75% of Italians Plan to Return to Their Hometowns for Summer 2026

A survey by the Osservatorio Polara, analysing more than 1,500 online conversations, found that three‑quarters of Italians intend to go back to their native towns for the summer of 2026. Respondents cite family ties, authentic food and genuine relationships as the main drivers. Generation Z leads the trend, with 31 % returning to hug grandparents and 24 % to reunite with childhood friends; the figure of the grandmother, described as a modern “Penelope”, influences 42 % of answers. Many see the trip as an escape from work stress (26 %) and routine (22 %). The decision is often triggered by the arrival of summer (31 %) or an upcoming holiday (22 %). Emotions range from nostalgia (28 %) to joy (24 %) and serenity (17 %).