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This Is Italy's 'Secret Season' for Small Crowds, Premium Accommodations, and Rich Local Experiences

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, September 25th 2025 at 10:38 GMT by Travel + Leisure
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Why Italy’s Secret Season is the Travel Trend You’re Not Hearing About

If you’ve been following the usual “best of Italy” checklist—Rome in late winter, Florence in peak summer, the Amalfi Coast in midsummer—then you’re missing a season that offers all the classic experiences minus the crowds and the price tag. Travel + Leisure’s latest feature, “Italy’s Secret Season,” turns the spotlight on the shoulder months that sit neatly between the two extremes: late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October). The piece argues that this “secret season” is where you’ll find the sweet spot of weather, value, and cultural immersion.

1. Weather Without the Weather Wars

Italy’s climate is famously varied, but the shoulder months present a consistent, mild climate across most of the country. In Rome, temperatures hover around 18–24 °C (65–75 °F), with the city’s famous ruins still a short walk from a cool, early‑morning breeze. Florence’s Tuscan hills remain sunny and dry, while the coastal areas enjoy temperatures in the low 20s °C (low 70s °F) with plenty of sunshine and minimal humidity. Even in the high‑altitude Alps, early September is still warm enough for a comfortable hike without the alpine crowds that flock in July and August.

2. The Financial Edge

The article underscores a major advantage of traveling in May–June or September–October: the cost differential. Hotels and flights can drop 20–30 % compared with the summer peak, and this translates into higher-end accommodations that feel affordable. Dining out is likewise cheaper—restaurants in Venice often drop their “summer” menu prices in September, making trattorias feel less like tourist traps and more like locals. For travelers on a budget, the secret season is a “no‑risk” opportunity to upgrade their lodging and meal plans without breaking the bank.

3. Destinations Reimagined

Rome

While Rome is a perennial favorite, the shoulder season offers a chance to see the city’s famed landmarks like the Colosseum, Vatican, and Pantheon without the throngs of international crowds. The article quotes a local guide who notes that the early evening crowds thin out around 5 pm, allowing for more relaxed strolls and even a spontaneous gelato break at a less‑visited piazza.

Florence & Tuscany

The article highlights the Tuscan region’s “olive harvest season,” which peaks in September and early October. Travelers can visit olive mills, taste the first‑press extra‑virgin olive oil, and even participate in a hands‑on harvesting experience. For wine enthusiasts, the early autumn is also the start of the “Vino Rosso” season, with vineyards offering tastings and pairings that are both affordable and authentic.

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast’s beaches are still inviting in late May, with the sea’s temperature warm enough for swimming. The piece notes that the “Limoncello Festival” in Amalfi, held in early September, provides a unique tasting experience of the region’s signature liqueur. The article also advises travelers to book early for the “Villa Cimbrone” gardens, which get a surge of visitors in the last week of October.

Venice

Venice is often criticized for being tourist‑dense and prone to “sight‑sore” flooding in summer. The article points out that early October is a golden time to see the city’s masked ball festivals while the lagoon remains calm and the water clearer. A local guide mentions that the “Carnevale” that opens in October draws fewer crowds compared to the mid‑August version, allowing for more intimate experiences.

Off‑the‑Beaten‑Path Towns

The feature doesn’t just focus on the big names. It shines a spotlight on smaller towns like Matera in Basilicata, Orvieto in Umbria, and Lecce in Apulia. These locations, while still attracting some tourism, feel less crowded during the shoulder months and are known for unique festivals such as the “Festa del Cacio” (cheese festival) in Orvieto or the “Lecce in Summer” cultural series that runs into early October.

4. Cultural and Culinary Highlights

The article lists several festivals that occur during the shoulder season:

• Truffle Hunting in Piedmont (late October): A gastronomic delight where locals and visitors can track the elusive white truffle.
• Harvest Festivals across Tuscany and Piedmont (September): Community celebrations that feature local produce, wine tastings, and street markets.
• Festa della Madonna in Bari (mid-September): A religious procession with vibrant floats and music.

For culinary lovers, the article emphasizes the advantage of sampling Italy’s seasonal cuisine: the first‑year peas in Tuscany, fresh sardines off the Ligurian coast, and the sweet chestnuts in Umbria.

5. Practical Tips

The article rounds out with a “travel toolkit” for the shoulder season:

• Booking: Book flights and hotels at least 2–3 months in advance to lock in early‑bird discounts.
• Packing: Layered clothing is key—mornings can be cooler, evenings might chill after a day of walking.
• Transportation: Train travel is efficient across the country, with discounts available on regional passes for the shoulder months.
• Safety: Avoid peak holiday periods (e.g., the 1st of August in Italy) to dodge crowds and price surges.

It also reminds readers that Italy’s “hidden” attractions—like the underground catacombs in Rome or the ancient Greek theater in Taormina—are often less crowded and cheaper to visit during May–June and September–October.

6. Conclusion: A Time for Authenticity

The article’s core thesis is simple: if you’re looking for a richer, more authentic Italian experience without the pressure of a tourist crowd, choose the shoulder season. From the quiet corridors of the Vatican to the olive groves of Tuscany, from the buzzing markets of Naples to the serene canals of Venice, Italy’s secret season delivers the country’s full spectrum of sights, sounds, and tastes at a fraction of the cost—and in a more intimate setting.

For anyone planning a trip to Italy in 2025 or beyond, the Travel + Leisure piece offers a compelling call to rethink the typical “best time” narrative and instead opt for a period where the country’s magic is at its fullest, and the traveler’s experience is the most personal.