Italy or Greece - very end of July first week of August

[Anonymous]

I know August is not the best time for traveling to Europe, but this is the only time we have to go as a family.

I was thinking Rome and Florence or Athens and an island. Is one better than the other this time of year?

[Anonymous]

August is a fine time to go - just know that southern Europe will be hot and crowded. But just mix city time with countryside / island time and you’ll be fine.

No real difference between Greece / Italy that time of year though you may find some places closed for August. Go where you want.

[Anonymous]

Italy shuts down for the month of August and all the locals decamp for the beach. A lot of things will be closed. Would not recommend.

[Anonymous]

In both would heavily recommend beach options for the less oppressive heat. In Italy would also look at mountain areas in the north. Would not go anywhere else in either country at that time of year because of heat.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Italy shuts down for the month of August and all the locals decamp for the beach. A lot of things will be closed. Would not recommend.

What, specifically? I have heard this sort of thing said over and over- and have been to tourist oriented places in Italy, Spain and France in August and all are open and busy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In both would heavily recommend beach options for the less oppressive heat. In Italy would also look at mountain areas in the north. Would not go anywhere else in either country at that time of year because of heat.

I was going to say that Lake Como or another lake would be great in August!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Italy shuts down for the month of August and all the locals decamp for the beach. A lot of things will be closed. Would not recommend.

What, specifically? I have heard this sort of thing said over and over- and have been to tourist oriented places in Italy, Spain and France in August and all are open and busy.

Yeah this mindset is from 30 years ago. Sure you’ll find some restaurants closed but this isn’t really a big deal anymore.

[Anonymous]

I would not go to either in late July/August. It will be too hot and crowded to be enjoyable.

[Anonymous]

Don't do it. Please truss me. You will be beyond miserable. Either country will suck.

Early to mid June and be out by late June either country works.

You can instead try E Europe or even N or S France. Will be hot there too but goodness Greece and Italy are number 1 and 2 bad for early Aug even late July.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would not go to either in late July/August. It will be too hot and crowded to be enjoyable.

This x 1000000000000000.

You will return hating either country otherwise. Seriously.

[Anonymous]

Omg no it will miserable. 39c plus and wall to wall. Pls listen to those who are advising against going then.

[Anonymous]

I'm someone who loves both countries (did Study Abroad in Greece years ago), but my last trip to Greece was July 2023 during the heatwave. Trust me, you need to go some other time.

[Anonymous]

The big cities - Athens, Rome, Florence - will be very hot. I would avoid. Go to a Greek island or the Amalfi coast in the summer.

[Anonymous]

Know that this is a Jubilee year for Catholics (takes place every 25 years), so Rome/Vatican will be very busy.

[Anonymous]

Head north in Italy - the Dolomites, Lake Garda, etc. If you're not wedded to Italy or Greece, you could also do Chamonix France and parts of Switzerland.