September, October, and November are turning into more and more interesting months for those who wish to travel in Europe without following the pace of the peak season, and Italy retains a special charm: cities rich in history, villages to explore at a leisurely pace, nature itineraries and coastal destinations that, on milder days, still offer a taste of summer.
According to the data released by Confturismo-Confcommercio, our country appears among the autumn destinations preferred by Europeans, on par with Spain. What changes is not only the calendar of departures, but also the way the vacation is lived: fewer rushes between one attraction and another, greater attention to the budget and a desire to connect with the daily life of the places. For Italian tourism it is an important signal, because it invites us to look beyond the traditional July and August peaks.
Why autumn holidays in Italy are popular
28% of Europeans name Italy among the desired destinations for a trip between September and November, a share identical to that recorded for Spain. Greece, France and Portugal appear more distant by comparison. Behind this preference lies a set of concrete motivations, starting with convenience: for 31% of respondents, the possibility of finding better economic conditions than in summer is a decisive incentive.
However, the advantage isn’t measured only by the price of a room. Traveling outside the most in-demand periods allows you to discover places with greater freedom, with access to more booking time slots, to stay longer in museums, and to enjoy a stroll through historic centers without the pressure of large crowds. It’s not surprising that 24% especially value the lower concentration of tourists, while 29% consider the climate still pleasant a reason to set off. The emotional dimension of the season is also interesting: the hills change color, the grape harvest animates the countryside, and markets fill with local products.
Who dreams of a trip to Italy in autumn
Interest in the Bel Paese is not evenly distributed. In Southern Europe, Italy collects 35% of preferences, surpassing Spain. In the Central-Eastern area, instead, Spain leads with 36% against 33% for Italy. Even in Northern Europe the Iberian destination remains prevalent, while Italy still maintains a significant presence in travel intentions. The reasons for traveling to Italy in autumn are not the same for everyone; the French mainly choose for economic savings and seek places away from overtourism, while the Spaniards come for art and culture; the Germans, on the other hand, want to prolong the summer vibes.
Cities of art, villages and sea: destinations to consider
Italy is beautiful always, but where to go in autumn? Those who prefer art cities will find enchanting art cities away from overtourism with more pleasant temperatures: think of the charm of Florence, Rome and Naples. Bologna is equally fascinating and becomes an excellent base for sampling the local cuisine as well. Undoubtedly unmissable Umbria and the Langhe for a road trip among villages, castles and good wine. The sea is not set aside, but it is certainly not the late-summer one. Sicily, Puglia and some coastal Tyrrhenian towns, keeping in mind that November is very different from September and that resorts, connections and services can slow activity. The mountain foliage is certainly evocative, with landscapes like those offered by the Dolomites and the northern lakes.
