From thermal baths to Christmas markets, Italy’s off-season offerings are sure to inspire newfound appreciation for the country
Italy’s summer season usually sees a peak in tourism for the country, but embrace the shoulder and winter seasons instead and you’ll be rewarded with authentic Italian experiences without the crowds. Here are some of the most unique activities that can be experienced during a getaway in off-season Italy.
Food festivals or sagra
A trip to Italy often involves an array of gastronomical delights but the autumn and winter months provide access to the country’s diversity of local produce and flavours. Sagra, or food festivals, typically take place from October.
One of those festivals, the Eurochocolate Festival of Perugia, is held for one week at the end of October. Chocoholics visiting Umbria’s capital during this time can expect the air to be filled with the scent of cocoa while seller stalls line the streets. Guests wandering Perugia’s streets may come across handmade truffles, liquors, sauces and spreads available for purchase.
In Emilia Romagna, several food festivals take place during the autumn. These include Bologna’s Mortadella Bo sagra, the sagra del marrone or chestnut festival, the Tartofla truffle sagra and the Tortellino sagra.
November is prime time for truffle lovers to visit San Miniato in Tuscany where its renowned truffle festival is held annually. Featured delicacies include olive oils, breads, cheeses and sausages, with the local truffle hailed as the prize treat.
Winter Hikes
A unique look into Italy’s countryside and coastline can be found along several hiking routes during the off-season. Hiking in Liguria is like a step back in time as five colourful fishing villages can be reached by foot on the cliffside trails between Monterosso, Vernazza and Corniglia. The route offers views high above the villages with glimpses of the Mediterranean Sea while weaving through olive terraces, vineyards and citrus groves.
The famous Amalfi coast’s off-season vibe is more calm and serene than in the summer months. Ascending the steep pathway that rises from the village of Camogli and passes through San Rocco di Camogli, is a hiking path that offers panoramic views over Golfo Paradiso, or Paradise Gulf. The walk takes hikers through hamlets and woodlands along the exposed clifftops. Weather permitting, a dip into the sea at San Fruttuoso can provide a refreshing break before journeying onwards through hills and olive groves to Portofino.
Thermal baths
Italy’s thermal springs are at their best during the off-season. The escape from the cooler air gives opportunity for visitors to relax and rejuvenate. These steaming outdoor pools can be found throughout the country.
At Saturnia thermal baths in Tuscany guests can immerse themselves in the natural pools of the Mulino waterfalls. Views from the Sirmione thermal baths in Lombardy frame Lake Garda. For a more a luxury experience, Bormio thermal baths host spa treatments, a turkish bath and a finnish sauna while the Merano thermal baths of South Tyrol look out onto mountains that are often snowcapped.
The Amalfi Coast
From its natural landscapes with cove beaches to its charming coastal villages, the Amalfi Coast attracts many visitors during the summer months. During the off-season, travellers here can enjoy walks in the hills and villages, mingle with locals in the less busy cafes and restaurants and see buildings decked out in holiday lights. Less busy roads, more affordable accommodation rates and increased availability at popular dining locales are just a few of the perks of visiting the Amalfi Coast in the off-season.
Tuscany
The autumnal Tuscan countryside treats vacationers with access to freshly harvested vineyards and cyprus tree lined streets. Tuscany is known for its sunny days and cool nights in the autumn, which enhances activities such as golfing, cycling, road tripping or countryside picnics.
Bolzano Christmas markets
Near the Austrian border in South Tyrol, the winter festivities of Bolzano provide a scenic winter escape nestled amongst the Italian Alps. Bolzano is reachable by Italy’s trains from cities including Venice, Verona, Bologna and Florence. Visiting a Christmas market at night might enhance the liveliness of the square, where warm foods and drinks offer reprieve from colder temperatures, the glow of festive lights fills the air and crafts and decorations are on display. Mulled wine and local seasonal favourites are staples at this market.
For more off-season Italy getaway ideas or to plan an Italian excursion, visit italia.it.
