With some 7,500 km of coastline, 80 islands and 24 national parks, Italy in summer is a true paradise for outdoor lovers. Summer in Italy is the season where locals move out of cities in droves, escaping temperatures of 104°F. Here is a guide to the best places to visit in Italy in June, July, August and September designed to avoid the crowds and make the most of the climate the country has to offer.
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE SUMMER TEMPERATURE IN ITALY?
At low altitudes, temperatures reach 86°F in the last two weeks of May and stay around 75°F until the end of September.
June and September are the best months to fully enjoy the Italian summer from north to south of the peninsula and on the islands.
JUNE: GET THE BEST OF ITALY IN THE SUMMER
Marinella di Zambrone
Marinella di Zambrone is located north of the larger Zambrone Beach, about 6 kilometers away from Tropea in the Calabria region. This stunning beach is also called Il Paradiso dei Sub (the diver’s paradise). Marinella di Zambrone Beach is famous for its small bays with white soft sand, and crystal clear waters and it attracts few tourists (except in August). The reason why is that it’s a bit tricky to reach as you need to walk down a path or get there by sea or by canoes, pedal boats, and other small boats. This is the perfect location on the Coast of the Gods in Calabria to snorkel, go diving, rent a kayak, and relax at the beach for a day! June is the ideal month to visit this beach as most of the tourists are not around yet and the temperatures are quite warm.
Despite what some people may say about the Southern region of Italy Calabria is safe and you can get to this region here by the way of car or by train.
TIP: It is advisable to park near the Zambrone railway station - Hotel Scoglio del Leone. If arriving by train, stop in Zambrone and from there follow the path signs.
WHERE TO STAY: at the Suites Ulivo if staying for more than a day here, located just a 3-minute walk from the beach.
By Dan from Urban Abroad
Viareggio
One of the most beautiful places for a summer vacation in June is definitely Viareggio in Italy. This pretty coastal town is located in the west of Tuscany and is only about 25 km from Pisa, where there is also an international airport.
Viareggio is one of Tuscany’s hidden gems, famous for its Art Nouveau style and of course for its many beautiful beaches. Here you can enjoy one of the longest sandy beaches in Italy! The historic bagni, the so-called beach resorts, line the coast and conjure up a very special ambiance with their many colorful umbrellas. Especially in June, Viareggio is a little less busy than in July or even August, so you get to know the seaside resort from its most beautiful side.
The main attraction in Viareggio is the picturesque promenade from 1917, where you can admire numerous buildings and villas in Art Nouveau style. The colorful buildings with their turrets and oriels, with their decorations, ceramic tiles, and glass windows create an unmistakable charm on the promenade. In addition, you will find a wide selection of stores, boutiques, and restaurants, perfect simply to shop, eat or just take a nice walk.
HOTELS IN VIAREGGIO: The range of fabulous accommodations is terrific. Especially nice, however, are the Art Nouveau hotels, like the gorgeous Hotel Plaza e De Russie.
By Martina from Places of Juma
Palermo
Palermo is the capital of Sicily and one of the largest cities on the island. It’s home to many famous architectural sites, traditional markets, restaurants, and more. Located in the most southern region of Italy, throughout July and August Palermo can get uncomfortably hot. To avoid the heat, head to Palermo in June, when it’s sunny and temperatures are milder, ranging from 19.0°C (66.2°F) to 27.1°C (80.78°F).
Visiting Palermo in June means you’ll experience the city just before peak tourism season. There are fewer crowds, prices for hotels and excursions are lower, and you’ll avoid waiting in lines. And, outdoor day trips from Palermo, like climbing Mount Etna, will be much more comfortable in the cooler June weather.
Within the city, you can walk to visit famous sites like Quattro Canti, which is a Baroque piazza that was built in the early 1600s. From there, it’s a short walk to Fontana della Vergogna, a beautiful fountain built in Florence, and transferred to Palermo in 1574.
ACCOMMODATION IN PALERMO: If you’re planning to visit Palermo in June, you’ll find plenty of reasonably priced accommodations to choose from, like the Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa.
HOW TO REACH PALERMO: The best way to get to Palermo is by flight or by taking the train from one of Italy’s more northern cities.
By Erin from Pina Travels
HOW TO ENJOY THE SUMMER IN ITALY IN JULY
Perugia
Perugia – the capital of Umbria – is a wonderful city to visit at any time of year. However, in July the city hosts a 10-day Jazz Festival, the “Umbria Jazz”. The festival is a mixture of concerts and informal street jazz with crowds filling the piazzas and streets, as well as concert halls, in both the day and the evening to listen to the eclectic range of music each year. The festival attracts some big name musicians – the term “jazz” should be used rather loosely here.
Perugia has its own small airport just outside the city center which is served mostly by Ryanair to a host of European destinations. Otherwise, Perugia can be reached in around 2.5 hours by car or directly by train from Rome.
There are some wonderful agriturismo properties close to Perugia for a good value stay. Alternatively, if you’d rather stay in the city center, the Locanda della Posta has a perfect location right in the heart of the action.
Aside from the music, Perugia also has an impressive history to explore – Etruscan remains can be found preserved beneath the city center while medieval streets wind their way through the old town. There is an excellent art gallery featuring well-known local artists and for those with a sweet tooth, Perugia is the home of Baci chocolates.
By Annabel from Smudget Postcard
Soriano nel Cimino
During the last two weeks of July, when inland temperatures begin to become unbearable, taking refuge in a tall tree forest is the way to enjoy summer in Italy.
The Monte Cimino beech forest has been nicknamed vetusta, as many of its beech trees are more than 200 years old, and has been listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site since 2017. The forest is located about 80 km from Rome and 16 from Viterbo, and rises from 800 to 1,000 meters above sea level for about 50 hectares.
Upon entering the forest, the temperature immediately drops a few degrees. Bring a tarp to lay on the ground and something to eat, because once you enter you will want to stay in there all day!
Near the parking lot for the forest, there is also a restaurant that blends perfectly with the colors of the wood and serves typical Lazio dishes.
The ideal base for visiting the “Cimino beech forest” is the village of Soriano nel Cimino, which is 5 km away. The village features some historic landmarks, such as the 13th-century Orsini Castle and the Papacqua fountain, and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
READ ALSO: The Most Picturesque Towns to Visit near Rome
WHERE TO STAY: The most beautiful place to stay near Soriano nel Cimino and the beech forest is La Bastia Hotel & Resort.
Siracusa
In July, when Sicily’s coast fills with travelers from the mainland and other places on the island, Siracusa on the east coast is a strategic destination to avoid the crowds.
Siracusa is a city with more than 2,000 years of history, where Greek influences blend with Roman, Christian, Arab and Norman ones. The historic center is spread out on the small islet of Ortigia, full of narrow streets, palaces with Renaissance and Baroque architecture, and tiny restaurants.
Stop to enjoy one of the typical Sicilian dishes such as pasta alla norma at “La Foglia“, a restaurant decorated with the works of the two artists who run it. Also, enjoy a Sicilian granita accompanied by pan brioche at the Apollo Café, opposite what remains of the Temple of Apollo.
In the city’s main piazza, the Duomo di Siracusa is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Italy. Siracusa remains an off-the-beaten-path destination because it has no direct and convenient access to beaches; there is a tiny beach in town that can accommodate a maximum of 20 people.
As you ride the bike path from Siracusa north, the coast is beautiful but rocky, it is possible to access the waters using the stairs. Having Siracusa as a splendid base, however, you can leave by car for some day trips to some of Sicily’s most beautiful beaches, such as Fontane Bianche or the Calamosche Beach in the Vindicari nature reserve. The city of Catania and the active volcano Etna can also be reached with a day trip.
Where to stay: book an apartment in a typical house in Ortigia.
How to get to Siracusa: by train from major Italian cities.
ITALY IN AUGUST
Majella National Park
While most Italians choose to spend the summer in southern Italy and the islands, few connoisseurs plan their summer holiday in Abruzzo. Many of the most beautiful destinations in Abruzzo can be reached from Rome in less than 3 hours. Travelers to Abruzzo want to discover Italy off the beaten path, enjoy the hospitality and good food at affordable prices, and relax with the whole family.
There are 3 national parks in Abruzzo. The lesser-known, the Majella National Park, offers extraordinary trekking opportunities, such as the 70-km-long “Spirit Trail” through picturesque medieval hermitages nestled in the mountains.
At lower altitudes, youìll find the lush Valley of the Orfento River and waterfalls where you can swim.
The Trabocchi Coast on the Adriatic Sea, with its beaches, crystal-clear waters, and 50-km-long bike path is a great alternative to the mountains. Not to be missed are the pebble beach at Fossacesia Marina and the beaches of the Punta Aderci nature reserve.
WHERE TO STAY: B&B La Locanda del Barone in Caramanico Terme, in Majella National Park.
Rome in August
One of the most popular films set in Rome shows Italian actor Nanni Moretti speeding through the deserted streets of a sunny August Rome on his Vespa. In addition to winking at the protagonists of the very famous Roman Holidays, the director shines a spotlight on the special feeling of a pulsating metropolis like Rome (it has about 3 million inhabitants not counting tourists) emptied out in the hottest month of the year.
Therefore, if you want to visit the capital of Italy without the queues, August, especially the middle weeks of the month, is the ideal time. It is very hot in Rome in August, but the city is full of fountains, including those that distribute drinking water, and public parks, and is also quite close to the coast, which is only 30 km away.
When you are tired of visiting Rome’s countless monuments and museums without the lines, head to one of the beaches near Rome, such as Ostia or Fregene, and relax under a sun umbrella.
Where to Stay: Book a room in a hotel in one of the cutest neighborhoods in Rome, like the Relais Monti in the Monti neighborhood.
PLACES TO VISIT IN ITALY IN SEPTEMBER
San Fruttuoso
San Fruttuoso is a hidden beach on the Italian Riviera that is accessible only on foot or by boat. The tiny cove is surrounded by steep wooded hills and rocky outcrops, creating a lovely secluded spot to enjoy the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. The beach is backed by a beautiful golden-colored 10th-century Benedictine abbey, that has been turned into a tiny museum today. There are also several seafood restaurants and a tiny café.
Deckchairs and umbrellas are set up on the beach, so it’s the perfect place to spend a relaxing day on the Riviera. The beach is small and can be crowded in the peak summer months, so September, when the weather is still warm but there are fewer people, is perfect.
Ferries leave from Camogli in one direction and Rapallo, via Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino, in the other direction. A great day trip is to take the ferry to Portofino (or stay overnight there), hike from there to San Fruttuoso, then take the ferry back at the end of the day. The hike is steep at the start and end, but flat most of the way.
A great place to stay in nearby Portofino is the Hotel Splendido, which is pure luxury with incredible views.
By James Ian from Travel Collecting
Dolomites
If you’re looking for a breathtakingly beautiful place to visit in Italy during September, then look no further than the Dolomites.
This mountain range offers some of the most stunning scenery in all of Europe and is a popular destination for both hikers and climbers. The weather in the Dolomites is usually pretty stable during September, so you’ll be able to enjoy all the outdoor activities on offer without having to worry about bad weather.
And, if you’re looking for a bit of culture, September is also a great time to visit some of the cities in the Dolomites region, like Bolzano and Trento.
The Dolomites are located in northeastern Italy and although you can get to the bigger cities by train or bus as well, it’s best to rent a car to be able to enjoy all the Dolomites have to offer. The nearest airports are located in Milan and Venice, from where you can reach the mountain range within 3-4 hours.
In terms of where to stay in the Dolomites, Cortina d'Ampezzo and the towns in Val Gardena are great options. If you're looking to treat yourself, you can check out Forestis Dolomites and Chalet Al Foss.
Whether you’re looking for an active or a relaxing vacation, the Dolomites is definitely the place to be in September.
By Krisztina from She Wanders Abroad
Lake Como
Lake Como is a must-see for those visiting Northern Italy. Located just an hour to ninety minutes from Milan by car or train, this stunning place is famous for its lush, green mountains and the picturesque villages and villas that dot the lake’s shores.
Though the lake is named after the city of Como on its south, it is the village of Bellagio that truly steals the show. It sits in the very middle of the Y-shaped lake, making it a convenient base to visit the other popular villages of Varenna and Menaggio by ferry, as well as the famous villas of Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta.
Lake Como has been a popular resort area for centuries, meaning that accommodation can be quite pricey in high season. This is why September is the perfect time to visit Lake Como. You will benefit from lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds, but still enjoy all the nature in pleasant weather.
Those looking to experience Lake Como in luxury should consider staying at Hotel Belvedere, while those on a mid-range budget should consider Hotel Fioroni. Alternatively, those short on time who do not want to overnight can simply make a Lake Como day trip from Milan.
By Em from That Travelista
Ischia
This volcanic island located in the Bay of Naples is a popular destination to spend the summer in Italy, yet still less known than other nearby islands like Capri. The Island has a mix of food, weather, beaches, thermal springs, culture, and architecture.
Ischia is a perfect getaway all summer, but September is particularly special with fewer crowds and still warm and sunny weather. Seafood is plentiful on the Island and many have beautiful locations on the water to look out to the view beyond. There’s some great shopping and other areas for going out at night that still have things to do but feel more muted to the Island’s feel.
Towering over much of the landscape, the Castello Aragonese sits on a small rocky islet connected to Ischia by a causeway. Be sure to be in shape as there’s a lot of walking, but the views from the castle make it worth it.
Where to Stay: Aragona Palace Hotel & Spa with its location close to restaurants, shopping, and the water is also conveniently located close to the ferry to Ischia. It is a perfect spot to stay and be close to everything.
How to Get There: Ischia is easily reached by Ferry from Naples. Ferries run regularly during the summer and take 1 – 1.5 hrs depending on the ferry.
By Anwar from Beyond My Door
Bari
Bari is an under-the-radar destination in the Puglia region along Italy’s Adriatic Coast. The city’s port features crystal blue waters, and its charming town has more friendly locals than mobs of tourists.
Many restaurants and shops close for almost the entire month of August, so September is the best time to visit Bari to enjoy warm beach weather with plenty of dining options.
Restaurants are the primary attraction in any Italian town, but especially Bari. The region is known for cucina povera, or “food of the poor,” whose misleading name belies its rich taste. Think simple ingredients in creative recipes like pasta dishes and seafood masterpieces. La Uascezze is one of the best spots to taste local dishes.
Don’t miss visiting the Basilica San Nicola (and snap a picture with Santa Claus, a.k.a. Saint Nicholas), checking out the Castello Normanno-Svevo, and of course, spending a day at the beach!
Book a room in one of the many adorable B&Bs in Bari Vecchia, or Old Town, such as Al Pescatore and B&B Bella Bari.
It is super easy to take a train or a bus to Bari from anywhere in southern or central Italy, and flights from several European cities arrive at the small Bari Airport.
By Mary King from Bucket List Places
Positano
Picturesque Positano has become one of the most sought-after destinations in all of Italy. This breathtaking cliffside village is located along the Amalfi Coast, offering dramatic sea views and spectacular vistas. September is a perfect time to visit this bucket-list destination, offering gorgeous weather and fewer crowds than in mid-summer. Positano is ideal for a slow-travel experience, with its numerous beaches for sunbathing, plentiful art galleries and boutiques for browsing, and fabulous restaurants, including Il Tridente of Hotel Poseidon.
There are a number of wonderful boutique hotels in Positano featuring spectacular sea views. Those looking for the ultimate taste of la dolce vita will love Le Sirenuse, a postcard-perfect property featuring a Michelin-starred restaurant and a pool with unrivaled views. Alternatively, budget-conscious travelers will enjoy Villa Maria Antonietta, a family-run bed and breakfast with warm hospitality and lovely cliffside views.
While getting to Positano can be challenging for first-timers, that makes this dream location all the more exclusive and well-worth the wait! Instead, you can fly into Naples International Airport and then either drive to Positano, arrange a private transfer, or take the train to Sorrento or Salerno and then travel into town by car or bus from there.
By Elena from The Carry-On Chronicles
Ostuni
Ostuni is nicknamed as the “White City on a Hill.” Located in Italy’s Apulia region, Ostuni seems like a shimmering mirage. It is also just 100 miles east of Old Matera, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ostuni resembles a multi-tier wedding cake since its houses and stores rise up on the hill. The architecture ranges from Gothic to Romanesque. Its cathedral dates back to the 1400s. The main road winds from the town outskirts up toward the citadel (that is guarded by the ancient wall fortification). The reward is a panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea. (Golf carts can ferry pedestrians to the top if the hill is too hard to climb.) All the Ostuni homes are painted white lime.
Since it is hot to visit during the summer months, head to Ostuni in the last weeks of September. This region is famous for its olive oil. Hiking through a grove of olive trees near Ostuni is a great way to relax.
WHERE TO STAY IN OSTUNI: There are multiple family-run hotels near to the city center, including Agriturismo Salinola and Agriturismo Masserie Valente. A less expensive option is Tenuta Amostuni B&B.
By Teresa from Female Solo Trek
If you liked this article on the best places to visit in Italy in summer, have a look at my other Italy guides:
An off-the-beaten-path guide to Italy
Discover 20 monuments to see in Italy
