Calling All Solo Travelers! These Top Destinations In Italy Are Perfect For Exploring On Your Own
Traveling can be a stressful time for anyone. From booking flights to your bucket list destinations and finding accommodations that are within your budget, to figuring out how you're going to get to all your favorite sites, it's enough to create some frustrating moments along the way, whether you're traveling as a family, a couple, with friends, or even solo — especially when you're traveling solo. Concerns about safety, not blending in, or whether you'll have as much fun traveling on your own may come to mind.
However, traveling solo has become a popular choice for many, and as reported by Rick Steves, it comes with many significant advantages with few minor disadvantages. If Italy has always been your dream destination, but you've been waiting for the opportunity to travel with your best friend or companion, we're here to tell you that Italy is a great country for solo travelers. We've narrowed down our picks of the top destinations for exploring the country known for art, architecture, history, fantastic food, and gelatos on your own. And as one author reveals about her solo travel story in The Washington Post, traveling alone can be one of the most relaxing and momentous experiences of your life.
Tuscany
Who doesn't dream of visiting Tuscany while planning their vacation to Italy? Rolling hills as far as the eye can see; vineyards and olive groves stretching across panoramic landscapes; fascinating architecture, exquisite art, and boundless history; and stunning sunsets that even bedazzle the locals, Toscano is the epitome of Italian culture and heritage. And within Tuscany, large cities such as Florence, Lucca, Pisa, Prato, and many more beckon visitors to partake in everything they offer. And for those traveling on their own, there is no shortage of things to do in these major cities laden with museums, art galleries, and ancient monuments. Cities like Florence afford solo travelers a host of options, as reported by The Solo Globe Trotter. Let's not also forget all the amazing tours travelers can experience: food, wine, walking, cycling, and unique adventure tours are available day and night and can be a great option for those traveling alone for the first time.
Bologna
Should you decide that you want to spend your entire vacation in Italy eating food and drinking wine — well, then, Bologna is the culinary destination for you! Known as the top tourist destination for foodies in Italy, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region is the ultimate place for solo travelers to visit who have a taste for great Italian food and intriguing history. This fascinating medieval city offers something for every solo traveler who visits, according to Taste Bologna, and doesn't disappoint when it comes to the incredible food, cheeses, and wine it's famous for. If you're interested in learning how to prepare some of these delectable dishes, there are a host of cooking classes available throughout the city. Bologna is also home to the oldest and one of the most beautiful universities in the world, Università di Bologna (University of Bologna), and it's open to the public to visit. And as reported by Italy Magazine, the campus is home to stunning architecture and fascinating history that is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace.
Rome
The capital of Italy, this historic, magical, and romantic city — which has been featured in movies and songs — draws millions of visitors each year, and is a favorite for solo travelers. As TripAdvisor reports, traveling alone to the Eternal City is not only safe; there are many things to do and see while there. Rome has a plethora of ancient sites, museums, and historical buildings to venture to on your own. Strolling through this ancient city's cobbled streets and open-air markets, or just sitting in one or more of its 2,000-plus piazzas (per rome.info) sipping an espresso and enjoying a meal or a gelato, is a highlight when visiting Rome. And it's no different for solo travelers, especially women traveling to Rome alone. The internet is full of informative how-to guides for females traveling to the Eternal City, all affording positive and encouraging advice about traveling through Rome on your own.
Puglia
Puglia's legendary southern region has the most stunning panoramic views of both the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea. Turquoise blue waters against rugged coastlines beckon individuals to dive into the warm waters and admire the exotic scenery. It also has the longest coastline in all of Italy, offering some of the most dramatic beaches, according to CNN Travel. And, this captivating area which forms the heel of Italy's boot-shaped country is the perfect destination for solo travelers. Known for its olive oil production, Puglia has some of the most diverse landscapes for exploring on your own. Stroll through the famous town of Alberobello, known for its hobbit-like stone trulli huts, and be amazed by their construction and simplicity. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Alberobello has a host of intriguing sights to see and things to do for everyone. Or head off to the city of Lecce and take in its beautiful Baroque architecture and fascinating history. Both locations are unique places, and both are completely different in their architectural composition.
Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is known for its jaw-dropping scenery and colorful towns and villages perched high atop its jagged cliffs that jut precariously into the Tyrrhenian Sea and Gulf of Salerno. It's also one of the most romantic areas to visit in Italy. So, you ask, why would we advise solo travelers to venture to an area filled with such extreme beauty that evokes love and passion upon its immediate gaze? Because the Amalfi Coast and all its picturesque, charming villages and towns is a top destination for solo travelers, particularly for women traveling alone. From its stunning coastlines and beaches to its bustling outdoor markets, breathtaking piazzas, seaside vendors, tantalizing restaurants, and historic gardens and buildings, the Amalfi Coast — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is practically heaven on earth. And with so many places to visit and experience, as reported by Lonely Planet, traveling on your own to this magical paradise along Italy's coast will fill your days and nights with epic adventures, historical wonder, and breathtaking views.