The autumn months are probably the best time to discover Tuscany in a new light, the weather is still mild, the air smells of chestnuts and the harvest season is in full swing. svolgimento.
The palette of colors that autumn gives nature in Tuscany is varied and stunning: from the russet hues of the Chianti vineyards, to the earthy ochre of the narrow streets that climb the cypress-studded hills in Val d’Orcia.
From the romantic beaches left empty on the Tyrrhenian coast to the hinterland in full swing, Tuscany in autumn regards joys for the senses and the palate.
Discovering historic villages
Certainly among the most famous are San Gimignano, Volterra, Certaldo, Pienza, Cortona, Pitigliano, Monteriggioni and so many others that have now entered the public imagination.
Each village in Tuscany has its own historical peculiarities, its own unmistakable charm. Visitors will be astounded by the medieval charms of Montalcino and Montepulciano, as well as the spectacular monuments of Volterra, Asciano, Poppi and Colle Val d’Elsa.
Magnificent are the tours among the historic centers of Chianti, Val di Pesa and Val d’Orcia, which, thanks to its history, monuments and well-preserved hilly and agricultural landscape, has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Relaxing at the Spa
Besides its colors and new autumn flavors, Tuscany in this season also becomes the ideal cradle for those who want to pamper themselves with some wellness and relaxation in its natural pools and hot springs. Around these sources of hot and therapeutic water are concentrated real spas equipped with every comfort but also bathrooms open to all for free.
The best-known destinations to indulge in a little wellness are certainly Montecatini Terme, Gambassi Terme, Chianciano Terme, as well as the more atmospheric Bagni di San Filippo and the famous Saturnia, where you can enjoy a free, hot 37-degree bath in the sulfurous water of the Cascate del Mulino waterfalls at an evocative Etruscan site.
Discovering Truffle
Autumn in Tuscany also means Truffle! The highly prized and delicious tuber is found in different areas of the territory, but mainly in the hills of San Miniato.
The ancient village in the province of Pisa, crossed by the Via Francigena, every year in November dedicates to the truffle a great fair, with market exhibition, tastings and special menus in restaurants where you can enjoy truffle dishes, from egg noodles but also truffle hunts with specialized dogs.
Admiring foliage
Without a doubt, a beautiful walk through the woods allows one to admire the beauty of “foliage,” the changing colors of the leaves as they prepare to conclude their life cycle. Carpets of red, gold and orange cover the forests of Tuscany, but also the vineyards to indulge in the rest of winter and be reborn lush in spring.
Among the most beautiful places to admire foliage is definitely the Casentino Forests National Park in the province of Arezzo: from bright yellow to purple-red, from dark green to orange, the shades that light up these forests are incredible.
Another striking place to visit is the summit of Mount Penna above the Lama Forest, which can be reached on the road that also leads to the Camaldoli Hermitage, but also the Campigna Forest.
