Autumn in Trentino means crisp air, blue skies, and colorful woods that turn yellow, orange and red. Farmers are hard at work to prepare the harvest of grapes and apples. And the valleys and villages of Trentino host a series of events and sagre (food festivals) to celebrate the season. These make for a great chance to discover the culinary, artisanal and rural traditions of the region, made all the more rewarding after a pleasant walk in the woods to admire the foliage.
Here are our suggestions to plan your autumn break in Trentino.
Autumn in Trentino: What to Do
Walks
The opportunities for walking excursions in Trentino are endless; we have selected two that we especially like in autumn and that you can reach easily from Pineta Hotels. [If you love hiking, Pineta Hotels offers a daily program of guided hikes.]
Al Meleto (To the Apple Orchard) – this is a great walk to learn more about a food product that is a symbol of Trentino and especially of the Val di Non (where Pineta Hotels is located), apples. It begins in the village of Romallo, 20 minutes from Pineta. You walk along country roads and amid apple orchards; several panels along the way explain how apples are grown, harvested and preserved. It is an easy, 5-km circular walk, ideal for children too.
For more information, visit http://www.almeleto.it/.
La Scalinata dei Larici Monumentali (Staircase of the Monumental Larch Trees) – Get up close with 23 giant larch trees (between 300 and 500 years old), which were able to grow at an altitude of about 2,000 meters, perched on steep ground. The itinerary departs from the parking lot in Coler, in the beautiful Val di Rabbi, a typical alpine valley located in the heart of the Stelvio National Park. Instructional panels on the trees explain their history and features. There’s no better time to go on this walk than autumn when the larch trees take on amazing ochre yellow hues. And if you pay attention, you may hear the call of marmots!
For details about the walk, click here.
Food Festivals
Autumn in Trentino also means a bounty of seasonal products that are celebrated at the many festivals planned from September to November. Here are two of our favorites:
Pomaria (this year October 14-15): this is one food festival you don’t want to miss! Pomaria takes place in the charming village of Casez, near Sanzeno (15 minutes from Pineta), and celebrates Pomona, goddess of the orchards, and of course apple harvesting. Numerous stands give you the opportunity to taste the local products; you can also learn how to make strudel, the typical apple cake of Trentino, enjoy a guided visit of Casez, learn about ancient crafts (try them first-hand too) and vote for the most delicious apple! Info: https://www.pomaria.org/.
Formai dal Mont (this year October 21-22) – this is another festival not to miss, not only because you can taste the excellent cheeses produced in the region, still made following ancient techniques, which also means employing sustainable practices that respect the environment; but also because the event takes place in the marvelous setting of the 13th century Castel Valer. Enjoy a guided visit of the castle, learn about the art of cheese-making, and taste the local delicacies. The event takes place in Tassullo (10 minutes from Pineta).
Other food festivals:
Festa della Patata e dei Sapori d’Autunno (Potato and Autumn Flavors Festival, this year Sept. 30-Oct 1) – a festival that celebrates potatoes and the local products of the Val di Non in Ronzone, which is about 25 minutes from Pineta Hotels. Don’t miss the Garden of the Roses, with roses from around the world on display.
Festa della Castagna (Chestnut Festival, this year October 28-29) – Autumn in Trentino is synonymous with chestnuts and all chestnut fans should head to Roncegno Terme for the 38th annual Festa della Castagna.
DiVin Ottobre (Wine Festival, every weekend in October, different locations) – wine lovers will have plenty to enjoy in October during this month-long event that includes walks in the vineyards and tastings in the local wineries.
Visit Trentino has a number of suggestions for food festivals taking place in autumn in Trentino.
There are many more walks and events you can enjoy during autumn in Trentino. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for our insider’s tips!
Silvia Donati
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