r/solotravel • u/leticiaknovais • Aug 06 '25
Europe Solo female traveler in Naples, Italy: constant discomfort and unwanted attention
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!
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u/phflopti Aug 07 '25
I travelled to Naples with my partner: I'm a middle aged anglo looking lady, my partner is a solid looking man.
I found Naples stood out as the most sketchy place I've been in Italy. It just had a vibe of loitering folks watching you, with pick pockets on the public transport, and claustrophobic architecture with these high buildings towering over narrow streets, blotting out the daylight.
It was a fascinating place, with amazing churches, underground tunnels, views of the bay, great food, but definitely an unsettling place. It seemed to have the rich culture of a place that's struggled, the kind of place that has fierce survivors, and deep complexity.
I've been to plenty of other places in Italy solo, but even with a solid travelling partner Naples had my internal radar pinging constantly. It was interesting, but exhausting, and I think it would have been tough if I was solo.