When summer gives way to autumn, Italy is painted in warm and enveloping colors. The hills turn golden with vineyards, the villages are filled with the scent of freshly pressed grapes, and kitchens come alive with the magic of pumpkin — the undisputed queen of the autumn table.
For motorhome travelers, caravanners and campervan adventurers, this is the perfect moment to explore Italy’s most authentic farm stops, discovering traditional dishes that celebrate this sweet and versatile vegetable.
With Agricamper, you can experience it all — enjoying free 24-hour stays on farms surrounded by nature. And if you’re ready to start dreaming of your autumn route, download the app and try the free Demo version.
Autumn is the perfect season to hit the road and discover the most authentic side of Italy — the one that smells of wood, must, and freshly harvested pumpkins. Every region has its own variety and unique recipes. Following the slow rhythm of the countryside, you can create your own itinerary through villages, hills, and landscapes that look like paintings.
Northern Italy: among hills, lakes, and mountain flavors
Northern Italy is a true cradle of pumpkin, celebrated in countless dishes and traditions. In Mantua, its aroma fills kitchens and piazzas. The symbolic dish here is pumpkin tortelli — filled with amaretti and mostarda, and topped with melted butter and sage. Tasting it means savoring a piece of local history. After a steaming plate, take a stroll through Piazza delle Erbe, admire the frescoes of Palazzo Ducale, and climb the towers of Castello di San Giorgio.
Heading towards Valeggio sul Mincio, the tradition continues between legends and romance. This fairytale village, with its majestic Visconti Bridge, the medieval hamlet of Borghetto, and the calm waters of the Mincio River, is a jewel that blends taste and beauty. Here, the famous tortellini — also called “love knots” — often meet the sweetness of pumpkin, creating a perfect harmony between food and territory.
In Veneto, the Chioggia pumpkin stands out for its sweet, starchy pulp. Following the scenic roads that link Padua, Adria and Chioggia, you’ll find yourself among fields and canals where the lagoon merges with farmland. Here, pumpkin takes center stage in gnocchi, risottos, and autumn desserts — perfect after a seaside stroll through the picturesque alleys.
Further north in Trentino, pumpkin becomes a mountain delight. In the cozy inns of Rovereto and Trento, it is served in hot soups inside crusty bread bowls or in herbed dumplings. After lunch, follow the Valsugana trails along Lake Caldonazzo for breathtaking views — perfect for those who love combining motorhome travel and unspoiled nature.
Central Italy: between medieval villages and country flavors
In Tuscany, pumpkin embraces the aromas of new olive oil and freshly harvested wine, starring in genuine dishes like pumpkin velouté with Tuscan croutons or pumpkin and pecorino risotto. Tasting it among the Chianti hills is a sensory experience: the amber-colored vineyards, the scent of grapes, and the sound of the wind through olive trees create a perfect backdrop. Stop with your motorhome or caravan near Greve, Panzano, or Castellina, and after a delicious stop, continue towards Siena or San Gimignano, where medieval towers and cobblestone squares tell the long story of Tuscany.
In Umbria, pumpkin meets the most authentic peasant cuisine: it enriches hearty soups, omelets, and side dishes for roasts. Its golden shades blend beautifully with the landscapes of Todi, Montefalco, and Spello, where every bend in the panoramic roads reveals olive groves and bell towers shrouded in morning mist.
In Le Marche, the sweetness of the local yellow pumpkin complements the peaceful life of hilltop villages. In Fermo, Recanati, and Urbino, among Renaissance walls and artisan workshops, you can taste savoury pies and homemade stuffed dishes prepared with local pumpkin. Each town has its secret, each recipe its story — a slow journey through hills and traditions, filled with the scent of wood-fired ovens and genuine hospitality.
Southern Italy: where pumpkin meets the sun
In Campania, pumpkin reigns supreme in countless traditional recipes: pumpkin with provola cheese, pumpkin cream gnocchi, or the classic Neapolitan fried pumpkin with garlic, vinegar, and mint. Each bite tells the story of this generous land. After enjoying these dishes, explore Benevento — the mysterious “city of witches,” perfect in autumn with its legends, castles, and ancient streets — or drive along the Amalfi Coast in low season, when the roads fall silent and the sea glows gold.
In Puglia, pumpkin brightens the autumn markets of Alberobello, Cisternino, and Ostuni, among trulli and dry-stone walls scattered across the Itria Valley. Here, tradition pairs it with handmade pasta like orecchiette with pumpkin cream, enhanced with local olive oil and a sprinkle of caciocavallo cheese. After lunch, wander through whitewashed old towns or head toward Salento, where coastal lanes invite you to travel slowly with your motorhome or caravan among ancient olive trees and the scent of the sea.
In Sicily, pumpkin becomes a sensory experience. The famous sweet-and-sour pumpkin with vinegar and mint embodies a cuisine that blends rural simplicity and Arab influences. After tasting it, follow the coast by motorhome from Cefalù to Erice, passing through Noto: golden-stone villages, scenic drives, and sunsets that seem endless. In autumn, the Temples of Agrigento and the salt pans of Trapani can be visited in peace, with soft light turning every photo into a painting.
In Sardinia, pumpkin joins pane carasau and pecorino cheese in autumn culurgiones or stuffed seadas, bringing the sweetness of the season and the intensity of island flavors to the table. The coastal roads between Bosa, Oristano, and Alghero offer breathtaking scenery — few tourists, pristine nature, and a slow, relaxing travel rhythm.
Conclusion:
Each stop becomes a small journey into taste — among farm stays and encounters with those who cultivate and transform this vibrant vegetable. Whether you travel by motorhome, caravan, or campervan, autumn invites you to slow down, savor the landscapes, and fill your pantry with genuine flavors.
With Agricamper, you can turn every stop into an experience: sleep among vineyards, visit local farms, and rediscover your connection with the land.
👉 Download the app and get your Agricamper membership to enjoy an autumn filled with freedom, flavor, and authenticity.
