There's no denying it, Italy is probably one of the most romantic countries in the world and has got to be a girl’s dream destination. With great cuisine, fab ice cream, Roman history, Ginseng coffee, and of course Italian men; who wouldn’t want to choose traveling to Italy alone? If you don't want to be surrounded by couples, however, avoid the romantic cities such as Venice (it is simply amazing though!) and Rome (equally as amazing for history and ruins).
Below is a summary of my favourite places in Italy You can read more about each destination in our Solo Travel in Italy guide.
TIP – If you are staying in Rome for a few nights and visiting the Vatican, consider purchasing the Rome & Vatican City Pass. It gives free entry to Vatican City museums and sights as well as popular attractions in Rome and fast entry access. * Buy the Rome & Vatican City Pass here
Cinque Terra
Cinque Terra is absolutely magical. You have to do one of the walking routes from coastal town to coastal town to really appreciate the magnificent views as you look back upon the coastline and the magical view of the coloured houses as dusk falls. Monorola, the second town is less touristy, and more landscaped with a rugged coastline. You don't have to stay overnight if you are short on time as you can do day trips here from Florence or Milan. Click on the link below for all Cinque Terra tours.
But if you don't stay at night you'll miss this magical sunset that just captures the beauty of the place (video by my lovely friend Omar Gadahn who I met in Pisa!)
* Discover all tours and activities in Cinque Terra here
Florence
The golden heart of Tuscany and one of the most beautiful cities in the country. Renaissance art, shopping, and numerous museums and galleries make this a city for Art and Museum-lovers. Visit the Florence Cathedral (the iconic image of Florence which you can climb!) the Da Vinci Museum, and the Piazzale Michelangelo for a spectacular view of the city. If you're visiting during the high season I recommend getting a skip-the-line ticket so you don't have to wait in a queue.
* Discover all tours and activities in Florence here
Pisa
Pisa is so close to Florence. If you're spending time in Florence it's less than 1.5 hours to Pisa and a must-visit. Famed for The Leaning Tower of Pisa, this former maritime town does attract tourists taking photos of themselves ‘holding up the tower' but there are other fascinating monuments within the Piazza dei Miracoli to be snap-happy with too.
* Discover all tours and activities in Pisa here
Milan
The fashion capital of Italy and a girl's shopping paradise! (even if you're just window shopping). There are plenty of places to explore including the San Siro stadium where David Beckham once played for AC Milan. The Duomo cathedral is the most stunning piece of architecture in the city and will truly give you that ‘wow' moment.
Pay a visit to San Bernardino alle Ossa, a small church with a side chapel that's home to human skulls and bones. Yes, it's creepy but it's definitely worth seeing. From Milan, you can also go on day trips to Verona, Lake Como, and Bellagio. There is so much more to Milan than just shopping.
* Discover all tours and activities in Milan here
These are just my favourite places to visit for solos. Of course, there are so many more which you can find on the Solo Travel in Italy guide. Where's your favourite place in Italy?
Loved your style of writing Lisa… the way you share your perspective is what keeps the magic going… just stumbled on your site today & i must say i m hooked! Looking forward to spending more time here.
Thank you. That’s really kind 🙂
The pictures of Cinque Terre remind me of Capri so much! Well, at least the harbour areas.. There´s still one place in Italy I´m waiting to be amazed by and I hope I won´t be end up disappointed — the “cave town” of Matera. Just imagine, its history is going back more than 30 000 years! And from what I´ve read, aside from Petra, Jordan, it´s the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in history, too.
Wow that sounds like an amazing place Julie. I definitely have to go back to see the “cave town.” Thanks for the suggestion 🙂
Cinque is in my Bucket List. In fact I’m more excited to see this place than Venice. 🙂
It’s stunning and just as it looks in all the amazing photos of it. Definitely take your trainers though 🙂