November is a wonderful month for a short break in Italy. In many parts of the country, the weather remains fairly mild, while the major art cities allow for a more relaxed visit to their historic and artistic heritage.
The penultimate month of the year also suits anyone keen on hiking and enjoying the magical colours of the autumn foliage. Small villages have plenty going on too. It is the month of local sagre, food festivals where regional specialities take centre stage.
These are some of the best places for a holiday in Italy in November.
Where to go hiking in Italy: national parks and hills
November is a good time to tackle some of Italy’s most popular hiking routes. The cooler weather and autumn colours bring striking views, best rounded off with lunches and dinners centred on local produce.
There are plenty of options, including Calabria’s appealing mountains, the well-regarded postcard-like scenery of the Aosta Valley, and wine routes celebrated around the world.
Sila National Park
In the heart of Calabria, Sila National Park is an ideal destination for anyone after a holiday close to nature. The park is very large and divided into Sila Piccola, Sila Grande and Sila Greca, so it is worth choosing the route that best suits individual needs.
A good starting point is Lake Ampollino, the largest artificial reservoir in the region. The Giants of the Sila Forest, an easily accessible protected ancient woodland, is also worth visiting. Trails, waterfalls and forests sit alongside small characterful villages, where it is possible to eat out and find accommodation.
Sila National Park lies roughly midway between the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas. If autumn brings warm, sunny days, there are plenty of places to go to the beach in November within a few dozen kilometres.
Conero Park
Conero Park is in the Marche region, just south of Ancona, and includes the municipalities of Ancona, Numana, Sirolo and Camerano. It suits anyone looking for a hike that combines hills and the coast. Monte Conero drops into the Adriatic in cliffs that rise to almost 500 metres, amid woods, Mediterranean scrub and hidden coves.
In November, once the summer crowds have gone, the colours are particularly striking: deep green holm oaks, golden autumn leaves and the blue of the sea.
Among the hiking routes in Conero Park, the Conero Traverse is worth mentioning. At around 12 kilometres, it crosses hills and higher ground on its way to the coast. The Passo del Lupo trail, number 302, leads to a viewpoint looking over Due Sorelle beach.
Those after an easier route can choose the Northern Loop, which starts in the village of Poggio and passes through Mediterranean scrub towards the Trave rock formation and Portonovo Bay. With seaside villages such as Sirolo and Numana, Rosso Conero wine and lovely scenery, there is plenty to fill a November weekend.
Chianti
November is an ideal time to visit Chianti’s wine cellars. The grape harvest has just finished, and wineries are full of new wines ready for tasting. The characteristic country roads are also made more attractive by the rich autumn foliage.
Yet the area between the provinces of Siena and Florence has much more besides. The region has plenty of history and culture, with castles, churches and medieval villages to explore, including Radda in Chianti, Montefioralle and Castellina in Chianti.
The Chianti area is also very convenient, as it is easy to reach by car or public transport. In rainy weather, many accommodation options have indoor pools and spas, while Tuscany’s art cities are only a short distance away.
Weekend ideas: the best art cities
Choosing which city to visit in Italy is never easy. The artistic heritage is extensive across the country. This month works well for cultural visits because there are fewer tourists and, above all, none of the intense heat that can make a city walk difficult. Basilicata and Veneto both provide worthwhile options.
Matera
For an unusual and compelling place to visit in autumn, Matera is an excellent choice. The city of the Sassi is associated with its rock-hewn homes, among its main sights. At this time of year, its climbs and descents are easier to manage, while the countryside around the city takes on shades of yellow and orange.
A walk through the Sassi of Matera feels like stepping back in time. Narrow lanes, rock churches and attractive squares create a memorable experience. Local cooking also deserves attention, with regional products including bread, peperoni cruschi — crisp dried peppers — and local cheeses.
The Basilicata regional capital and its surroundings also provide a range of activities and places to stay. It is therefore possible to enjoy a very pleasant holiday and keep costs low.
Verona
Verona is an appealing destination at any time of year, though it takes on an especially evocative feel in November. Its cobbled streets are coloured by autumn shades, reflected in the River Adige to create a romantic atmosphere.
A weekend in Verona is a good opportunity to discover its many historic and cultural attractions. The Verona Arena, a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, hosts shows and events throughout the year. Piazza delle Erbe, at the heart of the city, is surrounded by historic buildings and full of colourful market stalls. The ever-present Juliet’s Balcony, a tribute to Shakespeare’s work, is another familiar stop.
Verona is not only about history and culture. The city also has a strong food and wine scene, with restaurants and wine bars serving traditional dishes and quality wines.
Siena
Siena is a splendid art city with two advantages. On one hand, it has a perfectly preserved medieval city centre. On the other, it provides access to some of Tuscany’s most attractive countryside. Visiting in November means mild temperatures and fewer tourists.
Siena’s essential sights include Piazza del Campo, where the famous Palio is held, and the Siena Cathedral. Just beyond the city, the Val d’Orcia and San Gimignano are two of Tuscany’s most popular destinations worldwide.
The best villages to visit in November
For anyone fond of the timeless atmosphere of historic villages, this is the right time for a road trip through some of Italy’s most beautiful medieval settlements. Along with wandering their narrow lanes and soaking up the atmosphere of the past, there is local craftsmanship to discover and regional specialities to sample. Often close to Italy’s main cities, these are some of the loveliest villages to see in November.
Spello
Set among Umbria’s gentle hills, Spello is also called the “city of flowers” because of its infiorate, floral displays held in May. Surrounded by high walls, among the best preserved in Italy, this Umbrian village contains plenty to see.
Highlights include the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore and the Church of Sant’Andrea, home to a beautiful crucifix from Giotto’s school. The Villa of Mosaics, an ancient Roman residence where frescoes, stucco work and mosaic floors can still be seen, is also worth visiting.
Spello is in the province of Perugia, and its location makes it well placed for exploring some of Umbria’s lesser-known villages. Foligno, Assisi and Montefalco are all nearby.
Bellano
On the eastern shore of Lake Como, Bellano is well suited to a short break. The still-mild weather and smaller crowds make it easier to enjoy the village without rushing.
One unmissable experience is the Orrido di Bellano, a gorge carved by the River Pioverna. The historic centre is also worth seeing, with its old streets and historic buildings, including the Church of Saints Nazaro and Celso, noted for its Gothic marble portal.
For walkers, the Sentiero del Viandante provides scenic routes overlooking the lake. Bellano is also a convenient departure point for a boat trip around the small lakeside villages or for visiting nearby Varenna, which can also be reached on foot.
Castel Gandolfo
Close to Rome, in the heart of the Castelli Romani, sits the village of Castel Gandolfo. This spot, well suited to a weekend combining history and nature, houses the Pontifical Palace, the popes’ summer residence. Open to visitors on certain days, it is a remarkable place.
Castel Gandolfo also overlooks Lake Albano, a natural lake where it is possible to walk on warmer days and eat in one of the many nearby trattorie. Local cooking centres on cured meats and cheeses, alongside dishes from Rome’s culinary tradition.
The village is also within the Castelli Romani Regional Park, a protected area of lakes and paths that turn orange with the autumn foliage. It is an ideal place to take a break from work and unwind for a few days.
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