The perfect time to visit Italy
Italy has been a consistently popular destination for what seems like decades. With draws such as authentic cuisine, stunning scenery, charming locals and endless history, one could see why it wouldn’t be challenging to remain at the top of most people’s travel to-do lists.
But, with popularity comes people… and lots of them! And while this is extremely beneficial for the tourism industry, it can mean higher prices and crowded locations for tourists. IC Bellagio, an award-winning destination management company for Italy, IC Bellagio offers bespoke travel experiences and exclusive villa rentals for thousands of discerning travellers each year is urging people and businesses alike to embrace the concept of Community Conscious Travel.
Travelling between the high-peak and off-peak seasons has many benefits - by choosing to travel at this time, cost may be the most significant. Prices of plane tickets, hotels and other amenities are generally much lower and often offer discounts and deals to entice more visitors.
Avoiding the high-peak season will help you to nab that spot on the beach, or avoid long wait times at sought-after restaurants. Similarly, you won’t struggle to secure rooms in desirable locations that tend to be booked out months or even years in advance. While high-season travel arguably offers more activities, excursions, and attractions to experience, travelling outside of this can lead to a more meaningful and authentic experiences of those that are available.
Additionally, opting to travel during this time may encourage you to choose a road less travelled. Italy is littered with beautiful towns, villages and cities, many of which remain undiscovered by the vast majority of visitors to this Mediterranean paradise.
Finally, and of equal importance, travelling with a community conscious mindset may have a positive environmental and social impact. High-peak travel can be all-consuming, exhausting the resources of the local area and the people that live within it. Expanding your timeline for travel and venturing abroad not only benefits you, but the regions that you choose to visit. Win, win!
Below is a mere sampling of destinations to start your journey. Travelling during the months of September, October and November means school is back in session (for most) and therefore less tourists, more affordable tickets and accommodation as well as cooler temperatures for those who can’t handle the scorching heat in the height of summer.
September: Sardinia
Sardinia is a mountainous and beachy Mediterranean island that sits between Europe and Africa. Visiting this hinterland offers a less impacted experience as it remains fairly undiscovered by the masses. Enveloped in turquoise waters and superlative beaches, Sardinia is an idyllic location to relax in September with an average of 22 degrees to keep you warm, but not too warm. The craggy and mountainous coastline is not only beautiful to behold, but also contributes unique oceanic and mineral elements that result in distinctively delicious wines that are incomparable to anything else in the world due to its unique terrain and location. The varied landscape also lends itself to the characteristic Sardinian cuisine: the centre of the island is more meat and cheese focused while the coast embraces the Mediterranean Sea with open arms and open nets. You would be remiss to not book in a day or two for exploring the rugged trails of the island and make sure to include a few stops to check out some of the Roman ruins along the way. This paradisiacal island is bound to be an experience you will never forget.
October - Umbria
Located in central Italy, Umbria is a history and culture lover’s dream. You’ll be spoilt for choice when navigating the seemingly endless churches, abbeys, libraries, archaeological sites, museums, and more. And, with average temperatures of 20 degrees, there is no chance of overheating on your adventures. Make your accommodation choice simple and check into one of IC Bellagio’s stunning villas, which happens to be encompassed by olive trees and vineyards, a not-so-subtle hint as to what you might be eating and drinking during your stay! Wine and food tours are aplenty and a fantastic way to learn about the landlocked region. Umbria is a special place that values tradition and its rich history, which is only one of many reasons for winning Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel Award in 2023. Discover what all the fuss is about and visit Umbria this autumn.
November - Sorrento
The birthplace of limoncello. Need I say more? Even if you’re already sold on Sorrento, there are a whole host of reasons as to why this coastal town needs your immediate attention. While summer in Sorrento sees a constant stream of tourists, November is a far more desirable time of year to wander through Piazza Tasso or sample local dishes from the charming Campanian restaurants. The Sorrentine coast is lined with sweeping cliffs, the city itself perched high upon them. As it is located on a peninsula, this means access to the freshest of seafood- head to Marina Grande to watch the fishing community at work. Naples is a nearby neighbour, which also means there is never a shortage of delicious pizza to devour. Sorrento is a place to slow down and truly enjoy the simple pleasures that life has to offer. Take in the views. Drink a limoncello spritz in the sun. Just see where the day takes you- you will not be disappointed by Sorrento.