Italy, Unplugged: Where to Slow Down After Rome and Florence

After the whirlwind of Rome’s ancient ruins and Florence’s artistic treasures, you might find yourself craving something simpler — a place where the pace slows, the crowds vanish, and the espresso is best enjoyed with a view and no agenda. October, with its golden light and thinning crowds, is the perfect month to trade in the guidebook for a good novel and let Italy work its slower magic.

Here are some of the best places to hit pause and breathe deeply after the big-city bustle:

🛶 1. Lake Orta – The Quiet Cousin of Como

While Lake Como still draws celebrity crowds and day-trippers, Lake Orta remains blissfully under the radar. Nestled in the Piedmont region, Orta San Giulio is a storybook village where cobbled lanes lead to wine bars, and a tiny island floats peacefully offshore.

Why it’s perfect:

• Tranquil lakeside walks and boat rides
• Beautiful fall foliage reflecting on the water
• Excellent Piedmontese cuisine without the crowds

🌿 2. Umbria – Tuscany’s Sleepier Sister

Often overshadowed by Tuscany, Umbria offers rolling hills, medieval hill towns, and forests turning gold in October. Towns like Spello, Todi, and Bevagna offer the perfect recipe for quiet mornings, long lunches, and rustic charm.

Highlights:

• Visit olive mills during the first pressings
• Cozy stays in countryside agriturismos
• Explore slow towns (Cittaslow) like Orvieto and Trevi

🍁 3. Langhe & Barolo – Autumn in Wine Country

If your soul needs soothing and your palate needs pampering, head to Le Langhe in Piedmont. This UNESCO-listed wine region is especially stunning in October, with vineyards glowing in red and amber.

What to do:

• Sip Barolo and Barbaresco wines in local cantinas
• Dine on white truffles and tajarin pasta
• Wander peaceful villages like La Morra or Neive

🚂 4. Sulmona – A Sweet Retreat in Abruzzo

Tucked between mountains and olive groves, Sulmona is known for its sugared almonds, but it’s also a peaceful base for rest and light exploring. The surrounding Majella mountains are gorgeous in the fall, with plenty of short hikes and hidden hermitages to discover.

Don’t miss:

• A scenic ride on the historic Trans-Siberian Railway of Italy
• Local confetti shops (edible art!)
• Markets with local cheeses, honey, and mountain herbs

🎨 5. Pienza – Renaissance Perfection in Slow Motion

After the grandeur of Florence, the quiet harmony of Pienza feels like a deep breath. Set in the Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape, Pienza is all golden light, pecorino cheese, and silence broken only by church bells.

Perfect for:

• Sunset strolls along the city walls
• Visiting nearby towns like Bagno Vignoni, known for its ancient hot springs
• Doing absolutely nothing with a glass of Brunello in hand

🌅 6. Procida – The Island That Time Forgot

Skip Capri and head to Procida, a tiny island near Naples with pastel houses, fishing boats, and sleepy harbor cafés. By October, it’s nearly empty of tourists, and the Mediterranean breeze turns cool and crisp.

Why go:

• Authentic island life with no frills
• Fresh seafood straight from the dock
• Quiet beaches for reading, not sunbathing

🧘‍♀️ 7. The Euganean Hills – Veneto’s Hidden Retreat

Just an hour from Venice, the Colli Euganei are volcanic hills dotted with spa towns, monasteries, and quiet trails. Base yourself in Abano Terme or Arquà Petrarca and enjoy a wellness-focused break.

October perks:

• Thermal baths in cool weather
• Autumn wine festivals
• Gentle trails through chestnut forests and vineyards

🌰 Slow Down. Italy’s Still Here.

Italy isn’t just for checking sights off a list — it’s for sitting still with a warm chestnut tart and letting life pass by, beautifully. October, with its mellow light and slow rhythm, invites you to do just that. Whether it’s a farmhouse in Umbria or a lakeside villa in the north, the real luxury is time — and space to enjoy it.