The best foliage spots in and around Bologna
Updated on 17 August 2026 From Bologna Welcome
In Bologna, autumn is at its best in gardens, on the first hills, and around the lakes, parks and forests of the metropolitan area. Between October and November, with timing varying according to altitude and weather conditions, autumn foliage colours the city and its surroundings: from Villa Ghigi and Giardini Margherita to Parco della Chiusa and the beech forests of the Bolognese Apennines.
It’s the perfect time to get back to walking in nature, even just a short distance from the city centre. A walk under the trees, a few hours along a trail or a day trip outside the city are all you need to follow the changing season and seek out the most beautiful autumn foliage in Bologna and its metropolitan area.
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Bologna Foliage Map
Giardini Margherita
To enjoy the autumn foliage without going far from Bologna city centre, Giardini Margherita are an excellent choice. One of the city’s largest and most popular parks, they take on a new look in autumn: the tree-lined avenues fill with warm colours and the walk leads to the pond, a perfect spot to stop and admire or photograph the treetops reflected in the water.
Villa Ghigi Park, Bologna
With its 28 hectares, this vast park offers not only a rich variety of trees and natural areas, but also a breathtaking view over the city of Bologna. Ideal for an autumn walk, it can be easily reached by car, bus no. 52, or on foot from Porta San Mamolo. A perfect spot to admire the foliage without venturing far from the city center.
Parco della Chiusa or Parco Talon
In Casalecchio di Reno, Parco della Chiusa, also known as Parco Talon, is a great place to enjoy the autumn foliage just outside Bologna. Here, the scenery changes: city avenues give way to woodlands, meadows, farmland and paths along the Reno River. The park is also connected to the Sentiero dei Bregoli, a trail that climbs towards Colle della Guardia. In autumn, the paths near the woods and the river are especially worth exploring, with colours and landscapes changing within just a few steps. Its proximity to Bologna makes it a good choice for a half-day trip outside the city centre, without heading further into the Apennines.
Suviana and Brasimone Lakes Park, Camugnano
Less than 70 km from Bologna, in the Bolognese Apennines, lie the artificial lakes of Suviana and Brasimone. Surrounded by dense woodland, these water basins become spectacular in autumn as the leaves turn into a thousand shades of color. Easily reachable by car, it is the ideal place for short or long hikes and family picnics, offering a serene and rejuvenating environment.
Poranceto Forest, Camugnano
A true gem of the Bolognese Apennines, the Poranceto Forest in Camugnano is a magical and enchanting place where centuries-old chestnut trees stand tall, some over a thousand years old. In autumn, these giants of nature offer an unforgettable sight, with their abundant fruits and foliage in golden and coppery tones. The forest also hosts the Poranceto Forest Museum, the visitor center of the park dedicated to the local ecosystem, perfect for deepening your knowledge of this magical place.
Vena del Gesso Park, Borgo Tassignano
Less than 70 km from Bologna, the Vena del Gesso Romagnola Regional Park has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its unique karst formations. This is the longest gypsum chain in Europe, characterized by caves and fascinating tunnels. Beyond its remarkable geology, in autumn the park is dressed in extraordinary colors, making it an ideal place for hiking or mountain biking immersed in the foliage.
Alidosi Bridge, Castel dei Rio
The Santerno River, one of the largest tributaries of the Reno, flows through the picturesque Imola area from Castel del Rio to Imola. The nature surrounding the famous Alidosi Bridge in the Santerno Valley lights up in autumn with vibrant yellow and orange hues that are simply unmissable for photography lovers.
Water Ecomuseum and Floodplain Area, Dosolo - Sala Bolognese
Less than 30 km from Bologna, the Water Ecomuseum and the Floodplain Area in Sala Bolognese offer a different kind of experience. Once a marshland, this area is an example of land reclamation and hydraulic engineering. The surrounding trails, freely accessible on foot or by bike during the day, allow visitors to appreciate the local flora and fauna, which in autumn take on new shades. The museum highlights the technical, historical, cultural, and environmental aspects linked to water, blending nature and knowledge.
Sanctuary of Madonna del Faggio, Alto Reno Terme
The Sanctuary of Madonna del Faggio owes its name to a fascinating legend linked to the apparition of the Virgin Mary beneath a large beech tree, where the church was later built. Reachable by car as far as Borgo di Tresana, from there it is recommended to continue on foot along a 600-meter path winding through a beech forest and dense woodland. An experience that combines spirituality with the beauty of autumn foliage, in an environment rich in history and nature.
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