A summer vacation in Italy is often associated with luxury and high-end resorts, making it seem out of reach for budget-conscious travelers. Nevertheless, there are many affordable summer vacation spots in Italy that offer a chance to experience the country's stunning scenery, rich culture, and gastronomy without overspending. From the magnificent beaches of Puglia and Sicily to the historical towns of Tuscany and Umbria, Italy has a plethora of reasonably-priced destinations suitable for a memorable summer getaway.
In this article, readers can find some of the most affordable summer vacation destinations in Italy that guarantee an unforgettable experience at a fraction of the cost. In all the below regions and towns, affordable lodging options, including hostels, bed and breakfasts, and rental apartments, are available to visitors (especially when they book in advance), and they can indulge in low-cost local cuisine at small, family-owned restaurants and cafés.
10 Puglia
Situated in southern Italy, Puglia is a region that forms the heel of the Italian boot. The region is renowned for its breathtaking coastline, picturesque towns, and delectable cuisine. Puglia boasts a rich cultural heritage, with a plethora of historic landmarks such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site Castel del Monte and the unique architectural marvels in the charming towns of Alberobello and Ostuni. Puglia is also famous for its beautiful beaches, including the long stretch of white sand at Porto Cesareo and the crystal-clear waters of the Gargano Peninsula. Plus, when everything is booked in advance, this part of the country is one of the most affordable places to visit in Italy.
The region's cuisine is based on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and features dishes such as orecchiette pasta, grilled fish, and creamy burrata cheese. Tasting delicious cuisine may be one of the best things to do in Italy in summer when all the seasonal produce is available, thanks to the warm weather and glorious sunshine.
- Highlights: breathtaking coastline, picturesque towns, and delectable cuisine
9 Sicily
Located at the southern tip of Italy, Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, characterized by diverse landscapes ranging from stunning beaches to rolling hills and active volcanoes. Its history dates back to prehistoric times, with the island being ruled by the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and Spanish, giving it a unique cultural heritage. Naturally, visitors can spend a fortune here; however, when booked in advance (and choosing low-cost lodging), Sicily can be one of the budget destinations in Italy.
The island is still a very popular tourist destination, with millions of visitors each year, and is home to historic landmarks such as the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the Greek Theatre in Taormina, and the Cathedral of Palermo. Sicilian cuisine is also famous, with fresh seafood, citrus fruits, and olives forming the basis of dishes such as arancini, pasta alla Norma, and cannoli. Trying these delicious dishes will get travelers started on their culinary journey of the country, as will taking some of the best culinary tours in Italy, of course.
- Highlights: stunning beaches, rolling hills, active volcanoes, Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the Greek Theatre in Taormina, the Cathedral of Palermo
8 Calabria
Situated in the southernmost part of Italy and bordered by the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas, Calabria is renowned for its striking coastline, rugged mountains, and picturesque national parks. The region has a fascinating history with evidence of human settlements that date back to prehistoric times. Over the years, Calabria has been influenced by several civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Normans, and Spanish.
Visitors to Calabria can explore charming towns and villages like Tropea, Pizzo, and Scilla, which provide insights into the region's rich heritage and culture. The cuisine of Calabria is centered around fresh, locally sourced ingredients such as seafood, meat, vegetables, and fruit. 'Nduja (a spicy spreadable salami), Caciocavallo cheese, and sardella (a spicy anchovy-based spread) are among the popular Calabrian dishes. Calabria may be one of the must-see natural wonders in Italy to see beyond Rome.
- Highlights: striking coastline, rugged mountains, picturesque national parks, delicious cuisine
7 Abruzzo
Located in central Italy, Abruzzo is a region known for its breathtaking mountain landscapes, hilltop towns, and national parks. The region is positioned between the Adriatic Sea to the east and the Apennine Mountains to the west. With a rich history dating back to ancient times, Abruzzo boasts numerous archaeological sites and cultural landmarks, yet it's also among the cheapest places to visit in in Italy (again, especially when vacations here are booked in advance).
The region is home to several national parks, including Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park, Majella National Park, and Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park. These parks offer visitors the opportunity to explore the region's stunning natural scenery, including snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests. Abruzzo's picturesque hilltop towns, such as Pescocostanzo, Sulmona, and Scanno, feature narrow streets, stone houses, and local festivals, providing visitors with a glimpse into traditional Italian life. Abruzzo is not just worth visiting in summer, but it's also one of the best springtime vacation spots in Italy.
- Highlights: Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park, Majella National Park, and Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park
6 Umbria
Located in central Italy, Umbria is renowned for its undulating hills, striking medieval towns, and remarkable cultural heritage. The region lies between Tuscany to the west and the Marche region to the east and boasts a rich history with traces of human settlements dating back to prehistoric times.
Umbria is among the many budget-friendly destinations in Italy and features numerous captivating medieval towns, including Assisi, Orvieto, and Spoleto, where visitors can discover the region's fascinating history and cultural heritage. The area is also well-known for its stunning natural scenery, such as the Cascata delle Marmore waterfall, Lake Trasimeno, and the Monti Sibillini National Park, which are just a few of the best things to see in Umbria.
- Highlights: undulating hills, striking medieval towns, and remarkable cultural heritage, Cascata delle Marmore waterfall, Lake Trasimeno, and the Monti Sibillini National Park
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5 Molise
Located in southern Italy and bordered by the Adriatic Sea to the east and the Apennine Mountains to the west, Molise may be small in size, but it has a rich history and cultural heritage that dates back to prehistoric times. Molise was once part of the powerful Samnite civilization and was later ruled by the Romans, Byzantines, Normans, and Spanish.
Molise is home to several charming hilltop towns, including Campobasso, Isernia, and Termoli, where visitors can experience traditional Italian life with their narrow winding streets, ancient stone houses, and local festivals. The region also boasts stunning natural landscapes, such as the Matese Mountains, Lake Guardialfiera, and the unspoiled beaches of the Adriatic Coast.
- Highlights: charming hilltop towns, Matese Mountains, Lake Guardialfiera, and the unspoiled beaches
4 Emilia-Romagna
Emilia-Romagna, situated in the northern part of Italy, is surrounded by Lombardy to the north, Veneto to the east, Tuscany to the south, and Liguria to the west. This region boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage, with archeological sites dating back to ancient times.
The region is home to several dynamic cities, including Bologna, which is the capital of the region and boasts the oldest university in Europe, as well as several historic landmarks, such as the Two Towers and the Basilica di San Petronio.
- Highlights: historic landmarks, such as the Two Towers and the Basilica di San Petronio
Modena is another notable city nearby, renowned for its automotive industry and its historic center. Ravenna is also a famous city in Emilia-Romagna, with well-preserved Byzantine mosaics as its main attraction.
3 Veneto
Veneto is a region in the northeast of Italy, sharing borders with Lombardy to the west, the Dolomite Mountains to the north, and the Adriatic Sea to the east. With a rich cultural heritage that dates back to ancient times, the region boasts Venice as its capital city, known for its romantic canals, historic architecture, and artistic heritage.
Besides the region's capital of Venice (which isn't exactly one of the cheapest places in Italy to visit), Veneto is home to several other noteworthy cities, including Verona, Padua, and Vicenza, each with its unique charm and cultural heritage. Verona is famous for its ancient Roman Arena, which stages world-class opera performances, as well as for its association with Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Padua is known for its prestigious university, historic botanical gardens, and frescoed Scrovegni Chapel, while Vicenza is renowned for its elegant Palladian architecture, exemplified by the UNESCO-listed Villa Rotonda.
- Highlights: romantic canals, historic architecture, and artistic heritage, world-class opera performances, botanical gardens, Scrovegni Chapel, UNESCO-listed Villa Rotonda
2 Liguria
Located in the northwestern part of Italy and bordering France to the west, Liguria is renowned for its stunning coastline, rugged mountain ranges, and quaint towns. The regional capital of Liguria is Genoa, a historic port city that boasts a rich cultural heritage and several landmarks, including the Genoa Cathedral and the Palazzo Reale.
In addition to Genoa, the region is home to other notable towns and resorts, including the vibrant Cinque Terre villages, which have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the picturesque seaside town of Portofino, famous for its charming harbor.
- Highlights: stunning coastline, rugged mountain ranges, quaint towns, rich cultural heritage, and several landmarks, including the Genoa Cathedral and the Palazzo Reale
1 Marche
Marche, situated in central Italy, is surrounded by Emilia-Romagna and the Republic of San Marino to the north, Tuscany to the west, Umbria and Lazio to the south, and the Adriatic Sea to the east. Its picturesque rolling hills, rugged mountain ranges, and scenic coastline make it a popular destination for tourists.
Marche has a rich history and cultural heritage that dates back to ancient times. Plus, when booked early, this area is one of the most affordable vacation destinations in Italy.
- Highlights: picturesque rolling hills, rugged mountain ranges, and scenic coastline