Autumn inspires outings through the characteristic colors of the season, intoxicating scents and experiences never lived before. And Italy is perfect for this “game”: its beautiful villages and its Orange Flag resorts, awarded by the Italian Touring Club, are ideal destinations to spend a few hours or days in the name of well-being, relaxation and good food!
Here are some ideas to consider if you want to combine art, culture, history and food:
Brisighella, Ravenna, Emilia Romagna
At the foot of the Apennines, in the province of Ravenna, is the beautiful village of Brisighella. It is one of the most beautiful in Italy, with its Manfrediana Fortress, the Clock Tower and the Sanctuary of Monticino and is perfect to visit in any omento year, especially in autumn.
From the colorful Piazza Marconi, where you can taste the best typical dishes in restaurants, climb a few steps to cross the famous Via degli Asini in medieval peno style and reach the Clock Tower, built 1290. The Rocca di Brisighella is undoubtedly the most suggestive place, since from its top you can witness a breathtaking view.
Santa Fiora, Grosseto, Tuscany
On the slopes of Mount Amiata, in the province of Grosseto, Santa Fiora is a small village with countless awards: is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and enjoys the Orange Flag awarded by the Italian Touring Club for the excellence of its cultural heritage and its hospitality.
Here, in autumn, it is beautiful to walk along the Peschiera di Santa Flora, a small lake where the currents of the river Flora rich in uncontaminated fauna and flora meet. But the attention is immediately captured by the Church of Our Lady of Snow, whose glass floor allows you to admire the source of the river below.
Not to be forgotten, then, the Castle of Aldobrandeschi and the Clock Tower, two monuments-symbol of the Tuscan village.
Amandola, Fermo, Marche
Another delightful village of Bandiera Arancione is Amandola, in the province of Fermo, in the heart of the Sibillini Mountains Park. And what is better than a full immersion in nature in the middle of autumn?
Starting from Piazza Risorgimento, the heart of the village, you pass through the Porta di San Giacomo surmounted by a clock to reach the Town Hall and the Church of Sant’Agostino. Continue to the Great Sibillini Ring, a route consisting of 9 stages spread throughout the territory of the Sibillini Mountains, through which you can discover mountain scenery, natural beauty and various animal and plant species.
And since walking makes you hungry, it is necessary to stop at a local restaurant to taste the best typical dishes based on must ingredients such as Tuber Magnatum, white truffle of the Sibillini, acacia honey, lime, chestnut and honeydew, pink apple jam and ciauscolo, a simply irresistible spread salami.
Frosolone, Isernia, Molise
Frosolone, in the province of Isernia, is also among the most beautiful villages in Italy and has an Orange Flag. It consists of a small corner of paradise perched on the central Apennines in the heart of Molise, which preserves an uncontaminated and unspoiled environment composed of ancient trees, ponds, lakes, white rocks and shelters.
In autumn, its typical mountain environment is perfect for relaxing and enjoying fresh and clean air, but also the cultural attractions such as the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie and the Church of Sant’Antonio da Padova.
If, then, you decide to climb the top of Colle Gonfalone, then it is possible to visit the small church hidden among the vegetation and the so-called Tholos, small buildings that shepherds use to shelter from the cold.
Of course, there is no lack of good food molisana, based on milk and cheese, white and black truffles that offer simple but gourmet dishes.
Corigliano d’Otranto, Lecce, Puglia
Salento is famous for its beaches and nightlife, so much to be literally invaded during the summer season. It is also rich in ancient villages that are ideal destinations even in autumn; an example is given by Corigliano d’Otranto, in the province of Lecce, full of restaurants, clubs and cultural attractions such as the Castle and Caporta, one of the doors to the village.
In Corigliano, then, it is recommended to see also the Mother Church of Corigliano d’Otranto dedicated to San Nicola and the Dolmen that, together with the Cromlech and the Menhir, consist of prehistoric megalithic tombs that are worth discovering.
Finally, the Salento is equal to good food and good wine: just sit down at any local restaurant to taste pittule, pirilla, the famous puccia salentina, rice potatoes and mussels, the honey full of aromas and flavors of the territory and all the second dishes based on freshly caught fish. All this, to be accompanied by a glass of Negroamaro.
Copertina : Unsplash