When the heat of the summer fades and the tourists return home, the Amalfi Coast comes alive and offers a more genuine Italian experience filled with local traditions and authentic cultural events.
With the drop in temperature, the area is a lot more pleasant to explore without the strength of the Mediterranean sun, and you’ll also get a wider choice of quality accommodation without the high summer price tags.
It’s during this time of the year that local culture flourishes again, and as autumn is the harvest season, you can guarantee that festivals are awash with lots of regional produce such as apples, wine, various meats, and olives.
You too can be part of these celebrations and enjoy these hidden gems of Italy when you travel to the Amalfi Coast this Fall.
What Are Sagre? Food festivals in Italy
If you really want to experience Italy as one of the locals, you should throw yourself into Italian festivals known as sagre.
These are celebrations of the harvest of the land, where villagers are joined together in a love for the food, music, celebration, and community spirit.
For an adventurous traveler, attending a sagra is a unique opportunity to embrace real Italian recipes, taste flavor-packed region-specific seasonal dishes, and enjoy the atmosphere of quaint Italian settlements.
October Festivals in the Campania region
The Campania region is located to the south of Rome and encompasses the Amalfi Coast, Naples, Capri, and Sorrento, as well as Mount Vesuvius and the ancient towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
There are a collection of charming white-washed villages spread across the area that are excellent for exploring, and the sagre that take place in October are held across the region.
With so many exciting sagre to choose from, we’ve picked the top 5 that are sure to make your October trip to the Amalfi Coast in 2025 a memorable one.
Sagra della Castagna – Calvanico (Salerno province)
Celebrated in early October just as the chestnut harvest is in full swing, this sagra pays tribute to these savory nuts grown in the region.
You’ll find everything from chestnut liqueurs to caramelised nuts, as well as the joys of seeing chestnuts roasting in huge pans with a scent that fills the marketplace.
In addition to chestnut goodies, there will also be artisanal craft stalls where you can pick up the perfect souvenirs.
Sagra della Castagna di Arpaise – Benevento province
If you enjoy rustic recipes made with traditional ingredients, then this sagra is a foodie’s delight.
The piazza is transformed into a culinary wonderland with a selection of cheeses, meats, and wines available to sample.
The main square features a variety of musical performances and food stalls which add to the atmosphere and make for a memorable day out.
Sagra della Castagna di Salza Irpina – Avellino province
One of the most popular chestnut festivals in the region, you can experience a huge variety of chestnut dishes which are prepared to be sweet as well as savory.
There are other flavors from regional foods including pork dishes, rich bean soups, sausages, and handmade pasta.
If you want to really get involved, why not learn how to cook like an Italian at one of the free open-air cooking demonstrations?
Festa della Mela – Valle di Maddaloni (Caserta province)
Apples grow abundantly in this region of Italy, so it’s no surprise that this humble fruit has a celebration all of its own.
Get to the core of Italian sweet cuisine at this sagra which features hundreds of varieties of apple to sample, as well as homemade ciders, preserves, and cakes all made from apples.
It’s also a great opportunity to see local children wearing centuries-old sagra costume styles.
Festa di San Martino (11 November, late October build-up)
Celebrating the turning of the season from fall into winter, this is a religious ceremony with festive processions through the villages in the area and street bonfires to warm yourself by when the sun goes down.
Expect to enjoy lots of young wines from the summer grape harvests, which pair perfectly with the roasted meats available at market stalls across traditional Italian villages hosting the celebrations.
Where to base yourself
When visiting the Campania region of Italy, there are a handful of excellent locations to base yourself to make the most of your time there.
If you prefer a more relaxed and authentic Italian experience, head to towns such as Positano and Capri, as they revert back to classic Italy after the summer.
However, if you like to be in the heart of the action and enjoy the buzz of civilization as well as food and cultural tours with bespoke day trips, then Naples and Sorrento are the places to be.
From any of these locations, you can take advantage of day trips to the many sagre in the area including in Salerno and Avellino, and enjoy the wonderful views of sea, forest, and mountain wherever you travel.
October is the perfect time to visit this gorgeous region of Italy, whether you’re based in the bustling city of Naples or the quieter pockets dotted around the coast.
Not only is the weather milder, but you can get a true insight to local village life that tourists rarely get to see.
The Amalfi Coast in the fall is packed with cultural events and tasty regional food which make for an unforgettable experience. Get in touch with our experts to start planning your unique tour of the Amalfi Coast.
Francesca Capone
Francesca, originally from Italy’s Amalfi Coast and now based in Rome, has over 12 years in the travel industry. Her journeys across the Americas, Africa, Europe, Asia, and India have deepened her love for diverse landscapes and cultures, inspiring her to craft enriching travel experiences for her clients.
Francesca combines her in-depth knowledge of geography, history, and culture to create personalized itineraries. Fluent in both French and English, she connects seamlessly with local vendors, ensuring her clients enjoy authentic experiences. Francesca’s appreciation for nature and wildlife allows her to incorporate these aspects into her clients’ trips.
We were perfectly assisted throughout the booking process. Francesca was helpful, precise and always courteous even when we asked a lot of annoying questions. Thank you!
I recently had the pleasure of experiencing an exceptional trip to France, meticulously organized by Francesca. Every detail was thoughtfully curated, from charming accommodations to immersive local experiences. Their expertise transformed the journey into a seamless and unforgettable adventure. Highly recommended for those seeking a tailored and enriching travel experience.