With the arrival of July, many people start packing their suitcases. The beaches begin to fill up and the tourist season gets into full swing. That’s why choosing the right destination will allow you to relax and switch off from your work routine for a few days.
If you’re wondering where to go on holiday in July in Italy, here are 12 destinations that could be just right for you.
Beach and sun: where to go to the seaside in July
From the Tyrrhenian to the Adriatic, Italy certainly isn’t short of seaside destinations. You could choose to visit beautiful Tropea or head to the Riviera Romagnola.
Costa degli Dei
The Costa degli Dei, in Calabria, offers crystal-clear waters, clean beaches and plenty to see. Among the best-known spots in the area is Tropea, which also boasts a lovely historic centre. Don’t miss Capo Vaticano, an area with spectacular views and waters that are ideal for snorkelling.
The town of Pizzo Calabro, famous for its truffle ice cream, is also well worth a visit. To reach this area, you can fly into Lamezia Terme airport or arrive directly by train.
- Property for sale on the Costa degli Dei
- Long-term rentals on the Costa degli Dei
- Holiday homes on the Costa degli Dei
Riviera di Ponente
Going on holiday in July on the Riviera di Ponente is a great choice if you want to make the most of peak tourist season. The beaches, from Alassio to Finale Ligure, offer very clean sea and plenty of opportunities for entertainment.
In July, you’ll also find a wide range of local events, food festivals and markets not to be missed. It’s also a good area for trekking or cycling along the long bike paths that run through the region.
Versilia
Versilia, in northern Tuscany, is renowned for its elegant seaside resorts such as Forte dei Marmi and Viareggio, where luxury meets beautifully maintained beaches.
As well as relaxing on the sand, you can enjoy high-end shopping, festivals and cultural events. The area is easy to reach by car via the A12 motorway or by train, with stations well connected to the main towns nearby.
- Property for sale on the Versilia Coast
- Long-term rentals on the Versilia Coast
- Holiday rentals on the Versilia Coast
Where to go to the mountains in summer
If you’re hoping to escape the summer heat, there are plenty of options – from north to south – to explore natural parks and go trekking.
Valtellina
Valtellina, one of Lombardy’s mountain highlights, is an excellent destination for trekking and hiking. Some of the most beautiful routes include the Sentiero Valtellina and the Via dei Terrazzamenti.
To cool off, you can swim in the many streams in the area or head towards Lake Como. Valtellina can be reached by car via the SS38 or by train, with direct connections from Milan to various towns in the valley.
Val di Susa
Val di Susa, in western Piedmont, is another destination that becomes ideal for summer holidays once the ski season is over. The valley is famous for its important historical sites, such as the Forte di Fenestrelle, and it also offers a wide range of routes for trekking and mountain biking.
You can also visit attractive towns such as Sauze d’Oulx and Bardonecchia. Val di Susa is easily accessible via the A32 motorway or by train, with frequent services from Turin.
- Property for sale in the Susa Valley
- Long-term rentals in the Susa Valley
- Holiday homes in the Susa Valley
Nebrodi
The Nebrodi Mountains, in Sicily, offer a distinctive experience if you want to combine sea and mountains or art cities and mountain scenery. The park features dense forests, lakes and panoramic views of the Aeolian Islands, making it suitable for trekking, mountain biking and birdwatching.
If you’re looking for complete peace and quiet, you might consider staying in one of the small villages in the mountains. To reach the Nebrodi Mountains, you can fly into Catania or Palermo and then continue by car.
- Property for sale in the Nebrodi Mountains
- Long-term rentals in the Nebrodi Mountains
- Holiday homes in the Nebrodi
Art cities to visit in July: 3 not to miss
Despite the heat becoming more intense, July is an ideal month to enjoy the last summer events in the city before most people head off to the seaside.
Trento
Trento is a beautiful city surrounded by mountains, where you’ll find history, nature and culture. One of the most iconic landmarks is the Castello del Buonconsiglio, which reflects the city’s medieval past.
It’s worth strolling along Via Belenzani, admiring the elegant frescoed buildings and stopping in Piazza Duomo, home to the impressive Cathedral of San Vigilio. The city is rich in museums, including the modern and interactive MUSE as well as the Civic Gallery.
Lecce
July is a wonderful time to visit Lecce, one of the main cities in Salento. Long summer evenings bring the historic centre to life with cultural events, open-air concerts and craft markets.
Its extraordinary Baroque heritage — from the churches of Santa Croce and Sant’Irene to Piazza del Duomo — is unmissable, and its location also makes it a great base for exploring the most beautiful beaches in Salento.
Aosta
This Roman city in the heart of the Aosta Valley really comes into its own in summer. The surrounding landscape turns green, and the cool evening air is refreshing after a day spent exploring.
Aosta is an excellent base for discovering the region, combining sights in the town with outdoor activities in nature.
Where to go camping
For many people, camping is synonymous with freedom, whether you choose a tent or a camper van. This type of holiday allows you to wake up among trees and birdsong, forgetting traffic and noise for a few days.
There are many areas in Italy where it’s worth pitching a tent or parking your camper.
Riviera del Conero
The Riviera del Conero, near Ancona, is well suited to camping, with dedicated facilities as well as the chance to explore hidden coves and trails through pine woods. Bringing a bike or kayak gives you the opportunity to enjoy an active break.
Some of the most popular spots are Sirolo and Numana, both easily reached by car from Ancona, which is about 20 km away.
Costa Verde
Costa Verde in Sardinia is a haven for campers looking for a less well-known and less crowded part of the island. Located in the south-west, it features long sandy beaches and impressive dunes, such as the Dunes of Piscinas.
Travelling along this stretch of coast, you’ll come across old mines, nuraghi, welcoming small towns and the chance to enjoy excellent local produce at reasonable prices. It’s best reached by car, flying into Cagliari airport, the closest to Costa Verde.
Costa degli Etruschi
The Costa degli Etruschi, which stretches along the Tuscan coast between Livorno and Piombino, is an ideal camping destination in July. Numerous campsites and well-equipped holiday parks are set among greenery and just a short walk from the sea.
Among the highlights of the Costa degli Etruschi are Populonia, an ancient Etruscan town, and historic villages such as Bolgheri and Castagneto Carducci.
- Property for sale on the Etruscan Coast
- Long-term rentals on the Etruscan Coast
- Holiday homes on the Etruscan Coast
Stay inspired for your travels in Italy —get our weekly newsletter for the latest travel, legal, and lifestyle news.
