High Season in Italy: What Travelers Need to Know for Late July 2026

Safety Context: What Happened in Modena

A 55-year-old woman, Monica Esposito, has died two months after being injured in a car attack in Modena on May 16, 2026. The attacker, a 31-year-old Italian citizen of Moroccan origin with reported mental-health problems, drove into pedestrians. The hospital confirmed her death on July 22.

Source: ANSA

This is a tragic and isolated event. It is not part of any pattern of violence against tourists. Modena itself is a quiet city known for balsamic vinegar and Ferrari, not a typical stop on the mainstream tourist trail. If you are traveling in Emilia-Romagna, you should not alter your plans. The risk to visitors remains extremely low.

Tourism Recovery: Italy Is Busy Again

New data from Euronews shows which countries gained the most tourists from 2019 to 2025. Italy is not among the top gainers (Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Egypt lead), but it has recovered strongly. Expect big crowds in Rome, Florence, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast this summer.

Source: Euronews Travel

Practical takeaway: book museum tickets weeks ahead. The Uffizi in Florence, the Colosseum in Rome, and the Accademia in Venice all sell out days in advance. Consider visiting at 8:30 AM or after 4 PM to avoid the worst queues.

Summer Events and Seasonal Openings

Late July means festival season. Sicily has the Taormina Arte summer program running through August. Lake Como is packed but gorgeous. If you want quieter spots, try Sardinia's inland villages or the less visited parts of Tuscany like the Maremma coast.

Ferry schedules to the Cinque Terre and islands like Capri are running full summer timetables. Check for delays in advance.

Transport Strikes: What to Expect

Summer in Italy often brings public transport strikes. There is no active strike announced today (July 22), but they can be called with short notice. Always check the day before travel. Trains, local buses, and flights can be affected. Milan and Verona are frequent hubs for disruptions. If you have a flight out, allow extra time for airport transfers.

General Advice for Right Now

• Heat: Temperatures in Naples, Rome, and Florence regularly hit 35°C in July. Carry water and wear a hat. Many churches and monuments are not air conditioned.
• Booking: Do not show up without reservations for popular restaurants. Use booking platforms or ask your hotel to reserve.
• Boat travel: Amalfi Coast ferries and Cinque Terre trains are crowded. Buy passes online and arrive 15-20 minutes early.
• Scams: Watch for aggressive vendors near the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain. No, that 'free' rose is not free.

Stay flexible, hydrate, and enjoy the long summer evenings. Italy in July is chaotic but magical if you plan ahead.