According to research by the Osservatorio Turismo Confcommercio, around 17.5 million Italians have planned a holiday in August—one million more than last year. Many also choose to wait until September to discover the beauty of the peninsula.
Cinque Terre is one of Liguria’s jewels and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This dramatic stretch of coastline features five ancient fishing villages (Corniglia, Manarola, Monterosso, Riomaggiore, and Vernazza) nestled between La Spezia and Genova. Over roughly ten kilometers, visitors are immersed in rolling hills lined with ancient dry stone walls, olive groves, and terraced vineyards. The easiest way to reach Cinque Terre is by car. If you don’t have your own vehicle, Europcar offers convenient rental options, letting you explore scenic trails connecting the villages and enjoy breathtaking views. Visiting at the end of August or early September ensures less crowded spots and more availability in local accommodations.
Another excellent destination in Northern Italy for a late August or early autumn holiday is Lake Tenno. Located in Trentino near the Veneto border, this stunning alpine lake is perfect for a tranquil getaway. Take in spectacular mountain panoramas while relaxing by the waters. Nearby towns like Tenno and Riva del Garda offer rich history and notable cultural attractions, making them well worth a visit.
If “summer” means “sea” for you, but you also crave the cool of woods and parks, head for an adventure on the Ionian coast. Stretching through Calabria, Basilicata, and Puglia, this coastline offers diverse scenery. Particularly recommended is the section along the Gargano, known as Italy’s “spur”. The area is defined by its namesake mountain—also called the “Mountain of the Sun”—with spectacular white cliffs plunging into the Adriatic. For beach lovers, Vieste and Peschici are musts, along with the marine reserve of the Tremiti Islands, a part of the Gargano National Park known for its crystal-clear waters and rich marine biodiversity.
On the Tuscan coast in the province of Grosseto lies the stunning Argentario Promontory. Once originally an island, the promontory is now connected to the mainland by beaches that also form the Orbetello Lagoon. Long sandy beaches attract families, while couples favor the hidden coves—like Cala Piccola, Cala Grande, and Cala del Gesso—tucked away in Mediterranean shrub. In the evenings, Porto Ercole and Porto Santo Stefano are ideal for a sunset stroll.
No list of summer destinations in Italy is complete without the Conero Riviera, a stretch of Adriatic shoreline dominated by its namesake mountain. By car, both drivers and passengers will be amazed by the region’s diverse landscapes. The sea sparkles with clear waters and unique rock formations, while inland, greenery takes center stage. After relaxing on the Due Sorelle beach, consider heading to Mezzavalle.
Another summer gem in Marche is Fermo. The entire province feels like an open-air museum: from Torre di Palme to the village of Moresco, and the “Lame Rosse”—known as the “Marche Canyon”—there are surprises everywhere. A September break is the perfect time to soak in the wonderful autumnal colors of the Sibillini Mountains foothills.
While August remains the most popular getaway month, more and more people are opting for holidays in September or even early October. Italy offers an incredible range of options all season long, from coastal escapes and art-filled cities to mountainous retreats that will impress even the most seasoned globetrotters. The destinations highlighted above are just a selection of what’s available across the peninsula.
