Summer is around the corner, and with it comes travel. I’m not a fan of hosting tours in the summer. However, I respect that many people can only travel during this busy season. If I visit Italy in the summer, it’s usually to spend time in my quiet hometown in Calabria. This is not the time for sightseeing, scouting out new locations, or researching. Touring Italy in the summer can be more work, cumbersome, and downright irritating for many reasons. That said, summer in Italy can also be beautiful. The days are long, the weather is almost certain rain-free, and the piazzas are filled with the laughter of children playing soccer well into the evenings. Not to mention, gelato two or three times a day almost seems justified.

Summer in Italy has its peculiarities. I am putting together a quick guide with tips on tackling Italy in the summer months best. With some preparation and forethought, summer can be an excellent time to visit Il Bel Paese.

Embrace the Heat – What to Pack

There is no other way of putting this; summer in Italy is hot, hot, hot! From central Italy to the south especially, the sun can be scorching, with temperatures well into the 90s or above. Knowing this ahead of time should help you with your packing. For clothing, think light-colored, loose-fitting clothes that will be easy to handwash and quick to dry either outside or on your hotel towel rack. Pack sunhats for the ladies and baseball caps for the men to help shield some of the sun’s rays. Don’t forget sunblock, bathing suits, comfy sandals, or light sneakers you won’t mind wearing all day. A refillable water bottle will become your best friend, so don’t leave home without it.

Pack Your Patience

Italians are very welcoming people. They love to chit-chat, make friends with visitors and recognize that tourism is a significant economic driver for their country. But please remember that anyone working in tourism will undoubtedly be tired, weary, and worn out by August. I mention this because I would hate for you to visit Italy and think, “Italians can be so rude.” That’s not the case. It’s just that by the time August comes, those drivers who have been driving for months, or restaurant workers who have been serving in the heat, are just tired, so cut them some slack if they seem short-tempered.

Expect Crowds

Summer in Italy is the busiest travel time, both for international travel and even within Italy. Beach destinations such as the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Puglia, and Liguria are very crowded. Ironically, cities like Florence and Rome are a bit calmer. That said, no matter where you go in Italy, expect crowds. Embrace that you, like everyone else, are in Italy to have a wonderful time, and plan that things might take a bit longer.

Plan a Light Itinerary

I am of two minds when planning my tours to Italy. I believe in slow travel, embracing and enjoying the region we visit, and taking the time to take it all in. But I also want to respect that folks have signed up for a service and should expect fantastic excursions, activities, and happenings. If you are traveling to Italy this summer and have not signed up for a tour, please plan a light itinerary. Summer travel in Italy shouldn’t be about cramming many destinations and activities. The heat will undoubtedly tire you. With that in mind, plan a light schedule and allow some beach time wherever you visit.

Schedule, Plan, and Double-Check Everything

I know I just said to plan a light itinerary, but what you have prepared should be scheduled and confirmed. Summer is not the time of year when you want to visit Italy on the “fly” and hope your desired activity has availability. Guides book months in advance, restaurants are maxed out, and drivers for your transfers will be in high demand. Whatever you plan on doing in Italy this summer should be booked well before leaving the US.

Plan Your Activities Carefully

Schedule your outdoor activities in the early morning or later in the evening. Plan on spending the middle of the day indoors, visiting an air-conditioned museum, or relaxing in some fashion. Speaking of museums, be sure to purchase your skip-the-line tickets in advance. Nothing is a buzz-kill like standing in a never-ending line to access the Vatican under the swelting sun. And if you’re not an early riser and think visiting Pompeii or exploring the Roman ruins at 2:00 PM in mid-July is better than getting up early, please reconsider your strategy.

A Word About August

August is when all of Italy goes on vacation. And they usually all head to the beaches. August 15th is a national holiday, so any business that doesn’t rely on tourism (think post offices, medical buildings) will be closed for business. This also means that if you plan a beach vacation in Italy in August, you’re not only going against international visitors but also the local Italians. This means you will want to ensure everything, such as hotels, restaurant reservations, or your private boat to the islands, is booked well in advance.

Expect Higher Expenses

Everything is more expensive in the summer, from the obvious accommodations and car rentals, to the less apparent expenses like food, transfers, and even guides. Because doing anything under extreme heat comes with challenges, don’t be too surprised if a guide asks for a premium price for a tour, or if a transfer seems a bit steep in cost. Even when I return to Calabria, not a hot spot for international travelers, it seems I am charged a premium for everyday expenses such as shopping at the markets. But I am not shy about asking vendors for the “local” price, not the American one!

In Conclusion

Summer in Italy can be an excellent time to visit if you plan accordingly and set proper expectations. The days are long, the weather can be fantastic (especially if you love the heat), and you’ll visit when many towns and cities host festivals and parties. Plan accordingly and well in advance, and you’re almost assured a wonderful time!