Whether you want to party up, get adventurous, or pamper yourselves, Italy can make for a perfect destination for a fun getaway with your girlfriends.
With its awe-inspiring landscapes, incredible food and wine, rich culture, and laidback Mediterranean lifestyle, your holiday in Italy is something that you will treasure for a lifetime.
Regardless of how you choose to spend your vacation in Italy, these places are bound to help you and your gal pals create lifelong memories.
Italy Girls Trip: Your perfect destinations
Puglia
Dreamy coastline, a laidback atmosphere, and the emerging wine industry are some of the reasons why you should visit Puglia on your getaway with the girls. If you have a romantic vision of what a typical Italian life looks like, chances are, you’ll find it in Puglia. It’s a southern region home to whitewashed villages, beautiful beaches, and centuries-old farmlands.
Hop on a Vespa and explore Bari, the region’s capital city. It’s a city with two different sides – the old town of Bari Vecchia and the modern district of Murat. Bari Vecchia lies along the Adriatic Sea and is home to Italy’s longest seafront. The area has many significant historic buildings, such as the Basilica San Nicola, the grandiose Castello Svevo, and the Romanesque Basilica Cattedrale di San Sabino.
Meanwhile, the trendy neighborhood of Murat is home to major shopping destinations and several elegant buildings, including the Teatro Piccinni, Teatro Petruzzelli, and Palazzo Fizzarotti.
Puglia is also home to beautiful beaches where you can relax with the girls. Check out the stunning Cala Porto, a pebbled beach with crystal clear waters gracefully hidden below limestone cliffs and whitewashed villages.
Read also: Renting a car in Puglia – tips and tricks
Where to stay in Puglia
So you are considering Puglia for your girl’s Italy trip but don’t know where to stay? I would not choose Bari as a home base, but I would rather head to one of the charming white-washed villages, or somewhere by the sea.
The perfect destination for anyone who loves exploring beautiful coastal towns. This charming town sits atop limestone cliffs overlooking the crystal blue waters of the Adriatic Sea.
Known for its unique trulli dwellings. These conical-roofed stone structures date back to the 15th century and are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Alberobello has become a popular tourist destination due to its picturesque setting and fascinating architecture. You can explore winding cobblestone streets lined with these distinctive homes, many of which have been converted into souvenir shops, restaurants, and hotels.
From its dramatic panoramic views to its cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings, Polignano a Mare offers something for everyone.
You can explore picturesque beaches, visit historical sites such as churches and castles, or relax at one of many cafes and restaurants that line the waterfront promenade.
The small town is known for its stunning beaches and picturesque old-world charm. A popular tourist destination, Monopoli offers visitors an array of activities to enjoy such as swimming, sailing, and exploring its many historic sites.
The city also boasts a vibrant nightlife with plenty of restaurants and bars offering delicious food and drinks from all over the world.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway or an exciting cultural experience, Monopoli has something for everyone!
Best things to do in Puglia
Take a Speedboat Cruise to Caves with Aperitif from Polignano a Mare
Go on an Alberobello walking tour and learn about the trulli, or choose a walking tour that will take you for a food tasting and aperitivo
Head to Martina Franca for a wine and food tasting
Go on a walking tour of charming Monopoli
Learn how to make mozzarella at a local farm or make some pasta in Bari
Rome
Dubbed the “Eternal City”, Rome is one of the most captivating cities in Italy. It’s a sprawling city with thousands of years of history, as evident in the ancient ruins, relics, and monuments dotting the city.
No trip to Rome is complete without seeing its famous attractions, from the Colosseum to the Spanish Steps and the Roman Forum. Stop by the Vatican City and treat yourself to a generous serving of spaghetti.
End your day at the Trevi Fountain, toss a coin, and make a wish to ensure you return to the city. Visiting Rome’s magnificent art museums is also a fun bonding moment with your girlfriends, such as the iconic Borghese Gallery and the Palazzo Spada, which is a quieter option.
Discover Rome’s vibrant nightlife as well. Whether you are into the club scene or prefer a laid-back wine bar, the city has something to offer you and your girls.
Where to stay in Rome
Some great locations would be around Vatican City, close to the Foro Romano or Colosseo, or near Piazza del Popolo.
To make things even easier, I have chosen 2 great apartments you can check out.
Vatican Luxury Penthouse with Terrace
A stunning 2-bedroom penthouse with a terrace that will leave you in awe! Located only 3 minutes away from the metro this place is not only super comfortable but also typical Italian, in the heart of the city.
Check out availability and prices here!
Rooftop Magic in Piazza del Popolo
A rooftop facing Piazza del Popolo where you could return for a stunning sunset over one of the most iconic landmarks of Rome.
Check out availability and prices here!
Best things to do in Rome
A Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel skip-the-line tour
A Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour
Skip-the-line ticket to Villa Borghese
A cooking workshop – pasta and tiramisu cooking with dinner
City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Bus with Audioguide
Umbria
Nicknamed “Italy’s Green Heart”, Umbria is a beautiful Italian region brimming with medieval towns and fun outdoor activities. It’s also famous for its delectable cuisines, a perfect place to bond over delicious truffles and wine.
If you’re looking for something exciting to do with your girlfriends in Umbria, consider hunting truffles. Accompanied by an expert truffle hunter, you’ll venture into the countryside in search of this prized delicacy. Afterward, you’ll head back to the restaurant and observe chefs turn truffles into a range of Italian dishes.
For outdoor-loving friends, explore the Marmore Waterfalls, the tallest manmade waterfalls in the world and the second tallest in Europe. The Romans built waterfalls to divert the Velino River and make the land more fertile.
Another fun outdoor activity for adventurous friends in Umbria is white water rafting at the Nera River. Depending on your group’s level of skill, there are different courses for you to choose from.
Where to stay in Umbria
One of Italy’s most underrated cities, with its stunning medieval architecture, vibrant culture, and excellent food making it an ideal destination for tourists looking to explore something off the beaten path.
Perugia has been around since the Etruscan period, which makes it one of Italy’s oldest cities. The city was once a powerful political center that rivaled Florence in terms of power and influence during the Renaissance era.
Today you can still find evidence of this glorious past throughout Perugia’s streets and piazzas.
In addition to its rich history, Perugia also boasts some amazing attractions such as the National Gallery of Umbrian Art, Rocca Paolina (a 16th-century fortress), and Palazzo dei Priori (the town hall).
The city is perched atop a large tufa rock and surrounded by picturesque valleys and rolling hills. This ancient hilltop town has been inhabited since Etruscan times, giving it an intriguing history full of culture, art, and architectural wonders.
Visitors to Orvieto can explore its winding cobblestone streets lined with historic buildings, enjoy the unique cuisine at local restaurants, or take in some breathtaking views from its spectacular cliffside location overlooking the surrounding countryside.
Best things to do in Umbria
Get the City Card with Nine Local Landmarks for Orvieto
Go on a Traditional Umbrian Food Guided Walking Tour in Perugia or try a Pasta and Tiramisu Class
Go on a wine-tasting tour from Assisi or a complete Organic Balsamic Vinegar, Olive Oil & Wine Tour
Tuscany
Despite being a major tourist destination, Tuscany retains its laid-back vibe, drawing visitors of all kinds. The region’s towns and cities are renowned for their culture, architecture, and arts, especially Florence, Siena, Lucca, and Pisa. But just as important when it comes to your girlfriends’ getaway in Tuscany are its superb food and fun festivals.
Tuscany offers tons of outdoor activities for you and your friends to do. Go camping on the island of Elba, the largest island off the Tuscan Archipelago. Take a boat trip from Pisa to Parco San Rossore, a picturesque park home to impressive wildlife with scenic hiking and biking trails. Discover the Versilian Coast, an area in the northwestern province of Lucca famous for its beautiful beaches.
Take time to explore Florence, the heart of the Renaissance, and discover its unrivaled art collections and architecture.
Venture outside Florence and visit Parco Pratolino, the largest of the estates of the Medici family. Travel west to take a peek at the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Check out the Cantiere delle Navi Antiche di Pisa and witness the excavation works on Roman shipwrecks discovered in the marshland that used to occupy Pisa’s harbor.
Where to stay in Tuscany
Florence
Here are 2 great accommodation options worth considering when in Florence:
- Il Salviatino in Florence – what dreams are made of! Set in a Renaissance villa, with stunning interiors and a picture-perfect garden, this hotel is perfectly set in quiet location minutes away from Florence. See more here!
- Hotel Santa Maria Novella – set within walking distance from the main attractions in Florence, and also from the train station, this hotel has an impressive interior and a stunning rooftop terrace that offers a great view over the city. See more here!
Pienza is the poster child for the Tuscan countryside, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is nestled in the Province of Siena in the picturesque, instantly recognizable Val D’Orcia with its tree-lined, winding roads. This small hilltop village retains all of its character despite growing in popularity with tourists as an off-the-beaten-path destination.
While the town is tiny in itself, it boasts a larger-than-life history. Pienza was the birthplace of Pope Pius II. After becoming a pope, he redesigned and reconstructed the entire urban center as a new Renaissance town.
San Gimignano is a small fortified hill town in Tuscany, Italy. It appears like a place from medieval Europe. The town is well-known for its ancient architectural style buildings. Some of these buildings came into being in the 14th or 15th centuries. There is a protective stone wall surrounding the entire city. The historical and cultural influences of this town have certified it as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tourists get awestruck when visiting San Gimignano. It’s because of a well-preserved appearance from the Middle Ages in a modern city layout. The primary point of attraction is the medieval center Centro Storico. This place has all the old square towers. At the heart of this is the main center Piazza Della Cisterna. From here, a brick pavement leads to Via del Castello.
Best things to do in Tuscany
No trip to Tuscany would be complete without a Chianti Wineries Tour with Food and Wine Tasting
Go on a Day Trip Pisa, Siena & San Gimignano w/Lunch
Explore the colorful Cinque Terre on a day trip and take countless pictures
Don’t miss a visit to the Uffizi Gallery – tickets are always sold out so book in advance
Do a Pasta and Dessert Cooking Class with Drinks or a Pizza and Gelato class at a farmhouse
Sardinia
Located halfway between the African and Italian coast, Sardinia is a gorgeous island home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. Compared to the many places in the region, Sardinia is less crowded and more welcoming to visitors. Here, you and your friends can spend your days doing many water sports activities at the beach.
If you are looking for a luxury holiday with friends, Costa Smeralda is the right place for you. Stay in a large villa by the Sardinia coast with your own concierge team. As one of the best-equipped marinas in the Mediterranean, Costa Smeralda hosts world-famous yachting events and tournaments. Check out Porto Cervo, a charming harbor lined with designer boutiques, incredible restaurants, and trendy nightclubs and bars.
Venture into the town of Alghero and visit Neptune’s Grotto. It’s a sea-level cave with dramatic lighting that enhances the stunning stalagmites and stalactites.
While in Alghero, check out Anghelu Ruju Necropolis, a collection of ancient tombs dating back to 3000 BC and one of Sardinia’s most significant archaeological sites. Discover the massive stone tower at Barumini, dating back to the bronze age, and will remind you of Stonehenge.
The Giara di Gesturi is worth checking out as well. It’s a volcanic plateau extending for about 42 km² and formed million years ago.
Where to stay in Sardinia
The best area to stay in Cagliari is in the old city center, in the Castello area. This way, you will be close to all the important tourist attractions in town, but also to the sea.
Another option when you rent a car is to stay just outside of Cagliari, close to the beach.
Choose your favorite hotel in Cagliari here, or check out 3 of my favorite accommodation options:
Relais Santa Croce is set in the Castello area, perfect for sightseeing, with a balcony that offers a stunning view over the Medieval town, but also the sea. Check it out here!
Residenze al Castello Apartments is another great apartment option, with a simple interior and design, but the perfect location and views. See more here!
Anninnìa is located close to the Spiaggia del Poetto, the poet’s beach, and it is perfect for beach lovers who want to spend some time by the sea. Check it out here!
Choose a nice hotel for your days of relaxation. Luckily, Cala Gonone has plenty of options to choose from, but here are a few options that caught my eye and you should check out:
Hotel Villa Gustui Maris is a stunning place that offers an amazing view over the Gulf of Orosei. From here, you can easily go on hikes, boat tours, diving, and plenty of other activities, or you can simply choose to stay by the pool. See more here!
Hotel Ristorante La Conchiglia offers a breathtaking sea view and will set you right next to the beach. The hotel has been recently renovated and has an interior design that blends perfectly with the sea. Check it out here!
Best things to do in Sardinia
Let yourself be charmed by the blue waters on a La Maddalena Archipelago Full-Day Boat Tour
Learn how to make local dishes in a Sardinian Home-Cooking Class and 4-Course Meal
Go on a boat tour and do some snorkeling in a Marine Protected Area, at Tavolara Island. See more about the tour!
If you land in Alghero, stop here and go on a wine and olive oil tasting at a local farm. See more here!
Nature lovers will love a tour of the Rock City of Villaputzu.
Venice
Venice is a city like no other. Located in the northern part of Italy, it has an unmistakable atmosphere that will leave you enchanted and wanting more.
With its canals, bridges, gondolas, and winding streets lined with colorful buildings, Venice is truly a sight to behold.
From exploring the Grand Canal by gondola to visiting St Mark’s Basilica or wandering around Piazza San Marco, there are so many things to do in this magical city. Whether you’re looking for culture or relaxation, Venice has something for everyone!
Where to stay in Venice
Venice neighborhoods in a nutshell
When you choose where to stay in Venice, you will want to understand first the city’s neighborhoods.
If you are traveling on a budget, you will want to stay in Venezia Mestre, a different city 10 minutes away from Venice.
Cannareggio is the area around Santa Lucia train station stretching all the way to the Rialto Bridge, a bit less crowded than the city center. It is also an area packed with restaurants, shops, squares and canals.
Castello is where you will want to stay if you like peace and quiet. There won’t be quite as many restaurants to choose from, but you will get to have a taste of the authentic Italian way of living. It is also the place to be if you are planning to go on a day trip to Murano and Burano.
San Marco and San Polo are the heart of the city, with most of the important landmarks, but also most of the crowds. As expected, these are also the most touristy and expensive places you could choose to stay in while in Venice.
Santa Croce will set you along the Canal Grande and not too far from the train station. Dorsoduro is a less explored area where you might find value for money accommodation options.
Best things to do in Venice
Go on a gondola ride on the Canal Grande
Go on a Burano and Murano Boat Tour with Glass Factory Visit and take countless pictures
Visit the Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica, two of the main tourist attractions in Venice
Go on a Prosecco Wine Tasting Tour
The Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful places in Italy. Located on the southern coast of the Sorrentine Peninsula, it offers stunning views, a temperate climate and plenty of things to do.
From exploring ancient ruins to swimming in crystal-clear waters, there’s something for everyone here. You can also enjoy delicious Mediterranean cuisine or go shopping at local markets.
The Amalfi Coast has been a popular destination for centuries, but only recently have tourists started taking advantage of its many attractions.
Read also: Should you stay in Sorrento or Positano | Naples and Amalfi Coast 7 day itinerary | Where to go wine tasting on the Amalfi Coast | The Ultimate Amalfi Coast and Puglia itinerary | Rome and Amalfi Coast itinerary – 2 perfect 10 day itineraries
Were to stay on the Amalfi Coast
Most people dream of staying in Positano for a good reason, but you can also find budget-friendly accommodation options in Sorrento or smaller villages such as Vietri sul Mare or Cetara.
Praiano is set less than 8 kilometers away from Positano, offering the same stunning location, villas and apartments with breatrhtaking views, for less.
By choosing to stay there, you will be able to spend your days in Positano, be close to boat departures for when you want to go to the islands, and you will also be close to the Fiordo di Furore.
Besth things to do on the Amalfi Coast
Day trip to Capri Island with Blue Grotto visit
Ischia and Procida boat tour (the most colorful islands, hidden gems of the Amalfi Coast)
Guided hike on the Path of Gods (stunning views and exercise)
Pompeii guided tour with an archeologist or Pompeii and Vesuvius full-day tour
Cooking Class and Farmhouse Visit With Meal
Private Sunset boat ride along the Amalfi Coast
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is an incredible collection of five charming villages perched along the rugged Italian coastline. From its colorful houses to its stunning views, this enchanting region has something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway or an adventure-filled holiday, Cinque Terre has it all! From hiking trails and boat tours to beach lounging and vineyard visits, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy in Cinque Terre.
For those wanting some more cultural immersion, the area also offers numerous galleries and museums that explore the history and culture of the Ligurian Coast.
Read also: The best place to stay in Riomaggiore for every pocket | The Complete 3-Day Cinque Terre Itinerary | The Absolute Best Place to Stay in Cinque Terre | Cinque Terre or Amalfi Coast: which one is better?
Where to stay in Cinque Terre
Riomaggiore is probably the cheapest town to stay in Cinque Terre, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t find affordable options in all the other villages.
Mostly because it is the largest village, you will have plenty of apartments and B&B’s to choose from in Riomaggiore. And as you will go further up the hill and away from the Train Station, prices might decrease.
Manarola has been considered by many as the prettiest town in Cinque Terre, in a back-to-back fight with Vernazza.
Best things to do in Cinque Terre
Go on a Cinque Terre Kayak Tour
Take the train and visit the 5 colorful villages, or hike between at least 2 of them
Go on a Vineyard & Wine Cellar Tour with Wine Tasting
Authentic Pesto cooking class in Manarola at Cinque Terre
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