August crunch
August in Europe means two planning dates: Ferragosto and the 12 August eclipse. Italy will be packed, and the few eclipse rooms left in Spain and Iceland are going fast. Plan transport and beds now.
Forecasters quoted by Euronews expect 17.5 million visitors in Italy around Ferragosto, with direct spending near 9 billion EUR. The big cities are the worst. Skip the main museum slots that week, or book them before you leave home.
Eclipse rush
The 12 August eclipse has pushed accommodation demand across Spain and Iceland sharply up, according to Euronews. If you still need a room, look outside the central path. Smaller towns and a car rental give you more flexibility when clouds move in. Book refundable rates if you can.
Greece door visa
Travelers from Turkey can use Greece's door visa for 12 Aegean islands. The scheme started in 2024, and nearly 1.5 million Turks visited Greece in 2025, up from 1.2 million, Euronews reports. Great for short island trips, but check which islands accept it and the allowed stay.
Venice reopened
The Danieli hotel in Venice has reopened after a design refresh. It now has 120 rooms and suites, expanding to 168 when the Palazzo Danieli Excelsior restoration ends in 2027, per Euronews. If you want lagoon views and don't mind a splurge, this is the rare hotel that delivers them.
UK check
UK pubs and clubs got business rates relief, but hotels did not, reports Skift. Don't expect British hotel prices to drop this year.
Best tours and tickets
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Rome 3 in 1 Cooking Class: Fettuccine, Ravioli & Tiramisu
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