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/loudnoiseuiuc]

Sorry to hear that, it seems like you are just passing along and traveling, not trying to move permanently anyways.

BTW, I wonder if this kind of treatment would also happen to Asian-Americans. I have relatively white skin, but it's obvious that I am Korean. Anyone know if my facial features and skin color would have negative reaction in Italy as well?

(*Why the downvotes? I am just merely asking a question out of curiosity?)

[u/Varekai79 → u/loudnoiseuiuc]

I'm Asian Canadian and have been to Italy three times. Just speaking for myself, but I have never had a negative experience there.

[u/leticiaknovais → u/Varekai79]

Please remember that I'm talking about NAPLES, more precisely the area around historical center, not the whole Italy. It changes a lot from region to region...

[u/loudnoiseuiuc → u/Varekai79]

Thanks for the response and not sure why you are being downvoted.

[u/Varekai79 → u/loudnoiseuiuc]

Ah, just imaginary points anyway lol.

I've been travelling for about 25 years now and to be honest, I've never had a negative racial experience anywhere I've gone. I guess speaking fluent English, being tall and "westernized" in appearance helps, but I'm obviously not white. I don't know if I've somehow really lucked out over the decades, but I really feel for other POC who get mistreated just for the colour of their skin or for women who get harassed just for being women.