Between late October and mid-November, the province of Verona and its green spaces take on the warmest, most beautiful colors of the autumn season.

From the woods in the mountain areas, through the vineyard-line hills, to the historic gardens in the very heart of the city, Verona and its surroundings offer countless marvellous places to admire the foliage. Keep reading to discover the best spots to enjoy the Veronese autumn.

Lessinia: A Full Immersion in Nature

The Lessinia Regional Natural Park remains the most evocative destination for anyone seeking autumn foliage in the Veronese territory. In the Valle delle Sfingi, between Bosco Chiesanuova, Erbezzo and Velo Veronese, the beech woods shift into deep reddish-copper tones. The result is a beautifully varied palette, where yellow brightens the edges of the woods and richer reds emerge lower down, towards the meadows.

For those who prefer broader views, Corno d’Aquilio offers sweeping panoramas that embrace the hills below in a single glance. If you’re looking for an easier walk, choose the route between Camposilvano and the Valle delle Sfingi or explore the surroundings of Rifugio Lausen.

Valpolicella and Valpantena: Autumn Among the Vineyards

Just a few kilometres from the city, Valpolicella offers a more intimate kind of foliage, closely tied to its agricultural tradition. Among rows of vines, stone farmhouses and dry-stone walls, the vine leaves slowly shift from summer green to a deep, vibrant red. A particularly popular trekking route crosses the Valle di Negrar, where it is pleasant to alternate stretches of walking with a stop at a winery.

A short distance away, Valpantena offers a more secluded atmosphere, with vineyards and small cherry woods, ideal for those looking for a short outing without giving up to the discreet elegance of the Veronese hills.

Giardino Giusti: Autumn in the City

You don’t need to leave Verona to enjoy the colors of the autumn season. The Giardino Giusti, one of Italy’s best-preserved Renaissance gardens, offers refined views thanks to its centuries-old cypress trees and vegetation that gradually shift in tone. It’s the perfect place for a contemplative pause, just a few steps from the historic centre and the city’s main attractions.

Monte Baldo: Foliage and Mountain Flavours

Those wishing to extend their itinerary can head to San Zeno di Montagna, on the eastern side of Monte Baldo. This mountain group, known as the “balcony over Lake Garda”, opens onto panoramas that sweep from the lake to the surrounding peaks. San Zeno is an ideal starting point for exploring the trails that cross the local chestnut groves, where the foliage takes on warm, uniform tones.

For visitors who prefer to reach higher altitudes without long walks, the Malcesine cable car climbs to 1,800 metres with 360° rotating cabins, offering a full view over the lake and the woods below. Alternatively, from the Prada lifts you can venture along the trails towards Cima Costabella or Rifugio Chierego, where the alpine landscape reveals its wilder, less-frequented side, with beech woods and larches marking the change of season.

This is the land of the famous San Zeno DOP chestnut, whose harvest accompanies the autumn months. An opportunity to combine the landscape with an authentic gastronomic experience.

The Best Time for Foliage in Verona

The best period to admire foliage in the province of Verona runs from late October to mid-November. Higher altitude areas, such as Lessinia and Monte Baldo, are the first to change color: by the end of October, the beech woods and chestnut groves reach their chromatic peak. The hilly areas of Valpolicella and Valpantena tend to change color a few days later, usually in the first week of November, when the vines and cherry trees turn to warmer tones.

In the city, Giardino Giusti offers interesting views throughout the first half of November, with a more gradual transition thanks to the mixed vegetation. To fully enjoy the experience, we suggest visiting during the hours of raking light, either early in the morning or in the late afternoon.