Escape in luxury, best destinations for Ferragosto in Italy

Rooted in ancient traditions, Ferragosto has blossomed into a cherished celebration of summer, leisure, and connection. Across Italy, families and friends escape the everyday with weekend trips in elegant rentals, countryside picnics, seaside lunches, barbecues, and cool slices of watermelon shared under the sun. Many Italians gather beneath the stars for music, laughter, and late-night dancing. And of course, no Ferragosto night is complete without the unmissable fireworks: on the evenings of the 14th and 15th, these spectacular displays light up the beaches and leave crowds in awe. It’s summer in Italy at its most radiant, timeless customs reimagined with modern style and effortless joy. Coastal getaways buzz with life, and the cities pause, surrendering to the slower rhythm of the season.

seaside dinner 

Yet for many, this holiday is also a time to retreat into privacy and refinement. With luxury villa rentals, tailored experiences, and serene settings, it’s entirely possible to embrace the spirit of this holiday in high-end comfort. Discover some of Italy’s most exclusive destinations, each paired with one of our handpicked villas for rent designed to offer the perfect blend of charm, seclusion, and sophistication.

Amalfi Coast 
 During Ferragosto, the Amalfi Coast shines as one of Italy’s most coveted destinations, where sun-drenched cliffs meet elevated luxury. With its dramatic seaside vistas and glamorous villas tucked into terraced hillsides, this coastline offers la dolce vita at its finest.
  While daytime along the Amalfi Coast offers elegant tours through its iconic villages and hidden coves, perfect for the traditional one-day trip in Ferragosto, the true enchantment begins after sunset on August 15th. Fireworks burst across the skies above coastal towns, most famously in Maiori and Positano, casting reflections over the sea and drawing festive crowds. For those seeking a more exclusive experience, watching the display from a private boat transforms the tradition into a luxurious affair, complete with champagne toasts, plush seating, and front-row views beneath the stars.

Olearia | 14 sleeps | Maiori 
 Olearia is a stunning luxury villa in Maiori, combining timeless ’60s style with authentic local charm. Set in a private lemon grove estate, it offers breathtaking sea views, a beautiful cliffside pool, and direct access to a quiet rocky beach. Guests enjoy delicious seasonal meals prepared by a private chef, daily housekeeping, and personalized concierge service. The villa provides easy access with small electric cars and is home to friendly donkeys and ponies that add to its unique charm. Perfectly positioned for a glamorous Ferragosto family retreat, Olearia provides a stunning backdrop for unforgettable summer celebrations.

Olearia, Amalfi Coast 

Lake Como
With its serene waters, grand villas, and cinematic mountain views, Lake Como sets the stage for an effortlessly sophisticated Ferragosto. The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between refined elegance and relaxed charm, ideal for those seeking privacy without forgoing celebration. Across the lake, a dazzling array of events ignites the holiday spirit, offering unforgettable experiences.
 Keep an eye out for the “Notte di Luci sul Lago”, a spectacular event that transforms the lakeside into a mesmerizing display of illuminated boats, dazzling fireworks, and the enchanting “Dancing Fountains”, a captivating fusion of water, light shows, and music that delights spectators.
 Lake Como also offers the extraordinary opportunity for a high-end romantic getaway, where you can savour the privacy and stunning scenery of the lake while enjoying the fireworks from exclusive private boat tours. This unparalleled experience allows for elegant aperitifs on board, creating unforgettable moments of refined luxury.

fireworks on Lake Como

Felicita | 8 sleeps | Lenno 
 Felicita is an exclusive four-bedroom luxury villa perched above the breathtaking expanse of Lake Como. Its elegant open-plan living spaces and private terraces reveal sweeping panoramic views of the shimmering lake and majestic mountains. The villa’s tranquil setting and refined design offer an ideal sanctuary for both relaxation and sophisticated entertaining. Guests enjoy seamless indoor-outdoor living, featuring a private pool and expansive terraces flooded with natural light. Thanks to its lakeside position, guests may also enjoy spectacular views of the Ferragosto fireworks on August 14th, a magical experience to complete an unforgettable stay.

Felicita, Lake Como

Sicily
 Sicily remains the quintessential Ferragosto retreat, a destination where captivating landscapes, vibrant heritage, and elevated indulgence converge. Among its most alluring escapes is Taormina, a hilltop gem where timeless tradition meets contemporary refinement. With its renowned Greek Theatre, sometimes opening for rare evening guided tours during this holiday, and sweeping views over the Ionian Sea, the town offers a cultural and visual feast. Its proximity to treasures like Mount Etna’s natural park, but also renowned beaches, only enhances its allure. Along the coast, Taormina’s private beach clubs host exclusive soirées beneath the fireworks. Yet no celebration captures the spirit of Sicilian Ferragosto quite like the midnight swim, a cherished tradition that brings together joy, ritual, and the warmth of the Mediterranean night.

Tao Beach Club, Taormina

Diodori | 20 sleeps | Taormina
 This stunning four-story villa offers panoramic sea and bay views, with a half-moon-shaped pool offering an enchanting outlook over the seaside and a heated Jacuzzi to unwind in the vibrant Sicilian atmosphere. The elegant outdoor pergola, perfect for refined gatherings, overlooks the pristine coastline in complete privacy. Inside, sophisticated design and serene blue accents evoke the tranquillity of the Mediterranean. Ideally located near historic Taormina and just steps from the sea, this exclusive retreat provides seamless access to iconic beaches like Mazzarò and cultural gems such as Catania and Syracuse, allowing guests to tailor their Ferragosto celebration exactly to their wishes.

Diodori, Sicily

Reach out to us and explore our curated selection of luxury villas for rent in Italy, perfect for your dream Ferragosto escape. Immerse yourself in the country’s most anticipated holiday and embrace cherished traditions in style. Let our top-tier concierge team handle every detail, from private beach reservations to exclusive boat tours designed to admire the fireworks, crafting bespoke experiences entirely tailored to you. Unwind and savour the magic of an unforgettable Italian summer.