How to avoid the worst of the Italian heatwave this summer

If you are somewhere in Italy with a natural body of water, or any water feature, plan your activities around it, Armenise says.

“Instead of walking, get a boat,” she says. “Sometimes you will see things you cannot access via land.”

Instead of hiking a coastline, you can see it from the sea, she explains, with the added bonus of cooling water splashing on you.

For Dr Agata Chrzanowksa, an art historian and tour guide in Florence, the hills and mountains north of the city are “a very good spot to runaway from the heat” for those driving. She highlights the Garfagnana region in particular.

If seeing attractions like the Vatican in Rome is a non-negotiable, Armenise suggests booking in advance to avoid waiting in line in scorching temperatures.

Several landmarks sell tickets online ahead of time. However, you need to be organised as tickets tend to sell out quickly, Medina says.