Drenched in romance, history, luxury and culture, Italy is one of Europe’s most-visited destinations. This Mediterranean paradise has many diverse landscapes, including beautiful coastlines, spectacular mountains, and sparkling lakes.
Italy is known for fashion, gelato, Renaissance art, and numerous magical small towns straight out of a fairytale. With all it has to offer, it is hard to resist Italy’s charm and appeal.
Read on to discover some of the top activities and destinations that are not to be missed when visiting Italy in the summertime.
What is the Weather Like in Italy in Summer?
Summertime in Italy (mid-June to September) brings the heat, with temperatures ranging between 90℉ and 110℉. It is a popular season for tourists to soak up some sunshine.
The weather is mostly sunny, with occasional thunderstorms in the northern parts. July and August are the hottest summer months, but luckily there is always some ice-cold gelato to help you cool down.
The beautiful coastal cities are the best option if you are not a fan of warm weather due to the cool breeze coming from the Mediterranean Sea. Make sure your accommodation includes air conditioning, and bring lots of sunscreen.
5 Unique Italian Summer Activities
Here is a roundup of the best ways to enjoy your summer in Italy.
1. Gondola Ride, Venice
Venice is widely known for its breathtaking architecture, carnival celebrations, and charming atmosphere. If romance is what you are after, this city is the perfect destination.
A wonderfully unique experience is sharing a gondola ride through the town’s canals at sunset in summer. This romantic and picturesque activity allows you to admire the beauty of the city, and explore areas you won’t be able to see otherwise.
Aside from the spectacular scenery and charm of Venice, you can also expect gondoliers who provide interesting tidbits about the city. Some may even serenade you with Italian love songs.
2. Sailing in Sardinia
The spectacular Sardinia coastline is bathed in sunshine and is a paradise for sailing during the summer months. Sailing tours are the most popular activity in the area, and there are many yachts and catamarans for hire that usually includes an experienced local skipper.
There are over two hundred small, secluded beaches along the coast, perfect for sunbathing and sipping a cocktail. During September, this coastal paradise hosts an annual week-long sailing regatta with many other experiences on offer.
Some of these activities include bright blue snorkel spots and tours, dolphin sightings, and fine dining experiences.
3. Grotto di Oliero, Vicenza
Grotto di Oliero is a natural wonder nestled between the mountains of Valstagna in northern Italy. The cave has an emerald-green underground lake surrounded by sparkling stalagmites and stalactites.
The calm waters are perfect for underwater exploration, with cave diving, snorkeling, and guided tours available. It is a fantastic way to experience pure, unspoiled nature and admire the beauty of the Italian coast. This experience is exclusive to the summer months, as it is seasonally closed in winter.
4. Carpigiani Gelato Museum, Bologna
If you have a sweet tooth, the Carpigiani Gelato Museum is the ideal place to visit on a hot summer day. Here, you can indulge in delightful gelato and fruity sorbets in any flavor you can imagine.
The museum features exhibits about the history, culture, and technology involved in producing this frosty sweet treat. It offers guided tours, tastings, and hands-on demonstrations where you can learn how to make your own gelato.
5. Gardaland Park, Ronchi
Northern Italy has several stunning lakes that are all worth a visit. Lake Garda is the largest in the country, and adjacent to it is an amusement park like no other. For a day of fun in the sun, Gardaland Park is an entertaining and exciting destination.
The park has many great rides and attractions and is family-friendly with activities for all ages. One of the most popular parts of the park is the Legoland Water Park, where you can cool down in Lake Garda’s sparkling waters and go on water rides.
There is also an interactive indoor aquarium, and many scenic shady spots for taking a break and having a bite to eat.
5 Best Places to Visit in Italy in Summer
1. Taormina
Taormina is one of the oldest towns in Italy and is rich in history and culture. It is often referred to as the Pearl of the Mediterranean, and with its idyllic scenery and cobbled streets, it is easy to understand why.
This ancient town’s main attraction is the Ancient Theater of Taormina, which dates back to the third century. The amphitheater hosts a wide variety of fashion shows, concerts, film festivals and plays during summertime.
You can shop at the authentically Italian stores and boutiques, and sample the sumptuous seafood at one of the many fine-dining restaurants the region is known for.
2. Civita di Bagnoregio
A lesser-known gem in central Italy is the hilltop village of Civita di Bagnoregio. Built during the 12th century, this medieval town is only accessible by a narrow pedestrian bridge.
When you walk through the town, it feels like you are in a magical place that is stuck in the Middle Ages. During June and September, you can experience ancient traditions by watching the annual wild donkey races in the town square.
You can also take a walking tour through the cobbled streets and courtyards draped with ivy in the summer. There are various age-old vineyards and wine cellars that are worth a visit. Be sure to have some delicious, traditional bruschetta in one of the charming, authentically Italian restaurants.
3. Capri
Capri is a picture-perfect example of the beautiful Mediterranean islands Italy has to offer. Aside from breathtaking scenery and coastlines, the town is also known for its vibrant nightlife, famous visitors, fine cuisine, world-class shopping and beautiful beaches.
Capri has been a popular town among the rich and famous since the 1950s. Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis put this glamorous town on the map, and tourism in Capri has bloomed ever since.
Today, Beyonce’s private yacht is housed at Marina Grande, and Lenny Kravitz is an annual visitor. If you are looking for luxury, glamor, and possibly rubbing shoulders with celebrities, Capri is definitely the right destination.
4. Florence
Art lovers and history buffs regard Florence as the perfect destination to immerse yourself in Italian antiquity and culture. This charming town is known for its art galleries, museums, and ancient architecture.
Florence is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its artistic and historic significance. It is home to many Renaissance masterpieces, including Michelangelo’s iconic “David” sculpture, Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus”, and Leonardo da Vinci’s “Annunciation”.
The mild summer temperatures and dazzling sunshine of Florence attract many visitors who come to enjoy classic Italian culture, art festivals, and open-air fine dining experiences.
5. Palermo
Palermo is the picturesque capital of the region of Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. What makes Palermo unique is its melting pot of cultures, with Roman and Arabic origins dating back to the eighth century. These diverse origins can be sensed in the architecture, vibrant street markets, and exotic atmosphere.
The town’s most famous attraction is the Palazzo Pretorio, Palermo’s city hall. It features a spectacular fountain surrounded by sculptures of nymphs, tritons, and water gods. The town square, Piazza Pretorio, hosts numerous music and art festivals in the summer months.
FAQs
1. What Clothes Should I Pack When Visiting Italy in Summer?
Italian summers are hot and humid, so be sure to pack your coolest, most breathable clothes. Locals favor linen and cotton, and a wide-brimmed sun hat with shorts and sandals is a fashionable choice. Keep in mind that many towns have cobbled streets, so leave your high heels at home if you are going to do a lot of walking.
2. Is Italy More Expensive During the Summer Months?
Summer is the busiest time of the year in Italy, and top tourist attractions extend their business hours due to popularity. Unfortunately, this does mean that prices are inflated during the summer months. Smaller, lesser-known towns and villages are reasonably priced and give you the advantage of still having a magical Italian experience with fewer tourists and crowds.
3. What is the Hottest City in Italy?
Syracuse in the region of Sicily is infamous for its heat waves. Temperatures can rise as high as 100℉ in July, which is the hottest month of the year countrywide.
4. Which Languages are Most Common in Italy?
The vast majority of people in Italy speak Italian, however, English is also widely spoken and understood.
5. Is Italy Safe to Visit?
In general, Italy is a safe destination, and locals are welcoming and friendly. One thing to note is that pickpocketing is a common occurrence at popular tourist attractions, so be sure to keep your phone and wallet carefully tucked away.
Last updated on October 13th, 2023 at 02:13 pm
