You waited, you postponed, maybe hoping the heat would fade or that the best deals would pop up closer to the date. Perhaps it wasn’t part of the plan, or maybe you’re one of those who say “this year I’ll stay home in August”… only to find yourself, mid-summer, with an irresistible urge to get away. The good news is: it’s still possible to organize a last-minute escape in Italy, without giving up on beauty, authenticity, or the joy of travel.
Sure, traveling at the last second isn’t always ideal. It can mean adapting, revising your expectations, compromising a little. But it can also turn into something unexpectedly wonderful — more spontaneous, more real, more free. Because while it’s true that the most popular spots have been fully booked for weeks, it’s just as true that Italy is filled with hidden gems: places that haven’t been overtaken by mass tourism, where you can still find peace, welcome, breathtaking landscapes, and sometimes even better value.
You just need to choose wisely, let your curiosity lead you, and trust in destinations that may be less obvious but are no less extraordinary. That’s how the best journeys begin — the ones you didn’t plan, but that turn out to be exactly what you needed.
So here are three places in Italy — one by the sea, one in the mountains, and one in the city — that are still within reach, even if you decide at the very last minute. Places that feel like summer, that know how to welcome those who travel lightheartedly, and that embody the quiet, enduring beauty of this country.
Cilento Coast – the secret sea
Forget the crowds of the Amalfi Coast. The Cilento is its quieter, more authentic cousin — less touristy, more soulful. Think turquoise coves, cliffside villages, and real fishermen’s ports. From Marina di Camerota to Palinuro, each day is a chance to discover a new beach, taste fresh-caught fish, and lose yourself in the scent of wild herbs and sea breeze. This is Southern Italy that hugs you, then heals you.
Val di Funes – pure alpine air
If you’re dreaming of silence, trails, forests, and clean skies, head to South Tyrol. The Val di Funes is like something out of a fairy tale: wooden cabins, grazing cows, and the majestic Odle peaks rising behind every turn. Whether you’re hiking, reading under a tree, or enjoying the rich local cuisine of butter and spices, this is where summer takes a deep breath and slows down.
Ferrara – the city that breathes slowly
For art lovers who want calm over chaos, Ferrara in August is a true revelation. Few tourists, even fewer cars. The Estense Castle mirrors itself in the quiet, Renaissance gardens feel like private retreats. And when the sun sets, a chilled glass of white wine under the arcades is worth a thousand words. Art cities in summer, when seen slowly, tell you stories you never knew you needed.
You don’t need much to travel — just a little longing for beauty. And that, we know, you already have.