What Are The Best Summer Destinations In Italy? Should I Go To Italy In The Summer?

Summer 2025 has not been great for Italy, and especially its coastal areas, despite Prensa Latina News Agency reporting a visit of 30.5 million travelers from the country between June and September. 

A recent report by Euronews indicates a 30% decline in the number of beach vacationers compared to 2024. Industry insiders suggest an unregulated tariff as the main reason behind this drop in tourist numbers. 

Furthermore, there has been a paradigm shift in the types of tourists visiting Italy. Earlier, it was more about luxury, and now mostly budget-conscious travelers flock to the country, impacting the overall tourist spending figures. 

Still, Italy remains a beautiful summer destination with bright sunny days, an abundance of wine and food, expansive vineyards, beaches, and summer festivals. 

In this Dream and Travel Guide, we will discuss the best summer destinations in Italy and why they are special. We will also talk about the weather conditions in Italy by month.

Italy Weather Conditions By Month: Is Italy Worth Visiting In Summer?   

The summer weather conditions in southern Italy are different from those in the northern areas of the country. Here, I will present the temperatures and precipitation of the Amalfi – Sorrento – Cilento area, three of the most popular summer destinations in Italy. 

What Are The Best Summer Destinations In Italy? Know Which Part Of Italy Is The Best In Summer

Italia.it, The official tourism website of Italy says that summer in Italy never disappoints you. Also, I have been in Italy in the summer, and all the activities and experiences there add to a way of living or a lifestyle that only Italy has. It is the ultimate Italian Bella Vita season!

You can relax by the sea, enjoy a sunset walk, or just watch people flocking to the restaurants. From the quiet mountains to the crystal clear waters, Italy awaits you with great warmth in the summer. 

Here are the most beautiful summer destinations in Italy. 

1. Salento – Puglia

One of the dreamiest summer destinations in Italy is the Salento region in Puglia. It offers a perfect blend of green countryside landscapes and the azure hues of crystal-clear seas.

Sunbathing on the long surrounding beaches is complemented by the opportunity to explore the natural coves and iconic trulli. Renting a car is recommended to traverse the entire Salento region, visiting places like Taranto, Ostuni, Alberobello, and Otranto.

Porto Cesareo, dubbed the “Maldives of Salento” for its shallow, crystalline waters, is a must-visit, as is the Bay of the Turks.

2. Ischia – Campania

Among the captivating islands in the Campania archipelago, Ischia stands out as a perfect destination for a relaxing yet adventurous Italian summer.

The exclusive Ischia charter boat tours for unforgettable experiences with Giosymar allows visitors to admire the beauty of the Amalfi Coast. Ischia offers satisfying trekking paths with breathtaking panoramas, and a visit to the Aragonese Castle in the port area is a must.

For total relaxation, the thermal gardens of Ischia are highly recommended, while Maronti Beach is an open-air spectacle to enjoy the sea.

3. Isola d’Elba – Tuscany

Isola d’Elba is another Italian destination that seamlessly combines historical architecture, trekking-friendly natural trails, and pristine beaches for a day by the sea.

Noteworthy is the route leading to the Stone Monsters, where one can admire the Sanctuary of Madonna del Monte. Among the notable beaches are Sansone and Capo Bianco.

4. Termoli – Molise

Termoli is a popular summer destination in Italy, known for its monumental setting adorned with medieval elements like ancient defensive walls and a historic center.

In addition to these historical features, the present beaches are truly relaxing, such as Sant’Antonio and Campomarino. The fine sand contributes significantly to the overall relaxation, complemented by the transparent sea.

5. Taormina – Sicily

The picturesque Taormina is one of the most appreciated summer solutions, situated on the eastern coast of Sicily near natural attractions like the Alcantara Gorges.

Using a panoramic cable car, visitors can reach Isola Bella, where they can enjoy beach comforts and savor Sicilian delicacies. With its ancient and colorful structures, flavorful dishes, stunning sea views, and marvelous natural areas, Taormina is an experience waiting to be lived.

6. Aosta Valley

The next place on our list is the most picturesque location for a summer getaway in Italy. The Aosta Valley is one of the most famous tourist spots in the northern part of Italy. 

The Aosta Valley is famous for its picturesque view of the mountains. Every year, thousands of tourists visit this place in order to witness the marvel of the valley.

If you are visiting the Aosta Valley, you must definitely make your way to the idyllic town of Courmayeur. 

The town is famous for its luxury hotels and all-year ski slopes. In summer, the town also offers hiking trails overlooking the picturesque scenery of Mont Blanc. Oh! The town also offers thermal baths, and you need to try them once.

7. Piedmont

After you are done marveling at the snowcapped peaks of Mont Blanc, it is time you make your way to the beautiful location of Piedmont. 

When you are in Piedmont, you should try to hit the Langhe and Roero areas to witness the hilly slopes that are riddled with vineyards.

Piedmont should be a twilight location because of the number of vineyards and gastronomic centers that surround this small location. 

For a truly unforgettable experience, consider planning a custom vacation in Piedmont to explore its rich landscapes and culinary delights at your own pace.

During the autumn, the small town of Alba comes alive for the Truffle festival. 

Therefore, autumn is one of the best times to visit Piedmont. Every year, people from all across the globe flock to this idyllic town in order to witness the unique festivity.

8. Venice

According to an old saying, “You have not witnessed the best of Italy if you have not been to Venice.” To be honest, the saying rings absolutely true. 

Venice is one of the rarest places on the planet and will certainly leave you breathless. The history buff in you will surely be satiated by the amount of historical architecture that riddles the city.

After you are done taking in the sights and sounds of Venice, you can certainly stop for a cup of coffee at a local cafe. If you are lucky enough, you can even make friends with some of the locals.

When in Venice, you can easily visit the islands of Murano and Burano by boarding a ferry. Trust us, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you.

9. Cinque Terre

If you make your way to the province of Liguria, you must definitely visit Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre is a cluster of small towns named Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. These towns have a very important historical relevance. As a result, all of these towns have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

As soon as you make your way to the town of Cinque Terre, you will be welcomed by beautiful architecture and the scent of focaccia. The town is also very famous for its coastal area, and this adds to the overall charm of the location.

All the towns are well connected via train, so you will be able to move back and forth quite easily. If you want to witness Cinque Terre from a different angle, go on the hiking trails that the location offers.

10. Sorrento

Located in the Sorrentine Peninsula, Sorrento is the place to indulge in the beauty of the Bay of Naples. Furthermore, it offers a beautiful view of Vesuvius. You can even see the Isle of Capri from here. 

Sorrento is famous for its lacework, woodwork, and ceramics. You can explore the workshops, collect some souvenirs, and enjoy a road trip on the Amalfi Drive. The route passes through narrow cliffs and offers an amazing view of the Tyrrhenian Sea. 

11. Cilento

Cilento is the cradle of the famous Mediterranean cuisine. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site of culture, it also has a history that goes back to the prehistoric era. Furthermore, it shows the influence of Roman and Greek civilizations. 

The archaeological sites of Paestum and Velia are especially the telltale signs of the region’s rich and varied past. 

Furthermore, with quaint hamlets and secret caves, the Cilento coastline is a delight for nature lovers and beachgoers.