Italy’s history, culture, and natural splendour make it a must-see destination for many travellers. Knowing where to go and when is essential to avoiding the busiest and most expensive times during the peak summer season.
Travel experts Pompeii Tours & Tickets reveal the best times of the month to visit Italy’s most-loved landmarks to avoid the huge crowds and highest prices. The findings were based on an analysis of TripAdvisor, Google search, and weather data.
- May
In May, the top landmark to visit is Castello Aragonese, Taranto. The fortification by the sea in the Apulian region provides a suggestive view of the Mediterranean Sea and is the beating heart of the city. Used for different purposes throughout history, the castle was originally built as a military base for the Navy.
This landmark comes in first place as the data suggests that only 6% of all visitors were in attendance during this month, compared to 17% of visitors of the most crowded month, August.
Second for May is Palazzo Conte Federico in Palermo, one of the most famous and prestigious buildings in the city, while St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome is third.
- June
While the first and second spots are occupied by the same landmarks as May, making June another perfect time to visit Apulia or Sicily, the Colosseum in Rome comes in third place thanks to the temperature registered in the city during this month of 24 degrees in average, just about the ideal one of 25.
Built between 72 and 80 AD, the Colosseum is the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built and the largest one still standing. During Imperial times, it was used as an entertainment arena and remains one of the planet’s most recognisable landmarks.
- July
If you’re planning a July trip, the data shows that Naples might be the perfect place to travel to. The Galleria Borbonica and the Catacombe di San Gaudioso occupy the first two spots of the most convenient landmarks to visit. During this month, both landmarks received an average rating of five stars and experienced the lowest number of visitors, at 7.79% and 7.71% of total visits, respectively.
While both are underground, the Galleria Borbonica is an ancient passage constructed for military purposes to connect the Royal Palace to military barracks in the city, while the Catacombe are one of the few paleo-Christian burial sites that can be found underneath the city. These catacombs are home to the tomb of St. Gaudioso, and above them, there’s the Basilica of Santa Maria della Santità.
- August
Based on the data, August seems to be the perfect time of year to visit Rome if you want to avoid the crowds of the earlier yet milder months, as three famous landmarks of the capital occupy the three spots: the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica and Trevi Fountain.
Situated in Vatican City, St. Peter’s Basilica is the most important Catholic church in the world. It also includes the Vatican museums and the Pope’s residence.
These landmarks are crowned the most convenient to visit during this month because of their high number of TripAdvisor reviews and the lower number of visitors. The Colosseum, for example, had 6,721 visitors during August last year, almost 1,000 less than in the most crowded month, July, where there have been almost 7,500 visitors.
August is also the month when it’s less likely to rain in the city throughout the year, with an average of only 6 days.
Summers in Italy can be very hot, so it’s important to pack accordingly if you want to enjoy these suggestive sights in peace without any setbacks.
And remember to toss a coin into the majestic Trevi Fountain as a wish to return to the Bel Paese soon.
- September
The Castello Aragonese in Taranto, the Colosseum in Rome and the Galleria Borbonica in Naples are the top three landmarks to visit in September.
September is probably one of the best times to travel to Italy thanks to its long and sunny yet milder days. In fact, the cities hosting the top landmarks to visit during this month are 2 to 4 degrees cooler than the ideal temperature of 25 degrees, making the weather more enjoyable. Moreover, there are still plenty of hours of sunshine, an average of 12 throughout the three places.
| Top three landmarks to visit in each month from May to October | |||
| Month | Rank 1 | Rank 2 | Rank 3 |
| May | Castello Aragonese, Taranto | Palazzo Conte Federico, Palermo | St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome |
| Jun | Castello Aragonese, Taranto | Palazzo Conte Federico, Palermo | Colosseum, Rome |
| Jul | Galleria Borbonica, Naples | Catacombe di San Gaudioso, Naples | Colosseum, Rome |
| Aug | Colosseum, Rome | St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome | Trevi Fountain, Rome |
| Sep | Castello Aragonese, Taranto | Colosseum, Rome | Galleria Borbonica, Naples |
Magdalena Petrusic, travel expert from Pompeii Tours & Tickets, commented on the findings: “Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time adventurer, if you want to experience Italy and see as much as you can of it on your journeys, all these landmarks should be on your itinerary at some point.
“While Italy is one country, the history, culture and customs can differ greatly depending on where you go. If you want to follow the data provided and visit the centre and Southern parts of the country prepare yourself for later meals than you might be used to, as well as a warm and affectionate welcome from the locals. In fact, hugs and kisses are perfectly acceptable and expected even on first meetings, as well as little gestures of politeness such as smiling back to passers-by.”
