We’re a big fan of visiting Italy off season. Whilst we love the sunshine and warmth of the Summer season, there is a charm and peacefulness to Italy in the Autumn that we can’t seem to get enough of! Here’s 10 good reasons to enjoy a stay in a villa in Umbria in October.
1. To witness the harvest
Umbria is affectionately known as the green heart of Italy and October is the prime time when the Umbrians will start to harvest their crops. We never cease to be fascinated by the way in which Umbrians still harvest their olives by hand. Using a simple device, the branches of the trees are shaken, causing the olives to drop to mats which have been placed on the ground. From here they are collected and taken to the mill for pressing. Enjoy the finished product in Umbria’s restaurants – the new olive oil is absolutely delicious.
Olives aren’t the only foodstuff to be harvested at this time. Umbria also has much less widely known harvests – the saffron harvest takes place in October too. Saffron is grown in the area around Spoleto, Gubbio, Cascia and Citta della Pieve. Umbria is also famous for its wine. Take a drive along the Strada del Sagrantino or the Strada dei Vini Etrusco Romana which runs from Orvieto to Narni to witness the grapes being harvested. Enjoy a winery tour in Umbria to learn about the harvest from the experts.
2. To enjoy the truffle season
We’re on the verge of truffle season in Umbria in October. From mid October, it’s time to start hunting for the Tartufo Nero (Black Truffle) and then a little later in November, it’s time for the prestigious Tartufo Bianco. Book a truffle hunting tour in Umbria and watch how the dogs sniff out the truffles. Spend the morning with a truffle hunter in Umbria foraging for this elusive foodstuff followed by a delicious home-cooked lunch so that you can taste the truffles found on your search.
3. To go foraging
It’s not just truffles that you can go foraging for. Mushrooms can be foraged in October in Umbria too, as can other foodstuffs such as chestnuts, hazelnuts and quince. If you’re an avid foodie, then a holiday in a villa in Umbria in October is a must!
4. To enjoy the festivals
We’ve already mentioned the harvests that take place in October in Umbria. To coincide with the harvest, you’ll discover that there are many festivals to celebrate and mark the occasion. Head to Cascia to enjoy the annual festival that marks the saffron harvest. It’s a great opportunity to try a whole host of dishes that incorporate this expensive spice. Or head to Citerna in the first week of October to take part in La Bisaccia del Tartufaio, or to Morra in the third week of the month to celebrate the chestnut festival. Not all the festivals revolved around savoury foods though. Check out Eurochocolate in Perugia as well this month, an annual festival that celebrated all things chocolate.
And October in Umbria is also the time when the region sees one of Italy’s most important religious festivals. The Feast of St Francis takes place in Assisi each October, attracting pilgrims from all over the world.
5. To escape the tourists
As with anywhere in Italy, tourist numbers decline as the seasons change from Summer to Autumn. Book a villa rental in Umbria in October and you won’t need to worry about reserving a table in your favourite restaurant in advance!
6. To enjoy the weather
The Autumn weather in Umbria can be lovely. Average maximum temperatures hover around 20 degrees centigrade in October. That said, just be aware that average temperatures can vary a lot from town to town. Many of Umbria’s towns are situated on hilltops, high above sea level. The differing altitudes can lead to a difference in the average temperatures visitors can expect to see in different towns. The good news is that it’s also a month that traditionally sees relatively little rainfall. Two thirds of the days in October are expected to be dry. And on average, you can expect to enjoy at least five hours of sunshine each day too.
7. To go walking
The pleasant temperatures and long, sunny days make October a prime time to visit Umbria if you’re an enthusiastic walker.
Umbria offers some exceptional walks and hikes.
8. To swerve the mosquitoes!
No one enjoys trying to avoid the itchy bites of mosquitoes which can plague certain areas of Umbria in the Summer. Visit in October and you won’t need to pack your bite cream!
9. Your Umbria villa rental will cost you less!
Lower demand also means lower prices for your Umbria villa rental in October.
10. To marvel at the spectacular landscape
It’s easy to argue that the Umbrian landscape is at its very best in October. The rolling hills of Umbria are awash with an explosion of reds and oranges as the leaves change colour. In our eyes, its the prettiest time to visit.