Villages to Visit in September: The Most Beautiful to Discover

Charming coastal and mountain villages to visit in September.

In September, having returned from summer vacations by the sea or in the mountains, there is still time to visit some beautiful and enchanting villages scattered across Italy.

When the weather becomes less scorching and tourist hotspots empty out, planning a trip to an Italian village can be the perfect way to ease the end of the holiday and the return to everyday life.

Italy boasts such a rich heritage of small towns, charming villages, and medieval hamlets that choosing a destination in any region is easy and fun.

A true collection of gems that in September seem to show off their hospitality to visitors amidst religious celebrations and traditional feasts featuring music and delicious food.

But which villages should you visit in September? In this list, we have compiled a series of suggestions and ideas to find the ten ideal villages to visit in September.

Figline Valdarno is one of the most popular and visited villages in the province of Florence, ideal for visiting in September to discover the natural beauty of the surrounding area, the streets of its historic center, and the Palio di San Rocco, usually held in the first week of the month with horse races, archery, jousting, and the opportunity to savor exquisite local cuisine.

Its ancient settlement takes shape around the large Piazza Ficino with its majestic medieval walls, among numerous monuments such as Palazzo Pretorio, the Collegiata of Santa Maria, and the Church of San Francesco, as well as interesting museums like the Museum of Sacred Art and the Ancient Pharmacy.

Easily reachable from Florence in about half an hour, Figline is an ideal destination to visit in September to discover the beauties of Valdarno.

Nestled on a hill between Bologna and Imola, Dozza is a classic medieval village known for its surprising uniqueness.

The entire town is a true open-air gallery with hundreds of artworks displayed everywhere.

Its walls, buildings, and every available surface are covered in colorful murals that adorn and beautify the streets.

Many international artists gather here to decorate the local walls, each in their own style during the Biennale del Muro Dipinto festival. Strolling through the streets of Dozza in September offers a distinct and special experience, whether alone or with a guide, you can delve into the heart of contemporary street art.

(Photo: © Vivida Photo PC/Shutterstock)

Follina is a small village in the Veneto, located in Alta Marca Trevigiana, in a territory close to the Prealpi Trevigiane characterized by a stunning natural landscape adorned with charming villages and historic centers.

Recently awarded the coveted Orange Flag, Follina develops around the magnificent Cistercian Abbey of Santa Maria which houses notable works of art and a splendid cloister where international concerts are held.

Thanks to its layout, Follina is ideal to visit in September, both to learn about its historic buildings, like Palazzo Barberis, and to explore by bike or on foot along enchanting paths immersed in nature.

Follina is also known for its traditional wool and silk craftsmanship, for its vineyards-covered hills, and as an important UNESCO heritage site along the Prosecco Road.

(Photo: © REDMASON / Shutterstock.com)

This fishing village in the Lazio region is located at the end of the spectacular road of Via del Faro that climbs a cliff overlooking the sea with a unique view of the green scrubland covering Monte Circeo.

The historic center of this picturesque medieval village is surrounded by ancient protective walls and is traversed by scenic streets and alleys overlooking the Gulf of Gaeta and all the way to the Pontine Islands. In its central square stands the Torre dei Templari with a distinctive clock and the entrance gate to the baronial palace that leads to the ancient courtyard of the Caetani family palace.

Along the cliff of the promontory are the four papal towers erected as defenses against pirates: Torre Moresca, Cervia, Fico, and Torre Paola, the only one that retains its original circular structure.

Visiting San Felice Circeo can also mean seizing the opportunity for the last sea baths of the season thanks to its mix of sandy and rocky coastlines, with hidden coves and beautiful beaches like Torre Fico bathed by crystal-clear waters despite the proximity to the marina, or the rocky La Rinascente ideal for sunbathing on the rocks, or the beach that emerges beneath the Grotta delle Capre in a picturesque marine setting.

Among the hidden gems to discover in Molise in September is the village of Sepino, in the province of Campobasso, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.

Set in the scenic Tammaro valley, Sepino is a charming village rich in ancient history, traditions, and thermal waters.

On its territory, there are two significant archaeological areas, the Samnite village (Terravecchia or Saipins) and the Roman site (Saepinum-Altilia), a center of streets, alleys, and churches such as the central Santa Cristina, bell towers, towers, entrance gates to the town, and the historic thermal springs of Tre Fontane. Plus, from the green woods surrounding Sepino, numerous paths and trekking routes branch out.

One of the jewels of Calabria that shines especially brightly in September is the village of Stilo in the province of Reggio Calabria, listed among the I Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.

It is a town with ancient Byzantine origins situated ideally between the slopes of Monte Consolino and the Ionian coast, its historic center encloses a labyrinth of alleys, ancient houses piled together, hidden courtyards, centuries-old palaces, ancient walls with still standing gates and towers, and above all the splendid Byzantine church with dome tiles dating back to the 9th century in La Cattolica.

The village of Cingoli, a newly designated orange flag, is also known as the "Balcony of the Marche" due to its magnificent panoramic position over the upper Musone valley, a territory rich in trails and paths among woods and scenic views, such as La Macchia di Tassinete and the Montenero Woods and Lake Castreccioni.

Its intact medieval walls encircle a historic center filled with monuments, quiet streets, and places to visit including the State Archaeological Museum, various notable historic palaces, and the Maltempo fountain, while to visit the Collegiate Church of Sant'Esuperanzio, the most important religious building in Cigoli, you must step just outside the old town.

Near Sanremo and not far from the French border, Bussana Vecchia is an ancient (almost) ghost village that remained abandoned for most of the 20th century after a devastating earthquake.

In recent years, the small town has found new life thanks to the vibrant activity of an artists' community that has revitalized the cobblestone streets of the center with art galleries and small shops.

Walking through the pedestrianized alleys of the village in September means immersing yourself in a unique atmosphere among old ruins, the original roofless church, blooming gardens, and art studios.

The village of Scanno preserves a distinctly mountainous identity thanks to its panoramic position over the forest-covered hills of the Apennines near the lush and picturesque Sagittario valley.

Scanno presents a historic center rich in alleys, cobblestone streets, ancient stone houses, and numerous small churches that give the village a very characteristic atmosphere. Even in September, its great attraction remains the enchanting Lake Scanno, nestled among the green mountains with its emerald-colored water completely swimmable.

Here you can still enjoy a day on the equipped beach suitable for children in total relaxation, navigate its waters aboard pedal boats or canoes, stroll in the surrounding woods, or rent a bike to pedal along a nature trail or practice birdwatching in search of one of the eagles that fly in the area.

Located in north-western Sardinia, at the center of the Gulf of Asinara, in an area of incredible beauty, Castelsardo is a village to visit in September right after the exodus of tourists that crowd the region in summer.

This charming medieval village with its cobbled streets has a lively and characteristic historic center that revolves around the Doria Castle, with its mighty walls and 17 towers, now home to the Museum of Mediterranean Weaving Mediterranean, one of the most visited museums on the island, dedicated to the ancient tradition of basket making.