Discovering Italy - its hamlets, cuisine and landscape - is always a pleasure. In November it gets even better: the roads are quieter, the days aren’t too cold and there are local events aplenty to enjoy.

To help you chose your perfect holiday spot, here are our Top 10 travel destinations for the month along with our recommendations on what to see and do.

1. Cuneo

If you were unable to plan a trip to the Cuneo province in October then why not take part in Alba’s International White Truffle Fair in November? Until the 25th of the month you can enjoy typical local dishes with a twist. Black or white, truffles takes centre stage on the table and at the markets. This is a region full of flavor - from the Langhe to Roero and Monferrato.

Every day is packed with events and attended by truffle specialists who will be happy to advise you on what to purchase and how to identify a good quality truffle. As soon as you arrive, you'll smell the inebriating scent and succumb to the incredible taste of this treasured product. 

But Cuneo is not just about food. The province has much to offer in the way of nature too, such as the peaks of Monviso and hills of the Langhe, Roero and Monferrato regions (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The Cuneo plain is also criss-crossed by the Po, Tanaro and other rivers.

Among the many attractions, don’t miss the Savoy residences, also recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or the castles of Racconigi, Bra and Govone. Cuneo is rich in archaeology as well. It’s home to the excavations of Augusta Bagiennorum and Pollentia, and much, much more.

If you enjoy long walks you can retrace ancient pilgrim routes - the Via Francigena and the Way of Saint James both pass through here. Along these two famous trails you’ll find sanctuaries and other religious sites such as the Staffarda Abbey and the Pesio Charterhouse.

The region boasts nature reserves and mountains for winter sports, trekking and hiking. And last but certainly not least, Cuneo’s spas certainly deserve a mention. But don’t take our word for it  – come and see for yourself!

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2. Potenza

Potenza is home to an array of treasures not to be missed! The province is rich in history and has a vibrant local culture. Providing the backdrop to it all - a truly spectacular natural landscape!

It’s with nature that our itinerary begins. How about a trip along the coastline of Maratea, the province’s only point of access to the sea? In addition to the blue waters of the Tyrrhenian, the town is rich in history and beauty. Maratea is a medieval hamlet with many churches and monuments to explore. The area also has much to offer speleology fans and is home to a plethora of caves: Grotta del Sogno (Dream Cave), Grotta del Dragone (Dragon’s Cave), Monacelli Cave and Marina di Maratea Cave. Why not hike the mountain and visit Christ the Redeemer of Maratea, too?

Outside Maratea much more awaits. In the town of Venosa, for example, you’ll find the birthplace of the Latin poet Horatio, as well as a castle and park with an archaeology museum. The surrounding area is home to Jewish and Christian catacombs. Heading towards the Tyrrhenian Coast you can visit the archaeological site of Grumentum.

In the northern part of the province you’ll find two castles. This is the region of Monte Vulture, an extinct volcano now covered by woodland. Here you’ll find Lagopesole Castle in Avigliano and Melfi Castle.

Hikers will enjoy the central part of the Lucana forest in Pollino National Park as well as  Lago Pantano di Pignola and Abetina nature reserves.

Finally, we can’t mention the Potenza province without taking a culinary peek at the region: here simple, wholesome products blend with Luccan tradition, and meats, homemade pastas and delicious soups are perfect for warming up the hungry traveler during fall season.

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3. Asti

When we think of the province of Asti, our thoughts instantly go to Monferrato and the Langhe - hilly regions and plains of cultivated fields, medieval fortresses and vineyards.

Asti bursts with history, gastronomic culture and nature begging to be explored. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the park in Rocchetta Tanaro, the Special Nature Reserve of the Andona, Botto and Grande Valleys, and the WWF Oasis Forteto della Luja.

Don’t skip the region’s medieval hamlets, as well as Asti itself, the province’s capital. We recommend Canelli, Nizza Monferrato and San Damiano d’Asti, Moncalvo, Costigliole and  Roccaverano.

In the province of Asti you can visit abbeys and castles, such as Costigliole Castle or Gancia Castle in Canelli, famous for the production of Asti Spumante. A region so deeply rooted in history deserves to be highlighted for its food and wine heritage. The most famous food product is the truffle, with Asti and Alba taking the top spot as Italy’s major truffle regions. But delicious hazelnuts, cheese and wines await you too. Nizza Monferrato’s cardo gobbo, or “hunchback cardoon”, and Asti peppers are two of the key ingredients in bagna càuda, one of the most typical local dishes.

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4. Crotone

In the province of Crotone you’ll find the bluest sea in all of Calabria. Even in autumn its color will seduce you. But let’s start with Capo Colonna and its archaeological site, a testimony to the splendour of Magna Graecia, and the Doric column dedicated to the goddess Hera Lacinia.

Continue along the coast from Isola di Capo Rizzuto to Punta Le Castella with its famous Byzantine fortress. Home to a thriving natural landscape, this region offers tons of outdoor activities like mountain biking, birdwatching and trekking along gorges and canyons carved by rivers and torrents.

In the sprawling woodland of the Sila National Park you can admire the famous granite rocks of Fosso Iannace. Cyclists can explore the Gariglione loop at the heart of the park and the summit of Monte Santa Barbara offers a magical spot to gaze at the stars. If the snow has begun to fall, you and your family can also spend the day skiing or snowboarding.

Villaggio Palumbo is another small hamlet nestled between the forest and the stunning scenery of Lake Ampollino. Temples, archaeology and castles are dotted across the province from Crotone to the historic residences of Cirò, Via San Severina, known as the “Stone Ship” for its location atop a rocky cliff, all the way to the heart of the Neto River valley with its famous castle.

As for the local food and wine, be sure to enjoy a glass of Cirò and taste the Cutro bread, sopressata salami and sardella, the “poor man’s caviar”.

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5. Cremona

Let’s head back up north to the province of Cremona. Cremona can be divided into four areas: the central-southern part where the capital is located is known as “Il Cremonese”; the northern area around the town of Crema is called "Il Cremasco"; the third section around Casalmaggiore is nicknamed "Il Casalasco", and finally there is the area of Castelleone e Soresina. All four abound with artistic treasures, castles, medieval buildings, churches, piazzas, hamlets and gorgeous scenery. 

Cremona is rich in medieval and Renaissance heritage and world-renowned for its violin makers. In fact, Cremona is the birthplace of the famous Stradivari violin and home to the School of Violin Making and a plethora of artisan workshops. There is even a Museum of Violin Making dedicated to this time-honored tradition.

In November the Festa del Torrone, or Nougat Festival, comes to town. The annual celebration of this popular sweet treat brings the city to life like a scene from Dante's Paradiso. 

Another local gem is Crema and the surrounding countryside, a place of castles and fortresses. Explore historic villas and residences in Cremona's towns and cities from Cicognolo to Vho and Casalmaggiore.

The province of Cremona is also ideal for cycling enthusiasts, offering paths and routes that connect green spaces to towns and cities around the Po, Oglio, Serio and Adda rivers. The “Circuito Città Murate e Castellate”, or Walled and Castle Town Circuit, can also be explored by bike or by car. The region’s most beautiful parks include Serio and Oglio, Boscone Estate and the Bine oasis. You can also see these stunning locations by water on a cruise along the Po.

Food-wise, the region is famous for its salami, culatello, mostarda – sweet pickled fruits which originated in Cremona in ancient times -  and, of course, nougat. Typical Cremona dishes include marubini pasta in broth, tortelli cremaschi, various tasty cheeses and Spingarda, a typical local dessert.

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6. Avellino

Thinking about heading to Campania for your Italian November break? Excellent idea! Have you ever considered that the province of Avellino might be the perfect holiday destination? If you’ve never had the chance to visit, then don’t worry, we’ll tell you all you need to know to guarantee an unforgettable trip!

Avellino is home to ancient towers and fortresses dotting the green hills. Visiting them is a great way to enjoy a day out with the family in the fresh air before winter arrives. How about a tour of the Irpinia Castles, for example?

Almost every commune has its own castle. Some have been transformed into historic residences or luxury resorts, and others are open to visitors. The Irpinia region is also famous for its wine, historic hamlets, caves and breathtaking landscape. Pay a visit to Morra Castle, once the home of cardinals and poets, Candriano Castle, and Sant'Angelo dei Lombardi.

In Bagnoli Irpino you can visit Cavaniglia Castle which stands atop Serra Hill. The elegant castles once hosted elaborate banquets and gatherings of poets and artists who came to present their work at court. Get lost in these magical, otherworldly places as you imagine the lives of dames and knights from centuries past.

Let's take a brief look at what Avellino Province has to offer in terms of typical cuisine... You can feast on homemade fresh pasta as well as lamb, chicken and rabbit. And don’t forget to sample mugliatielli, a traditional Irpinia dish of tasty lamb rolls. 

For adventure-seekers, take a spin on a four-wheeler around Bagnoli Irpino or Lake Laceno. It’s an exhilarating experience that will reward you with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, plains, lakes and rivers. Afraid of the cold? No fear... bundle up and plan your outing on a sunny day! 

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7. Benevento

For the seventh province on our Top 10 list for November, we're staying in Campania but in the Benevento region. Try to drive to Benevento province by car, or hire one when you get there. Having your own transport allows you to explore the region at your own pace, stop at its most characteristic hamlets and make the most out of your autumn break in Italy!

To experience the very best of Benevento start from Campolattaro, an ancient hamlet built on the side of a hill which slopes down to the Tammaro River. Be sure to visit the church of San Sebastiano, patron saint of the city; Via Bebiana, the piazza dedicated to Urbano de Agostino, an important political figure from the 1800s; and Campolattaro’s castle dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries.

Continue on to Casalduni, 24 km from Benevento. Its historic centre is very pleasant and provides stunning views of the surrounding hills. Next, head to Cusano Mutri. Considered the pearl of the Matese, it was recently named one of Italy’s Most Beautiful Hamlets. Cusano Mutri is home to several churches of artistic importance - the oldest is San Pietro e Paolo, set atop a long flight of steps.

Would you like to know what’s happening in November in this region? At the start of the month San Giorgio La Molara hosts the Local Culinary Produce Market. Its piazza fills with stands selling typical products, from truffle to salt cod, honey and wine, and hosts theatrical and musical exhibitions by local artists.

If you don’t make it to Benevento in time, be sure to try the region’s typical pasta at one of our farmhouse restaurants. Called cavatelli, it’s prepared by hand and served with a tomato and sausage ragù.

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8. Vercelli

Located in northeast Piedmont, midway between Milan and Turin, the province of Vercelli is as charming as it is elegant. Home to one of the region’s oldest universities, Vercelli boasts a majestic historic centre and a wealth of medieval buildings to admire, as well as modern shopping streets. If you’ve never been to the city be sure to pay a visit to the impressive Sant’Andrea Basilica and the Cathedral where you can take a few photos to show family and friends back home.

Fancy something sweet? In Vercelli you'll find lots of little shops selling typical local products. The city’s specialties include bicciolani, spiced biscuits with an unmistakable flavour, and tartufata, a delicious cream cake covered with chocolate leaves.

Venturing out of the city and around the province, we recommend Rocca Verrua-Savoia, a fortress on the banks of the Po River that marks the border between the provinces of Turin and Vercelli.

Travelling with your whole family? Then take a trip to the Ecomuseo delle Terre d'Acqua, a museum established to safeguard cultural traditions and local food and wine.

The province of Vercelli is famous for an area known as “Grange”, dominated by rice paddies that offer a unique and extraordinary spectacle in autumn. Those who love getting up close with nature can enjoy a walk or bike ride - if the cold has not yet set in - in one of the Lower Vercelli region’s three parks - Lame del Sesi, the Sorti della Partecipanza Forest and the Po and Orba River Park.

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9. Turin

This beautiful province of Turin in Piedmont is perfect for a November holiday, which is why it takes 9th place on our list.

If you’ve never been to its capital city, Turin, then now’s the time to change that. Must-see attractions include the Egyptian Museum, home to the second largest collection of artefacts in the world after Cairo. The elegant Piazza Castello, the Mole Antoneliana and the Sacra Sindone are all worth a visit, and whilst you explore, be sure to sample the gianduiotti, the city’s famous little gianduja chocolates!

In November you’ll find the works of Mirò at the Palazzo Chiablese, as well as those of Giacomo Grosso at the Fondazioni Accorsi – Ometto. The month’s major events include the Turin Dance Festival, which offers an incredible number of dance shows, screenings, artistic showcases, experimental performances, films and more.

Fancy participating in two of the province’s more unusual happenings? The first week of November sees the return of Tuttomele in the city of Cavour, an annual event dedicated to local fruit, gastronomy and handicrafts. At the end of the month there’s the Savoy Cabbage Festival in Montaldo Dora which celebrates organic produce and hosts gastronomic events open to all.

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10. Piacenza

Last on our list of the 10 best provinces for November is Piacenza in Emilia Romagna. If you choose to visit this province be sure to take part in at least one of its fall events! 

This province has so much to offer. The start of the month in Castel San Giovanni is dedicated to Cioccolandia: a celebration of everything chocolate. Along the streets of the historic centre you’ll find stands, artists and retailers selling all sorts of handicrafts and confections as well as the festival’s symbol, chocolate salami.

During the second week of November in the city of Piacenza’s Piazza dei Cavalli you’ll find Sicilia Viva in Festa, a huge market of typical Sicilian products and artisan items. Here you’ll be able to sample typical cakes like cassate and buccellati, fig biscuits with jam, marzipan, cuddureddi buns, delicious almond treats, and, of course, Sicilian cannoli. Perhaps Sicily is a bit far from Piacenza, but this event is the ideal opportunity to visit the island for a day. Who knows? It might just inspire your next trip to Italy!

Also in Piacenza but during the last week of November, visit the Independent Vineyards Wine Market. In the town of Caorso you can browse “Ricordi del passato” (Memories of the Past), a fabulous antiques market.

Love exploring little hamlets? Then don’t miss Vigoleno which is included on the list of  Italy’s Most Beautiful Hamlets. The walled village offers beautiful views of Stirone Park dressed in autumn colors. Medieval Castell’Arquato is well worth a visit too, and in Villanova sull’Arda you’ll find the home of the great composer, Giuseppe Verdi.

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