The Venice drama, tourist troubles and a special summer series

It’s been a wild start to summer in Italy.

July 05, 2025

For many, Italy is the perfect wedding destination. Unless you're Jeff Bezos, that is. Bezos and his bride, Lauren Sanchez, discovered that they were not as popular as they thought, as their multi-billion-dollar wedding in Venice approached.

The locals made it abundantly clear that they were fed up with overtourism and did not appreciate the likes of Bezos renting out their city for his wedding. I must say, their efforts were impressive. From a massive "No Space for Bezos" banner across the Rialto Bridge, inflatable Jeff Bezos dolls doing interesting things (I wonder where they got those), to straight-out protest, the Bezos-Sanchez wedding garnered a lot of press, just not the kind they expected.

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Overtourism in Italy: What’s really happening

Venice’s backlash isn’t just about one celebrity event. It’s a reflection of the growing tension in Italy’s top cities. Visitors are everywhere this summer, and not all of them are being respectful guests. We’ve seen viral stories of graffiti on monuments, wild parties on historic bridges, and people ignoring local rules and customs. This has sparked real frustration—and it’s leading to new fines, restrictions and a louder conversation about how we travel.

While many government officials view tourism spending as a benefit, locals do not share the same perspective. Where does that leave tourists who want to visit their dream destinations? It all comes down to setting your expectations and planning.

How to avoid the crowds and enjoy Italy, even during peak season

  • Travel early or late: Explore popular sites first thing in the morning or near closing time for a quieter experience.

  • Book ahead: Reserve tickets for museums, trains and attractions online. You’ll save time and avoid long lines.

  • Go off the beaten path: Look for neighbourhoods, parks, or local markets outside the main tourist areas.

  • Manage expectations: Italy is busy in summer—be ready for lines and crowds, and plan some downtime into your day.

  • Choose off-peak months: If you can, plan for spring or fall instead of July and August.

  • Respect local life: Always follow posted rules, dress modestly at churches, and remember that locals live and work here too.

Where to go in Italy

  • Civita di Bagnoregio (Lazio): Stunning hilltop village known as “the dying town” is car-free and picturesque.

  • Sulmona (Abruzzo): Historic, vibrant town famous for confetti (sugar-coated almonds) and gorgeous mountain views.

  • Brisighella (Emilia-Romagna): Medieval lanes, olive groves and a scenic clock tower.

  • Alba Adriatica (Abruzzo): Relaxed seaside town with wide sandy beaches, bike paths and laid-back summer vibes.

  • Sperlonga (Lazio): Whitewashed houses and quiet beaches, halfway between Rome and Naples.

  • Cervo (Liguria): Tiny, colourful coastal village with narrow lanes and a spectacular church overlooking the sea.

  • Castelmezzano (Basilicata): Tucked into dramatic mountain peaks, perfect for adventure and village life.

  • Offida (Marche): Medieval town known for lace-making and sparkling wines, with few tourists.

  • Scanno (Abruzzo): Charming stone town, lake views and strong traditions, nestled in the mountains.

  • Palmanova (Friuli Venezia Giulia): Unique star-shaped fortress town, full of history but rarely crowded.

How to be a better tourist in Italy (and everywhere else)

As someone who loved visiting Italy before I moved here, I completely understand the appeal and the desire to see the most famous and must-see destinations. Unfortunately, so does everyone else. This leads to the dreaded crowds, higher prices and a higher share of dumb tourists.

Sure, you can travel off-season, but if you're limited to summer vacation, not all is lost. In this edition, I would like to offer additional suggestions for being a more considerate tourist. These might seem obvious, but judging by the stories, they are not to everyone.

  • Respect the places you visit and the people who live here. Don't be like these tourists from New Zealand who decided to take a dip in the Trevi Fountain and got fined.

  • Follow local rules, skip the “Instagram it at any cost” mindset. This couple, who damaged a Swarovski crystal chair, or the tourist who damaged a painting at the Uffizi Gallery for a selfie, didn't get the memo.

  • Remember that you're visiting someone else's home. Treat it with respect. You can get arrested and fined, as the man who decided to drive his rented Maserati down the Spanish Steps in Rome did.

  • The rules are there to protect the priceless art and you. Recently, a tourist found himself impaled on the spiked fence outside the Colosseum after he tried to climb it for a better view. It took about 20 minutes for help to arrive and free him. Don't be like this guy.

Will being a better tourist make your trip less crowded? Not exactly, but in situations where temperatures soar and tempers flare, it's easy for things to go wrong. Let’s make sure we’re part of the solution, not the problem.

Introducing: Italian Summer Shorts

Love a themed trip? Italy’s rich past and cinematic settings make it the perfect playground for story-driven travel. Whether you want to follow in the footsteps of James Bond or Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers, there’s a route (and a photo op) waiting.

To help you explore Italy in a better way, I’m excited to announce a special summer series on the Amongst Romans podcast: Italian Summer Shorts. Each episode is a quick listen, packed with insider tips, travel inspiration, and stories to help you plan your best trip to Italy. Whether you’re dreaming of hill towns, beach escapes, or the perfect Italian meal, there’s something here for every traveller.

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Happy travels!

Kasia