DinaLast Updated on January 5, 2026
Public and national holidays are an important detail for anyone living in or planning a trip to Italy.
Besides the special events that often take place on public holidays, it’s common to see changes in public transport schedules (reduced services) and limited opening hours or closures of museums and attractions.
In this guide, you’ll find:
- all official public holidays in Italy for 2026
- which dates are good or more challenging for travel
- what to expect regarding transport, museums, and attractions
- how to plan your trip smoothly when visiting Italy on a public holiday
Below you’ll find the full list of Italian public holidays for 2026, to help you plan your trip with confidence.
Official Public Holidays in Italy – 2026
January 1, 2026 – New Year’s Day (Thursday)
January 6, 2026 – Epiphany (Tuesday)
April 5, 2026 – Easter Sunday
April 6, 2026 – Easter Monday / Pasquetta
April 25, 2026 – Liberation Day (Saturday)
May 1, 2026 – Labour Day (Friday)
June 2, 2026 – Republic Day (Tuesday)
August 15, 2026 – Ferragosto / Assumption Day (Saturday)
November 1, 2026 – All Saints’ Day (Sunday)
December 8, 2026 – Immaculate Conception (Tuesday)
December 25, 2026 – Christmas Day (Friday)
December 26, 2026 – St. Stephen’s Day (Saturday)
You may also like: Vatican tickets & free entry days 2026
How Public Holidays Affect Travel in Italy
During public holidays in Italy, you can usually expect the following:
- Public transport: reduced schedules, especially on Sundays and major holidays
- Museums & attractions: limited opening hours or higher visitor numbers
- Shops: small local stores may be closed
- Restaurants & cafés: usually open, but often very busy
If you’re travelling on a public holiday, it’s a good idea to book tickets for popular attractions in advance, especially in cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice.
👉 ATTRACTIONS & TOURS ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
When travelling to Italy during public holidays, many attractions operate on reduced hours or sell out quickly. Booking online helps you avoid queues and last-minute surprises.
Check available tickets & guided tours:
• Vatican Museums
• Colosseum & Roman Forum
• Uffizi Gallery
Best & More Challenging Public Holidays for Travel
✔️ Good public holidays for a city break
Ideal for short trips with a lively atmosphere:
- April 25
- May 1
- June 2
⚠️ Public holidays that require extra planning
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t travel — just plan ahead:
- Easter Sunday & Easter Monday
- Ferragosto (August 15)
- November 1
Mini Guides for Key Holidays
🟡 Easter & Pasquetta (Easter Monday)
- Easter Sunday: many shops closed
- Easter Monday (Pasquetta): Italians travel in large numbers
- Best cities to visit: Rome, Florence, Naples
📌 Tip: Organised day trips are often more reliable than public transport during these days.
🔴 Ferragosto – August 15
The quietest period in many cities:
- many local shops close
- Italians leave cities for summer holidays
- coastal destinations are much livelier
📌 Tip: Avoid small non-touristy towns unless accommodation and transport are already arranged.
🟢 Christmas & New Year
- Magical festive atmosphere
- Christmas markets
- Reduced museum opening hours
📌 Tip: Book attraction tickets and accommodation early.
Transport on Public Holidays – What to Know
During major holiday periods (Easter, Ferragosto), it’s important to:
- check train schedules in advance
- book transport tickets early
- allow extra time for delays
👉 You can compare and book Trenitalia and Italo trains to check availability and schedules in advance.
Local Holidays & Patron Saints (2026)
In addition to national holidays, many Italian cities celebrate their local patron saints:
- Turin / Genoa / Florence: June 24
- Milan: December 7
- Siena: July 2 & August 16 (Palio di Siena)
- Venice: April 25
- Bologna: October 4
- Naples: September 19
- Bari: December 6
- Palermo: July 15
- Rome: June 29 (St. Peter & St. Paul)
- Trieste: November 3
- Catania: February 3–5 (Festival of Saint Agatha)
Useful Tips for Travelling on Public Holidays
- 🎟️ Book attraction tickets online
- 🚆 Check transport schedules early
- 🏨 Choose hotels with free cancellation
- 📶 Make sure you have mobile internet access
🏨 ACCOMMODATION DURING PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
During public holidays, travel plans can change easily.
Choosing accommodation with free cancellation gives you flexibility and peace of mind.
👉 Check hotels in Italy with free cancellation
Disclaimer
This article may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the operation of My Pretty Travels.
While I do my best to keep information accurate and up to date, opening hours, prices, and availability may change. Always check official sources before your visit.
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