The Ultimate Destinations In Italy For A Marvelous Solo Travel Experience

Italy is considered one of the best countries in Europe for solo travelers. Between low rates of violent crime and a culture that is all about hospitality, Italy can be a solo traveler's playground. If you go to the right places, that is. The best thing about solo travel is that you basically become your own travel agent. You create the ultimate guidebook to your own adventure by catering your itinerary to fit what interests you. And Italy has plenty of places that are perfect to explore on your own. 

But what places cater to the foodies, outdoor enthusiasts, beach goers, history buffs, and art lovers? Where can solo travelers feel their trip has been worthwhile? The following locations offer a blend of destinations across Italy that aim to provide the solo traveler with an all encompassing view of the country. From the rolling hills of Tuscany and the beaches of Sardinia to the amazing food of Puglia, these six spots are the ultimate destinations in Italy for solo travelers to get the most out of their experience.

Who doesn't think of Tuscany when they dream about traveling to Italy? The region's rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, verdant vineyards, and lively cities like Florence, Pisa, and Siena make Tuscany a prime destination for exploration. Famous for its wine, cheese, art, and history, Tuscany might be the best destination for Italy in a nutshell. There are several ways to experience this region. If you're one for an intimate cultural experience that dives deep into Italian hospitality and agriculture, you need to check out agritourismo. Essentially a farm stay, these trips are excellent for solo travelers as they offer unique insights into the Italian countryside that most tourists or groups might not get to see.

Then, of course, there is Florence. The Tuscan capital is a must-visit destination for all art lovers. The Uffizi Gallery and Galleria dell Accademia house some of the most iconic works of the Renaissance. And the Boboli Gardens charm with unique sculptures, fountains, and green pathways. Another great thing about Tuscany for solo travelers is the ease from which you can get to various locations. Train travel between Florence, Siena, and Pisa is affordable and efficient. Tuscan roadways are also relatively easy to navigate, and renting a car is a truly excellent way to experience this region firsthand.

There is something truly magical about Rome that makes it a must for any solo traveler looking to experience Italy. For starters, The Eternal City is the most easily accessible destination on this list. Thanks to its status as the capital of the country, you can easily book a direct flight into Rome without having to worry about layover hassle. Then, you can get off to exploring the streets that have seen so much history.

And history is one of the main draws. While the city has plenty of piazzas, restaurants, city parks, and shopping, Rome is really excellent for solo travelers that love history. Exploring Rome in one day, you could tour the great monuments of the city: the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Appian Way, the Pantheon, the Baths of Diocletian, Palatine Hill, and the ever-popular Trevi Fountain. If you want a spot that's a little out of the way, but really cool and creepy, check out the Purgatory Museum.

Another unique feature of Rome is that it is the only city in the world that houses another country within its limits. Vatican City, the seat of the Roman Catholic Church, is easily accessible as it requires no passport for entry. Take in the majesty of St. Peter's Basilica, or wander the endless corridors of the Vatican Museums. Oh, and if it's not too busy, make sure you get into the Sistine Chapel to see that truly remarkable ceiling.

While many travel guides would send people down to the Amalfi Coast to get the best out of Italy's beaches, we're actually headed off the peninsula to one of Italy's major Mediterranean islands. No, it's not the volcanic and endlessly charming Sicily. It's Sardinia. This second largest islands in the Mediterranean Sea is a must visit for anyone looking for thrilling outdoor adventures and some of the very best beaches on the planet.

Sardinia is one of those places that the Italian locals really want you to visit. Being the second of the major islands, it doesn't see nearly as much tourist traffic as Sicily, though things have picked up in recent years. In terms of beaches, places like Spiaggia San Giovanni di Sinis offer breathtaking and blissful views without requiring too much travel from the bustling regional capital, Cagliari.

For the more adventurous, Sardinia offers a unique challenge. Casu marzu, the island's famous maggot infested cheese, is not for the faint of heart. The smell alone makes the experience worthy of solo travel, as a group might find it too overpowering. However, if you are culinarily brave, sampling casu marzu, which you can only find here, will turn out to be one of the truly unforgettable foodie experiences of your life.

And speaking of foodie travel, choosing Puglia as your destination for a solo Italian vacation is going to bring you into the heart of the nation's bread basket. Becoming increasingly popular as a foodie destination, the cuisine of Puglia is dynamic and, of course, incredibly tasty. One of the most recognized pasta shapes, orecchiette, was invented in this region. Purchase some handmade from one of the many nonna's who make the pasta fresh every day. It is traditionally served with broccoli rabe or a simple tomato sauce.

While you're bound to work up an appetite exploring Puglia, don't miss out on some of the other unique locations the heel of the boot has to offer. The village or Alberobello is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to the hundreds of unique stone huts that dot the landscape. One of Italy's most underrated destinations, these trulli buildings provide an altogether fantastical atmosphere to an area already brimming with scenic goodies. Most can be found at one of Puglia's many beaches. Nestled along Italy's Adriatic coast, the beaches are a blend of sand, cliffs, and stunning turquoise water. One of the best, Torre dell'Orso has plenty of beach canoes, bars, and sand to keep any beach going solo traveler happy for long days of lazy relaxation.

From Italy's far south to the far north we come to The Dolomites. A section of the Italian Alps defined by towering limestone cliffs, wide meadows, and charming villages, the Dolomites stretch across Italy's border with Switzerland and Austria. As such, the culture up here is decidedly more traditionally Alpine than many expect when coming to Italy. Still, it offers solo travelers a unique opportunity to become more immersed in a side of Italy that not too many people get to see.

Of course, the Dolomites are the ultimate adventure for anyone who loves outdoor adventures. Mountain climbers will love the challenge of the Dolomites. The vertical limestone cliffs offer climbers a great challenge, while also providing some astounding views of the Alpe di Suisi, Europe's largest and highest alpine meadow. For those not interested in climbing treks, there are numerous hikes, bicycle paths, and mountain pass roads throughout the area that will offer some truly breathtaking views.

If you want to find a really cool spot in the Dolomites, head to Friulian Dolomite National Park and check out the Emerald Pools. It's a little ways off the beaten path, but for those who are willing to do a little adventuring, it offers a great spot for a picnic or a swim, all under the shadow of these truly impressive peaks.

Finally we come to one of the most unique destinations in the entire world: Cinque Terre. Comprised of five seaside villages on the northwestern coast of Liguria, the Cinque Terre has long been the stuff of Italian travel dreams. The towns — Manarola, Vernazza, Monterosso, Riomaggiore, and Corniglia — each have their own distinct character that is sure to charm any solo traveler. Connected by a scenic, 8-mile coastal trail, this secluded area of Italy offers so much charm packed into a few small locations.

A great draw to this area is the beauty of the towns themselves. Situated on cliffs, with some literally dangling over the sea, the pastel colored houses ooze with character. Sunsets are incredibly dramatic here, and the seafood is as fresh as you will find anywhere in Italy. There are also nine beaches to choose from in this region, each one a pretty as the next. It's also a very popular destination, so traveling solo means you can navigate the crowds and go at your own pace more easily.

If you're not one for hiking, don't worry. One of the best, most efficient ways to experience this coastline is by taking the train. They run on time, stop in each village, and make navigating what might seem like a challenging destination a breeze. It's truly a one of a kind place to experience in Italy, and one of the best for taking your time and experiencing magic on your own.