioli filled with smoked ricotta, spinach and potatoes.

Autumn highlights – Cansiglio Forest, one of Veneto's most important natural areas, stretching across the provinces of Treviso, Pordenone and Belluno. Mount Cavallo to catch a glimpse of the Venetian Lagoon.

Set in a majestic Alpine setting, the town of Cuneo has very ancient origins, dating back to the late 12th century. Seen from above, the northern part of the city is 'pointed', just like the shape of the plateau on which it stands, and then gradually widens towards the southern part. 

The heart of the city is undoubtedly the large Piazza Galimberti, home to the renowned weekly market. The other important square is Piazza Torino. The main road axis dividing the two squares is Via Roma, famous for its picturesque medieval arcades. 

Here, the Church of Santa Maria (neoclassical cathedral), the Palazzo Comunale and the Civic Tower do not go unnoticed. Among the most striking corners of the city, we recommend a visit to the old Jewish ghetto in Contrada Mondovì, a pedestrian area that houses, among other things, the Diocesan Museum. The Museo Civico, on the other hand, has been set up inside the grand Complesso Monumentale di San Francesco, a fascinating example of Piedmontese Gothic art.

Autumn highlights – Between October and December, the Gesso and Stura Natural Park hosts a programme of themed excursions, hiking tours and special events. 

Alba and the Langhe area are a timeless autumn choice whether you're planning a romantic escape or simply looking to indulge in exceptional food and postcard-perfect scenery.

An ancient city with Roman roots, Alba still bears traces of its medieval past throughout its historic centre. Its towers, elegant palaces and the Cathedral of San Lorenzo make for a particularly enchanting visit at this time of year.

From October to December, Alba also hosts the International White Truffle Fair, a must for food lovers and anyone eager to discover one of Italy's most prized culinary treasures. Venture beyond the city centre for the rolling vineyards of Le Langhe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014, where autumn comes in the shades of gold, amber and red.

Autumn highlights – La Morra for the breathtaking views; Barolo for the castle home to WiMu, the Wine Museum. For the season’s colours, follow the hiking trails around Grinzane Cavour, winding through vineyards and historic villages. When it comes to food, don't leave without trying tajarin with white truffle, best enjoyed with a glass of Barolo.

Located in the heart of the Po Valley, Mantua is a city built around three lakes fed by the River Mincio. These expanses of water give it a romantic soul and make it the ideal place to enjoy a bike ride or even just a walk. It is one of the ideal destinations for autumn city breaks in Italy, when the beauty of the place is heightened by the play of colours of this season: the typical colours of the falling leaves are in perfect harmony with the typical brick colours of the city.

"The 'Italian Capital of Culture' in 2016, Mantua is a splendid Lombard art city that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008 together with Sabbioneta. Both cities represent an almost intact example of Renaissance urban forms. 

There's plenty to discover: Palazzo Ducale, the magnificent residence from which the Gonzaga family ruled Mantua between 1328 and 1707; the Basilica of Sant'Andrea, which, according to tradition, houses a reliquary containing earth soaked in Christ's blood; the Cathedral, where several prominent members of the Gonzaga family are buried; Palazzo Te, an outstanding masterpiece of Renaissance art and architecture.

Autumn highlights – A boat trip across Mantua's three lakes; Mincio Nature Park; the local seasonal favourites: pumpkin-filled tortelli and the deliciously crumbly sbrisolona cake.

The historic centre of Monselice, near Padua, stretches along the slopes of Colle della Rocca, crowned by the imposing Mastio Federiciano tower and Castello Cini, an architectural complex dating back to the 11th century. 

From here, a walk along Via del Santuario leads to the Seven Churches, a devotional route created between the 16th and 17th centuries, before continuing up to Villa Duodo.

Just beyond the town lies the Euganean Hills Regional Park, where woodland, vineyards and scenic walking trails take on beautiful shades of gold, red and orange in autumn. Nearby, it’s also worth visiting Arquà Petrarca, a picturesque medieval village closely associated with poet Francesco Petrarca. The village is also famous for brodo di giuggiole, a traditional local liqueur made from jujube fruit.

Autumn highlights – Autunno da Vivere and its lively calendar of events celebrating local food, nature and culture (from October to November). Monte Ricco and Monte Castello for some of the best autumn foliage; Abano Terme or Montegrotto Terme for their thermal waters (appreciated in Roman times).

With its warm red-brick walls, the imposing Este Castle seems made for autumn. Ferrara boasts an especially atmospheric charm at this time of year.

Set out on foot or hop on a bike, and the city opens up before you: the vivacious Piazza Trento e Trieste, the shimmering façade of Palazzo dei Diamanti, and the shadowed lanes in Via delle Volte are inviting spots to linger and enjoy la dolce vita.

Food lovers should make room in their itinerary for the Ferrara Food Festival: tastings, live cooking demonstrations and local specialities in the old town streets. There you can also sample regional favourites: cappellacci di zucca (pumpkin-filled pasta parcels), salama da sugo (a local pork sausage) and coppia ferrarese, Mantua’s distinctive twisted bread.

Autumn highlights – Comacchio Lagoons for a nature excursion (you may spot flamingos and other waterbirds, too). Bosco della Mesola for scenic woodland trails through autumn foliage (and the chance to encounter magnificent deer).

Camogli is a lovely seaside village located on the Riviera di Levante. The municipality is mainly developed on the hills, but we recommend visiting the small town centre, which is almost entirely pedestrianised and concentrated at sea level.

The streets of the centre are connected by numerous flights of steps and the famous creuze, a term the Ligurians use to indicate small, narrow lanes, created in ancient times to connect the port area to the hinterland, so that goods could be transported more easily.

The main street runs parallel to the beach and is framed by typical coloured houses.The colour choice derives from the town's seafaring past: the strong colours were used by sailors to recognise their homes even before docking. 

Among the buildings not to be missed, the first one to visit during your autumn city breaks in Italy is the Dragonara Castle. Built in medieval times to defend the village from pirate attacks, today it houses exhibitions and displays.

Autumn highlights – The hiking trails towards San Rocco and Portofino; local food festivals and celebrations like Palio dei Gotti (October), Sagra delle Trofie di Castagne in Busalla and Sapori d'Autunno in Lavagna; excursion to the Portofino Natural Park, a protected natural area established in 1935.

Another destination worth adding to your autumn getaway list, Sanremo and the surrounding Riviera dei Fiori offer a wonderfully peaceful setting for coastal scenery with excursions into the hinterland.

Beyond strolling past elegant Art Nouveau buildings, exploring the gardens of Villa Ormond and wandering through the medieval lanes of La Pigna, Sanremo’s historic quarter, it’s well worth venturing inland for its adorable villages.

Olive groves are the stars of a centuries-old farming tradition, and autumn is the time to meet the Taggiasca olive, the prized Ligurian variety used to produce a delicate, fragrant extra virgin olive oil. Arrange a visit to an olive mill in the Argentina Valley to learn about classic production methods and sample the local oil.

Autumn highlights – OliOliva – The New Olive Oil Festival in Imperia: local producers showcase their products alongside tastings and regional specialities. This year’s edition takes place from 6 to 8 November 2026.

Genoa doesn't require much planning to explore. You might start by wandering through the caruggi narrow lanes and end up admiring the magnificent palaces that once served as homes to the wealthiest families of the Republic of Genoa.

From Piazza De Ferrari, it’s an easy walk to the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, Palazzo Ducale and Via Garibaldi, the heart of the Strade Nuove and home to the magnificent Palazzi dei Rolli. Further along, the Porto Antico area is a lovely place to take a break by the waterfront, with its cafés, sea views and a lively calendar of events that continues into autumn.

Staglieno Monumental Cemetery is another impressive, if unconventional, stop, a moving place to explore, with guided tours available.

Obviously. you should make time to sample Genoa’s best-loved specialities: focaccia (try it at breakfast like the Genovesi do), farinata, pesto, pansoti served with walnut sauce.

Autumn highlights – Rolli Days, when historic palaces listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site open their doors for special visits (October); Ottobre Paganini, a month-long programme of events celebrating the legendary violinist Niccolò Paganini; Staglieno Days, featuring activities and guided visits dedicated to Genoa’s monumental cemetery (September). Zoagli for Castagnata di San Martino, the traditional chestnut festival (November). Parco delle Mura e dei Forti for a hike and a breath of autumn fresh air.

Grosseto is an invaluable historic city in the heart of the Tuscan Maremma which, during the autumn city breaks, displays a scene of unmissable colours.

Protected by walls, the town has remained unchanged over time. Its origins date back to Etruscan times and then meander through the meanders of an ancient history, witnessed in every corner of the town. 

The magnificent cathedral is dedicated to San Lorenzo, the city's patron saint. The façade is reminiscent of the Romanesque style, with its typical central rose window and red-and-white colour scheme. The most important square is Piazza Dante (also known as Piazza delle Catene), where there is Palazzo Aldobrandeschi and the statue of Leopold II, depicted as a hero. According to stories, it was in fact the grand duke who worked to reclaim the malaria-stricken Maremma. In the heart of the historic centre, we find the city's oldest church, the Church of San Pietro, dating back to the early Middle Ages

To learn more about the area’s history and natural heritage, pay a visit to the Maremma Archaeology and Art Museumand the Museum of Natural History of the Maremma.

Autumn highlights – Explore the picturesque villages of Montepescali and Castiglione della Pescaia; enjoy hiking, cycling and climbing in the Maremma Regional Park; take an excursion to San Rabano Abbey and the ancient coastal watchtowers.

With its medieval walls, hills covered in woodland, and scenic Cimini Mountains in the background, the Viterbo area is one of the most atmospheric places to explore in Italy this autumn. That's when the more wild, more evocative side of Tuscia really comes to the fore.

The city has a rich historic heritage: its San Pellegrino quarter is one of Europe's largest medieval districts, while Palazzo dei Papi hosted the longest papal conclave in history (1268-1271). 

This is also a great time to get a feel for the local cuisine. Restaurants’ menus put in the flavours of the forest, with porcini, truffles and chestnuts all being prominent seasonal specialities in Viterbesi trattorias.

The province of Viterbo accounts for a large share of chestnut regional production. To discover the local specialty, go for the Chestnut Festival in Soriano nel Cimino or the Vallerano DOP Chestnut Festival.

Autumn highlights – Me time at the Viterbo thermal baths; the old beech forest of Mount Cimino, a remarkable natural heritage site; Canepina for the event Le Giornate della Castagna, a chestnut festival featuring live music, flag-waving street performances, guided tours, open wine cellars, and tastings. 

In 2022, The Washington Post included Trani among the world’s best places to visit during the off-season, recommending a trip between September and November to enjoy the place at its most relaxed – and sip an aperitivo while watching impeccably dressed locals go about their day.

This Pugliese town overlooking the Adriatic Sea enjoyed a period of great commercial prosperity under Norman and Swabian rule, a wealthy past still reflected in its landmarks: the Cathedral of San Nicola Pellegrino, an extraordinary example of Apulian Romanesque architecture, and the Swabian Castle, commissioned by Frederick II in the 13th century.

The maze of narrow streets and historic synagogues in La Giudecca, the city’s former Jewish quarter, is also well worth exploring.

Autumn highlights – Take a stroll through the Villa Comunale, a leafy public garden overlooking the sea, or head inland to Castel del Monte, set in the rural landscapes of Alta Murgia. Other worthwhile stops nearby include the coastal towns of Bisceglie and Barletta.

Naples is a real wild card in terms of a destination, absolutely a place you can go in any season. Autumn is probably the most magical time of year to be out hiking and exploring Mount Vesuvius. The whole city is just completely alive with that lovely, romantic southern Italian autumn foliage, and the Bay of Naples is a perfect backdrop to it all.

Pair that with a trip to Pompeii or Herculaneum (both very easily incorporated into any itinerary in the region). If you're after a bit more of a dive into the historic heart of the city, check the Weekend d'autunno series running through to December 2026 with special openings and guided visits to a range of the metropolitan heritage sites.

When you're in the mood for a proper treat, go for the classic Neapolitan fare: pasta e patate, genovese, lardiata, and the slow-cooked ragù are perfect for crisp autumn days.

Autumn highlights – Enjoy the foliage at Bosco di Capodimonte, stroll through Villa Floridiana or Parco Virgiliano, or join a vineyard tour on the slopes of Vesuvius.

Head to Matera in autumn and wander the winding streets, stone stairways, and panoramic terraces of the Sassi Barisano and Caveoso. The astonishing labyrinth of dwellings, churches, and spaces carved into the rock bears witness to a history that stretches back to prehistoric times.

Today, Matera stands out as one of Europe’s most intriguing destinations: a coveted spot for travelers, a European Capital of Culture (2019), and a backdrop for international blockbusters (including The Passion of the Christ, Wonder Woman, the new Ben-Hur, and James Bond, to name a few).

Autumn weekends are full of culture, food and music: the Matera Film Festival is on from 7th to 15th November 2026 and MIPphest2026 – Orizzonti Fluidi (the international festival of photography and visual arts) runs until 10th January 2027.

Autum highlights – Hike the Murgia Materana, crossing the Murgia Timone plateau and visiting the ancient rock churches of San Falcione, Sant’Agnese, and Madonna della Croce. Be sure to see the Crypt of the Original Sin, known as the “Sistine Chapel of rock painting.”

The warm season lingers well into autumn in Ragusa, and you don’t even have the summer crowds. The city in southeastern Sicily is also known for its uncommon double identity, embodied by Ragusa Superiore and Ragusa Ibla, the districts that took shape after the devastating 1693 earthquake. 

Ibla is home to the iconic Late Baroque landmarks that earned Ragusa a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List: jewel-like churches like the Cathedral of San Giorgio and its impressive flight of steps, amazingly theatrical squares like Piazza Pola, exquisite buildings like Palazzo Cosentini. 

While you’re here, be sure to try scacce ragusane, thin layers of folded pastry filled with delicious savoury ingredients. And to walk off your meal, head for a bike ride on the seafront at Marina di Ragusa.

Autumn highlights – La Via dei Tesori, a festival featuring exhibitions, cultural events and guided tours (running until 15 November 2026); Castello di Donnafugata for stepping back into 19th-century aristocratic life; Cava San Leonardofor hiking among the ruins of old mills and beautiful autumn foliage; vineyard walks for panoramas and toasts.