October in Tuscany: Unique Colours, Events and Flavours

Summer gives way to calm, crisp days with mild, sunny weather. The crowds of high season begin to thin out, while the countryside is painted in warm shades of brown, gold and crimson. It’s the perfect month for an authentic getaway—one filled with welcoming villages, folkloric events, and the rich flavours of autumn, far from the hustle and bustle of peak season.
Lucca, elegant and compact, is simply irresistible in October, when locals reclaim their city and life returns to a gentler pace.
By staying at Hotel Ilaria, within the historic city walls, you'll have Lucca right on your doorstep and the whole of Tuscany waiting to be explored—from the Chianti hills to the valleys of the Apennines, a wide variety of landscapes awaits you with open arms.

In October, Tuscany celebrates its most prized seasonal offerings. With chestnuts, aromatic truffles, mushrooms, and freshly pressed olive oil in abundance, it’s the ideal time to experience the region’s genuine flavours and take part in events that honour its rural traditions.
In Arezzo, for example, the historic Antiques Fair brings the city to life, while the surrounding areas—from Casentino to Alta Maremma—host festivals dedicated to truffles and chestnuts. Here, the earthy aromas of the season are transformed into deeply flavourful dishes.
Lucca, too, comes alive with culture in this period, especially during Lucca Comics & Games, an internationally renowned event that turns the city into a fantasy world for all ages, from late October to early November. 
In the heart of the Casentino, the Casentinesi Forests National Park puts on one of the most breathtaking natural displays of the year: the autumn foliage. Ancient woodlands are painted in shades of red, orange and gold, creating a magical backdrop for peaceful walks through silent forests and hidden hermitages. In October, taste, nature and culture intertwine harmoniously, offering unforgettable experiences you’ll find only in Tuscany.

Autumn offers some of the best conditions for exploring the hills and woods on foot. North of Lucca, the Garfagnana region is a paradise for trekking enthusiasts. Here, trails weave through medieval villages, ancient chestnut groves, and breathtaking views of the Apuan Alps and the Apennines. We recommend the Orecchiella trail, located within the nature park of the same name, or the Campocatino loop, an ancient mountain pasture with stunning views over Mount Roccandagia.
Further north, near the border with Liguria, Lunigiana offers quiet, meditative paths through castles, centuries-old mule tracks and dense woodlands. The St. Francis Way, which passes through Aulla and Pontremoli, is a spiritual and scenic route ideal for the season. Alternatively, the Castle Trail is dotted with medieval landmarks and wrapped in an intimate, peaceful atmosphere.
Further south, the Val d’Orcia—a UNESCO World Heritage site—is perhaps the most iconic of all Tuscan landscapes. In autumn, its rolling hills, lined with cypress trees and vineyards, take on rich, warm tones, like something out of a painting. From Pienza to San Quirico d’Orcia, all the way to Montalcino and Bagno Vignoni, even a short walk allows you to take in unforgettable views and enjoy well-earned rest stops in picturesque villages. Don’t miss the Crete Senesi trail and the Via Francigena, both of which offer some of the most iconic vistas in all of Tuscany.

The fresh, crisp air of October in Tuscany invites you to rediscover the true essence of local cuisine. It’s the perfect time to enjoy new wines, freshly foraged porcini mushrooms, game prepared with age-old recipes, and comforting dishes made with chestnuts and pumpkin—ingredients that evoke the forest and the warmth of crackling fires.
One of the season’s best-loved specialities is schiacciata con l’uva, a rustic sweet focaccia made with black grapes, olive oil, and rosemary—a simple yet unforgettable combination. For a more hands-on experience, join a cooking class in a countryside farmhouse, where local chefs will guide you through seasonal recipes using ingredients freshly picked from the garden.Guided tastings at local wineries and olive mills offer another delightful way to dive into Tuscany’s autumn flavours.
October marks the harvest season for both grapes and olives —a prime time to meet local producers, taste freshly pressed extra virgin olive oil, sample aged cheeses, and savour artisan cured meats. And, of course, you’ll want to savour a glass of Chianti, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, or Brunello di Montalcino.

Book your stay at Hotel Ilaria and be swept away by the colours, flavours and authentic charm of October in Tuscany.