Italy is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world and with good reason. Visitors find a whole universe of ancient history, amazing food, and millennia-old art and architecture that still inspires. Even with so much to enjoy and explore, some travelers avoid visiting Italy in August. Italian summers are hot, humid affairs and since Italian families commonly go on vacation in August, many travelers fear that most restaurants and shops will be closed. But with a bit of preparation, visiting Italy in August can be enjoyable.
DO take in local festivals. These events are a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in local life. For instance, visit the Easy Living beach in Florence. This man-made oasis of sand and lounge chairs is located on the south side of the Arno River near Piazza Poggi.
DON’T forget about the summer sales. If you love to shop, you will love Italy in August. The summer sale season generally starts in July and lasts through late August or early September. Milan is a great place to shop till you drop. During the sale season, luxury shuttle services make daily runs between the city center and luxury outlets in the suburbs. If you love labels, get your fill at 30% to 70% off.
DO drink plenty of water. In restaurants, if you order water it will be assumed that you want bottled water, which can be pricey. Tap water is safe to drink throughout Italy, so feel free to ask your waiter for acqua del rubinetto. If you order bottled water, the waiter will probably ask if you want acqua con gas (sparkling or with gas) or acqua senza gas (flat or still water). Need to find a drinking fountain in Rome? There’s an app for that! Download I Nasoni di Roma on iTunes and drink your fill.
DON’T get stuck in highway traffic. August is a busy travel time for Italians and traffic can be excessive. Avoid driving altogether, if possible. If you must drive, avoid the weekends. If you must drive on a weekend, avoid the weekends of August 2 and August 15 (Assumption Day) as they are peak travel times.
DO avoid the midday sun. Visit ancient ruins and outdoor sites early in the morning or later in the evening. Early morning is a great time to tour the Roman Forum, since there is very little shade at this site. Tours are permitted as early as 8:30 AM.
DO some sightseeing in naturally cooler places. Churches house some of the greatest art you will ever see. If you visit San Luigi dei Francesi in Rome, for example, you will see three famous paintings by Caravaggio – The Inspiration of Saint Matthew, the Calling of Saint Matthew and the Martyrdom of Saint Matthew. Visit underground sites, like the the catacombs of San Gennaro in Naples. There you will find the underground Basilica of Sant’Agrippino, where Mass is still celebrated.
DO go out at night. Milan’s already legendary happy hours become even more enjoyable with smaller crowds and rooftop bars. Take advantage of extended hours at museums. The Vatican Museums have extended evening hours on Fridays throughout the summer and the Uffizi and Accademia in Florence have extended summer hours on Tuesdays.
With a bit of planning and flexibility, anyone can enjoy traveling in Italy in August. Just pack your bags and go.