Is Italy still worth visiting in Summer even with the crowds and heat?
As Italy continues to draw record-breaking crowds and with forecasts of 2024 being the hottest year on record, the debate over visiting during the bustling summer months intensifies. Despite the heat and throngs of tourists, Italy's natural allure, rich history, and culinary wonders will always make it worth a trip! Discover how to make the most of your family trip amid the hustle and bustle with strategic planning and savvy tips.
© Classico Portraits | Young couple photographed in Ostuni, Puglia
Early Booking is Key
Restaurants, hotels and attractions get booked early so be sure to do the same to avoid disappointment.
Renowned sites and tours like the Vatican and the Last Supper do sell out so secure your tickets as soon as they open (often 60-90 days ahead).
Accommodation in sought-after beach locales such as Puglia and Amalfi should be reserved six-nine months ahead for optimal options and better rates. Some trains (such as Rome-Florence and Florence-Venice) also have better rates if booked in advance.
Activities like sailing trips, cooking classes, truffle hunts, and family vacation photographers often book out 2-3 months beforehand or even sooner.
Pro Tip: Here at Classico Portraits our summer availability fills up by March. Schedule a Call to start planning your ideal photoshoot experience.
© Classico Portraits | Young family have fun during their cooking class in Tuscany
Organize Your Days Around Crowds and Heat
Managing crowds in cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice demands a strategic approach. Starting your day early offers quieter visits to iconic landmarks like the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps which are both best visited at day-break. Additionally, early starts allow for a retreat to your hotel during the peak heat hours. If you prefer continuous exploration, booking museum visits during lunchtime provides respite from the sun. Keep in mind that some sites like the Colosseum may require outdoor queuing in the scorching sun so arrive prepared!
© Classico Portraits | A couple enjoys summer in Rome
Know the Local Holidays
August in Italy signifies widespread vacations for locals, culminating in the public holiday of Ferragosto on the 15th. Most non-tourism businesses shut down for the entire month, leading to increased crowds in popular destinations, especially beach towns. Consider June, July, or September for your travels, or opt for secluded agriturismos or tranquil country properties to escape the August rush.
Pro tip: Note that June 2nd is Festa della Repubblica, also a public holiday. You will also come across parades in most cities (and road closures).
© Classico Portraits | Resting at Tuscan Agriturismo, Al Gelso Bianco
Strategic Location Choices
The best way to avoid the crowds, is to uncover the charm of lesser-known regions which may also present a more authentic experience. Explore Basilicata and Calabria over Puglia for a serene Southern Italian seaside getaway. Delve into Piemonte's Alps instead of the Dolomites for breathtaking hikes. Umbria, Tuscany's neighbor, offers picturesque rolling hills and medieval villages—perhaps even more captivating than its famous counterpart.
For those set on famed regions, undiscovered towns abound. In Puglia, explore off-the-beaten-path gems like Gravina in Puglia and Grottaglie. Consider Isola d’Elba in Tuscany for a quieter seaside escape or the enchanting Lucca for an inland city, just a stone's throw from Pisa's iconic landmarks.
© Classico Portraits | Gravina in Puglia
Visiting Italy in the summer presents challenges, but with strategic planning, flexible scheduling, and venturing off the beaten path, you can craft an unforgettable Italian experience away from the crowds and heat for you and your family.
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