Straight talk
Skip Italy in August
On an average August night, about 3 million tourists are sleeping in Italy, more than four times as many as in November.
Add the heat, and many local restaurants closing around mid-August for Ferragosto, the big summer holiday.
The photo is Cefalù in Sicily outside the summer rush. Go in late May, June, September or early October, and you get this instead.
If August is your only option, head for the sea, the lakes or the mountains, and start your days early.
Not sure where to go? Our destination finder suggests the three best places for your dates, budget and interests, and tells you the catch.
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