What Italians Do in August: Vacation, Ferragosto & the Great Summer Exodus
August in Italy is unlike any other time of year. While tourists pour into cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice under the hot Mediterranean sun, Italians themselves are packing their bags and heading out. Shops close, streets empty, and a slow, almost surreal stillness descends upon the cities. This is vacanza time, and in Italy, it’s sacred.
So what exactly happens in August? Why does it feel like the whole country goes on pause? Let’s explore the traditions, destinations, and cultural rhythms that define Italian August life.
The Great Italian Exodus
For decades, August has been the month Italians take their annual vacation—especially the first two to three weeks. It’s not just tradition; it’s an ingrained part of the culture. Many businesses, especially family-run shops, close entirely for part or all of the month. Even in major cities like Milan and Turin, you’ll see shuttered storefronts with handwritten signs that read, “Chiuso per ferie”—closed for vacation.
Why August? Historically, it aligned with agricultural rhythms—after the summer harvest and before autumn labor. Today, it continues as a modern ritual, influenced by Ferragosto on August 15, a national holiday that marks the peak of the summer break.
What is Ferragosto?
Ferragosto is more than just a day off—it’s one of Italy’s most important summer holidays. Its roots date back to Ancient Rome. The name comes from the Latin Feriae Augusti, meaning “Festivals of Augustus,” introduced by Emperor Augustus in 18 BCE as a time of rest after the intense harvest season.
The Catholic Church later adapted Ferragosto to coincide with the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, giving it religious significance as well.
Today, August 15 is a day when Italians gather with family and friends for picnics, seaside barbecues, and festive meals. In many towns, especially in the south, it’s celebrated with fireworks, processions, and public concerts. But above all, it’s the symbolic heart of the Italian summer break.
Where Do Italians Go in August?
Unlike travelers coming from abroad, Italians rarely use August for sightseeing tours of big cities. Instead, they escape the heat and congestion by heading for the coast, countryside, or mountains.
1. The Seaside: Italian Summers by the Water
Italy boasts over 7,500 kilometers of coastline, and in August, it feels like every Italian family claims a small piece of it. From Liguria’s rocky Riviera to Puglia’s white-sand beaches and Sicily’s dramatic coastlines, the seaside is the #1 summer destination.
Top destinations for August beachgoers include:
- Rimini & Riccione (Emilia-Romagna) – famous for their organized beach clubs and vibrant nightlife
- Cinque Terre & Portofino (Liguria) – picturesque coastal villages with hiking and seafood
- Sardinia & Sicily – islands known for crystalline waters and hidden coves
- Puglia – whitewashed towns and turquoise Adriatic beaches
- Amalfi Coast & Capri – for those looking for glamour and postcard-perfect views
Many families book the same beach resort year after year. It’s not unusual for multi-generational groups to rent an apartment or stay in a family-owned hotel, returning to their “spot on the sand” like a seasonal migration.
2. The Mountains: Cool Retreats and Alpine Traditions
For those looking to escape the humidity, the Italian Alps and Apennines offer cooler temperatures and serene landscapes. August in the mountains is perfect for hiking, climbing, and relaxing in nature. Northern Italians, particularly from Milan and Turin, often head to the Dolomites, Val d’Aosta, or Trentino-Alto Adige.
Popular mountain retreats include:
- Cortina d’Ampezzo – luxury meets alpine charm
- Val Gardena & Alta Badia – known for scenic trails and Ladin culture
- Abetone (Tuscany) and Gran Sasso (Abruzzo) – lesser-known but beloved by locals
Many mountain villages also hold festivals in August, complete with food fairs, traditional music, and historical reenactments.
What Happens to the Cities?
If you’ve ever been in Milan, Rome, or Florence in mid-August, you might think you’ve stumbled onto a movie set after filming has wrapped. The cities are quiet, eerily so, especially around Ferragosto.
But not everything shuts down. Tourist zones stay active, and larger supermarkets, malls, and restaurants in urban areas remain open to cater to international visitors. For locals who stay behind (the “rimasti”), August is a time to enjoy a different rhythm—no traffic, no lines, and the freedom to enjoy their city without the usual chaos.
Some city dwellers escape for just a week, often pairing short trips with extended weekends or day trips to lakes, spas, and nearby beaches.
Milan in August: A City for Settling In
While many Italians leave the cities behind, August is actually a key time for expats arriving in Milan, especially families preparing for the international school year. Newcomers from around the world use this quieter month to settle into their new homes, register for school, explore neighborhoods, and navigate local services.
Milan becomes a more peaceful, manageable city—ideal for orientation and exploration. Without the usual traffic and rush, newcomers have the chance to discover Milan’s hidden corners, relax in its parks, and begin their integration with ease. Many international schools and relocation agencies also offer special programs or onboarding support during August to help new residents feel at home.
Whether you’re moving for work, education, or lifestyle, August offers a soft landing in one of Europe’s most dynamic cities.
A Nation on Vacation
August in Italy isn’t just a holiday—it’s a national tradition, a collective pause, and a celebration of summer’s peak. Whether under a beach umbrella, hiking through mountain trails, or gathered at a long outdoor table with family, Italians know how to enjoy life in August.
And for those just arriving in Italy—especially in Milan—August can be a gentle, welcoming time to begin a new chapter.
Article by Easy Milano Editorial Staff
Featured Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel
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