Safest Places in Italy for Solo Female Travel
1, Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast, located in southern Italy, is a captivating coastal area known for its extraordinary beauty and enchanting landscapes. With its dramatic cliffs, dazzling blue waters, and quaint pastel-colored villages perched high above the sea, the Amalfi Coast offers a breath-taking panorama that is hard to surpass. The region is renowned for its citrus groves, terraced vineyards, vibrant culture, and stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites. Tourists can enjoy exploring historic sites, boating, hiking, divine Italian cuisine, and the famous limoncello liqueur. With scenic beauty that blends with its rich history, the Amalfi Coast is a traveler's paradise.
2, Lake Como
Located in the northern region of Lombardy, Italy, Lake Como offers picture-perfect views of mountains, lavish gardens, and grand villas. Known for its dramatic landscape, Lake Como is a deep-blue lake shaped like an upside-down Y and nestled within the foothills of the Alps, which provides its surrounding charming villages with an awe-inspiring backdrop. Its popularity among Hollywood stars and the jet-setting elite has made it a luxury oasis known for its ornate villas, world-class hotels, and fine dining experiences. Visitors can navigate the lake by boat, tour the opulent Villa del Balbianello or Villa Carlotta, or simply enjoy the serene environment, making it an ideal destination for both romance and relaxation.
3, Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre, often described as a crown jewel of Italy, is a string of centuries-old seaside villages situated on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline. Centred perfectly in Italy's Ligurian Region, this awe-inspiring destination is famously known for its five vibrantly colored fishing villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. These distinct settlements, perched delicately atop steep cliffs, are renowned globally for their exquisite pastel-colored houses, ancient vineyards clinging to terraced hills, mouthwatering local seafood, hand-crafted wines, and the iconic romantic footpaths that interconnect each village. With its breathtaking panoramic views and timeless charm, Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and serves as a captivating testament to a bygone era, promising to enthrall every travel enthusiast.
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4, Lake Garda
Idyllically poised in Northern Italy between Venice and Milan, Lake Garda is the largest and arguably the most captivating of the Italian lakes. Known for its crystal clear turquoise waters ringed by quaint medieval towns, lush Mediterranean vegetation, and rugged hills blanketed with vineyards and olive groves, Lake Garda is the epitome of Italian charm. Renowned for its views, climate, and myriad watersports activities ranging from sailing to windsurfing, Lake Garda is a haven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. Visitors particularly gravitate to this Italian jewel to frolic in its thermal spas, visit ancient Roman villas and medieval castles, relish in local gastronomy, and even experience the thrill of nearby theme parks. Notably, the lake also provides a source of inspiration for artists and writers like Goethe, Lawrence, and Joyce, making it an important destination in the cultural itinerary of Europe.
5, Florence
Located in the heart of Italy's picturesque Tuscany region, Florence is a cultural hub known for its profound artistic and architectural heritage. Renowned as the birthplace of the Renaissance, this captivating city is filled with countless masterpieces of art and architecture. It's home to iconic structures such as the Florence Cathedral with its distinctive red-tiled dome, the awe-inspiring Palazzo Vecchio, and the Uffizi Gallery, which houses invaluable works from the likes of Botticelli, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Art overlays the city’s every cobblestone and wafts from its rustic Italian cuisine - a testament to its world-class gastronomy. Combining its rich historical legacy with vibrant Italian culture, Florence is truly a gem that enchants and stimulates the senses at every turn.
6, Positano
Positano, a spectacular and picturesque town located on the Amalfi Coast in Campania, Italy, is a must-visit destination for travellers from all over the world. This captivating cliffside village is famous for its pebble beachfront, steep, narrow streets lined with boutiques and cafes, and its pastel-colored houses stacked on the hill, making it an iconic sight on Italy's western coast. Known as the jewel of the Amalfi Coast, it offers enchanting views, particularly its seascape that leaves visitors spellbound. Just as remarkable is its historic, vibrant Church of Santa Maria Assunta, with its majolica-tiled dome being a landmark of the city. Whether you are a fan of nature, history, shopping, or dining, Positano will surpass your expectations.
7, Venice
Venice, an enchanting city nestled in northeastern Italy, is a mosaic of 118 tiny islands interconnected by a network of breathtaking canals and picturesque bridges. Known globally as the "City of Bridges," it's renowned for iconic landmarks such as the majestic St. Mark's Square and the awe-inspiring Doge's Palace. Venice's very lifeblood are its romantic gondolas and vaporettos (water buses) that glide gracefully along the Grand Canal, lined with splendiful Renaissance and Gothic palaces. This city is also the birthplace of Antonio Vivaldi, the famous composer, providing a rich history in music. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a history buff or a passionate foodie, Venice offers a unique charm and multitude cultural gems that captivate every visitor's heart.
8, Verona
Nestled in the mesmerizing Veneto region of Northern Italy lies Verona, a perennial emblem of romance and history. As the setting of Shakespeare's famed tragedy, 'Romeo and Juliet,' this iconic city is famed worldwide for the "Juliet's Balcony" that gigs in droves of love-struck tourists. Apart from literary legacy, Verona is cheeks flushed with architectural marvels, including the first century Verona Arena, a colossal Roman amphitheater still hosting operas, concerts, and an annual summer opera festival. Embellished with the azure vein of Adige river and promising a unique confluence of Roman ruins, Renaissance palaces, Medieval houses, vibrant piazzas, and savory epicurean delights, Verona is a picturesque blend of cultural richness and quaint charm.
9, Cortina d'Ampezzo
Cortina d'Ampezzo, affectionately known as the 'Queen of the Dolomites', is a picturesque gem nestled in the heart of the Northern Italian Alps, in the Veneto region. Its striking beauty owes much to its prime location, surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks and verdant alpine forests. Visitors are drawn to this elite winter sports haven not only for its extensive high-quality skiing routes - which once served as the scenic backdrop to the 1956 Winter Olympics - but also for its luxurious offering of high-end shops, charming cafes, and much sought-after Italian gastronomic experiences. Summertime reveals a different facet to its charm, attracting outdoor enthusiasts for hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking, all awash in a panorama akin to a master artist's canvas. The town's old-world charm is reflected in its traditional Tyrolean-style wood-and-stone architecture, making Cortina d'Ampezzo a quintessentially romantic alpine getaway.
10, Trieste
Located in the northeastern corner of Italy, squeezed into a slender strip of land between the Adriatic Sea and Slovenia's border, Trieste is a hidden gem filled with enchanting spectacles. Known for its delightful mix of Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian cultures, it boasts iconic landmarks like the Piazza Unità d'Italia, which is said to be Europe's largest square located next to the sea, and the beautifully preserved Roman Amphitheatre. This richly historical city is also home to the stunning Miramare Castle, offering panoramic sea views, and the Grotta Gigante, one of the world's largest accessible caves. Influenced by Central European traditions, Trieste allure is further magnified with its astronomical observatory and the famous Illy Coffee factory, promising a compelling destination for both history and coffee enthusiasts alike.
11, Limone sul Garda
Limone sul Garda is a picturesque lakeside commune located in Northern Italy on the shores of Lake Garda, the country's largest lake. Known for its breathtaking views and scenic trails, Limone sul Garda draws visitors with its enchanting old town full of narrow cobbled streets, colorfully adorned buildings, gorgeous waterfront promenades, and terraced gardens. This charming destination is famous for its centuries-old citrus groves, where lemons and citrons are cultivated, contributing to its name 'Limone.' The town also houses a historic lemon garden, the Limonaia del Castel, symbolizing its citrus heritage. With vibrant blossoms, olive groves, and panoramic views of the serene lake and rugged mountains, Limone sul Garda truly embodies Italian beauty and culture.
12, Cremona
Cremona is a charming city in northern Italy, nestled within the Lombardy region, known worldwide for its stringed instrument making heritage. It is the birthplace of the renowned violin maker Antonio Stradivari, making it a point of pilgrimage for music and history lovers. Visitors can stroll through the historic city center, lines by medieval buildings, and check out the Violin Museum along with the 800-year old Torrazzo, the third tallest brickwork bell tower in the world. The city also offers a rich gastronomic experience, where visitors can taste local specialties like the famous nougat candy "Torrone." With a blend of history, music, and food, Cremona is a hidden gem in the heart of Italy, waiting to be discovered.
13, Como
Como, nestled on the picturesque edge of Lake Como in northern Italy, is a haven for both tourism and tranquility. This breathtaking location, known for its blend of natural beauty and rich culture, is easily reached from Milan, sitting just an hour's drive away. Como is known for its stunning mix of gothic and modernist architecture, particularly its magnificent cathedral, the fine silk produced within the city, and its charming old town centered around Piazza Cavour. Views across the lake to the snow-capped peaks of the Alps are spectacular, drawing travelers worldwide, whilst the funicular to Brunate offers a vista that is just as stunning. The town also serves as a gateway to the villas and villages scattered around the lake, making it a bustling travel destination with a seemingly endless array of attractions.
14, Aosta
Aosta is a charming town nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps in the autonomous Aosta Valley region, near the borders of France and Switzerland. It's renowned for its rich history, exquisite Italian cuisine, and stunning landscapes. Characterized by stunning Roman ruins, including the Arch of Augustus and the magnificent Theatre, Aosta is considered the "Rome of the North". This Italian town is also famed as a winter sports hub, offering exceptional skiing opportunities across the Italian Alps. The surrounding mountains, including Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, and Gran Paradiso, make it a favorite destination among outdoor enthusiasts for mountaineering, trekking, and picturesque views.
15, Polignano a Mare
Polignano a Mare, known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," is a picturesque small town located in southern Italy's acclaimed Puglia region. Perched high on limestone cliffs with breathtaking views over the azure Adriatic Sea, this charming town is renowned for its enchanting old town filled with narrow, winding lanes, beautiful terracotta-roofed houses, and ornate churches. Polignano a Mare is also famous for its crystal clear blue waters and sun-kissed beautiful beaches like Cala Porto, its culinary specialities such as the local sweet treat 'Special Coffee,' and, not least, Grotta Palazzese, one of the world's most uniquely located restaurants inside a natural sea cave. Whether it's to appreciate its natural beauty, to dive into its rich history, or to explore its mouth-watering gastronomy, Polignano a Mare offers a captivating blend of experiences that attracts tourists from around the world.
16, Arezzo
Arezzo, nestled in southeastern Tuscany, Italy, is an enchanting city that boasts a rich history coupled with a charming medieval outlook. Embellished with architecture of historical significance such as the Church of Santa Maria della Pieve, the Basilica of San Francesco housing the famous frescoes of Piero della Francesca, and the Cathedral of San Donato, Arezzo is renowned for its antique trade, leading many lovers of antiquity to gather at its monthly Fiera Antiquaria. This quaint city is also celebrated for its traditions such as the medieval Saracen Joust and vibrant folkloristic events, making it an irresistible Italian destination teeming with spectacular sights, exquisite cuisine and cultural wonders.
17, Viterbo
Located in the heart of the picturesque Italian region of Lazio, north of Rome, Viterbo is a treasure trove of history, culture, and Italian charm. Known for its well-preserved medieval town center, Viterbo is a true gem worth visiting, boasting a maze of narrow, winding streets, abundant in decorative architecture and quaint local shops. A stunning example of medieval architecture is Palazzo dei Papi, the papal palace which stands out for its enchanting Gothic grace. The town is also famous for the historic district of San Pellegrino and its natural thermal springs, offering a unique blend of history and relaxation. Be sure to indulge in local delicacies, as Viterbo is renowned for its culinary tradition, including Lombrichelli alla Viterbese, a local pasta dish. Its blend of history, wellness, and gastronomy make Viterbo a truly unique and charming Italian destination.
18, Praia a Mare
Nestled on the stunning Tyrrhenian Sea coast in the Calabria region of southern Italy lies the picturesque town of Praia a Mare. This delightful location is renowned for its clear, sparkling waters, beautiful black pebble beach, and the serene island of Dino off its coast. Praia a Mare is blessed with natural wonders, including the famous Arcomagno, a magnificent natural arch with an idyllic hidden beach. The town is also known for the Grotta Azzura, a mesmerizing aquamarine cave which can be explored by boat. With its rich marine life, it is a paradise for divers and snorkelers alike. Its charming seafront promenade lined with ice-cream parlors and seafood restaurants adds to the town’s allure, making Praia a Mare a gem waiting to be discovered in Italy.
19, Viareggio
Viareggio is a charming seaside city located in the northern part of Tuscany, Italy, nestled between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the tranquil Lake Massaciuccoli. Known for its pristine sandy beaches and vibrant beachfront promenade lined with boutique shops and delectable seafood restaurants, it is one of Tuscany's most popular summer retreats. Aside from its stunning coastal landscapes, Viareggio is also widely famous for its annual Carnival celebration featuring grand parades of papier-mâché floats. The attractive villas in Liberty style and the enchanting pinewood forest of Migliarino, San Rossore, Massaciuccoli natural park further contribute to the city's uniqueness and allure. Viareggio provides a delightful blend of beachside relaxation, fantastic food, and rich cultural experiences for visitors.
20, Portofino
Tucked along the Italian Riviera, Portofino is a picturesque fishing village famous for its charming harbor and colorful, pastel-hued structures lining the shores of Liguria in Northwest Italy. Known for its chic boutiques, notable seafood restaurants, and crystal-clear waters, this popular holiday resort exudes an aura of exclusivity that attracts both luxury seekers and celebrities. Its iconic landmark, the 16th-century fortress of Castello Brown, offers panoramic views of the Ligurian Sea, while the quaint Church of San Martino stands as testament to the village's rich history. A visit to Portofino provides an extravagant blend of scenic beauty, historic sightseeing, and Italian dolce vita.
Frequently asked questions
What are the safest places in Italy for solo female travellers?
