🇮🇹 Buon Ferragosto!
It's time to rest, relax, and catch up with family and friends. Celebrate Ferragosto like a true Italian.
There’s More to Ferragosto Than the Beach.
By now you know that the sacred Ferragosto holiday is upon us. This means that city centers become ghost towns and shops everywhere close. If you’re vacationing in Italy during this time, none of this will make sense. You’ll probably wonder why shop owners are so willing to walk away from guaranteed business and long lines of tourists looking to spend money. È così. That’s just the way it is.
The one place you will find plenty of people (and shops and restaurants that are still open) is at the beach. Popular spots like Cinque Terre, Rimini, and Follonica will be incredibly packed, as will most of the coast. If you want to experience a true Ferragosto, traffic and all, go for it! Keep in mind, it may be smart to start your adventure a bit early in the day to give yourself a chance of getting a coveted spot on the beach.
While the seaside is absolutely synonymous with this cultural celebration, there are other places to enjoy a break. Consider visiting the Italian Alps in northern Italy where you’ll find the mighty Dolomites and Apennine mountains. This is the perfect time to enjoy the cooler air, commanding views, and opportunities to get out into nature. While these locations are heaven for serious hikers, they also offer gentler options for those who just want to take in the scenery. Hop on a seggiovia (chair lift) to enjoy the peaks without all the work. 😉
A Ferragosto celebration doesn’t have to include an elaborate trip. In the true spirit of the holiday, sometimes the simplest activities are the most relaxing. Consider packing a picnic and heading to the rolling hills of Umbria or Piedmonte. Sharing a meal and a bottle of wine with your friends and family while taking in the scenery is a perfect way to spend the holiday. This is also an excellent time to explore some of the many national parks in Italy (there are 25 of them!).
If you’re not yet in Italy, we hope you don’t feel left out. You don’t have to be here to appreciate this sweet aspect of Italian culture. After all, Ferragosto isn’t about a place, it’s about a state of mind. Whatever slowing down looks like for you, enjoy it…and meet us back here next week.
We’ll be back.
As always, thanks for being a part of the Smart Move Italy famiglia. A presto!