Rocca di Mezzo town and Ciuffenna River attract Italians escaping summer heat

Rocca di Mezzo, a mountain village in the Abruzzo region at about 1,300 m elevation, is promoted as a cool summer retreat. Visitors can enjoy mild evenings that still require a light jacket, scenic trekking routes, and historic sights such as the Church of Santa Maria della Neve and the regional natural park Sirente‑Velino.

In the Valdarno area of Tuscany, the Ciuffenna River offers natural swimming spots that locals and visitors frequent to beat the heat. The river features unstructured pools, small waterfalls and informal access points near Loro Ciuffenna, San Clemente and Gorgiti. Swimmers are advised to take safety precautions as the sites lack lifeguards, facilities or official signage.