15 Photos That Prove Italy is Stunning in Autumn

When September comes in Rome, the summer crowds have thinned out and museums launch new exhibits. Yes, the sky really is that color on a sunny day in September.

Crisp mornings in places like Matera reveal stunning architecture and authentic environments.

In late autumn, the afternoon light in Florence furnishes everything in a golden glow.

Once the summer heat breaks, the vines turn golden and grapes are ready to be picked and made into wine. If you are lucky, you will get a foggy morning before the warm autumn sun burns it away.

Late September and early October are the time for the wine harvest. After a day spent picking grapes, there is usually a long lunch in the sunshine.

Every season is gelato season, right? Look for seasonal flavors like sweet chestnut paste and persimmon.

Spend a day hunting for fragrant treasures in the forests of Tuscany, Molise and Umbria. The best part is you get to eat your prize truffles for lunch.

The fog makes the canals and narrow alleys of Venice even more atmospheric and mysterious. It is the perfect time to take a gondola ride.

When the sun comes out after a rain shower, Piazza San Marco in Venice turns into a gorgeous reflective mirror. You may even get lucky and get to see aqua alta, when there is a high tide and parts of Venice flood for a short time.

All over Italy from mid-November is the time for the olive harvest. Visit an estate that produces their own and you can taste the sharp, green new oil straight from the press.

Even a rainy day is beautiful in the countryside. The olive trees turn silvery and the ochre of the buildings seems to glow with a soft grey sky. The small towns and village always feel welcoming and offer the chance to admire local architecture.

Leaf peeping is not really a thing in Italy. Take a road trip to Abruzzo if you would like to see some fall foliage. The leaves on the trees here turn rich orange and brown and you will likely spot snow on the mountaintops.

The Campo di Fiori market in Rome sells seasonal produce from the Lazio countryside. In autumn look for squash, mushrooms and artichokes. You can also head to the iconic Spanish Steps as the crowds dissipate to enjoy the warm glow in the Eternal City.

From Tuscany to the furthest southern point in Puglia, beach season lasts well into October. The evenings are ideal for dining out on freshly caught seafood with spectacular sunsets.

Summer lingers the further south you travel. Take the ferry over to Capri and enjoy a sunny beach day in the emerald waters in Marina Piccola.