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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.
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.
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.
Best tours and tickets in Rome
Curated from Viator. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Rome 3 in 1 Cooking Class: Fettuccine, Ravioli & Tiramisu
Skip-the-Line Group Tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica
Winner 2026 Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour by Eating Europe
Colosseum & Forum with Optional Arena or Underground Access
Another option: tickets on Headout
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Combo: Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill + Vatican Museums + Pantheon Tickets
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to travel to Italy right now after the Modena incident?
How crowded is Italy in late July 2026?
Are there any transport strikes coming up in Italy?
What should I pack for Italy in July?
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Read more →All prices and times on this page are ESTIMATES and change often. They are a starting point from an independent editor, never official or guaranteed figures. Always check the final price and the opening hours with the official venue or operator before you book or travel.
Rules, timetables, fares and passenger rights change, and this page is a summary, not an official source or legal advice. Check the official operator or authority before you book or travel, and treat anything critical to your trip as something to confirm, not to assume. Last reviewed: 2026-07-22.
