Pros & Cons of Visiting Sicily in August: What You Need to Know

Traveling to Italy in the summer can be tricky—especially in August. Rome? Overcrowded, unbearably hot, and packed with tourists. The Amalfi Coast? Gorgeous, but expect sky-high prices and barely any room on the beach.

Most of Italy’s hot spots are overrun this time of year, driving up costs and making even simple things—like getting a gelato—an exercise in patience. 

Normally, I’d say to avoid Europe in August altogether, but sometimes, it’s your only option. Maybe you’re a teacher, have young kids, or it’s the only time your job allows for a vacation.

So, if you’re set on traveling to Italy in August, go to Sicily. You won’t regret it. 

Here’s what to expect—and my reasons why it’s the best choice.

What to Expect in Southern Europe in August

I’m not the kind of traveler who sugarcoats things just to tell you what you want to hear. I’d rather set realistic expectations—so you’re not disappointed but might just end up pleasantly surprised.

In most Southern European destinations, August comes with some local closures. Some small shops and family-owned restaurants take the month off. It is what it is.

You should also expect crowds. Airports, subways, parks, beaches—none of them will be empty. But some places are way more manageable than others. And that’s exactly what this post is about.

Visiting Sicily in August? It’s a thousand times better than dealing with the chaos of the Amalfi Coast. And below, I’ll tell you why.

Reasons You’ll Love Sicily in August

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#1. It’s Less Crowded

Sicily in August is way easier to manage than other hotspots in Italy. It won’t be empty, but it’s a hell of a lot more manageable than Rome. To set some realistic expectations, let’s talk numbers.

Rome saw around 611,250 tourists during the Ferragosto week alone—absolute madness. While exact numbers for Catania and Palermo aren’t available, these cities don’t even come close to seeing that level of chaos.

Yes, tourism in Sicily is growing, with Palermo experiencing a 20% increase in flight bookings for August 2024, but even with that, it’s still nowhere near as packed as Rome’s overflowing streets.

If you want to stay further away from the crowds, then skip the major cities like Catania and Palermo and consider staying in Noto. The closest airport is Catania, and while you can reach Noto via public transport, I recommend you rent a car, as driving is the most direct route.

#2. Some of the Best Beaches in the Country

I’ve been all over Italy, and Sicily has the best beaches—hands down. The Amalfi Coast? Overrated. Tiny, packed, and overpriced.

In Sicily, you get actual beaches with crystal-clear water, soft sand, and room a little more room to breathe.

Isola Bella in Taormina is straight out of a postcard, and my tip when visiting in August is to get to the beach early. Cefalù, easily reachable from Palermo, has a golden sand beach and a charming old town; it’s popular in August, so plan ahead. Then there is Fontane Bianche near Syracuse, which feels like the Caribbean. 

Will they be empty? No. But unlike Amalfi, you’re not paying a fortune just to fight for space. Better beaches, better prices—Sicily wins every time.

#3. Festivals and Events in Sicily in August

One of the best things about visiting Sicily in August? The festivals. Sicilians know how to celebrate, and if you time it right, you’ll get to experience some seriously amazing local traditions.

In Cefalù, the Festa del Santissimo Salvatore (August 2-6) takes over the town with parades, fireworks, and the famous ‘Ntinna a mari—a wild competition where locals try to grab a flag while walking a greased pole over the sea. Pure chaos, pure fun.

Then there’s the Madonna della Neve (August 5th), celebrated in towns across Sicily. Expect processions, glowing lanterns, and a real sense of old-school Sicilian culture.

If you want to see Sicily at its most lively (and most authentic), August festivals are where it’s at.

#4. More Friendly to Your Wallet Than Amalfi

If you’re traveling in August, Sicily is where you’ll get the most bang for your buck. Everything—hotels, food, drinks—costs way less than in places like Rome or the Amalfi Coast.

Let’s talk hotels. A night at Relais Badoer, a well-rated hotel in Rome in August, will run you around €235 per night, while a comparable stay at Habitat Boutique Hotel in Catania? €170 per night. Huge difference.

Then there’s the classic Aperol Spritz test. In Rome, expect to pay €10-12 at a typical bar. In Catania? More like €5-7, and it’ll probably come with free snacks, because that’s just how they do it in Sicily.

And food? A basic carbonara at a classic Roman trattoria will set you back €14-18, while in Sicily, a plate of fresh, homemade pasta alla norma—just as good, if not better—will cost you €9-11.

Bottom line: in Sicily, you’re spending less and getting more.

#5. The Culture & Hospitality Are Unmatched

Sicily isn’t just another region of Italy—it feels like its own world. The island has a rich mix of Greek, Arab, and Norman influences, which you’ll see in everything from the architecture to the food. But what really stands out? The people.

Sicilians are some of the warmest, most welcoming people you’ll meet. Whether it’s the restaurant owner who insists you try just one more dish on the house or the locals chatting with you at the market, there’s a genuine friendliness here that makes the island feel special.

Even in August, when tourism is at its peak, you won’t get the same rushed, transactional feel you might find in Rome or Venice. Instead, you’ll experience a slower, more personal side of Italy—the kind that makes you want to come back again and again.

Reasons You Might Hate Visiting Sicily in August

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The Weather in Sicily in August

I’m not going to sugarcoat it—if you don’t like hot weather, you might want to skip all the destinations in Italy in the summer altogether.

Southern Italy is hot. It’s humid. And if you’re used to blasting ice-cold AC like in the U.S., you’re in for a wake-up call—air conditioning here is often weaker than you might be used to.

August in Sicily is hot and dry, with temperatures typically ranging between 25°C and 35°C (77°F–95°F), though coastal breezes can provide some relief.

That said, if you can handle the heat (or plan your days around beach time and late dinners), Sicily is still so worth it. Just know what you’re getting into!

And if you are thinking, what about Northern Italy, around Verona or Florence…it will be just as hot and not coastal…

You Want Total Seclusion

If you’re dreaming of total seclusion, Sicily in August probably isn’t your best bet. This is peak travel season, and the island is packed with both tourists and Italians on holiday. Major cities like Palermo and Catania are busy, and popular spots like Taormina and Cefalù feel like they’re bursting at the seams.

That said, if you’re set on visiting in August and want a quieter experience, there are still some options. The inland areas, like the Madonie and Nebrodi mountains, offer stunning landscapes and charming villages with far fewer tourists.

The south, around places like Ragusa and the lesser-visited parts of the Val di Noto, also tends to be more relaxed. Even some of the smaller islands—think Filicudi or Alicudi—can offer a more peaceful escape compared to the ever-popular Aeolian hotspots like Lipari or Stromboli.

So while August in Sicily doesn’t exactly scream “seclusion,” you can still find some pockets of quiet—just be prepared to venture off the beaten path.

Final Thoughts: Is Sicily in August Worth It?

Absolutely. Will it be hot? Yes. Will you still run into some tourists? Of course. But compared to Rome or the Amalfi Coast, Sicily in August is a no-brainer.

You’ll get better beaches, lower prices, incredible food, and the kind of local festivals that make a trip unforgettable.

If August is your only time to travel, don’t waste it fighting crowds in overpriced, overcrowded hotspots. Go to Sicily, embrace the heat, and enjoy Italy the way it should be experienced. Have any questions? Contact me!