3 Reasons to Stay in Italian Villas in Autumn

Italy is, undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful and fascinating places on earth, evoking images that range from ancient landscapes and majestic castles to verdant olive groves and vineyards embracing iconic Italian villas. No other country comes close to the sheer diversity of Italy with regards to art, literature, music, architecture, cuisine, fashion, and history.

Tourism is one of the country's fastest-growing industries and, regardless of the season, there’s no limit to the excitement and adventure offered. However, there’s no doubt that in the autumn it has some very special charms.

Slow down

As one of the most popular tourists destinations in Europe, many thousands of tourists flock to Italy every year. Predictably, the bulk of these visitors come in the summer, taking advantage of the holidays to enjoy the country's pristine Mediterranean beaches and gorgeous sunshine in places like Positano or the Egadi islands in Sicily. If you’re not a fan of crowds, however, autumn brings with it shorter lines at the museums and other popular attractions, which means more time to enjoy the attractions themselves. Lower airline and accommodation rates also mean you get more value for your money and more opportunities to indulge in the finer things the country has to offer. A stay in one of the fantastic Italian villas in the countryside can offer a truly idyllic experience at this lovely time of the year.

Chill out

Sleeping late and relaxing indoors is always a great temptation when it comes to the comforts of luxurious Italian villas - especially when the alternative is going out on a scorchingly hot summer day. But the country's mild autumn temperatures mean the opportunity to enjoy a stunningly changeable landscape, and reap the full rewards of nature’s bounty. Palermo’s vineyards are never more beautiful than in autumn. There’s always the slight chance of light rain at this time of the year, but autumn’s mild, sunny days are the perfect time to go biking or hiking in the countryside. The harvest season also means a wealth of festivals to celebrate both the harvest and Italy’s unique history. The Sagra del Tordo (Feast of the Thrush) in Montalcino, for example, held every October, re-enacts a medieval archery tournament.

Fill up

Speaking of the harvest season, there is simply no better season to indulge your appetite for Italian cuisine than in autumn. The Italians pride themselves on the high quality of their products and ingredients, and they are never better or more delicious than when freshly harvested. Staying in one of the lovely rural Italian villas during this time will allow you to not enjoy the full glory of the changing landscape, but also the opportunity to taste authentic and traditional home cooking. Italian produce is nothing short of amazing at this time of year, and there are entire festivals devoted it - from numerous truffle festivals, such as the La Sagra del Tartufo Bianco, to festivals devoted to chestnuts and mushrooms. True gourmands should check out the Boccaccesca, a gastronomic fair held in Certaldo Aldo, Tuscany, every October.

Jonathan Magoni is Senior Manager of Cottages to Castles, a family owned company specialising in high quality holiday villas, apartments and cottages in Italy. For spectacular Italian villas in Tuscany, Sicily, the Italian lakes, ski resorts or city centres, we offer only the very best. Discover Italy at your own pace and without time restrictions in our hand picked villas and cottages.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.