October is a special month for the nature of the Euganean Hills:
Landscape transformation:
With the arrival of autumn, the woods of the Euganean Hills are painted in warm shades of red, orange, and yellow. Oaks, chestnut trees, maples, and beeches begin to shed their leaves, creating a colorful carpet that covers the ground.
Chestnut harvest and other autumn fruits:
October is also the month for harvesting chestnuts, which are particularly abundant in the woods of the Euganean Hills. Besides chestnuts, mushrooms can also be found thanks to the favorable weather conditions.
Grape harvest and wine production:
The Euganean Hills are renowned for their vineyards. October marks the conclusion of the grape harvest, with the grapes being collected and turned into the area’s signature wines; Serprino, Cabernet, and Merlot celebrate the beginning of the wine season.
Bird migration:
The hilly location makes the Euganean Hills a migratory passage for many birds heading south for the winter. Birdwatching enthusiasts can observe the passage of hawks, herons, and various species of ducks.
Autumn festivals and fairs:
The autumn season is celebrated with numerous festivals and gastronomic events: the Jujube Festival, the Chestnut Festival, and the Wine Festival.
Hiking amidst autumn colors:
The mild temperatures make it pleasant to explore the many trails that crisscross the area, such as the Monte Venda Trail or the Monte Cecilia Trail. The rolling hills offer breathtaking views, enriched by the autumn foliage.
Changes in the fauna:
As temperatures drop, many animals begin to prepare for winter. This hilly region of Veneto is home to a rich biodiversity with a variety of small and medium-sized wildlife: foxes, badgers, porcupines, hares, hedgehogs, and wild boars, the latter having significantly expanded in recent years. The introduction of wild boars, likely for hunting purposes, has had a notable impact on the local ecosystem.
October in the Euganean Hills is a month of transition, where nature prepares for winter, but not before offering one last display of colors and flavors that captivate anyone who visits this beautiful natural area, at the foot of which lies the AbanoRitz.
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