August in Italy

If you're traveling in Italy in August, you'll probably find it hot and buzzing with tourists in Italy's popular cities, along the coast, and in the mountains. You're also likely to find many restaurants and shops closed for vacation, chiuso per ferie, in the cities as Italians traditionally take their holidays in August. Although August isn't the ideal time for travel in Italy, you might find some good bargains on city hotels. In Rome, for example, August is considered the middle or low season for many hotels. Most tourist attractions will still be open and while the cities may empty out, beaches and mountain resorts will be in full swing.

August 15, Ferragosto, is a big holiday in Italy so many services will be closed. You're likely to find some kind of festivities on Ferragosto in most parts of Italy. If you're traveling in August, you'll probably come across a sagra (definition of sagra). There aren't a lot of big festivals in August, but you may find some interesting festivals along the coast or in smaller villages. Here are some of the main August Festivals in Italy to help you plan your travels.

Summer's a good time to hang out in a bar in a piazza, but be aware that in many popular tourist areas you may be charged more for sitting at an outdoor table. It's a good idea to check the prices, usually posted near the door, before you sit down. Or plan to sit at your table awhile, enjoying the ambiance, to make the price of an expensive drink worthwhile. Once you get your drink or gelato, the table's yours as long as you want to sit there.

August Festivals in Europe: August in France| August in Spain
August in London | August in Amsterdam