August is officially holiday season in Italy. While tourists pile into the cities like Venice and Rome, Italians are making a beeline for the sea. The summer beach holiday is sacred and many businesses across the country shutter for weeks. The break culminates on 15 August with Ferragosto, a major national holiday.

If you are travelling to Italy during the festivities, there are plenty of events to get involved in. But it is also worth knowing the places to avoid if want to escape the crowds. The Ferragosto celebration on 15 August marks the height of summer in Italy. The festival originates from the 'Feriae Augusti', the festival of Emperor Augustus established in 18 BC.