These Are The Cheapest Vacation Destinations In Italy, According To Travelers

Italy is the country of pasta, pizza, and The Leaning Tower of Pisa. Exploring this iconic country is a bucket list item for many travelers, but not everyone wants to pay an arm and a leg to experience la dolce vita. Unfortunately, prices in Rome have skyrocketed in recent years, and hotel fees have shown no signs of slowing down anytime soon. While you can always save money by knowing the cheapest time to fly to Italy, many visitors worry about how much they will spend during their trips. Some have even canceled their dream vacations out of concern for potential costs.

The cost of traveling through Italy may seem insurmountable at times, but the good news is that not all Italian cities are as expensive as Rome. The country of Leonardo da Vinci and Giorgio Armani is brimming with hidden gems worthy of exploration. As professional travel writers and investigative researchers, we examined the experiences of past visitors. We compiled a list of the cheapest vacation destinations in Italy by reading hundreds of reviews on sites like Reddit, Tripadvisor, and the Rick Steves travel forum. In some of these towns, tourists can experience 100% of the local charm at just a fraction of the cost. 

Italy's Cinque Terre National Park is something of a luxury destination, but that doesn't mean you can't visit it on the cheap. Despite being a hotspot for five-star hotels (and celebrities like Chrissy Teigen!), Cinque Terre has plenty of affordable experiences to offer. Located on the coast of the Ligurian Sea, this environmentally protected destination provides visitors with tons of free hiking along one of the world's most stunning coastlines. As one former traveler noted in the r/Shoestring subreddit of Reddit, "Cinque Terre is phenomenal for shoestring because the main experience, in my opinion, is hiking between cities ... That, coupled with the free swimming and relatively cheap gelato/seafood, in most towns [provides] a wonderful experience for not much money."

Beyond the low cost of walking and hanging out on the beach, Cinque Terre can be affordable in terms of lodging. The area is bursting with inexpensive hostels, where a private double room for two won't set you back more than $109 per night. At the three-star Brezza Marina hostel, you can book a room in April for as little as $684 per week. Solo travelers can also save big time by reserving a bed in a shared room. At the Costello hostel, guests can pay a minimum of $400 to stay in a dorm room for a full week. Beverages are also reasonably priced, with a bottle of grocery store wine costing about $7. 

If you're in the market for one of the world's few remaining undiscovered destinations, Reggio Calabria might be the town for you. The city does not lack any one of the major attractions that draw tourists to Italy in the first place. Looking for a place to catch a few rays? The Spiaggia di Cantoni beach offers fantastic sands with a mountain backdrop. Are you interested in studying history? Head to the Castello Aragonese castle or the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Reggio Calabria (archeology museum) to view some impressive Roman artifacts. Even foodies will be impressed with the town's offerings. With rich homemade sausages and a variety of locally crafted cheeses, Reggio Calabria provides visitors with the hearty meals that many true Italians cherish.

The best part is that you can visit this town without breaking the bank. As veteran traveler Kristie Prada shared on her blog, Mammaprada, "Reggio Calabria lies in Italy's southern regions, between the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas, offering stunning Baroque architecture with low living costs and reasonable housing prices — ideal for those on tight budgets!" Indeed, a room at the town's top-rated Hotel Continental starts at just $70 per night in March. In practice, this means you could spend under $500 on lodging for a week-long spring break trip to Italy. Compared to some of the expensive hotel prices we've seen in the United States and Canada, this is a major bargain!

Teramo is a quaint little town near some of Italy's most beautiful destinations. The romantic beaches of the Adriatic Riviera are just a 30-minute train ride to the east, while the imposing hikes of Gran Sasso National Park are a 35-minute drive to the west. Anyone who swings by this charming village can easily spend one part of their trip exploring hilltop ruins in an area that looks straight out of "The Sound of Music" and the rest of their vacation sipping Aperol Spritzes by the sea. In the meantime, Teramo is an adorable town where you can walk, shop, and dine among locals in a relatively tourist-free environment.

Because most tourists crowd big cities like Florence or Rome, Teramo is able to provide visitors with very reasonable prices. Rates for a three-star hotel in the area start at around €65 ($70) per night. And, by paying just a little bit more, visitors can elevate their experiences. Daily rates at a top-rated establishment, like the Casa delle Storie, start at $81 per night. L'Ulivo Bed & Breakfast, meanwhile, offers a comfortable nightly stay with a fabulous morning meal for just $93 per night. These deals have not escaped the notice of past travelers. As one former B&B guest gushed on Booking, "Clean space, awesome kitchen, lovely breakfast and a delightful owner. On top of all that, incredible price!"

Although visiting small towns in Italy can be deeply gratifying, the fact remains that there's no place like Rome. Travelers who want to explore Rome without paying Roman prices might consider staying in the nearby town of Ostia. Situated just one hour from Rome by public transport, Ostia provides remarkably easy access to one of the world's most famous capitals. As an added bonus, it boasts a beautiful coastal location that allows travelers to spend time decompressing at the beach.

Previous travelers appreciate Ostia for its unique charm. As one former visitor wrote on the Rick Steves travel forum, "Also consider Ostia [for an inexpensive stay near Rome]. We stayed there for 3 days before going into Rome. Extremely close to Fiumicino Airport. Great ruins, great seaside, nice little village." The Ostia Antica Roman ruins are a particular draw, as they can make you feel like you're traveling back in time to another era.

Interestingly, prices in Ostia are much more accessible than in nearby Rome. The Dipendenza Hotel Bellavista provides guests with sweeping sea views in a three-star environment for just $56 per night. The top-rated Sirenetta Hotel also offers great water views and beach proximity for as little as $77 per night. All in all, Ostia is the perfect place to go if you'd like to explore Rome without paying a premium price. 

Marina di Ascea may not be one of Italy's most famous destinations, but it is certainly one of the most beautiful. Nestled in the center of the gorgeous Cilento National Park, this town is not only surrounded by natural greenery but also borders the sea. On the town's western side, travelers can find the romantic Sunset Beach, while the easternmost part of Ascea offers rolling hills with impressive views. For some visitors, the Marina di Ascea's seaside beauty may call to mind Italy's iconic Amalfi Coast. However, whereas Marina di Ascea is certainly beautiful, it is not nearly as expensive as its more famous alternative.

Hotels in Marina di Ascea are very reasonably priced. The top-rated Hotel Porta Rosa offers guests a four-star experience starting at just $48 per night. This rate includes access to a stunning swimming pool, a garden, and a kids' play area. For a more premium experience, guests can enjoy a private pool and beach via the Residence Belvedere for as little as $175 for two nights. Previous travelers advise getting some of the best prices during the shoulder season. As one Reddit user wrote in the r/ItalyTravel subreddit, "Down south there is a small town called Marina Di Ascea. It has an active archaeological site, sandy beaches, rocky hills, great food, etc ... September is the "low season" so things are not very expensive."

Marina di Ascea is not the only fantastic Amalfi Coast alternative. Vico Equense boasts many of the same geographic features that the Amalfi region is famous for — at just a fraction of the cost. The scenery at Vico Equense blends deep turquoise waters with steep cliffs and secluded beaches. Hiking, beach hopping, and lounging by the pool are all a key part of visiting this fantastic coastal town. Previous visitors laud Vico Equense for its tranquility. As one traveler put it on the r/travel subreddit of Reddit, "If you're in the south, there's a cute little town called Vico Equense. It's right near Amalfi but I would hardly call it "touristy." Amazing food, and amazing views!"

Because Vico Equense is not part of the Amalfi Coast, it's way more affordable than many nearby towns. Three-star hotels with sweeping sea views start at just $62 per night, while four-star alternatives cost as little as $82. Prices tend to be at their lowest in March — allowing visitors to enjoy particularly affordable spring breaks. Overall, the price points in Vico Equense mean that travelers can enjoy all the beauty of Italy's cliff-covered coastline without paying the full costs associated with the Amalfi Coast. 

For many of us, the word "Italy" immediately conjures images of delicious oven-baked pizzas. Rightly so, as the classic food is native to Italy. This delicacy originated in Naples, where it remains a popular dish to this day. Travelers who view food as a major part of their adventures will find that the city offers some of the most mouth-watering and authentic pizzas around. As an added bonus, eating in Naples is not especially expensive. Per one former visitor on Quora, "Naples in particular is much cheaper than other big Italian cities, it's a city when you can buy the best pizza Margherita in the world for only 3€/3.50€." Pizza a portafoglio, a delicious street food pizza folded in half and eaten on the go, is even more affordable at around $2.20.

Of course, there's plenty more to do in Naples other than feast on pizza. The city is home to several world-class museums, many of which are free on the first Sunday of each month. Folks interested in Roman history might take advantage of this deal to check out the National Archaeological Museum of Naples or the ancient Crypta Neapolitana grotto. Alternatively, you can head to the Naples Cathedral and admire the architecture for free. The iconic Castel Sant'Elmo fortress is also inexpensive for tourists, costing just $5.50 to visit. These accessible activities are a major part of Naples' appeal to travelers on a budget.

Italy may be famous for its elaborate cathedrals and Renaissance artwork, but it's also a musical hot spot. The town of Cremona has a particularly fascinating musical history — standing as the place where violins and other string instruments were first built to perfection. In the 16th century, people from all over the region would flock to Cremona to attend concerts and performances. These days, that culture remains alive in the boutiques of local violinmakers, who carry out their craft with meticulous dedication.

Cremona is the perfect place for travelers to dive deep into musical history. Whether by exploring the Museo del Violino violin museum or swinging by the Bottega dell'Archetto bow workshop, visitors can gain a whole new perspective on string instruments. After experiencing these tourist destinations, head to the Teatro Amilcare Ponchielli to catch an opera, a ballet, or a string concert. There may be no better way to soak up Cremona's unique history.

Previous travelers say that Cremona offers fantastic value for its price. As one prior visitor put it on the r/travel subreddit of Reddit, "Cremona is a favourite of mine. There are several museums concerning Stradivarius and other famous violin makers. Good places to eat, and it is relatively inexpensive." Indeed, comfortable three-star hotels in Cremona can go for as little as $66 per night. Four-star hotels, meanwhile, start at $84 per night — allowing guests to experience a luxurious environment at an affordable rate. 

Italy is full of scenic beaches, but that doesn't mean it's easy to book a seaside getaway. Because beach towns can be a hot spot for tourists, they can also be really expensive. After all, a lot of travelers are willing to pay a premium to hang out by the coast. Luckily, there is one destination that can help you enjoy the beach vacay of your dreams — all while saving money. 

Brindisi, Italy, is located just a 35-minute bus ride from the top-rated Spiaggia di Punta Penne beach. There, visitors can stroll along the shoreline, take in the sight of old ruins, and even watch the sun set over the Adriatic Sea. Folks looking for clear waters and umbrella-clad sands can also spend time at the nearby Hemingway Beach, which offers classic Italian charm in a slightly more curated environment.

Because Brindisi is not considered a beach town in the traditional sense, prices there are more than reasonable. Three-star hotels cost as little as $41 per night, while four-star hotels start at $43 per night. These price points have consistently impressed previous visitors. As one traveler commented on the r/travel subreddit on Reddit, "I've spent several months in Brindisi in the past and love it. Stone townhouse cities, internet works fine, Airbnb's are cheap ... [the town is] easy to access ... and you can take an easy bus out to a nearby beach." 

Florence is a city that many travelers dream about, but it's hardly the most affordable destination in Italy. As a major tourist attraction, "The Capital of Artists" has a high demand for hotels and restaurants. And this inevitably drives up prices. The good news, however, is that you don't have to stay in Florence to visit it. Because the affordable town of Siena is located about 1.5 hours from central Florence by public transportation, travelers can stay in reasonably-priced hotels at night and then travel into the big city during the day.

Previous travelers laud Siena for its prime location near Florence and other gorgeous little Italian towns. Writing on the Rick Steves travel forum, one prior visitor explained, "If you stay in Siena, you can take day trips to Florence (1 hour and 15 minutes by direct bus), Montepulciano (1 hour and 15 minutes by direct train) and San Gimignano (1 hour by direct bus). Siena is a wonderful place at night after the tourists leave." The town also offers some fantastic attractions, including the striking Duomo di Siena cathedral and the Renaissance-era Torre del Mangia tower.

As for lodging, Siena offers great deals. Comfortable three-star hotels start at just $56 per night, while more lavish four-star options are available for as little as $90. Folks looking to stay in an Airbnb will similarly be pleased to know that springtime apartment rentals are available for no more than $65 a night. Regardless of where you stay, there are plenty of good deals.

Putting together this list of inexpensive vacation destinations in Italy was no simple task. Italy is one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world, and hotel prices generally correspond to that fact. That being said, we found a few hidden gems that remain thus far safe from over-tourism. Marina di Ascea, Teramo, and Reggio Calabria were all selected for their ability to show visitors an authentic Italian small town at a reasonable price. Cremona, meanwhile, was chosen for its ability to provide travelers with world-class musical experiences in an underrated town with affordable lodging.

Although we were excited to spotlight some of these more laid-back Italian towns and villages, we also understand that many travelers gravitate towards Italy's bigger cities. For this reason, we included Naples on the list, as it is one of Italy's most affordable urban zones. Ostia and Siena also made the cut due to their proximity to Rome and Florence. Cinque Terre, Vico Equense, and Brindisi, meanwhile, are ideal for anyone hoping to plan a low-cost beach vacation.