23 Popular Solo Travel Destinations in Italy
Looking for the most popular solo travel destinations in Italy?
I’ve got you covered. Solo travel in Italy is truly worth romanticizing — delicious food, gorgeous views and the potential for amore around every historic turn. Read on for recommendations on the most popular solo travel destinations in Italy!
And, consult my guide for how to plan a solo trip to make sure you cover all your bases.
23 Popular Solo Travel Destinations in Italy
There are so many wonderful solo travel destinations in Italy to choose from. In this guide you’ll find familiar cities as well as some lesser known Italian gems to visit, all recommended by experienced travelers:
1. Rome
Of course the Eternal City tops this list of popular solo travel destinations in Italy! Apart from being a personal favorite city of mine (I’ve visited 5 times!).
Rome is centrally connected for easy access to all of Italy. It’s also dripping with ancient history. If you’re looking for reasons to visit this city and what to do while there, read: is Rome worth visiting?
A key question to consider when planning a solo trip is also how safe a destination is. So, is Rome safe for solo travel?
Of course, there are the typical safety concerns you’d expect in any big tourist city but with modest precautions Rome is safe to visit comfortably for solo travelers.
To visit Italy without a stop in Rome is to really be missing out on something special. There’s so much to do in Rome as a solo traveler.
You can take an Italian cooking class in Rome, learn about ancient history at the colosseum, enjoy an early morning cappuccino at the Trevi Fountain and admire the Sistine chapel to name a few.
When solo traveling in Rome, consider staying at The Spanish Suite Campo de’ Fiori for its super central location.
Nausheen, Globe Gazers
2. Palermo
The Mediterranean island of Sicily has a wealth of architectural delights, sandy beaches and delicious cuisine to offer travelers. Spending one to three days in Palermo, the beautiful capital of Sicily, is an absolute must.
In recent years, the city has invested heavily in tourism ensuring the jaw-dropping historical center is clean, safe and easy to navigate around. This makes it the perfect destination for solo travelers.
Make sure to visit the UNESCO Arab-Norman Palatine Chapel, known for its ornately decorated ceiling depicting biblical scenes through 6000 tiny little mosaics. Pop into the Palermo Cathedral and make a beeline for the roof to witness the best views over the city.
Savor all the delicious street food that Palermo is known for: Arancina, Sfincione or – for the more adventurous – a Spleen Sandwich. The tastiest street food can be found in one of the three historical markets (Vucciria, Ballaro or il Capo).
If you do venture out into the markets alone, be mindful of your belongings as pickpockets are known to target these areas.
Solo travelers wanting to catch a ray of sun, can catch the direct bus from downtown Palermo to the district of Mondello, the closest sandy beach near Palermo.
Pay no heed to scaremongers and book yourself a boutique hotel right inside the historical center of Palermo, it’s perfectly safe and within walking distance from all the major tourist attractions.
Caroline, Veggie Wayfarer
3. Verona
One of the best cities in Italy for solo travel is Verona, located along the Adige River in northern Italy.
Verona is most known for being the town in which Shakespeare’s famous Romeo & Juliet play was set. The city is also home to the Arena di Verona, an ancient Roman amphitheater that is still in use today.
Additionally, Verona is famous for its wine production. In particular, try the red wines there like Valpolicella and Bardolino.
Verona is a great destination for solo travelers because it offers a variety of activities and sights that can easily be seen on your own.
These include charming piazzas, medieval and Renaissance architecture and well-preserved Roman ruins. You can easily navigate this city by foot and explore it at your own pace.
One of the top things to do in Verona is to visit the Arena di Verona. This is one of the best preserved ancient Roman amphitheaters in the world.
Another must-do in Verona is to visit Juliet’s Balcony, which inspired Shakespeare’s play. It’s where Juliet supposedly said those famous words: ‘O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo’.
The best place to stay in Verona is at Hotel Giulietta E Romeo. It’s super modern and sleek and is located right in the heart of the city which is ideal for solo travelers.
If you’re planning an Italy trip definitely add Verona to your list of popular solo travel destinations in Italy.
Megan, Traveller’s Elixir
4. Siena
Siena in Tuscany is definitely one of the best cities for traveling solo in Italy! It’s quite safe, absolutely walkable and has lots of interesting things to see.
This charming city is nestled in the heart of Tuscany and is ideal for a quick weekend vacation. There are several interesting things to do in Siena, and the surrounding countryside is also worthwhile to visit.
During a Siena city tour, you will be delighted by the many majestic landmarks, intriguing museums, and gorgeous Middle Ages architecture. The numerous lovely squares are also a delight and ideal for romantic evenings.
The Piazza del Campo, one of the most charming squares in Italy, is a must-see on every visit. Enjoy the lovely atmosphere that abounds in this square as you’re surrounded by historic structures.
There’s also the Fonte Gaia fountain, which used to supply Siena with water and today delights with its numerous decorations and details.
Pay a visit to Palazzo Pubblico, the town hall, to see the magnificent Torre del Mangia which is one of Siena’s most famous landmarks. Climbing the 102-meter-high tower provides a breathtaking perspective over the Tuscan countryside.
Then, a short walk away is the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria della Scala. This is one of Italy’s most important ecclesiastical monuments that you must see from the interior. It has a full museum complex that some people spend an entire day exploring.
In Siena, there is a wide range of great accommodations well suited for solo travelers. The B&B La Terrazza Sul Campo is absolutely wonderful and in a fantastic location at the main square.
Martina, PlacesofJuma
5. Brescia
Brescia is one of the most underrated cities in the north of Italy, in the Lombardy Region. Not many know that it’s brimming with ancient buildings and churches, boasting incredible architecture and a rich history.
Walking around Brescia is like walking in a small open-air museum.
One of the highlights of Brescia’s cultural scene is the Piazza del Duomo, which is the city’s main square. Here, you’ll find the spectacular Cathedrals of Winter (old) and Summer (new).
The square also features a number of other historic buildings, including the Palazzo della Loggia and the Broletto, which are both worth checking out.
Make sure you don’t miss the Castello di Brescia, which is an imposing fortress that dates back to the 11th century. The castle is open to visitors and offers great views of the city. Visitors can also explore the castle’s many rooms and courtyards.
If you’re interested in art and culture, be sure to visit the Pinacoteca Tosio Martinengo, which is Brescia’s main art museum. The museum features a wide range of artworks, including pieces by famous Italian artists such as Titian and Tintoretto.
Brescia is also a great destination for those who love outdoor activities. In fact, the city is surrounded by beautiful countryside, which is perfect for hiking, cycling, and other outdoor activities.
Visitors can also take a trip to the nearby Lake Iseo, which is a popular spot for swimming and boating.
If you are interested in learning more about the local history and culture, I would recommend going to the tourist office in Piazza del Duomo and asking for a local guide, especially if you are a solo traveler.
It’s a way not only to learn more about what you are seeing but also to find other like-minded travelers.
Brescia is a great city for solo travelers because it is both safe and easy to navigate. The city center is compact and walkable, making it easy to explore on foot. The city also has a good public transportation system, which allows solo travelers to get around with ease.
You can go to Brescia as a day trip from Milan or you can stay in Brescia for a few nights and enjoy the city vibes like a local. In this case, I would recommend staying in the city center, where you can easily walk to all the attractions, restaurants and bars.
While getting to Brescia is very easy by public transportation, if you want to visit the countryside you would be better off renting a car, so that you can explore the small towns and spectacular lake views at your own pace.
Isabella, Boundless Roads
6. Bari
Situated in southern Italy, Bari is the capital of Puglia and the perfect base to explore one of Italy’s most authentic regions. Bari is known for its port that connects Italy to Greece, Croatia, Albania and Montenegro.
Even though Bari is a port city, it feels safer for tourists and solo travellers, compared to other port cities in Europe. Bari is also perfect for solo travellers as you can never feel alone in a city that vibrates with southern Italian temperament.
Often overshadowed by the countless gorgeous attractions that Puglia has to offer, Bari has many fantastic things to do in itself, starting with its food culture. Among other delicious typical street snacks in Bari, try the Focaccia Barese.
This mouthwatering fluffy dough stuffed with tomatoes and olives is the indisputable winner of Bari’s food scene.
The lively Largo Albicocca, a charming square in the heart of Bari Old Town, is where locals go for the best street food. It’s an ideal area for solo travellers to spend some time in as making new friends is inevitable there.
Speaking of the Old Town, the best way to discover Bari’s charms is to wander around the enchanting narrow streets of its historical center.
Situated between the city’s two ports, the old and the new, Bari Vecchia (or Bari Old Town) is home to the Basilica di San Nicola, the San Sabino Cathedral and the vibrant Piazza Mercantile.
The Old Town is also the best area to stay in Bari, especially if you’re a solo traveller. There are several apartments and cozy guesthouses housed in historic buildings in the heart of the Old Town, such as the beautiful Cattedral flats.
Katerina, It’s All Trip To Me
7. Florence
best things to do in Florence are to explore the rich history of the city and its artistic masterpieces including the famous Florence Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell’Accademia where you’ll find the well-known David sculpture by Michelangelo.
Florence is ideal for solo travellers, as it’s not a huge city. This means you can explore the main attractions in a couple of days and everything is within walking distance, especially if you’re staying at a hotel or hostel close to the city center.
It’s also a pretty safe city, and you’ll find many other solo travellers and tourists exploring the city at all times of the year.
Some of the best things to do in Florence for solo travellers are to: visit Florence’s Duomo; visit the Piazza Della Signoria, which is the historic and political center of Florence; take a tour of the Uffizi Gallery; stroll along the Ponte Vecchio at sunset (ideally with a gelato in hand).
The c-hotels Club in Florence is close to both the train station and the top attractions in Florence so ideal for exploring on foot.
It also has single rooms, so you’re not paying unnecessary extras, and a 24-hour front desk with luggage storage available.
Hannah, That Adventurer Blog
8. Venice
Venice is a prime city in which to travel solo. Its popularity is an advantage for solo travellers as there is solid infrastructure in place for transportation, accommodation and sightseeing.
The magic of Venice is in its winding streets and interconnected canals. One of the joys of solo travel is the ability to wander to your heart’s content through this maze. As you wander, enjoy the piazzas full of cafes and bars that punctuate the canals.
The main sights in Venice include St Mark’s Basilica and St Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge’s Palace.
A short water taxi ride away, you can visit some of the islands in the lagoon: Lido for casinos, Burano for colorful houses and Murano for beautiful glass souvenirs.
A ride on one of Venice’s famous Gondolas is charged as a flat fee per boat, not by the number of people, so you can take this scenic trip solo and not be penalized. Note that gondoliers will charge you extra (above the official tariff) for singing while they work.
Once you have taken in the sights, grab a table in one of the squares, such as Campo Santo Stefano, and eat cicchetti as you watch the world go by. Solo dining is commonplace in Europe, so you won’t stand out uncomfortably.
For your trip to Venice, stay in the thick of the action, at Hotel dell’Opera for historical charm, or the St. Regis Venice for Grand Canal views.
Hannah, Hannah Henderson Travel
9. Pisa
When it comes to solo travel, Pisa in Italy is one of the best destinations you could visit. The reason is simple, Pisa is one of the largest University Cities in Italy. That means many young people, coming from all around Italy and Europe, willing to connect.
If you are planning to make friends on your trip this is your go to place! Depending on how long you want to spend there you may consider renting a room for 2 weeks or more, otherwise you can stay at one of the hostels around the city.
But what makes Pisa interesting above other cities? Well I guess you’ve heard about the leaning tower of Pisa and Piazza dei Miracoli (Square Wonders), for sure the city’s highlights.
But the city itself is charming and fun to explore. It could be because of its street art (it has Keith Haring’s last mural), or because of its beautiful walk along Arno river.
The icing on the cake? The city is close to every other attraction in Tuscany, even Cinque Terre. For example you can easily plan a day trip to Livorno or Lucca.
Although why not explore hidden gems instead? There are so many! Like the most colored villages of Tuscany, Peccioli and Ghizzano, or the beautiful Villa Reale di Marlia.
Anita, Anita Beyond the Sea
10. Milan
Milan is an amazing place to explore on your own. The city has a vibrant culture, stunning architecture and countless opportunities for adventure — making it one of the best cities in Italy for solo travel.
The bustling city center offers something for everyone. From its charming canals and cobbled streets to the iconic Duomo, Milan has it all. With an abundance of restaurants, bars and cafes to choose from you’ll never be short of things to do on your own.
The shopping in Milan is also second to none. You’ll find high-end designer boutiques lining the streets, as well as bustling markets selling handmade crafts and trinkets. Whether you’re looking for a special souvenir or simply browsing, you’ll never be short of options.
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Milan is surrounded by beautiful countryside offering plenty of opportunities for exploration.
You can easily take a day trip to nearby Lake Como and enjoy some stunning views, or take a cable car up the nearby hills and explore the charming villages of northern Lombardy.
If you are looking for somewhere great to stay on your solo adventure through Italy, try Ostello Bello. It is a great place to meet other like-minded people and its location is fantastic!
Lowri, Many Other Roads
11. Matera
The stone-carved, UNESCO World Heritage City of Matera is one of the best destinations in Italy for solo travelers.
The walkable Old City of Matera is so unique. There are so many fun and engaging things to do in Matera for solo travelers to make them lose track of time in this extraordinary city.
The thousands-year-old Matera is known as one of the most spectacular places in Italy and one of the oldest places in the world.
The landscapes of the city are simply spectacular. Matera is home to about 150 cave churches, hundreds of cave homes, stone-cut monasteries, stone palaces, and stone houses.
Matera has even appeared in many movies, including Passion of Jesus Christ and the latest James Bond movie No Time to Die.
There are many fun things to do in Matera Italy for solo travelers, like exploring the unique rock churches, hiking the trails of Parco della Murgia, sleeping in a cave hotel, dining in cave restaurants and relaxing in cave bars.
Besides that, people in this part of southern Italy are some of the friendliest and most welcoming people in Italy.
The family-run rock hotel La Corte Dei Pastori Luxury has beautiful cave rooms with magical views of Matera. Warning, if you book a room here you will not want to leave Matera!
Milijana, World Travel Connector
12. Bologna
Bologna is known as the Red City because its historic center is dominated by red brick structures, medieval towers and buildings painted in warm tones of burnt umber and yellow ochre.
It’s a great place for solo travel because there’s plenty to experience, but it is still a small city which generally feels safe and easy to navigate.
There are lots of things to do in Bologna. A big attraction is the medieval old city, complete with leaning brick towers and the oldest university in continuous operation in the world. Climb to the top of Asinelli Tower for an epic view of the city.
Bologna is also famous for attractive arched porticos along many of its handsome streets, and the Portico of San Luca is the world’s longest at nearly 4km. Walking this portico is almost a rite of passage in Bologna and it’s perfectly fine to do so alone during the daytime.
Finally, Bologna is a great place for foodies: it is in the middle of the Emilia-Romagna region which gives us Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiana Reggiano and Aceto Balsamico de Moderna.
To immerse yourself in the food scene here, a good idea for solo travelers is to take a food tour of Bologna. You can learn about the local delicacies and also meet other like-minded travelers if you wish to.
A good mid-range place to stay is Il Canale Hotel, which is close to a cute canal and walkable into the city center.
Martha, May Cause Wanderlust
13. Como
Como and Lake Como in general is a great destination to travel to solo. Como is one of the most beautiful towns on Lake Como, and the gateway to the other pretty villages dotted along the shores.
There are plenty of things to do in Como, from exploring the Cathedral in the town center to discovering the medieval streets. For a bird’s eye view of the city, take the funicular up the mountain to Brunate.
Como is also less expensive than the other towns around the lake, such as Bellagio or Varenna. Como is a very safe town as well, especially for solo female travelers. It is safe to walk around here at night.
Restaurant owners in Como are happy to receive solo travelers, often paying more attention and engaging in more friendly conversation with solo travelers.
As a solo traveler, if you would like to meet other people, a great place to stay is Como is Ostello Bello. They are a friendly bunch located very close to the town center. You can book your own private room here, if you don’t want to share a dorm.
–Joanna, The World in My Pocket
14. Taormina
Taormina is popular for its well-preserved ancient sites, medieval center, beautiful beaches and luxurious escapades. This hilltop town overlooks the Ionian sea which also makes it look like it’s right out of a fairytale.
Being a tourist hotspot, Taormina is also one of the best places to visit in Italy when traveling solo. The historic center of Taormina is compact and easily walkable. You will come across plenty of tours throughout the town.
A visit to the iconic Greek Theater will amaze you with marvelous views of Mount Etna and the Ionian sea. Walk through the picturesque streets of Corso Umberto and you will come across many restaurants and local stores.
Corso Umberto is generally a busy street anytime of the day, but you will find yourself vibing and wandering through the vibrant crowds.
Located halfway the Corso Umberto is Piazza IX Aprile from where you can see the views of the sea and villages below.
If you are looking for an easy day trip, you can take an early morning hike to Mount Etna and explore its beautiful wine regions. Stay in Casa Turrisi for a memorable time in the heart of the historic center of Taormina.
With plenty of things to do in Taormina, you can easily spend a week enjoying the town and its surroundings.
–Anjali, Cheerful Trails
15. Trieste
Trieste is an often overlooked and underrated city in Italy. It is located in the northeast of the country with easy access to Venice, Slovenia and Croatia. This makes it the perfect addition to a solo trip around the region.
Most of the tourists that visit Trieste are coming by cruise ship. But because they tend to only come in for a day, the city maintains its authentic vibe and the locals are friendly.
For a port city, Trieste is polished and cozy. It feels vibrant and safe, even for solo travelers at night and there is plenty to do in Trieste:
To learn a bit about the history of the city, solo travelers should join one of the free walking tours around the old town with local guides. It is also worth venturing out of the city to Miramare Castle.
This palace with a gorgeous park offers spectacular views over the blue waters.
On the way back from Miramare to Trieste, you can stop at one of the Topolini. These retro city beaches don’t have any sand, but they’re a great place to lounge in the sun and take a refreshing dip in the sea.
Foodies will have a great time in Trieste with the abundance of fresh seafood and delicious local cuisine.
The best place for solo travelers to stay in Trieste is ControVento Hostel. This hip little boutique hostel has spacious dorms and a cozy common room that’s perfect for making friends or even working remotely.
Sophie, Just Heading Out
16. Positano
Positano on Italy’s stunning Amalfi Coast has long been known as a luxury destination. With lovely pastel-colored houses and shops clinging from the top of the cliffs down to the sea, it’s like no other place in Italy.
Italians and Europeans consider Positano great for family holidays and a romantic long weekend, but the town is surprisingly laid-back making it a great destination for solo travelers.
People here are friendly and love to chat, and the best way to get anywhere is to walk or take public transportation. Local buses run hourly along the Amalfi coast so whether you’re starting in Amalfi or Positano, getting back and forth to explore the smaller towns is super easy.
Spend a few hours on the biggest beach, the Spiaggia Grande. Lined with boutique shops, casual restaurants, and coffee shops, the beach area of town is a great place to catch some sun and a delicious lunch.
Night is a magical time in Positano, and restaurants generally stay open late. There are several clubs in town that are great places to meet other solo travelers.
Being a tourist destination, Positano has a broad range of accommodations. For a delicious breakfast, wonderful rooms and a terrace overlooking the sea, the Hotel Marincanto is a great choice.
Lori, Travelinmad
17. Turin
Located in the heart of northwest Italy’s Piedmont Region, the classical city of Turin (Torino in Italian) welcomes travelers of all stripes including those traveling solo.
Besides walking the tree lined avenues there are lots of things to do in Turin, especially for foodies.
Turin is known for its world famous rich and delicious chocolate. You can enjoy this local delicacy anywhere in town, and a must-try is a decadent local favorite drink known as bicerin, made from espresso, chocolate and whipped cream.
If that’s not famous enough, the city is also the home of Fiat cars and Juventus — the regions’ championship futbol team.
For history lovers, the Egyptian Museum is considered the finest in the world outside of Cairo, and the interactive National Cinema Museum is also worth a visit.
As for where to eat, there is a staggering number of al fresco cafes and casual restaurants to grab a bite, meet people and finish a good book.
Turin looks and feels different than many stereotypical Italian cities. It is heralded as the Capital of Baroque Art which is reflected in the beautiful local architecture.
Although it’s one of the larger cities in Italy, the Turin trolley and bus services make it very easy to get around the city to take it all in. But walking is sometimes just as fast — the historic and shopping districts are pedestrian-only zones, making it easy to walk around and enjoy the sites.
Accommodations for solo travelers are never a problem, and one of the best is the centrally located Turin Palace Hotel.
Lori, Italy Foodies
18. La Spezia
One of the best cities in Italy for solo travel is the city of La Spezia. This is a city located in the Liguria region of Italy on the Ligurian Sea. You can find the city between the larger cities of Pisa and Genoa, and it is very easy to reach La Spezia from either one of these cities by train.
The houses of the city have a very beautiful architectural style and there are many sights to see when traveling alone. The city is perfect for solo travel if you want to experience local life in Italy while being very close to many touristic places in Italy.
For example, you can visit Cinque Terre from La Spezia. This is a beautiful area in Italy and there are many Instagrammable places in Cinque Terre.
If you want to learn new things during your Italy solo trip, you can visit the Technical Naval Museum at La Spezia to learn about the Italian Navy.
Another interesting place to visit by yourself is the Centro Arte Moderna e Contemporanea. This is an art center where you can see modern and contemporary art.
Furthermore, there are many boat cruises that depart from La Spezia that can be great to do during solo travel in the city.
A great place to stay at during a solo trip is Grand Hostel Manin.
— Dymphe, Dymeabroad
19. Lucca
Lucca is a picturesque city in northern Italy that offers brilliantly restored architecture with incredible restaurants to explore as a solo traveler. Another great thing about Lucca is that it hasn’t quite incurred mass tourism yet, so it is a real hidden gem.
Lucca is surrounded by medieval city walls that you can walk upon as a perfect start to your visit. The walk itself is 4 km long and offers great views of the old town rooftops as well as the surrounding Tuscan countryside.
Within the Old Town itself there is no limit to the amount of backstreets to get happily lost in. As a solo traveler, enjoy getting a gelato and strolling these streets to really appreciate the architecture.
A landmark not to miss is Lucca’s Duomo. Another great church is San Michele in Foro, an impressive white building with many intricate arches – a must see.
The Piazza dell’Anfiteatro is a unique place to visit, it is a piazza in the shape of an oval because it is built on the foundations of a Roman amphitheater.
The buildings are bright yellow, which really adds to the charm, and there are lots of restaurants to enjoy as well.
The best place to stay as a solo traveler in Lucca is in the Old Town. Particularly, stay at the gorgeous B&B Stella. You can walk right out in the morning and find a great coffee in a cute Italian café.
Ellie, El on the Move
20. Naples
Naples, Italy is known as the birthplace of pizza, home of fabulous cappuccinos and for being the spot where Julia Roberts ate in the hit movie Eat, Pray, Love.
In addition to having your own Eat, Pray, Love moment, solo travelers will love the variety of activities available in Naples.
You can eat pizza at some of the most famous spots in the city, try handmade pasta and enjoy handcrafted gelato all within a few minutes’ walk from the center.
There is so much to love about Naples, from its fascinating history to its fabulous cuisine to its budget-friendly prices.
A solo traveler could easily spend a few days just exploring Naples, sipping Aperol spritzes on outdoor patios and sampling espressos carefully made by experienced baristas.
After exploring Naples, take a day trip to nearby Pompeii or to the island of Capri or Ischia.
Solo travelers will want to heed any local safety warnings. Always ask for local guidance from your hotel or host and avoid walking long distances alone after dark.
Stay in the Vomero neighborhood above the city, which is home to many famous coffee shops and more upscale restaurants.
If you’d rather stay in the center of the action, choose a hotel in the Historic City Center – there, it will be a short and crowded walk from many restaurants and bars.
The Maison Arena is a great choice for solo travelers because it’s centrally located, only a 10 minute walk from Sorbillo’s – one of the most famous pizzerias in Naples.
Amber, Amber Everywhere
21. Trento
Far less famous than Rome, Venice, Florence or Milan, Trento is one of Italy’s unsung heroes – a colorful, accessible, picturesque city with loads to see and do, and access to some of Italy’s most stunning landscapes.
Located in the northern region of Trentino, up near the Italian Alps, the Dolomites, and the Austrian border, Trento is a relaxed retreat from the chaotic tourist hubbub.
With pretty narrow streets and historic buildings painted in vivid shades of bright orange, sky blue and sunflower yellow Trento is a sight to see.
Being small makes it a great destination for solo travelers, who will find it easy and safe to walk around. Plus there are plenty of things to see and do that don’t require a car or a group.
Among them, why not explore the historic city center with its magnificent cathedral and eye-catching houses painted with frescoes.
Visit the medieval Buonconsiglio Castle – one of the most splendid castles in Italy – or take the cable car up to the top of Mount Bodone to enjoy the stunning views of the city and nearby river Adige.
A great place to stay in Trento as a solo traveler is the Hi Hotel Wellness and Spa, which is located just a short walk outside the city center and has a swimming pool and a gym.
Bella, Passport and Pixels
22. Ischia
If you’re looking for a lesser-known destination for solo travel in Italy, you should consider the island of Ischia. Ischia is located in Southern Italy in the Gulf of Naples. It’s only a short ferry trip from Naples and Capri.
The boat ride from Naples to Capri is about an hour, while it takes less than one hour to reach Ischia from Capri.
Ischia is the perfect alternative to busy Capri for solo travelers. Over the years, the island of Capri has attracted many rich and famous visitors. Ischia, on the other hand, tends to attract more authentic travelers.
While Capri is certainly beautiful, Ischia is a much better bet for a chilled island holiday.
When in Ischia, you’ll want to visit the Castello Aragonese, an ancient castle dating from the 4th century. Plus, there are stunning views of the island and the sea.
Ischia is also famous for its thermal baths and natural hot springs. Terme di Ischia (commercial thermal baths) and Baia di Sorgeto Ischia (natural hot springs) are two good options.
If you enjoy hiking and want to add one epic hike to your 52 Hike Challenge, don’t miss Mount Epomeo. Mount Epomeo is the highest point on the island, where you’ll have panoramic views of the island. It’s an easy 2.1 km out-and-back hike.
Then, you can’t visit the island without a visit to one of the island’s beaches. Maronti Beach is a must-see and is even considered one of the best in Italy. Other options are: Cartaromana, Sant’Angelo Beach, San Montano Pietro and Citara Beach.
As a solo travel, you should stay at the Ring Hostel, just a ten-minute walk from the center of Forio, Ischia. It’s a great way to meet other travelers.
Emilie, Love Life Abroad
23. Padua
Located in the Veneto region just south of Venice, Padua is a beautiful Italian city perfect for any solo traveler.
Along with its claim to fame as the backdrop for William Shakespeare’s comedy The Taming of The Shrew, the city has several impressive landmarks. The Basilica of St. Anthony is a must-see cathedral, as it is one of Italy’s most important pilgrimage sites.
Founded in the mid-16th century, Padua’s botanical garden, the Orto Botanico di Padova, is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world and a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.
Other historical sites include: the Scrovegni Chapel, which houses some of the best frescoes in the world; Prato della Valle, the largest piazza in Italy; and, the Palazzo della Ragione, a medieval palace and the city’s town hall.
The city is also home to the University of Padua, one of the world’s oldest universities. Catering to its large student population, you’ll find several great restaurants, bars, cafes and excellent shopping in Padua.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, Diamantino Town House sits on Piazza dei Signori in the city’s center, steps from the University, Palazzo della Ragione and the Torre dell’Orologio.
Only 30 minutes from Venice by train, Padua is an excellent, safe choice for any Italy solo travel itinerary.
–Lyndsay, The Purposely Lost
Italy Solo Travel FAQ
As you plan your Italy solo travel to Italy, consider these frequently asked questions:
Is Italy a good place for solo travel?
As we’ve seen, Italy is a good place for solo travel with plenty of destination options within the country. There is a lot to explore, ways to connect with fellow travelers, a good tourism infrastructure and cities are easy to navigate for solo travel.
Is Italy good for solo female travellers?
In my personal experience, Italy is fantastic for solo female travelers. It’s one of the safest solo female travel destinations I’ve visited and I have always felt comfortable exploring Italy alone.
Where in Italy should I visit first?
Not sure where to begin? Of all the popular solo travel destinations in Italy, my personal recommendation for where to begin is Rome. Rome is easy to navigate, always has something going on, has a very stable tourism scene and Rome is safe.
It’s also a great place in Italy to visit first because from Rome you can easily access many other cities in Italy.
Conclusion: 23 Popular Solo Travel Destinations in Italy
If you’re planning a solo trip then Italy is a great country to visit. There are plenty of amazing solo travel destinations in Italy to choose from. Where will you go first?
If Rome is part of your Italy travel itinerary, be sure to read my 54 Tourist Mistakes to Avoid in Rome to help you have the best possible experience!