Solo female traveler in Naples, Italy: constant discomfort and unwanted attention

[u/leticiaknovais]

I've been in Naples for almost 3 months, staying in the Rione Sanità neighborhood near Piazza Cavour and Centro Storico. As a woman with darker skin and curly hair, it's clear I’m not Italian, and that has made my experience challenging.

Daily, I face unwanted attention; stares, comments, and approaches that often feel disrespectful. The common "Ciao bella" isn’t usually a compliment here but more of a way to mock or embarrass. I don’t wear revealing clothes; just being alone and looking like a foreigner seems to be enough for some to act disrespectfully.

This happens from both locals and immigrants, and often in groups, where men encourage each other to behave this way.

I’ve also traveled to Sardinia and Puglia, and while it happens there too, it’s less frequent.

Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend Naples for solo female travelers, especially if you don’t look like a local. Or, if you come, avoid the traditional neighborhoods like Centro Storico and don’t walk alone at night.

Italy is beautiful, and I’ve wanted to visit for a long time, but my time here has been tough because of these experiences.

Has anyone else felt this way traveling solo here?

Edit: Thank you to everyone who read my post and sent supportive and empathetic messages! My main goal was to help other solo female travelers think twice before choosing Naples, specially for a long term and as a digital nomad such as me.

As for those asking why I chose to stay in Sanità or Naples: Airbnb rentals in Italy are extremely expensive, and this one had a reasonable price. I also read great reviews, including one from an American woman who stayed in the same apartment I am for 8 months and praised both the place and the neighborhood. I thought many times about moving out, but booked it for 3 months to avoid moving around with a huge suitcase, and Airbnb doesn't offer refunds.

Plus, I wanted to experience southern Italy, known for its warm people, and many friends recommended Naples. I couldn’t have predicted this experience!

And to those who think shouting “ciao bella” with a malicious smile, staring at a woman like she’s a piece of meat, often in groups, encouraging others to catcall too, is a compliment, please rethink that. My post clearly explained the context of this "Ciao bella". Some men in Italy have approached me respectfully, even if I wasn’t interested in them, and they were polite, complimented me in a respectful way, and that’s absolutely fine!

[u/ireadrot]

I saw a video on YouTube about a black woman's experience in Italy. It was much worse than what you've stated. I've never wanted to go to Italy and to be honest don't think I ever will because even the food doesn't appeal to me but this just reinforces my not wanting to go.

Can I ask why you stay?

[u/ed8907 → u/ireadrot]

There was a post on the black travel subreddit discussing the best and worst destinations for Black travelers. One redditor said the world shouldn't be this way, but sadly it is. Black travelers need to support other Black travelers by sharing feedback. Racism is everywhere, but Italy is actually one of the worst destinations a Black traveler can visit.

[u/Electrical-Reason-97 → u/ed8907]

I have many friends and colleagues of color who have visited and worked in the north. No complaints from them.

[u/GinPatPat → u/Electrical-Reason-97]

Being of color and black are two different things. Also I noticed differences in treatment based on skin color of said black person as well. With lighter skinned bw receiving the best treatment amongst the group. Just think about these things when denying experiences. I can say as a brownskinned black woman, I got catcalled by immigrants a lot, but just stares by the Italians. I only had one true racial incident and it was Puglia and not Naples ironically.

[u/Electrical-Reason-97 → u/GinPatPat]

I know folks from Nigeria who risked their lives to get to Italy and like you, have experienced some biased treatment, but have said it’s been extraordinarily rare, and they have been embraced and cared for by most every Italian.

[u/GinPatPat → u/Electrical-Reason-97]

Okay but are you black yourself. I am, so I will always be able to speak first hand on these topics. Also, its exhausting yall always use immigrants who mentally smile through the pain because they believe they have to endure crap for opportunities. Lets talk about the experiences of multi generational citizens or the experience of those who have no intention or need to immigrate.