Tips for How to Do “Italian Summer”

Do As The Italians Do, Learn How to Beat the Heat

Summer in Italy can be the best of times (the country comes alive like no other time of year) and the worst of times (crowds, heat). I’d love to give you a few thoughts on planning a summer trip to Italy whether you are jetting off this summer or planning for Summer 2026. Remember our Dream of Italy Travel Service can match you with a trusted travel planner to create a dreamy and transformative vacation.

I know of what I speak because a few weeks ago I got back from an early summer trip to Italy and let me tell you, it was HOT. I mean HOT. I’m including a photo of me one day just to share how it felt. Now of course, it can be just as hot in the U.S. in the summer, but we usually in air conditioning and not touring around in the hot sun.

My advice is if you are planning to visit big cities and ancient sites, try to avoid the height of summer. If you do go — and summer in Italy can feel like a party — do as the Italians do and plan your trip to take the heat especially into account.

Tips to Do Summer As the Italians Do

• Follow the rhythm of an Italian summer day. Keep your outings to cooler mornings and evening and use hot afternoons for time at the pool or an activity that you know may have air conditioning.
• Go to a traditional Italian beach club for the day and do as the Italians do with lounger, umbrella and towels provided and a seafood lunch just feet from the sea. Italians know how to go to the beach in style.
• Especially if you must visit Italian cities in the summer, balance out your itinerary with a few days by the water (where you are sure to cool off) choose a beach destination — we can suggest ones that aren’t overrun — or head for a lake.
• Keep cool by adding a few days in the mountains to your itinerary, think about the Alps, the Dolomites, the mountains of Abruzzo — Gran Sasso National Park is STUNNING!
• Celebrate summer as the Italians do by going to local outdoor events. If you’re coming in the summer, this is the time to immerse yourself in local life. Especially in August, nearly every small town in Italy has a festival celebrating a saint, an outdoor musical performance, a festa devoted to the local wine or vegetable or a village dinner. This is real life in Italy, don’t miss it.
• Just go slower, it is okay. I read about a new trend in travel, actually a guy from Kensington, our Dream of Europe sponsor posted about it. JOMO: Joy of Missing Out instead of FOMO: Fear of Missing Out. Find a hammock, read a good book. You don’t have to go, go, go.

Tips and Tricks to Beat the Heat

• Bring or buy a big hat. You will need one.
• Drink water. Sounds simple, but drink more than you think you need. When in Rome, you can drink from the many fountains around the city. It is part of the fun.
• Don’t forget the electrolytes — these saved me on my last trip. I use this very Normalyte at home and brought some with me but Italians swear by Polase (and I bought a bunch to use each day) which you can buy at any farmacia.
• An old-fashioned hand fan is the best fan! I brought a little electric fan you hold up to your face, not so great. I think a good old-fashioned hand fan is the best way to go plus you can color coordinate with your outfits if you are so inclined.
• Ice your neck with these new Nano Ice necklaces. Someone saw how hot I was in Italy via Instagram and reached out to send me a few Nano Ice necklaces. They are statement necklaces for women that you freeze and they keep you cool. Brilliant! This link gives Dream of Italy fans an automatic 20% off.
• Close the shutters and take an afternoon nap. Naps are good for us and definitely part of the JOMO in Italy!

Whether you are planning for Summer 2026 or want to visit Italy for the Christmas holidays (great time to plan a trip – have I mentioned it is cooler then?), we can help PLAN YOUR ITALY TRIP through the Dream of Italy Travel Service (the link takes you to our Europe page, just indicate Italy!)

—Kathy McCabe