The Italian summer is all about glittering beaches, drives through winding village lanes along the coastline, tours of sprawling vineries and endless cones of chilled, creamy gelato. Beyond the experiences you already know of, Italy has a lot to offer for the discerning traveller. From immersive art shows and concerts in historic locations to local celebrations and heart-thumping races, here are nine cool things to do in Italy this summer.
Art and design
Van Gogh in Trieste
If you’re visiting Italy this summer, head to the port city of Trieste, situated between the Adriatic coast and the border of Slovenia, to immerse yourself in the life and work of Vincent Van Gogh. The exhibition, which will be on till 30 June, is hosted at the Revoltella Museum, a modern art gallery in Trieste. When the exhibition was staged in Rome, it saw 600,000 visitors in just a few months. It features 50 masterpieces by Van Gogh from the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo that span his entire artistic career, from his youth and his works from his time in Paris to his last paintings of St. Remy and Auvers-Sur-Oise, where he eventually took his life. The exhibition also includes two paintings of Monsieur and Madame Ginoux—the owners of Van Gogh’s favourite café in Arles, France. While the portraits are officially housed in the Kröller-Müller Museum and National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rome respectively, they will be reunited temporarily at the exhibition in Trieste.
When: until 30 June
Where: Revoltella Museum, Gallery of Modern Art, Via Diaz, 27, Trieste
Cost: €17.50 (about Rs1,500); book here
Venice Biennale
The Venice Biennale (La Biennale di Venezia) is one of the world's largest contemporary visual art and culture exhibitions, running from 20 April to 24 November. This year, the Art Biennale celebrates its 60th anniversary and will showcase 333 artists under curator Adriano Pedrosa’s central theme “Stranieri Ovunque” or “Foreigners Everywhere”. The presence of Indian art has also never been greater with 12 artists being featured, including a collaboration between Madhvi Parekh, Manu Parekh and Karishma Swali of the Chanakya School of Craft This is in comparison to just two India pavilions in the past. If a trip to Venice is on the books this summer, do not miss out on this cultural art fair that attracts more than 6 lakh visitors per year. Amanya Sahney
When: until 24 November
Where: Giardini Sestiere Castello 30122 Venice
Cost: €25 (about Rs2,200); book here
Sports
Tour de France, Florence
For the first time ever, the first three stages of the Tour de France will take place in Italy, between 21 June and 29 July 2024, a historic moment for the country, the sport and the prestigious race. Competitors will saddle up in Florence, head east towards Rimini on the Adriatic Coast, follow the Apennines north through Emilia-Romagna and complete stage three in Turin. With their truffles and terroirs, Italy’s northern regions are best known for their gastronomic heritage, but two-wheeled pursuits have long been part of the landscape. The 1998 Tour de France champion Marco Pantani was born here, while professional racer Davide Cassani was instrumental in developing the Via Romagna, a 462km network of cycling routes throughout the region. Now, tour operators have upped their game in time for the event: Tourissimo’s week-long cycle holiday is designed to provide guests with live-action access to the tour itself, plus the chance to conquer the hills and thrills of Emilia-Romagna. Ride International Tours and Ride Holidays have released new routes to reflect growing interest in the region, while the looping, leisurely route between Parma and Modena by Inn Travel leaves more time for sampling local delicacies along the way. Anna Prendergast writes in our round-up of where to go in Europe in 2024
When: 21 June-29 July
Where: Rimini, Florence
Book here
Italian Grand Prix, Monza
The Italian Grand Prix has been hosted at the Monza Circuit since 1949. Built in the historic Royal Villa of Monza, the circuit includes three tracks and is known for the speed it demands—the fast circuit has claimed the lives of 52 drivers. Known as the “Temple of Speed”, the renewed circuit will be unveiled to the public on 30 August, the inaugural day of the Italian Grand Prix which is scheduled for 30 August-1 September. After Belgian-Dutch racing driver Max Verstappen’s consistent victories in the past two years, F1 fans are eagerly awaiting the upcoming races to find out who will be at the top of the podium this year.
When: 30 August-1 September
Where: Monza Circuit, Viale di Vedano, 5, 20900 Monza MB, Italy
Cost: From €120,000 (about Rs1 crore); book tickets here
Palio di Siena
A popular local Sienese event that has acquired international fame, the Palio Di Siena is a horse race that carries almost 800 years of history and is a reflection of the deeply rooted traditions of the city. This event takes place twice a year, once in July and once in August. The Palio della Madonna di Provenzano is held on July 2, and the Palio dell'Assunta takes place on August 16. A few days before the event, the tratta takes place, where lots are drawn, and horses are assigned to each contrada (a district within the Italian countryside). While each contrada has its own jockey, they do not have their own horse. Both events are preceded by a historic procession and followed by open-air dinners in each contrada. If you are visiting Florence or nearby areas in Tuscany, Siena is close by and easily accessible by train. Amanya Sahney
When: 2 July and 16 August
Where: Piazza del Campo, Siena
Tickets: There is no official box office for the tickets to the palio. Tickets are purchased directly from those who organise the stands, the private terraces or travel agencies that organise packages. Entrance to the centre of the Piazza del Campo is free but it gets packed. For more details see here
Music
Lucca Summer Festival, Lucca
Enjoy a Tuscan summer with concerts in a beautiful piazza framed by sycamore trees. The Lucca Summer Festival takes place across June and July every year at Piazza Napoleone, the historic centre of political power in the city of Lucca. The piazza has seen internationally renowned and iconic artists like Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Elton John and the Rolling Stones take to the stage over the years. In the summer of 2024, the stage will host performances by Ed Sheeran (as part of his Mathematics tour), Swedish House Mafia, Rod Stewart, Eric Clapton, Lenny Kravitz, Sam Smith and Duran Duran, among many others. Expect fantastic music and a buzzing crowd, all in a truly special setting.
When: Across June and July
Where: Piazzaza Napoleone, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy
Cost: Varies per concert; details and bookings here
Nameless Music Festival, Lake Como
If you haven’t had the chance to experience an EDM event, the three-day Nameless Festival in June is definitely a good place to start. Set in the picturesque landscape of Annone di Brianza, at the foot of the Alps and within reach of Lake Como and Milan, Nameless is a much-awaited festival by both local and international audiences. Expect acts like Alesso, DJ Snake, Bizarrap, and Annalisa, spread across multiple stages. The festival is also a great excuse to visit Lecco and its surrounding cities, with the sunny weather as a highlight. If you’re visiting Lake Como this summer and want to make a quick 45 minute trip to a fun festival, this is the place for you. Amanya Sahney
When: 14-16 June
Where: Via per la Poncia La Nuova Poncia Polo Club, 23841 Annone di Brianza, Italy
Cost: Varies per concert; details and bookings here
Food and drink
Borgo di Vino
You can’t explore Italy without some good old vino and Borgo diVino lets you do just that. The event travels across some of the most beautiful villages in Italy, such as Venosa, Bard, Erice, Spello, Brisighella and more, for delicious wine tastings in scenic settings. The festival extends from May to September, and the best part is that you can sign up for the event that’s closest to where you are. In the municipality of San Giorgio di Valpolicella, sip on Amarone and Recioto amidst stone buildings and sunny vineyards that overlook Lake Garda. In Neive—the city of the four wines: Barbaresco, Barbera, Moscato and Dolcetto—walk through alleys of buildings of Baroque origin as you taste the terroir. In Celle Ligure, taste a selection of local labels, just a few steps away from the turquoise sea.
When: May to September
Where: Various locations
Cost: Varies per event; details and booking here
Ferragosto
The Ferragosto holiday in Italy has its origins in a festival called Feriae Augusti—a rest day for agricultural workers—initiated by Emperor Augustus in 18BC. The festival has evolved over the years and is now celebrated as a beach day among locals. Every year on 15 August, Italians enjoy the peak of summer on the beach closest to them, with friends, family, and a lot of food. Families will either pack an extravagant lunch or even set up a barbecue on the beach. If you’re in Italy on this special occasion, head to the beaches to witness the air of festivities—bonus points if you know an Italian family that will include you in their celebrations. Until recently, most shops and restaurants would remain shut on this day. However, given the influx of tourists in Italy during the summer, several restaurants stay open and even serve special menus to celebrate the day.