Italy Braces for Second Heatwave as Holiday Travel Faces Road Chaos

Italy is bracing for its second heatwave of the summer just as the peak holiday season begins, with popular tourist spots already experiencing an influx of visitors. Many Austrians, who consider Italy their favorite vacation spot, are traveling by car and encountering substantial traffic delays.

Construction projects are causing significant disruptions on key Austrian routes, including the Brenner-Autobahn, where the Luegbrücke replacement is limiting traffic to one lane. The alternative Reschenpass route is also under construction. Italian destinations like the Amalfi Coast and Sirmione on Lake Garda are implementing access restrictions.

Despite these challenges, Italy remains the undisputed top holiday destination for Austrians. In 2025, 2.9 million Austrian trips to Italy resulted in over 16 million overnight stays, accounting for one-fifth of all Austrian international travel. Austrians spent 2.1 billion euros in Italy, with overnight stays averaging 136 euros per night.

While traditional beach destinations like Bibione and Jesolo remain popular, cultural sites and natural landscapes in regions like Venice, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and South Tyrol are also drawing increased interest. However, many Austrian tourists are reportedly seeking more budget-friendly accommodation options compared to previous years.