August is officially holiday season in Italy. Traditionally, city residents leave en masse for the beach and 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. Under his rule, 1 August was declared a rest day for workers in the agricultural sector after the labour of the previous months.