Where should you go on holiday in Italy in August?

Planning your summer vacation? Here's where to spend a few days by the sea, mountains, lakes, or countryside.

Graeme Mclean, CC BY 2.0 Flickr

25 July 2026, 10:00

August is the holiday month par excellence in Italy, when many people are off work and looking to escape the daily routine. There are plenty of options: some prefer a seaside break, unwinding along Italy’s more than 8,300 kilometres of coastline, while others head for higher ground for trekking and outdoor pursuits.

Here’s where to go on holiday in Italy in August.

The best seaside destinations in Italy

The sea is a favourite choice for many people. Alongside long stretches of beach, coastal towns put on events, concerts and shows that make cooler summer evenings particularly memorable. For a couple’s holiday or a break with children, these are some of the best places to spend August.

Riviera dei Cedri

The Riviera dei Cedri, in Calabria, is popular for its lovely beaches and clear water. Two of the best-known beaches are Praia a Mare and Diamante. There are also attractive towns worth seeing along the Riviera dei Cedri, including Scalea and San Nicola Arcella.

In the evening, this stretch of Calabria’s Tyrrhenian coast comes alive with festivals and cultural events. The Riviera dei Cedri is easy to reach via the A3 Salerno–Reggio Calabria motorway, as well as by train.

Arcomagno Pexels

Golfo dei Poeti

The Golfo dei Poeti lies a short distance from La Spezia. It takes its name from writers and artists, including Byron and Shelley, who spent time here and were captivated by the scenery. The main towns around the gulf are Lerici, San Terenzo, Tellaro and Portovenere, each with its own atmosphere among colourful villages, castles and scenic corners.

For a beach day, Lerici has equipped beaches as well as small coves reached by boat. In Portovenere, clear water can be found near the Church of San Pietro and on Palmaria Island. August is a good time to visit the Golfo dei Poeti, with weather suited to beach days, summer events and excellent views.

Portovenere Pexels

Maratea

Maratea is often called the pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is the only town in Basilicata on the coast and is frequently referred to as the “Positano of the South”. Stone houses and narrow lanes climb inland from the coast towards the mountains, with regular views opening out over the sea.

Places to see in Maratea include the historic centre, known as the Borgo, with its more than 40 churches and artisan shops; the imposing Christ the Redeemer statue on Monte San Biagio; and the little harbour, lined with restaurants and cafés looking out across the water.

For a day by the sea, Spiaggia Nera at Cala Jannita and the numerous coves along the 32-kilometre coastline are good options. The water is particularly clear, and some small inlets can only be reached by boat.

Luke18389, CC BY-SA 3.0 Wikimedia commons

Holidays at altitude: enjoy the mountains in summer

Italy is not all about the coast. For a peaceful August break, the mountains can be a very good alternative. There are plenty of options across the country for anyone after some quiet and decent trekking trails.

Valsugana

Valsugana, in Trentino, lies in the eastern part of the region and stretches around the Brenta River. The area has a good selection of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking and rafting. Lake Levico and Lake Caldonazzo are both worth a visit, either for a quieter day or for water sports.

Valsugana also hosts cultural events, including festivals with different musical genres performed outdoors. It can be reached by train to Trento, followed by local buses linking the city with the valley’s main towns, such as Pergine Valsugana and Levico Terme.

Valle del Sinni

At the heart of Basilicata lies the Valle del Sinni, a less familiar place but no less lovely for it. Visitors can explore Pollino National Park and take in far-reaching views. The valley also has rafting opportunities on the Sinni River and trekking routes passing through old towns and protected natural areas.

The Valle del Sinni can be reached by car from Potenza or the Ionian coast of Basilicata. Rural homes and agriturismi — farm stays, often serving local food — are a practical base for cooler air and good local dishes. This area can also be considered by anyone looking for an affordable holiday destination in August.

Alessandro Cellini, CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia commons

Ponte di Legno

Ponte di Legno, in Lombardy, is a well-established winter ski resort. During summer, though, it becomes a good starting point for mountain outings and a place with plenty to see. Numerous trails begin here, leading into Stelvio National Park and the lovely Alpine peaks.

There is high-altitude trekking, attractive towns such as Bormio and Tirano, and the chance to drive or ride a motorbike over the Stelvio Pass, which is open in summer. Alpine lakes also provide somewhere to cool off with a swim. Ponte di Legno is well connected by buses and shuttle services from Edolo, Brescia and other nearby towns.

Luca Giarelli, CC BY-SA 3.0 Wikimedia commons

Walks, farms and relaxation: countryside destinations

The Italian countryside is also well suited to a few peaceful days in August. Walking routes, country strolls and farms provide plenty of alternatives worth considering.

Paestum

Paestum, in Campania, is popular for its Greek temples and its proximity to the coast. Alongside a visit to the archaeological park, the area between Paestum and Cilento has plenty of rural spots for a relaxed summer break.

Paestum is easy to reach thanks to its railway station, with direct connections to Salerno and Naples. Local buses also run towards the coast.

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San Gimignano

Some of Italy’s most celebrated countryside lies in Tuscany. Among rolling scenery and vineyards, the province of Siena also has numerous historic towns to explore, including San Gimignano.

This small town has medieval museums and churches, and many hotels also have swimming pools. In the evenings, there is local cooking to sample as well as several cultural events held outdoors.

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Riviera del Brenta

The Riviera del Brenta extends between Padua and Venice, following the course of the river. It is associated with its elegant Venetian villas, historic residences once owned by noble families, set within a photogenic setting. The principal towns along the Riviera are Stra, Mira, Dolo and Fiesso d’Artico, all with a calm, romantic feel.

A visit to the Riviera del Brenta in August can include local sagre — traditional food festivals — and other local celebrations, riverside events, and the villas when their gardens are at their best. Although it is not strictly a seaside destination, the beaches of Sottomarina and Jesolo, on the Venetian coast, are easy to reach from Stra and Mira.

Villa Pisani, CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia commons

Swimming away from the coast: lake holidays

Lake holidays in Italy are a great alternative for anyone after peace and some relief from the summer heat. Away from crowded beaches, Italy’s lakes provide plenty of outdoor activities that draw visitors from Italy and abroad.

Desenzano del Garda

Desenzano del Garda, on the shores of Lake Garda, brings together culture and relaxation. Sights include the medieval castle and the archaeological museum, while the lakeside promenade, lined with bars and restaurants, is good for a stroll. Outdoor activities include cycling trips and boat outings around the lake.

Desenzano’s beaches, including Spiaggia d’Oro and Spiaggia Desenzanino, have all the necessary facilities, so a beach day is straightforward. Desenzano del Garda is well connected by rail, with easy access from Milan and Venice.

Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia commons

Molveno

Back in Trentino, Molveno is a real paradise for nature lovers and walkers. Lake Molveno, surrounded by forests and mountains, has striking views and opportunities for swimming, canoeing and windsurfing. There are numerous walking routes in the area, with trails suitable for all experience levels.

There are various places to stay, including campsites, bed and breakfasts and hotels. Molveno can be reached by bus from Trento, with cycling a useful way to get around locally.

Gregorini Demetrio, CC BY-SA 3.0 Wikimedia commons

Bellagio

This short selection finishes with the “pearl of Lake Como”, Bellagio. It is associated with its views and historic residences, including Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni, as well as its calm, elegant atmosphere. Outdoor activities include sailing and windsurfing, with lessons available for beginners, while walking trails can be found nearby.

Bellagio’s beaches, including Spiaggia di San Giovanni, are pleasant places to relax in the sun with views across the lake. Bellagio is easy to reach by ferry, with services connecting the various towns around Lake Como, and can also be reached overland.