Autumn has arrived, ushering in the most inviting and colorful season of the year. During these autumnal months, Mother Nature showcases her finest display, as leaves transition into a comforting palette of warm hues. It's the season for harvesting fruits and vegetables, and making the most of those crisp, sunny days, enjoying long walks surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
To ensure than you´re taking advantage of this extraordinary period of transformation in the natural world, we've handpicked 5 of Italy's most stunning forests. Here, you can immerse yourself in the shifting seasons and draw closer to nature. It's time to don your coziest sweater and lace up your hiking boots, embarking on a journey into these five Italian autumnal havens. These are the best Italian forests to visit this autumn.
Stelvio National Park
Established back in 1935, Stelvio Park stands as one of Italy's earliest natural reserves, covering an expansive 134,620 hectares, spanning four provinces – Bolzano, Trento, Brescia, and Sondrio. It harbors a diverse array of ecosystems at altitudes ranging from 600 to 4,000 meters (2,000 – 13,000 feet), making it a compelling destination, particularly during the autumn season.
An autumn sojourn to this splendid park promises awe-inspiring vistas. The tree canopies adopt warm tones, transitioning from yellow to brown, accentuating the crystal-clear waters of the numerous streams meandering throughout the park.
Allow the harmonious symphony of nature to guide your exploration, and if fortune smiles upon you, you might even encounter the denizens of this natural sanctuary: deer, chamois, mountain goats, roe deer, marmots, stoats, badgers, foxes, alpine hares, and the majestic eagle.
Valle Vigezzo
In Piedmont, between Lake Maggiore and the impressive Swiss Alps, lies the Vigezzo Valley covered by forests of oak, maple, beech and chestnut trees, alternating with firs and larches.
Autumn is definitely the best season to enjoy a trip to this area and see the forests transform the valley into glorious seas of colour, like a painter's palette. With good reason Val Vigezzo is nicknamed “the Valley of the Painters” for its beautiful scenery worthy of a masterpiece.
One of the best ways to enjoy the area is to board the Domodossola train to Locarno, cross the valley and enjoy this enchanting autumn panorama in northern Italy this autumm.
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Monti Sibillini National Park
Nestled between Umbria and the Marche lies the Sibillini Mountains National Park, a designated reserve boasting numerous peaks soaring above 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) shrouded in dense forests adorned with maple and beech trees.
During the autumn season, the park transforms into a truly mesmerizing setting. Gentle expanses of grass harmoniously intermingle with vibrant woodlands, limestone crests, and ravines where pristine, crystal-clear streams meander.
Adding to this captivating landscape are charming villages steeped in local tales and legends, like the one that lends its name to the park, recounting the presence of a Sibyl, a prophet from the Dark Ages, dwelling in a local cave.
Foresta Umbra
Located in the heart of Gargano, in the province of Foggia, the Umbra Forest, or “Forest of Shadows” is a perfect destination for an autumn excursion. Beech, maple and hundred-year-old oak forests turn red and yellow this season for a truly marvellous spectacle in this wonderful forest in Italy.
To enjoy the magic of the foliage, enter the forest following one of the many marked trails. Start a treasure hunt surrounded by nature to find the magnificent old trees that inhabit this forest – don’t miss the forest’s most famous son, the Zeppino dello Scorzone, a 700-year-old Aleppo pine on the road between Peschici and San Menaio.
We recommend starting your visit from the Visitor Centre of the Nature Museum to find out what awaits you on your journey through the park and what route you want to take.
Sila National Park
This Italian national park lies in Calabria, one of our cherished destinations for witnessing the wonders of nature. Spanning over 73,000 hectares, it serves as the verdant heart of this exquisite region, encompassing three provinces—Catanzaro, Cosenza, and Crotone.
Since 2016, this natural gem has been under the stewardship of the Italian National Trust (Fondo Ambientale Italiano or FAI), ensuring its accessibility to the public while offering diverse educational services to aid visitors in exploring the park.
A leisurely stroll or a bicycle ride remains the ideal means to behold the untamed and pristine landscapes of this area, teeming with various wildlife species, including wolves, emblematic of the park. Following your outdoor adventures, you can also relish a respite in one of the mountain refuges, where delectable traditional dishes await, allowing you to savor the authentic flavors of rural Italy.
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