20 Memorable experiences in summer in Italy

Europe is blessed by the sun in summertime, the whole period that goes from late June to early September is definitely the best time to visit the Mediterranean Area. Italy in Summer is at its peak season, with many tourists visiting the country and enjoying sunshine, culture, delicious food and unique activities.

Summer in Italy doesn’t mean only beaches, which are the main selling point of the “bel paese”, but the country also offers incredible adventures in the mountains or remote little fairytales villages.

This guide about Italy in summer will give you complete insight about where to go, what to do, and a few tips by locals to have the best time in Italy.

All you should know about Italy in summer

Basic information about summertime in Italy

Also check...

• 11 Reasons why visit Puglia
• Best guide to italy
• summer guide to puglia beaches

Things to do in summer in Italy

Longer Days

Definitely one of the main reasons to visit Italy in summer is the longer days. The sunset is from 8 pm onward, giving you more time to explore. 

One of the main reasons travellers decide to spend summer in Italy is primarily because of the weather, associated with good food, balanced lifestyle and the position in Europe. Furthermore, the southern country is in a favourite position to reach other significant European locations, perfect for getting by boat to Croatia and flying in and out from other European Capitals.

The day is usually longer compared to other Mediterranean countries, with average daylight of 13,5 hours and longer, especially in the South. So if you are early birds like us, taking the best of your holiday by waking up early, it’s worth learning the Italian saying – “Il mattino ha l’oro in bocca”, meaning the early morning is golden time.

Best Beaches in Europe

The Tyrrhenian and Ionian coasts of Italy boast some of the best beaches in Europe. From the world-famous Costa Smeralda on Sardinia to the lesser-known but equally beautiful coastline of Puglia, you’ll find sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, and all the amenities you need for a perfect beach vacation.

Southern Italy definitely has some of the best beaches in the country, with Puglia and Amalfi Coast on top of our favourite list. Check out some of the best beaches in Naples and nearby. Other beaches worth visiting are in Abruzzo; check out Pescara, a place loved by locals or the Emilia Romagna Riviera, with some of the craziest parties every summer.

Talking about nightlife and beaches, we have to mention Puglia and Gallipoli; check out our guide to the best places to visit in Puglia for some inspiration. For the clearest water, Sardinia is the place to go for the best beaches in Italy, and Sicily instead is the best summer holiday in Italy on a budget.

Road trip on a budget

Nice weather and pleasant temperature mean the ideal conditions for an epic road trip. After many journeys on the road through Italy, Portugal, Spain and Croatia, we can proudly say that we are experienced travellers on the road.

Italy is the perfect place for a road trip itinerary. If you don’t mind driving, this is a memorable experience. We have sorted seven of the best road trips in Italy, perfect for every kind of traveller with a mix of on a budget, easy and moderate drives.

Find inspiration in driving through the mountains in our Dolomites Itinerary, going down the high cliffs of Amalfi Coast, or exploring the picturesque Cinque Terre. Check out the best offer for renting a car in Italy.

Friendly Locals

Italians are among the most friendly people in the world. This sentence is true for every part of Italy. We are Italian but often get in conversation with friends about our beautiful country, and this topic comes on at all times. Italians are keen to learn from you and very interested in other cultures. Italians do indeed speak different languages.

English is not largely spoken in tiny villages in Spain but is common in larger cities used by tourists. However, away from language barriers, Italians will welcome you anyway and try their best to talk to you and understand your needs. Often the other topic is about if Italy is safe, and we describe it as one of the best places to live in.

Sip wine on Tuscany Hills or Emilia Romagna

If you are unsure about travelling to Italy this summer, visiting Tuscany might be the perfect excuse.

The hills surrounding Florence, one of the most popular destinations in Italy, are famous for producing the finest wine in the beautiful country and for being a relaxing day surrounded by open fields and greenery.

The Tuscan and Emilian hills are home to some of the most famous wine regions in the world. So whether you’re sampling wines in Siena or Parma, you can enjoy the warm summer sun while sipping on some of Italy’s best. And because it’s Summer, you’ll also find that many wineries offer special events and tastings that are unavailable at other times of the year.

On the opposite side of Tuscany, Emilia Romagna is less popular among tourists and is visited mainly by locals. The Italian centre region is famous primarily for the production of Parmigiano and Prosciutto, but with a long tradition of wine producers and beautiful countryside villas that will please your stay.

Time to chase the sun in the South

Suppose you want to escape the crowd and enjoy some genuine Italian hospitality, head down to the southern regions of Calabria, Basilicata, or Sicily. These areas are off the beaten path but offer beautiful scenery, delicious food, and a slower pace of life that is perfect for a summer vacation.

The best time to enjoy the pleasant weather and the Italian Dolce Vita with plenty of outdoor spaces is by the end of June through July or in September when the temperatures are not reaching high levels.

Spending a vacation in Summer in Italy will take you to stroll on cosy promenades with warm temperatures, outdoor bars to sip an excellent aperitif, friendly locals and a chance to enjoy piazzas and hotspots until late in the evening.

Eat Gelato in Rome

While sightseeing is one of the top attractions in Rome, eating a Gelato is a must-do experience. 

Enjoy your summer in Italy at a slow pace by eating gelato, enjoying the landscape, popping into a shop or meeting friendly locals. This is a time for yourself, family and friends, make your holiday time in Italy.

Explore hidden gems

Many places in Italy are worth visiting and are still unpopular to outsiders. Many of these hidden gems in Italy are secluded and not shared by locals. Civita di Bagnoreggio is one of the fairytale places you should include in the Italy bucket list. Another great area to check out in summertime is the Terme di Saturnia or Saturnia Thermal Baths. The natural pools are an extraordinary attraction across Tuscany and Lazio, the regions of Rome and Florence.

To explore more of Italy’s hidden gems, consider checking our extensive guides about Puglia, and read about incredible places like Alberobello, Ostuni, Polignano a Mare. Also, in Puglia, Monopoli is one of the most enchanting and still unknown places, with some of Italy’s best beaches. Finally, if you are into hiking, we recommend looking for the “Path of God” on the Amalfi Coast and spoil some of the best landscape views in the Mediterranean.

Boat parties

Time to enjoy life and experience the parties in Italy. The good weather allows you to enjoy the sea more than ever and not just stay on a beach but also have epic boat parties. Check out some of the best selected for you.

Sail to Sardinia or the Aeolian Islands

Sailing between the Tyrrhenian Sea is perfect for spending a summer day. The Sardinian coastline is rugged and dramatic, while the Aeolian Islands are known for their volcanic peaks and crystal-clear waters. Unfortunately, these islands are mostly uninhabited, so you’ll feel you’re getting away from them.

While the authentic experience is to sail along some of the most beautiful stretches of coast in the world, the real bargain is to find caves and hidden beaches that are reached just by sea. Turquoise water, unique landscapes and rough caves are along the quintessential cliffs of Sardinia.

Sardinia is well known, and you can discover it hopping from port to port. There are many incredible harbours, discovering hidden gems and well known luxurious places. Check out Portofino and Porto Empedocle for the most charming locations in summer in Italy, visiting Sardinia.

2nd June | Festa Della Repubblica – Italy Republic Day

On the second day of June, all of Italy stops to celebrate the day when the country becomes a democratic republic. Expect everything close at that time, with many public spaces holding celebrations and ceremonies.

15th August | Ferragosto

There is no translation for Ferragosto, and it’s an ancient celebration in the midst of August. Farmers celebrated Ferragosto as a “thank you” for the harvesting season. Today the festival of Ferragosto is a public holiday that sees shops and public spaces closed, with special activities like concerts and parties taking place in the main cities and seaside towns. Locals are on holiday on this day, so remember to book in advance for eateries, accommodations and activities.

Summer in Italy is the period that goes from mid-June to mid-September. However, considering the excellent season for locals starts at the end of May and might end in October in southern Italy. It’s easy to spot locals on the beaches from May until later in September.

We love to travel to our home country for some holidays in September; this is the best time of the year to visit Italy in our opinion. In September, kids are back to school, and people return to their work. As a result, the beaches by the end of summer are pretty empty (bustling at the weekend), prices for accommodations are lower, and the same is for the flights.

Italy in June

The first month of summer is a great time to visit Italy if you want to enjoy the best of what the country has to offer. Because of the lovely weather, you can explore the hill towns of Siena and Parma on foot or by bike. In addition, many of the country’s best wine regions, including Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Piedmont, are in full swing during this month. So June is probably best if you are looking for a more relaxed vacation.

Italy in July

July is a high season in Italy, so expect large crowds and higher prices. However, the weather is still lovely, so it’s a great time to enjoy the beaches or take a boat trip around one of the islands. Well-known beaches such as the Costa Smeralda and the Amalfi Coast are particularly crowded during this month, so we recommend you pick lesser popular places like the beaches of Puglia or Sicily instead.

August in Italy

Like July, August is the high season in Italy, but many Italians take their vacation this month so you may find some business establishments like restaurants and shops closed. Don’t forget; you can still enjoy the numerous festivals held throughout the country, such as the famous Ferragosto fireworks display in Padua. And because many Italians are away on vacation, you may find that the crowds are thinner than usual in some places. You can also score a great deal of accommodation.

September in Italy

September is when most of the summer crowds have gone home, and the grapes are being harvested in many of the country’s wine regions. This means that you can enjoy all the most exquisite dishes Italy offers without the large crowds. September is the best time to walk through Rome’s ancient ruins or take a stroll through the canals of Venice. This is also the month when you can get the perfect shot of the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the temperatures gets a bit chilly in the evening, making you feel autumn in Italy vibes.

North Italy (Incl. Milan, Venice, Turin)
June | 18° to 27° – 6 Days average rain
July | 20° to 30° – 5 Days average rain
August | 20° to 29° – 5 Days average rain
September | 15° to 24° – 8 Days average rain

Central Italy (Incl. Florence, Bologna, Rome)
June | 17° to 28° – 3 Days average rain
July | 19° to 31° – 2 Days average rain
August | 19° to 31° – 2 Days average rain
September | 15° to 27° – 6 Days average rain

Southern Italy (Incl. Naples, Bari, Palermo)
June | 18° to 28° – 3 Days average rain
July | 21° to 31° – 1 Days average rain
August | 21° to 32° – 1 Days average rain
September | 18° to 27° – 4 Days average rain

Road Trip on a Budget

Going on a road trip is a great way to explore the country at your own pace and see places you wouldn’t otherwise. In addition, this could help you save up some money since you won’t have to pay for things like hotels and restaurants.

Lay on a beach on Amalfi Coast

Some of Italy’s best beaches are on the Amalfi Coast. Just an hour away from Naples, you can reach the high cliffs of the coastline. There are many places we want to introduce you to, but it is worth checking our guide to the most instagrammable places on the Amalfi Coast to have a better idea. However, we must warn you as this stretch of the Tyrrhenian coastline is exceptionally crowded and hot in summer, primarily through July and August.

Better to organise a day trip from Naples, exploring the beaches through organised trips. As you can’t reach them by car, it is better to go with local tours, and you don’t have to stress about finding (impossible) parking space, paying extremely high fees in the peak season. Check out how to reach Positano from Naples, by public transport, it is very easy.

The towns you should consider are Maiori, Minori, Amalfi, Vietri sul Mare, Positano, Furore, and Atrani. If you want to stop before, you should consider staying in Sorrento and taking some day trips to the Amalfi towns.

Experience the Dolce vita in Capri

Travelling into Naples for a few days, you might consider other locations more than the typical Amalfi Coast. For example, Capri is just about 1 hour away from Naples, on a ferry ride from Mergellina harbour.

Capri is well known worldwide for the typical Italian lifestyle made of glamorous aperitif at sunset, watching the sea sipping a drink. The beautiful Mediterranean island was set in many famous movies of the ’80 and ’90, placing Capri at the top of the Italy bucket list for every traveller. It is easy to reach Capri from Naples by ferry and speed boats; check out how. If travelling in summer is better to book your trip in advance, it tends to be very busy, and tickets for the ferry are likely to sell out fast.

There are other two budget options for a day trip from Naples. Ischia and Procida are the favourite locations by locals and are definitely affordable for backpackers, families and couples on a budget. Procida is also the Capital of Culture for 2022.

Adriatic Coast on a budget

Most likely, you have seen advertised the Adriatic coast only because Croatia, part of Greece and other Southern-East European countries share the same side. However, the Italian Adriatic is vibrant and lovely, with many unique sandy beaches. We love to talk about Pescara, or the Italian Riviera of Emilia Romagna, with Rimini, Riccione and Jesolo on top of the list.

The best way to explore the Adriatic Coast is also to visit Puglia. The Southern region has some of the most dreamy beaches. You can fly into Bari to Explore easily by train Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Otranto, Lecce, and many others.

Sail in Sardinia

Try the Italian Gelato

Gelato is one of the most common words learned by foreigners. So you will eat gelato multiple times during the day during summer in Italy. With just two to three euros, you can access the delicious Italian paradise of tasty food. There are quite a few flavours that go from typical chocolate, coffee and nuts to more summer flavours with seasonal fruit and mixed variations.

Extreme water sports in Trentino

Trentino is the place to be if you appreciate extreme sports! Climbing, paragliding flights, rafting, kayaking and exciting hikes among the beautiful Dolomites. 

Not many know that Trentino is a wonderland for water sports addicts. We experienced this in Val di Sole and Val di Non, going on thrilling rafting on the river Noce. We assure you that you’ll have difficulty choosing between rapids, canyons, and consistent hikes with a dive in an Alpine lake at 2000 metres above sea level.

Set off on an exciting journey down the Noce river in an inflatable raft, taking in the rapids and harsh waves. If water is not your place, take an e-bike and go to the top of the Dolomites to feel the pure fresh air.

Explore the incredible Dolomites in summertime through our guide!

Learn how to make orecchiette in Bari

Learning how to make fresh pasta in the alleys of Bari with a grannie is quite an experience that you can have only in Italy. For more information about the Puglia’s Capital Region, check our extensive guide on things to do in Bari.

Bari is the perfect summer holiday in Italy in the boot’s heel. This experience proves that there is no other way to explore local traditions. We suggest using Bari as a hub for your day trips, hitting the beaches on the hotter days, having fantastic nights out, and exploring hidden inland gems. For a real experience in Bari, book your Orecchiette pasta making class.

Get lost in the maze of Bari old Town

We made Bari enjoyable to you but can’t miss giving more information about the coastal city. There are many things to see in Bari, but you definitely can’t miss seeing the old town and the Castle.

Bari has its beaches, and pane e Pomodoro is the most famous and popular among locals. Get lost in the maze of cobblestone streets filled with stories and legends, and then refresh your mind with a dive in the blue turquoise water.

Bari is the perfect location to start your trip in Puglia and visit the white towns of Valle d’Itria like Ostuni, Martina Franca, Locorotondo and Cisternino.

Indulge in the traditional Neapolitan Food

No trip to Italy is complete without indulging in local food, and this in Naples means more than just the best pizza in the world. The food capital of Italy is definitely Naples, with a good mix of street food and old traditions. In addition, the southern capital can test your taste buds.

As locals, we can assure you that you can spend an entire day trying Napolitan food, just going from bakery to bar, passing by small shops. Summer in Naples means other traditional food like grilled artichokes sold at the corner of the streets for about 1 euro each and sweet and sour cakes and dishes. Easter in Naples means two main things: pastiera and casatiello. The first is a lovely cake mostly made with rice and special cream; the second is a savoury bread-based stuffed with meat and cheese. For the full explanation of typical Neapolitan food, check our post.

Romantic weekend in Venice

Two days in Venice are enough to explore the lagoon city. The most romantic destination in Europe can surprise your other half. Summer in Italy is scorching, but Venice maintains mild weather compared to other popular cities. Venice is the perfect romantic getaway in Italy. Couples can explore the winding canals, go on a sweet gondola ride, and enjoy the city’s beautiful architecture.

However, we have to warn you as it is also one of the most visited cities attracting millions of tourists every year and suffering from over-tourism.

Visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii

Pompeii was a prominent Roman city on the coast destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 79 AD by Mount Vesuvius. Today, it is an archaeological site where you can see the city’s remains and get a glimpse into what life was like back then.

You can visit Pompeii this summer while staying in Naples. The once Roman town has some of the best-preserved ruins in the world and is part of the protected heritage by UNESCO. Furthermore, Naples has some of the best day trips in our guide about summer in Italy. As you can travel easily to the Amalfi Coast, Capri and the other Island, enjoy the Sorrentino Coast, take a train for a day trip to Rome, and run multiple times a day for just a 1-hour ride.

Stay in a luxurious villa in Positano

Positano is a small town on the Amalfi Coast with breathtaking views. You can stay in one of the luxurious villas overlooking the city and enjoy the best of what Italy has to offer.

Visiting Positano in May or June, or in late September you can find real bargains, however, life in the Amalfi Coast is very expensive, so budget for it.

Check our suggestions and live the dream:
Covo dei Saraceni
Hotel Le Agavi
Hotel Villa Franca

You can step into the magnificent Cathedral and even climb to the rooftop to admire the gorgeous landscape. Check out how to reach the top of Milan Cathedral. Visiting Milan in two days, you can explore the city’s main sightseeing exploring the nearby Gallery, the Sforza Palace, the public green parks, and the favourite place by locals, the Navigli.

Go for a FREE walking tour of Milan that will show you all the best of the city. Milan in summer is a unique, perfect escape for the summer holidays in Italy.

Visit Juliet’s Balcony in Verona

Juliet’s Balcony in Verona is famous thanks to the novel by Will Shakespeare. Every day thousands of tourists enjoy the beautiful landmarks of Verona, and you can explore it in summer, enjoying the nice weather.

The pleasant cobblestone alleys of the northern Italian city are very romantic, perfect for a weekend in Italy. You can make Verona part of an exciting road trip from Milan or Venice. Surprise your other half this summer in Italy, booking a whole trip, combining romance and culture with some typical Italian spritz in the between.

Fun Facts about Juliet’s Balcony in Verona

Did you know that an entire crew of writers every day responds to the love letters left on the wall in the courtyard of Juliet’s Balcony? If you don’t know what we are talking about, check out some popular movies as Letters from Juliet.

Go wild with a night out in Rome

For the best time in Rome, visit Testaccio at night. The district is famous for its vibrant nightlife. Jump from one club to another, experience well-known Djs and meet with locals.

Like a dream for your Italian summer holidays, dance until sunrise, and go to a bakery that is open the whole night for some stories to tell your friends back home. If you are not comfortable going out alone, check out some of the best pub crawls in Rome.

Explore scenic inland towns

Desire the unexpected in Italy. The captivating Southern European Country is well known among tourists, but there is more to discover away from the crowded popular cities.

While exploring Italy in summer, take time to go alfresco and enjoy the surrounding area, organise day trips, or go straight away off the beaten path.

There are authentic gems among the famous spots, and some are very underrated places. You can quickly fly into principal terminals, rent a car and explore the rest. For example, flying into Pisa is cheap with low-fare companies such as Ryanair and Easyjet, and you can explore the Tuscan Valleys. Also, consider flying into Brindisi to explore Puglia, an authentic treasure only recently uncovered by tourists.

Another way to explore picturesque inland townlets is to arrive in Pescara, in the Abruzzo Region, filled with traditions, good food and the calm Adriatic sea. Consider also Padova, Trieste and Trento. Trentino is well known for winter tourism but is summer the most satisfactory time to go wild with water sports activities.

Explore the white villages in Puglia

We extensively introduced you to Puglia in this post, but once again, it is time to read some more information about this gorgeous region. Apulia is the longest region in Italy, located at the boot of the hill, and is washed by the Adriatic Sea on the east side and Ionian on the west one.

Inland there are some of the most picturesque towns worth a visit. Note down the gorgeous Alberobello, Locorotondo, Ostuni and Martina Franca. However, as you are travelling in Puglia in summer , you should visit Polignano a Mare and Monopoli, which are easy to reach from Bari, even by public transport.

Indeed, you don’t necessarily need the card to travel through Puglia; however, if you want to visit the South of the country, it is better to do so. Taking a car south from Brindisi, you can enjoy the nightlife and best beaches of Puglia in Gallipoli, Torre dell’Orso, Lecce, Otranto, and push yourself to Taranto, an authentic Salentino Town. 

Go on a road trip in Sicily

Sicily is perfect for a road trip, and especially in summer, you need the car to reach some remote places. Some of the best beaches in Italy are in Sicily. The region is served by two main airports in the two leading cities, Palermo and Catania.

We have written a complete road trip itinerary through Sicily; you should check it. You can indulge in the local multi-Ethnic cuisine, the tasty wine, millennial culture and incredible sandy beaches.

Snorkelling in Italy

Not many travellers are aware that Italy is perfect for snorkelling. As it is a peninsula, it has diverse marine fauna and flora and is ideal for beginners and expert divers.

Head to Sicily to explore the southern shores and the Mediterranean sea beds. Going for a dive in the water nearby Naples, in Pozzuoli, you can explore a whole underwater old Roman town, perfectly preserved. Check out our guide about diving in Italy with more spots.

Visit Parma | Italian Culture Capital 2020

We visited Parma in 2019 when it was already known that the Emilia Romagna city was named as Italian Capital of Culture 2020. The city has begun to look like an award-winning reality with shows and celebrations. Parma truly is a captivating cultural city, with the glamour of a bit of town, thanks to the cobblestone streets, the authentic buildings, the Parco Ducale and the food well known worldwide.

From Parma is the famous Parmigiano and Prosciutto. However, the surrounding hills produce fine wine. Go to a local winery to sip the local wine and some cheese on the side.

Don’t travel anywhere without travel insurance, no matter your journey. We have learned that at our expense, while travelling from Dubrovnik to Hvar, our ferry was cancelled because of rough sea weather.
Even though Italy is safe, the pandemic taught many people that things might go wrong everywhere in the world, and insurance is frequently the only option to mitigate any problems with the least cost or stress to you.

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World Nomads | They don’t cover Covid-19 claims. Perfect for gear insurance with standard and premium plans, covering lost, stolen or damaged gear and tech.

Most of the popular cities in Italy are packed in summer. To avoid surprises while exploring Italy this summer, book in advance your favourite activities.

Below we have listed some activities you will love while in Italy. These are listed by cities and take into consideration day trips as well. Take into consideration to book your tickets at least 2 months before your trip. The exhibitions and galleries get sold out quickly, limiting your experience and wasting time queuing to gain access if you are lucky.

MILAN | Last Supper (Milan)

ROME | 

• Vatican Museums (Vatican City, Rome)
• Colosseum (Rome)

FLORENCE | Uffizi Gallery (Florence)

NAPLES | Capri Boat Tour (From Naples)

BARI | Pasta making class with a local nonna

TUSCANY | Chianti Hills and Wine tasting from Florence

AMALFI COAST | Amalfi Coast and Sorrento, Full Day tour from Naples

CINQUE TERRE | Cinque Terre from Milan & Full Day tour from Florence

Final thoughts about spending summer in Italy

Italy in summer is a fantastic experience that everyone should have at least once in their lifetime. From the stunning scenery to the delicious food, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Just remember to pack light, dress comfortably, and avoid the crowds by visiting during the shoulder season, June and September. With these tips, you’re sure to have a memorable trip.