Autumn’s Ascent: Explore Italy’s Trails this Fall
Adventurers of all levels can explore some of the country’s most charming towns and historic sites with a variety of hiking/walking trails. Framed by lush foliage that turns into a tapestry of autumn colors, these trails often take you to places that are inaccessible by car, allowing you to discover hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path locations providing a unique perspective on the destination.
Why Fall:
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Mild and pleasant weather, perfect for outdoor activities.
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Airlines and hotels will have introduced shoulder-season rates that offer significant savings, making it an ideal time to avoid crowds and look for a bargain.
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Many of Italy’s lakefront/seaside properties are seasonal, closing for winter. Fall is a great time to sneak in a visit before the season ends.
Below are three destinations in Italy perfect for fall travel – including details on gorgeous trails to traverse and bespoke stays for exemplary hospitality. Would love to collaborate with you on a story and hope you’ll keep the below in mind for any upcoming articles. Thanks for your time!
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LW
Portofino Coast:
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Explore: Autumn is the perfect time to hike on the many coastal trails. Even in Cinque Terre the crowds are less, temperatures have cooled and there are fantastic views of the shining sea. The hike to the Portofino Lighthouse, or "Faro di Portofino," is a must-do activity for visitors seeking breathtaking views and a taste of the natural beauty surrounding this picturesque Italian village.
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Stay at Grand Hotel Bristol Spa Resort, Rapallo: Grand by name, grand by nature on Italy’s Portofino coast, Grand Hotel Bristol makes an instant impression. This turn-of-the-century building, in the Liberty style, is a rose-pink landmark between the green hills and blue Gulf of Tigullio. Once a glamorous destination for Grand Tourers, today it invites guests to experience a modern-day take on la dolce vita – blending timeless charm with contemporary elegance in Rapallo, a lesser-known destination on the famed coast. Grand Hotel Bristol is home to the largest spa in the region, over 22,000 sq. ft. of relaxation!
Lake Como:
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Explore: Lake Como offers numerous popular hiking trails that cater to a range of abilities and interests. One of the most popular trails, the Greenway del Lago di Como, is a scenic walking path that stretches along the western shore of Lake Como in northern Italy. This picturesque route covers about 10 kilometers (approximately 6.2 miles) and connects several charming villages, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. A sampling of additional hikes include: Monte Grona, San Martino Church, Villa del Balbianello.
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Stay at Grand Hotel Victoria, Menaggio: Built on the architectural structure of an ancient convent, the newest five-star hotel in Menaggio has a central, stunning lakefront location. Enriched by beautiful gardens and a 12,900 sq ft spa with personalized treatment programs, swimming pool, and signature scents handcrafted in-house, it’s surrounded by breathtaking views of the lake and its mountains.
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Stay at Hotel Royal Victoria and Villa Cipressi, Varenna: Bridged by a stunning botanical garden where guests can walk in natural beauty and surprising biodiversity of these lakeside landscapes, these historic sister properties offer a fairytale experience overlooking the lake, nestled in a quiet medieval hamlet. The new restaurant, Visteria, offers 5-star dining overlooking the gorgeous lakefront.