The most magical time of the year is almost here: the Italian summer. But what exactly makes it so special? Picture this — piazzas lined with trattoria tables for aperitivo, filled with lively personalities dressed in their summer best. Flowing skirts, short sleeves, cold spritzes in hand, and the warm evening breeze in their hair. It’s pure magic.
But what about the daytime heat? Florence, nestled in a valley, often misses out on cooling breezes, and summer temperatures regularly hit 90°F (32°C) with barely any air conditioning in sight. So, how do locals survive the sweltering days?
Gelato: the coolest way to beat the heat
Gelato is essential for beating the Italian summer heat. There’s nothing like that first cold, creamy bite on a blazing day — instantly refreshing, soothing, and indulgent. But not all gelato is created equal! Here’s how to find the good stuff:
- Natural Colors: Go for gelato with soft, muted hues. Bright colors often mean artificial ingredients. Pistachio, for example, should be a pale green or even beige — never neon.
- Proper Storage: Quality gelato is usually stored in covered, stainless steel containers to maintain texture and temperature.
- “Gelato Artigianale”: Look for this label. It means the gelato is handmade using traditional methods and fresh ingredients.
- Avoid Tourist Traps: Skip the towering, flashy displays, especially near major attractions. These places tend to prioritize looks over taste.
Here are some must-try gelaterias in central Florence, beloved by locals and ready for you to discover:
Vivoli – Via Isola delle Stinche, 7r
A Florentine classic and one of the oldest gelaterias in the city. Vivoli is known not just for delicious and creamy gelato, but also its affogato — espresso poured over gelato. A word of warning: it’s gone viral on TikTok, so expect a long line — but it’s worth the wait!
Gelateria dei Neri – Via dei Neri, 9/11R
Just steps from the Palazzo Vecchio, this spot offers both stunning views and delicious gelato. Try unique flavors like fig or mango cheesecake — you won’t find them elsewhere!
Badiani – Via dei Tosinghi, 12r
Home of the original Buontalenti flavor, named after 16th-century Florentine Bernardo Buontalenti — often credited with inventing gelato. This rich, custard-like flavor is made from cream, milk, sugar, and egg yolks — with no artificial additives, just pure decadence.
Escape to the Chianti Countryside with Your Vino!
Remember how I mentioned Florence sits in a valley with barely a breeze in sight? There’s a simple solution to beat the sweltering heat but still enjoy your Italian vacation: leave the city behind for the day. Just a short trip beyond the historic walls and you’ll be greeted with fresh, cool air — a welcome break from the humid Florentine heat. And what pairs perfectly with that refreshing feeling? A glass of wine and sweeping countryside views, of course.
Your Vino, the sister company of Pasta Class Florence, offers unforgettable wine experiences led by local sommelier Matteo — born and raised within Florence’s medieval heart, and full of insider knowledge.
With Your Vino, you’ll explore the rolling hills of Chianti, duck into the cool cantine of renowned family-owned wineries, and enjoy luxurious tastings of iconic wines — all in a single afternoon. You’ll feel like a true VIP.
Want to venture beyond Chianti? No problem. Your Vino offers fully customizable trips, whether you’re dreaming of seaside vineyards in Bolgheri or another picturesque corner of Tuscany.
Check out their website to explore all their experiences — your perfect escape from the city awaits.
Budget Bliss: local parks or quick dip in the sea
Unfortunately, in a city, the heat tends to bounce off the charming cobblestone streets, and as temperatures rise, so does the need to catch a breeze or cool off in some water. If gelato or a countryside wine tour doesn’t suit your plans—or your wallet—consider a park or a trip to the sea.
Italian city parks are a perfect way to relax in the shade while still enjoying the beauty of your surroundings. And if that’s not enough, heading to the coast couldn’t be easier. Despite the occasional delays or cancellations, Italy’s train system is well-connected and generally reliable. Check out some of our favorite recommendations below!
Kick It by the Arno
Word to the wise: Even if the hot, humid Florentine summer feels unbearable, do not swim in or touch the Arno River. The water is not clean, and if locals catch you doing it, you might end up at the main hospital in Careggi — seriously. It’s pretty gross.
That said, if you’re staying in the city and craving a bit of that “fresh” breeze that bounces off the Arno, head to one of the nearby parks just a few steps from the busy city center:
Parco delle Cascine
Easily reachable via the T1 tram, Cascine offers wide green spaces right alongside the river. It’s huge, peaceful, and the perfect spot to spend a summer afternoon. Take a passeggiata over to the area near Passerella dell’Isolotto and get ready for peak relaxation.
Local Tip: Check out Ultravox, a live music area within Cascine that also features food, snacks, shaded park hangouts — and yes, bathrooms!
Lungarno
Just steps from the lively Sant’Ambrogio and Santa Croce neighborhoods, you’ll find a quieter stretch of river where you can soak in the sounds of the babbling Arno. And good news — you don’t even need to sit in the grass!
During summer, this area comes to life with temporary riverside bars, complete with chairs, tables, and snacks to help you cool off in style. Some local favorites include Molo, Tempio, and Habanna 500 — perfect for a chill afternoon by the water.
Let’s Head to the Spiaggia, Spiaggia — Let’s Go Get Away!
If you’re looking for a truly authentic Italian experience, look no further than a day at the sea. Heading to the mare is practically a national pastime. Here’s how it goes: you start your morning by staking out your spot on the beach, bask in the sun like a lizard, cool off with a swim, play a few beach games with friends, then settle in for a seafood-filled lunch. After that? A blissful beach nap, with the soothing soundtrack of Mediterranean waves in the background.
The best part? It’s incredibly easy to reach by train.
In just about an hour, you can find yourself in Viareggio, one of the liveliest seaside towns in Tuscany. With plenty of beach clubs (stabilimenti balneari) and food spots lining the shore, it’s no wonder it’s a favorite among locals.
Train tickets to Viareggio cost around €20 round trip, and renting a sunbed at a beach club is usually about €10 starting in June — though prices can rise to €20–30 in August. Add in food and snacks, and you’re looking at roughly €50 for the whole day for one person— a small price to pay for sunshine, sea breezes, and a glimpse of life in a classic Tuscan beach town.
Poolside paradise in Florence: agriturismo style
Looking for a relaxing day at the pool with stunning views and delicious food? Skip the typical public pool — agriturismos are where luxury meets the Tuscan countryside.
These countryside farms-turned-retreats offer tranquil pools, farm-to-table snacks, and breathtaking scenery. And the best part? Some of them are surprisingly close to Florence. If you’re looking for a last-minute escape without straying too far from the city, here are two local favorites worth checking out:
Fattoria di Maiano – Via Benedetto da Maiano, 11, 50014
Often called the “Positano of Florence,” this stunning spot is both beautiful and easy to reach. Just a 15-minute taxi ride or a quick trip on the #7 bus, and you’ll arrive at Fattoria di Maiano.
It’s a working farm that produces its own vegetables, honey, and more — but it’s also a peaceful oasis where you can visit animals, explore a secret forest cave, or take a scenic walk. And the pool? Absolutely unbeatable, with incredible views and snacks to match. A perfect mix of charm and comfort.
Fattoria di Poggiopiano Winery – Via dei Bassi, 13, 50061 Loc. Girone (FI)
Just outside of Florence and accessible by train plus a short walk, Fattoria di Poggiopiano offers a panoramic pool nestled among olive groves and vineyards. It’s the kind of spot where time slows down and you feel like you’re starring in your own Tuscan daydream. Bring a book, order a glass of wine, and let the countryside do the rest.
And finally… a cool break in the museums
Escaping the summer heat in Florence goes beyond pools, wineries, and parks. Don’t forget the museums — not only are they filled with breathtaking art and rich history, but they also offer a much-needed blast of free air conditioning while you marvel at David.
If you’re lucky enough to be in town on the first Sunday of the month, many museums offer free entry — the perfect chance to cool off while soaking in culture.
Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but in the summer, it takes a little strategy to enjoy it without melting. Follow our tips, plan smart, and you’ll experience the Italian summer like a true local.