May, June, and September are the best months — warm but not yet stifling, with long evenings on the harbour and most days clear. July and August are hot and busy with Italian holidaymakers. The cathedral and the Romanesque churches are open year-round; winter visits are quiet and atmospheric but expect some restaurants to be closed.
The biggest event is the festa di San Nicola Pellegrino at the end of July, when the cathedral's patron saint is paraded through the streets and along the harbour to a fireworks finale.