Where is a good place to go in Italy?

Question

Im going in August, i want to go somewhere hot and costal, and i like to be able to go and see stuff like in a city,

Answer 1

You should go to Sorrento

Answer 2

Ok...first the negatives.

Don't go to Rome. It's beautiful and one of my favourite cities, but in August it's so hot and humid you wouldn't believe - my girlfriend, who's Italian went there one August and even she couldn't take the heat. You'll end up just staying in your hotel room if it's air conditioned and in your shower if you don't.

Or Venice. Almost as hot, but the water smells terrible when it's hot. Again, lovely city - just not in August.

Or Milan. It's not exactly close to the beach, and everything is closed in August. I should know - I live there.

What you need if you're going in August is a place with a little bit of a breeze, something refreshing. Someone's already mentioned Sorrento, which is nice, even though it's not a big city. Liguria has some lovely beaches and you're not far from Genoa, even if it's not the most beautiful of cities. Sicily has lovely beaches and some interesting Greek architecture, though it's a little hot for me and if the wind's coming from Africa it's not so much a cooling breeze as an inferno.

Capri is a nice island and close to Naples which is a beautiful city - probably one of your best bets if you can afford it, although be careful in Naples, there are a lot of crime problems at the moment. Don't show anything valuable like watches/i-pods/mobile phones etc.

Florence is gorgeous, but again a little hot. It's not on the coast, but it's not too far away.

Rimini is the place to go if you like going out. Italians say the sea isn't as clean as some other places, but it's not dirty, it's just not quite the Emerald Coast.

Sardinia has lovely beaches although not many cities. The North-East is best avoided - very expensive and overcrowded. Anyway, the biggest city (Cagliari) is in the South.

Basically, I'd avoid most of the big cities - it's too hot and humid in August, and go either somewhere in the South on the coast within day-trip distance of Naples and Pompeii or go to Liguria and go for day-trips to Florence and Pisa.

Wherever you go, have fun!

Answer 3

Anywhere in Italy is hot in August. The coastal resorts are really packed, because that's when Italians have their holidays.

Rome can be quite deserted in August, with all the locals away on holidays. But it gets filled up with foreign tourists. And its oppressively hot then. But Rome is one of the great cities of the world, and one everybody should see.

Venice is glorious. Sure its expensive, and you can't move around San Marco for the people, but get into the back alleys and you'll be all alone. There is nowhere on Earth like it. Point a camera anywhere and you get a great photo.

The Naples area is magnificent. There is so much to see and do, you could stay a month. There's Naples itself, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast with its amazing scenery and beautiful villages and the islands of Capri and Ischia, which are like being in heaven. Its all so beautiful you wont want to leave.

Just read some travel guides and look at big coffee-table books full of pictures of what you would like to see. There is so much variety in Italy that its all up to what you personally like doing.

Answer 4

Wow, lucky you! I went in 2000. Rome of course is wonderful and Vatican City, even if you're not Catholic. The Vatican Museum is a must see. The Florence region is the most beautiful and has the best food. Venice is a must see. A city without cars, narrow cobblestone walkways, it has an aura all its own. Southern Italy isn't as nice I found. I did go down to Naples to see Pompeii but I would stick to the North if I were you. Go for the beaches yes, but make sure you see some of the wonderful history there!

Answer 5

Rome, and only an hour or so away is Capri, Sorrento, Pompei, etc. Most beautiful coast. Will be crowded in August, but def worth the trip. Also, Sardinia (island off Italian coast) is supposed to be amazing.
Depends how long you're going for cuz you could get in a few different cities.
Sicily is also a great option. Small, so you can get around- id rent a car (actually i did) and its gorgeous, hot and on the water! Great food, friendliest people

Answer 6

So many places Italy is lovely. You could stay in Sorrento which is on the coast and use that as a base and visit Pompeii which is fab. Also take a day trip to Capri which is just lovely, and if you have time visit Naples. Florence, Pisa, Venice, Milan, Rimini, Terrania are all nice places too but save those for another trip!

Answer 7

The Amalfi coast is one of the most beautiful parts of Italy and Sorrento is probably the best place to stay. Fantastic views of Bay of Naples and Vesuvius, food is brilliant and you can sit and watch the italians promenade in the evenings whist drinking and eating in one of the many bars or reataurants.
Get the agent to try and incorporate two or three days in both Rome and Florence so you can take in the sights, but make sure you have good shoes for all the walking as bus tours dont allow you to get the feel of these places.
Other trips to consider are Isle of Capri and a walk up Vesuvius (but use old shoes and expect to get filthy from the dust). You can also walk around the uncovered remains of Pompeii at the foot of Vesuvius but beware of the bars at the bottom as they screw you for price. Also be prepared for the heat which brings mist to spoil the views on some days. Take bottled water with you up vesuvius as there is nothing at the top to buy from.
Enjoy and book diet on your return!!

Answer 8

I would say Milan, as you get the city life, great shopping and you are only about an hour away from the lakes (Garda, Como etc...).

Sorrento is Great as well, though not a very good place to swim. But the side to Sorrento is that the island of Capri is about 20 mins away and they have some spectacular views! In fact anywhere you go in Italy is amazing!

Answer 9

I was in Italy Twice and loved the place,everywhere is Beautiful.
If you can go on a trip that takes in two or three Cities or areas is better again. I went to three Cities ,Rome. Florence
Venice,. When in Rome you can go on these one and two day Tours to Pompei Naples and Sorrento. The Hotel usually
gets in touch with the Tour Companies and you either pay them
or the the Company direct.When in Rome you have the Collosseum.The Forum, The Museums on The Capitoline Hill,
The Spanish Steps,The Fountain of Trevi on Via Del Stampa.When in Florence if youre finished looking at the City.You can go to Pisa where the leaning Tower is ,it is only about 12-15 kilometres away by bus. Then on to Beautiful Venice. If you have any Money left go to Milan and then the Northern Italian Lakes They are Beautiful. I stayed in Milan , Lago Maggiore, And Venice,thats twice in Venice I stayed, You have the Mountains near by as well The Alps. Good Luck.

Answer 10

My favourite place in Italy is Lake Garda, it,s a brilliant base near to Verona which in August has live Opera fab. A short distance to Milan and Venice. I know you said coastal but when you sit on the lakeside it,s like being on the coast, pure bliss. Wherever you decide to go I know you,ll have a holiday you,ll not forget in a hurry. The people and the scenery are outstanding. I hope you enjoy xx

Answer 11

Napoli!!!!My home city (Naples) btw DO NOT GO TO VENICE!!!! In the summer its not that hot and the cannals really smell. Because Vencians are good at spotting tourists they never have a fixed price on anything so they will charge you depending on whether they like you or not. I would reccommend the Amalfi Coast which is beautiful and has amazing beaches. Or Capri- its called millionaires island. it has the best beaches ever. and you can buy cheap limoncello and cigarettes. They are both 10 mins max to Naples
Hope you have a good time wherever you go -x-