Tuscany in autumn offers many activities. Choosing what to do is certainly not an easy task, between colorful panoramas and outdoor activities.
Trails with colored leaves and mushrooms
One of the peculiarities of Tuscany is certainly its vegetation, which in autumn is tinged with all the shades ranging from orange to yellow. The areas of Crete Senesi, Casentino and Maremma are spectacular, between hills, sea and mountains. Throughout the region there are nature trails with lots of signs: routes suitable for both amateurs and more experienced walkers. To learn more, you can consult the official website of the Tuscan Region.
In autumn it is impossible not to meet the many mushroom enthusiasts on the trails: Tuscans love to arm themselves with a basket and set out to look for porcini mushrooms. If you are not familiar with this world, it could be an opportunity to take a course or rely on a guide to experience the woods safely.
All the information on mushroom picking in Tuscany can be found on the Tuscany Region website at THIS LINK.
Sea and relax
Especially in September and early October, the Tyrrhenian coast is still able to offer sunny days. An extension of summer that, although interrupted by some rainy days, attracts many tourists, especially foreigners. Enjoying places like Viareggio, Massa Carrara, Follonica, Argentario outside the high season can be a good choice especially if you don’t like the summer crowds.
Chestnuts taste
Autumn in Tuscany is often linked to the taste of chestnuts. From Garfagnana, with its centuries-old chestnut trees, passing through the ancient village of Montieri to the parks of Monte Amiata, there is always great anticipation for the fall of the first shells containing the tasty chestnuts. Roasted, boiled or simply raw, chestnuts are part of the tradition of many tuscan towns: places like Abbadia San Salvatore or Castel del Piano always organize popular festivals in the autumn months and the chestnut is often the protagonist. Music, ancient traditions and good food will surprise you.
Along vineyards and villages
Autumn in Tuscany also means grape harvest. Among the many things to do, visiting one of the many Tuscan vineyards is certainly a good idea. In some cases, companies allow you to explore the plots of land and cellars, discovering the grapes used, the processing systems, and ending with a tasting of the best wines. The one in the Chianti hills, for example, is a must for those who visit Siena.
It’s hard not to combine food and wine tourism with the discovery of the charming Tuscan villages. From Volterra, in the Province of Pisa to Montepulciano in the Val di Chiana, autumn is the right time to explore, thanks to lower temperatures than in summer. Whatever you choose on what to do in Tuscany in autumn, it will certainly be a beautiful experience.
