In August, crowded cities and packed beaches are not the only option. Travellers looking for cool air, quiet and great food around the Italian mid-August holiday (Ferragosto) will find the perfect answer in hill and mountain farm stays: milder temperatures, open views, pools set in the greenery and tables laid with zero-kilometre produce. Here are 10 cool destinations for a Ferragosto 2026 away from the heat, region by region.
1. Trentino-Alto Adige: the Dolomites and mountain huts
Flowering meadows, alpine huts and the profiles of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Trentino-Alto Adige is the mountain destination par excellence. At Ferragosto the air stays fresh even at midday, among high-altitude hikes, alpine lakes and farm stays serving speck, mountain cheeses and canederli dumplings. Ideal for families and keen walkers. Discover farm stays in Trentino-Alto Adige.
2. Aosta Valley: beneath the great peaks
In the shadow of Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa, the Aosta Valley guarantees cool air and postcard landscapes. Valdostan farm stays serve Fontina DOP cheese, mountain meats and high-altitude wines, often just steps from medieval castles and scenic trails. Browse farm stays in the Aosta Valley.
3. Piedmont: from the Maritime Alps to Valsesia
Beyond the famous Langhe, Piedmont offers the cool of the Maritime Alps, Valsesia and the Cuneo valleys. Farm stays among woods and pastures, truffles, cheeses and great red wines: a destination that blends nature and gastronomy. Search farm stays in Piedmont.
4. Lombardy: Valtellina and Valchiavenna
Valtellina is a concentrate of mountains and flavours: pizzoccheri, bresaola, alpine cheeses and terraced vineyards. At Ferragosto the Lombard valleys enjoy pleasant temperatures and plenty of farm stays that make ideal bases for hikes between 1,500 and 2,000 metres. Discover farm stays in Lombardy.
5. Veneto: the Asiago Plateau and the Belluno Dolomites
The Asiago Plateau and the Belluno Dolomites are Veneto’s cool corner: pastures, woods and the famous Asiago DOP cheese. High-altitude farm stays are perfect for those seeking relaxation, fresh air and walks suitable for children too. Browse farm stays in Veneto.
6. Friuli-Venezia Giulia: Carnia and the Julian Alps
Lesser known but surprising, Carnia with the Julian and Carnic Alps offers green valleys, mountain huts and a genuine highland cuisine. At Ferragosto it is the ideal choice for those looking for authentic peace far from the busier destinations. Search farm stays in Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
7. Emilia-Romagna: the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines
The Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, are Emilia’s cool refuge. Among ridges, chestnut groves and stone villages, farm stays serve the great Emilian classics — tortelli, Parmigiano Reggiano, cured meats — in a setting of quiet and nature. Discover farm stays in Emilia-Romagna.
8. Tuscany: Casentino, Garfagnana and Monte Amiata
For a cool, green Tuscany, head to the hill and mountain areas: Casentino, Garfagnana and Monte Amiata. Forests, abbeys, centuries-old chestnut trees and farm stays with a pool nestled in the woods: the Tuscan postcard without the coastal heat. Browse farm stays in Tuscany.
9. Umbria: the Valnerina and the Sibillini Mountains
The green heart of Italy is at its best at altitude: the Valnerina and the Sibillini Mountains offer waterfalls, flowering plateaus and silent villages. Umbrian farm stays serve Castelluccio lentils, black truffle and cured pork specialities, in a fresh and spiritual landscape. Search farm stays in Umbria.
10. Abruzzo: the Gran Sasso and the National Park
With the Gran Sasso, the Majella and the Abruzzo National Park, this region is among the coolest and wildest in central-southern Italy. Plateaus, chamois, wolves and mountain villages: Abruzzo’s farm stays are the perfect base for a Ferragosto of nature and arrosticini skewers. Discover farm stays in Abruzzo.
Tips for a Ferragosto at a farm stay
- Book early: Ferragosto is the most sought-after weekend of the year, and the best properties sell out weeks in advance.
- Look for a pool: even in the hills the days can heat up, so a farm stay with a pool is a welcome extra.
- Choose an on-site restaurant: at Ferragosto many venues are closed or full, so dining at the property with local, zero-kilometre produce is both convenient and authentic.
- Check the experiences: tastings, guided hikes and educational farms for children make the stay unforgettable.
Whether you prefer the Dolomites or the Apennines, green Umbria or wild Abruzzo, a hill or mountain farm stay is the right choice for a true Ferragosto break. Find the perfect farm stay for your Ferragosto 2026 and set off to discover authentic Italy.