3 Best Places to Visit in Italy in August (2025)

1. San Cassiano

San Cassiano is a small yet stunning mountain town in the Italian Dolomites. It's not too far from the famed Val Gardena but tucked enough away that many don't venture over here.

We went to San Cassiano for a long weekend last August. During our stay, we didn't need to make any reservations and I saw few others on the hiking trails I chose. We did spend one day on our trip driving the absolutely stunning Gardena Pass and that's where we found plenty of other people.

While it was certainly worth it to spend a few hours in that area, the number of bikers, hikers, and those ambling about was in big contrast to the amount of people we saw in San Cassiano.

So many people are focused only on seeing the most social media famed mountain destinations, like Seceda and Lago di Braies, that they forget the entire region of the Dolomites is filled with epic viewpoints and 1000s of trails to choose from.

I adore these mountains and highly recommend anyone with some respect for nature pay them a visit but know you can go absolutely anywhere in the region and be rewarded with the same beauty.

Dolomites Weather in August

Mountain villages like this one are the perfect place to beat the summer heat in Italy. You can expect to spend the day comfortably in shorts and a t-shirt but will want a long sleeve or a light sweater at night.

If you choose a trail with high elevation, you'll want to pack for all seasons. On my August hike, I faced hot sun and cold hail on the same trail. The weather changes quickly here so it's best you're prepared for all seasons during your trip.

Where to Stay in San Cassiano

Don't yet have a place to stay? I can recommend a few:

• Budget Stay: Hotel Falzares: This was our accommodation when we visited San Cassiano. It's pet-friendly, has a spa, offers free breakfast, and has an incredibly nice and welcoming staff. For the price point, it's hard to beat.
• Mid-Tier Stay: Hotel B&B Frohsinn: Although you won't get a spa with this one, you will be right at the ski lifts, which are open in the summer, ideal for those unable to hike up the mountain but still want the views and to eat at a refugio.
• Luxury Stay: Hotel Tofana: This is easily one of the nicest accommodations in town and has everything you could ask for (and more) for your stay.

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2. Beaches of Marche

Marche is a region just south of Emilia Romagna, east of Umbria, and north of Abruzzo. I'm sending you here for one big reason: the beach.

With the exception of the Dolomites and the Alps, it's really hot in Italy in August so you'll likely want a break from the relentless heat.

You can expect crowds in the more famous corners of Sicily and Cinque Terre but Marche tends to be a bit quieter simply because it's not as touristic of a region as the others are.

The capital city of Marche, Ancona, is a city on the coast. This is the best destination for those that prefer plenty of amenities, like bars, restaurants, and shops.

If stunning beaches are what you're after, you're better off heading south to Sirolo. To the north of this town is a wild jut into the ocean filled with a number of small yet beautiful beaches. The landscape here is rugged and many of the beaches are backed by cliffs and bright green hills.

The beaches won't be quiet, especially the ones closest to Ancona and Sirolo but if you have a car, I suggest venturing to ones that take a bit more of an effort to find a spot to relax for the day.

Marche Weather in August

You can expect long summer days in August. And really, that means hot weather and sunny skies. While rain is always possible, I wouldn't necessarily count on it.

Generally though, the intense heat is reserved for inland in central Italy and all throughout southern Italy. Northern Italy gets some breaks throughout the summer, especially in the mountains. Plus, another good thing about choosing a beach destination for your August vacation is the chance for sea breezes and cooler evenings than you'll likely find in the interior cities.

Where to Stay in Marche

Given the weather, I'd suggest booking a place with air conditioning. Depending on where you're from, you might consider this a given but it's still more than possible to find hotels and rentals without AC in Italy.

Take a look at staying in either Ancona or Sirolo at these hotels:

• Budget Stay: Affittacamere le Tre Sorelle: 3 Sisters hotel offers simple rooms right in the center of Sirolo, ideal for those that prefer not to rely on a car during their trip.
• Mid-Tier Stay: San Michele Relais & Spa: This stunning hotel is just outside of Sirolo's old town and a quick walk to the beach. Choose between a number of accommodation options to better fit your budget.
• Luxury Stay: Hotel Monteconero: For a unique stay, venture off to this former abbey outside of Sirolo. Here, you'll be on one of the cliffs, giving you incredible views and leaving you with just a 10-minute drive to enjoy the shore.

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3. Agriturismo Escape

An agriturismo (agriturismi in plural) is a type of accommodation popular throughout Italy. They're like a combination of a bed and breakfast and a farm stay. Often these are independent farms that offer accommodation and the chance to eat locally produced products.

The agriturismi we've stayed in have all been nice, albeit simple. Just like a hotel, you can find super luxurious ones and others that are more for budget-friendly travelers that want to experience local culture while they visit Italy.

I'm not suggesting a single place to go to an agriturismo but instead just the idea of them. You can find them in the hills, in the mountains, on the coastal areas, and littering places like Sardinia and the entirety of Tuscany.

Since Italy in August is hot and brings so many tourists about, this is a good chance to relax and get away from the crowds. Book a place with a swimming pool or nice shaded spots and you'll be good to go.

During our first August in Italy, we stayed at an agriturismo in Rufina, a short train ride from Florence. Although Tuscany weather is incredibly hot in August, the mornings and evenings were ideal for walks through the vineyards. During the days, we did little. Reading, painting, and enjoying a brief time to disconnect.

A huge perk of staying in an agriturismo in Italy is the food. Most agriturismi feed you what they produce, only venturing out to neighboring farms as needed. Even the wine is often home grown. The breakfasts and dinners we've enjoyed at agriturismi have continued to be some of our favorite meals to date in Italy.

Where to Find Your Agriturismo

The agriturismo in Tuscany I mentioned above is L'oasi di Cice. It's a great option for those that aren't looking to spend too much and are happy with a simple weekend away.

For more options throughout the country, you can use the website Agriturismo.it.

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The Truth About Italy in August

Let's get back to what I brought up at the start of this article about the reality of visiting Italy in August.

August is the epitome of peak tourist season throughout the country. Italians take vacation and so do many other countries around the world, meaning it's the prime time for people to plan their visit.

On top of the large number of domestic and international tourists, a lot of things tend to close in August. Locals believe strongly in taking their much deserved vacation and it's not uncommon for shops, restaurants, and bars to close for a few days, weeks, or even the entire month.

This is especially common in big cities that don't rely on just a month or two of tourism and can afford to take August off and go on vacation themselves. Beach and mountain destinations tend to be open and working but you will find exceptions to this rule. In Trieste (where we live), it's common to start seeing signs plastered in windows letting people know when they'll close shop for a break.

Although August 15th is the official holiday in Italy, people tend to stretch their summer holidays from there. And on that note, know that pretty much everything (except super touristic attractions) will close on August 15th. That often means grocery stores as well.

Not only is it crowded in Italy during this month, it's also really hot. You get the same weather in July and a similar number of crowds but if you have the chance to be flexible, I'd suggest a summer trip to Italy in June or September instead. Late June and early September are still great for the beaches if that's what you're worried about!

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Will You Visit Italy in August?

Although I'm incredibly passionate about showcasing Italy, I do urge you to think twice before locking in for an August vacation. Unless you don't really have a choice, I do think you'll enjoy your stay more almost any other time of the year.

If you can't be flexible, it's helpful to come to the country with the right mindset. Know that Italy in August is hot and crowded so do your best to mitigate those two issues by venturing outside of the tourist bubble and to mountain villages or beach towns that'll offer a respite from the weather.

Come to explore Italy, indulge in the delicious food, and know that while some big cities do stay crowded year-round, most of the country only looks like this in August.