Where are Italians going this Ferragosto? The destinations chosen for summer, from beaches and nature to a new way of experiencing travel

Ferragosto returns every year with the same familiar scene. Roads empty out as the entire country seems to move in the same direction, embracing a brief escape from everyday life. It marks a turning point between those who plan every detail in advance and those who rely on last-minute spontaneity. It's an image that still feels familiar today, yet one that increasingly reflects less of how Italians now imagine their summer holidays.

What to do for Ferragosto 2026?

According to a report by lastminute.com, Italians' desire to travel hasn't declined at all. Instead, what has changed is what they are looking for once they reach their destination. Until recently, the destination itself was almost everything. Today, what matters more is how it is experienced: its pace, the chance to avoid the crowds, and the opportunity to discover places that remain relatively under the radar while offering a good balance between quality and affordability.

For Italian families in particular, striking that balance is even more important. The ideal destination is one that allows for stress-free travel, with beaches suitable for young children and days that offer more than just seaside relaxation, combining local culture, outdoor experiences and opportunities to explore the surrounding area. This is why lesser-known destinations are attracting increasing attention.

Italians' favourite destinations for Ferragosto 2026

Naxos, in Greece, combines calm, family-friendly beaches with an inland landscape of traditional villages where the island's everyday life still unfolds at its own pace. Asturias, on Spain's northern coast, offers a completely different landscape from the one many travellers associate with the country. Here, the sea meets lush green scenery and milder temperatures, making it an ideal destination for those looking to escape the summer heat without giving up outdoor activities.

Collioure, in southern France, charms visitors with its intimate scale. Its colourful centre can easily be explored on foot, while its artistic heritage is still felt more in its winding streets than in its souvenir shops. Comporta, just south of Lisbon, offers a different vision of a beach holiday: endless stretches of sand, protected nature reserves and a minimalist aesthetic that has made it one of Portugal's most sought-after destinations in recent years, especially among travellers with young children.

These destinations reflect a different approach to travel, one centred on slowing down and making time for yourself. The same shift can be seen in the way people book their holidays. While last-minute bookings continue to define the summer season, travellers are increasingly looking for options that offer greater flexibility, all-inclusive packages and more predictable costs, without compromising on quality.