Is August the tourist season or not?

The Italians go to the coast, but they are more than made up for by the number of tourists that go to the cities! So yes, there will be large crowds of Americans, Canadians, non-Italian Europeans, etc.

August is very touristy in Italy and if you head to the beaches it will be very crowded.

I think Claire can relate to this best... but many local business DO CLOSE for a few weeks. The Metropolitan Theatre on the Corso, where we can see original version films in English, is closed NOW and will not open till August 21. The Olympia Theatre is also closed (We were headed to see Batman... guess we will have to head to Warner Village!)

The bread store across the street from our apartment, my hangout EVERY morning, is closed unitl August 31st - OUCH! The clothing stores are still having the July sales but a few have already posted their "August" hours.

So yes, there will be many folks touring, and many will be Italian! "Tourist" businesses will be open as will all sites. Services (internet installation for example) tend to suffer in August as many service businesses go to a skeleton staff to cover vacations. You'll still have plenty to do and see!

Ciao,
Ron

Just ret'd from a 2-week visit with family and friends in Italy ~ lived there myself for several years. During the month of August most Italians go away to either the sea or the mountains to escape the heat, so August in Venezia in particular is full of tourists, and yes, there will be very large crowds. If your plans include a visit inside the Basilica di San Marco, check out their website as you can schedule your visit in advance and avoid the long lines in the heat. With the weak dollar and strong Euro many Europeans are coming to the U.S. this summer for vacation. My husband is from Chicago and they are seeing lots of tourists from Germany and Italy in particular. Buon viaggio!

There will be HUGE crowds!! It is very much a tourist month!!! Have fun!! It will be very very hot also!