August vs July in Italy

[wdhinn89]

I have read that many Italian locals go away the month of August to the shore. Do you really notice the difference while touring? Are alot of stores and restraunts closed? Should I forget about August and just book July?

Thanks

 

[abdgeek]

I did the August(first week) 2011 DCL Med Cruise ABD add-on and it was very noticeable in Spain that Europeans were on vacation. Lots of small restaurants were closed, but the major places were open and there were plenty of places to spend your money. I didn't really notice many closures on the days we were in Italy. In Italy, there were lots of places open where you could spend your money. August was super hot, so you may want to go in July for that reason.

 

[YxlsMom]

I used to live in Verona, Italy. We were there for 3 years in the late 1990s. The short answer is that the country is deserted during August, but it would affect people who live there more than it would affect you as a tourist. The small mom-and-pop type of stores and restaurants are usually closed for at least a couple of weeks during the month. There were always alternatives available.

If it were my choice, I would rather go in July, but that is mostly due to the heat. It can get unbearable there and there are still a lot of places that do not have air conditioning.

 

[wdhinn89]

Thanks! We are going to try for early July. I just want my son to talk to his advisers at college. Not sure if he needs to start interning the summer before his third year. Hope not! lol