Ferragosto — Italy’s peak summer holiday on 15 August — has passed, and the second half of August shifts gear. The mass motorway exodus eases, prices at coastal resorts begin to soften, and some of Italy’s most characterful local events take centre stage. Here is what to know if you are arriving or already in Italy this week.
Bravio delle Botti: Barrel Racing in Montepulciano
The Bravio delle Botti takes place in Montepulciano, in the Sienese hills of Tuscany, from 22 to 30 August. The centrepiece is the barrel race itself — teams from eight historic contrade (districts) push heavy wine barrels uphill through the medieval streets — but the surrounding days involve costumed processions, archery contests, medieval dinners, and flag-throwing displays.
Montepulciano is a 75-minute drive southeast of Siena and is not well served by public transport; most visitors reach it by car or organised tour. Accommodation in the town books out early for this period — check availability in Siena or Pienza and drive in for the race day itself.
Venice Film Festival: 27 August to 6 September
The 82nd Venice Film Festival opens on 27 August. The Lido hosts an international jury, world premieres, and the competition for the Golden Lion. Day passes and evening screenings at the Palazzo del Cinema are open to the public, but tickets sell out fast and must be purchased through the festival’s online portal.
Arriving in Venice during the festival means navigating a more crowded than usual Lido, but the main city itself absorbs the extra visitors without the chaos of peak July. Vaporetto lines from Piazzale Roma to the Lido run extended evening hours during the festival.
Florence–Rome Rail Works: Until 28 August
High-speed rail services on the Florence–Rome corridor remain subject to diversions and extended journey times until 28 August due to ongoing infrastructure works on the Roma Termini approach tracks. Trenitalia Frecciarossa services are operating on this axis but with additional stops and journey times roughly 30–45 minutes longer than normal.
If you are travelling between Florence and Rome in the next two weeks, check your reservation closely — automatic rebookings have been sent to some passengers whose trains were rescheduled. From 29 August, full-speed services resume.
Post-Ferragosto Practical Points
- Beach resorts along the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian coasts start to quieten after 15 August; prices typically drop 20–30 percent by the last weekend of August.
- Motorway traffic eases markedly from this week — the notorious Esodo di Rientro (return exodus) peaks on 16–17 August, after which conditions normalise.
- Many city-centre restaurants in Rome and Florence that closed for Ferragosto week (10–17 August) reopen from Monday 18 August.
For broader guidance on planning an Italian trip around the summer calendar, see our best time to visit Italy guide.