In the heat of summer, especially in a city like Rome, you'll always be at risk of getting a heat stroke. Italy is known as one of the hottest countries in the world, and during the hottest season of the year, there's no telling how intense the heat can get here. If you're during summer, you'll need to find ways to keep cool, hence, you won't enjoy your stay here at all. Now, how can one cool off in such a crowded metropolis, especially since that place is also the capital city of a Mediterranean country? Here are a few suggestions.
Zoom Through With A Vespa
You've seen
Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck do it in 'Roman Holiday' and were they sweating? Probably not! Though you probably can't see if they felt hot or not in this black-and-white film, you can clearly see that they were enjoying their time in the city nonetheless. As stereotypical as it may seem, zooming through the Italian capital on a
Vespa will keep you breezy even during the hottest days of the season. It's also a good mode of public transportation too, so if you have someplace you need to go, you'll have no trouble getting there!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Spend Time in Churches
What's a great way to escape the summer heat? Go to a shaded sanctuary. And when it comes to sanctuaries in Rome, the churches here are the best you can find. Since the city has over 900 basilicas throughout its
many districts, it's impossible that you can't find one no matter where you are. Now, if it's crowded, that's a different matter entirely! Nevertheless, since Rome's churches are works of art, even those who are not of the Roman Catholic faith are welcome here. Not only will you get to cool off in a wide, shaded place, but you get to marvel at the country's exquisite art as well!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Dress Light
You're familiar with the saying, '
look good, feel good,' right? Well, although it's supposed to pertain to your mental and emotional state, the saying can also apply to your physical appearance, namely, what you're wearing! How will you ever feel good and cool in Rome if you're wearing multiple layers under the Mediterranean sun? Even if you want to show off your fashion sense in one of the most stylish cities in the world, you're better off dressing lightly while you're here during summer. Don't worry, various
Italian designer brands offer light and airy clothes that are perfect for the season!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Go To The Park
With so
many beautiful parks in Rome, you can't say that you couldn't go to one while you're here. And don't use the excuse that it's 'too hot' too! A good many of these parks have enough trees to shade you from the hot Mediterranean sun! So much so that the moment you settle down under them, you might even question if it's already nightfall or not! Moreover, if you relax in parks with big lakes or huge water fountains, the breeze that will come from them will feel even more refreshing. And what's stopping you from splashing around in them if you're allowed to do so?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Enjoy Some Gelato
Ahh, gelato! If there's one Italian dessert that can see you from getting heatstroke, it's this frozen treat. Not only that, for many sweet scoops out there, their delectable flavors and fresh ingredients might even be good for your heart too! Fortunately, Rome has
a ton of amazing gelato places you can visit when you're feeling hot in the city. From
Fiordiluna's delicious chocolate offerings to
Gelateria del Teatro organic flavors, satisfy your sweet tooth as you find comfort in the cool sensation of gelato. And, if you want double the fun, why not
make the gelato yourself at home? That'll keep your mind off the summer heat!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Don't Forget Your Water
Finally, probably the most important rule when visiting any hot place anywhere in the world, don't forget your water. Whether you bought bottled water at a nearby convenience store or you brought along your own thermos/tumbler, always keep some H2O handy! Most especially in a city like Rome where walking from place to place is common. How can you appreciate the beautiful surroundings the Italian capital offers when you're so parched, you can barely speak? If you do buy bottled water, know that you can always refill them via various water fountains throughout the city. And if you brought a thermos/tumbler instead, make sure the water inside remains ice-cold throughout the day!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Summer in Rome is hotter than you think! With the Mediterranean sun shining down on you and the crowds of locals and tourists alike, you'll need to keep cool as much as possible while you're in the Italian capital during this time of the year.
Apart from all these suggestions of staying cool in Rome, you can always stay in your
luxury home here and open the windows or keep the air-conditioning running!
