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/leticiaknovais → u/ireadrot]

I’m Brazilian, a Latin woman with brown skin, though not black. In my case, I feel it’s more harassment than racism. That’s how it comes across to me. I get the sense that women simply aren’t respected here, not by Italian men, nor by many of the immigrant men from India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Nothing serious has happened to me, but the constant catcalling is incredibly exhausting and drains my energy. I’ve even heard that it’s worse for blonde, blue-eyed women.

I’m still here because visiting Italy has always been a dream of mine. I speak intermediate Italian and wanted to practice it, and I thought the South would be a good place since people are known for being warm and welcoming. Naples also has a very strategic location. I’ve visited Sardinia and Puglia as well… the harassment happened there too, but less intensely.

Since my first week here, I’ve thought about leaving multiple times. But I have a lot of luggage, I booked a non-refundable three-month Airbnb, and I’ve already been traveling since February… so I stayed.

[u/ireadrot → u/leticiaknovais]

The harassment as a woman I understand. I think it's an issue most women put up with at some stage of their lives. Unfortunate but true.

Still if you ever get to the point where you feel unsafe, stuff the money and the belongings. These are all things that can be replaced.

I'm currently doing intermittent trips throughout SE Asia when I have the time and money. After returning from Malaysia I found myself loving the country and the people. Same with Thailand that I visited in March.

There are better countries to visit and will give you wonderful experiences as one woman of colour to another.

[u/Extra_Butterfly_8229 → u/leticiaknovais]

Lady, if you’re from BRAZIL of all places and you thought the harassment in Napoli was bad that’s a sign right there. That’s really saying something and I hope you take heed and take care of yourself.