THE WOODS ARE TURNING GOLD! WHERE TO LOOK FOR AUTUMN COLOURS
Golden larches, copper beeches and red vines: autumn gives Italy a different palette. Here are places to explore, with seasonal estimates rather than promises about a particular day.
A bend in a path can reveal a different landscape: a yellow larch, trees reflected in a lake, copper-coloured beech leaves. Autumn foliage is that changing palette before the leaves fall. There is no need to fill the day with stops: choose a place and give yourself time to look.
Dolomites: colours do not follow a fixed schedule
October is a special month in Alpine woods. Unlike spruce and pine, larches turn yellow and shed their needles. The most colourful period varies with altitude, temperatures and the season: there is no single date for every valley.
SportOutdoor24’s 9 October guide suggests Lake Alleghe, Monte Pelmo and Val di Zoldo, as well as Lake Dobbiaco. Its recommended dates are estimates; check local conditions before setting off. Lake Santa Caterina in Auronzo di Cadore, shown in our archive photograph, also illustrates the meeting of water, trees and Dolomite rock faces in an autumn landscape.
Alleghe: a walk around the lake
The Dolomiti.org tourism portal describes a circular walk starting in Piazza Kennedy, taking roughly one and a half to two hours. It includes paved stretches, woodland, a climb and steps. Consider whether it suits you and your companions taking account of the climb, surface and steps.
Asiago Foliage: 17–18 October 2026
The weekend of 17–18 October offers guided walks, workshops, games and nature activities. Walk destinations include Cima Valbella, Monte Longara and Cima Mandriolo, with activities for children and adults in town. Check the chosen activity’s timetable, requirements and booking arrangements in the programme.
Later in the season: vineyards and beech woods
SportOutdoor24 also suggests the Prosecco hills and beech woods in the Bolognese Apennines for the second half of October and early November. The season varies from place to place: ask local tourist offices about conditions before planning your trip.
Three things to take with you
• Layers and footwear suited to your route.
• An up-to-date weather forecast and information about trail closures.
• Time to look: five minutes without your phone. Stay on marked paths and take your litter home.
Keep exploring with Francis and his dream of becoming a knight and donating a blanket when the weather turns cold.
