14 cheap places to visit in Italy
Last updated on May 6th, 2026.
Italy is far more affordable than its reputation suggests, if you know where to go. The south (Campania, Basilicata, Sicily, Puglia, Calabria) costs much less than the north across every category: food, accommodation and daily expenses. A budget traveler can get by on €60 to €80 per day in southern Italy, the same trip could costs €100 to €140 in cities like Venice or Florence. The cheapest destinations are Naples, Palermo, Matera, Lecce and Tropea. All offer world-class culture, food and coastline at a fraction of what Rome or the Amalfi Coast charge.
When you think of the cheapest places to visit in Europe, Italy rarely tops the list – a reputation that isn't entirely undeserved.
Compared to Greece, Portugal or Croatia, Italy does cost more in its most famous destinations.
But those famous destinations aren't the whole story.
As someone who lives between northern Italy and Sicily, I can tell you that Italy has two very different price points depending on where you go.
Venice and the Amalfi Coast are expensive. Naples, Matera, Tropea and Lecce cost less. The south, and much of central Italy, has plenty to offer including its rich history and delicious cuisine.
Add to this, coastline prices that would surprise most visitors who write Italy off as beyond their budget.
In this Italy travel guide I'm sharing 14 genuinely cheap places to visit in Italy. I share real costs from someone who lives here, not estimates from someone who has visited once in peak season.
It's an ideal guide for anyone planning a trip to Italy on a budget.
How much does Italy cost per day?
One of the most common questions I get is: how much should I budget for Italy?
The honest answer is that it depends on where you go and what time of year you travel.
As someone who splits their year between northern Italy and Sicily, I can tell you that the same trip costs much different amount depending on which part of the country you're in.
Here's a realistic breakdown of what to expect.
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfortable | |
| Accommodation | €30 to €55/night (hostel dorm or basic B&B) | €70 to €120/night (good B&B or 3-star hotel) | €130 to €200+/night (boutique hotel) |
| Breakfast | €1.50 to 3 (espresso + cornetto/brioche at a local bar) | €3 to €8 (nice pasticceria) | €10 to €18 (hotel breakfast) |
| Lunch | €8 to €14 (pizza al taglio, focaccia, market food or a trattoria outside the city center) | €12 to €20 (trattoria pasta + water) | €20 to €35 (sit-down restaurant) |
| Dinner | €12 to €18 (local trattoria, house wine) | €20 to €35 (restaurant + wine) | €40 to €80+ (quality restaurant/ristorante) |
| Local transport | €1.50 to €3/day (city bus pass) | €5 to €10/day (mix of buses + occasional taxi) | €15 to €25/day (taxis, private transfers) |
| Sightseeing | €0 to €15/day (many sites free, 1 paid entry) | €15 to €30/day (2 to 3 attractions) | €30 to €60/day (guided tours, skip-the-line) |
| Daily total (south) | €55 to €80/day | €100 to €140/day | €200 to €350/day |
| Daily total (north) | €80 to €120/day | €140 to €200/day | €250 to €400+/day |
These figures are based on personal experience traveling and living in both northern Italy and Sicily, not generic estimates.
Accommodation factor
The single biggest variable is accommodation, which swings according to season and location.
A B&B in Matera in October costs a fraction of what the same quality room costs in Venice in July. Food costs are also more predictable. A sit-down pizza in Naples costs around €6 for a margherita, while the same pizza in Venice is closer to €11 to €12.
Instead, a plate of pasta at a local trattoria costs roughly €12 in the south and €16 in the north. Coffee at a neighborhood bar, not a tourist cafe, costs €1.10 in Sicily and €1.30 in my city, Vicenza.
These small differences compound quickly over a week.
Which is the cheapest Italian airport to fly into?
If you're flying from the UK, Ireland, or elsewhere in Europe, your cheapest entry point is usually one of the secondary airports. These are typically served by budget carriers rather than larger international airlines.
- Rome Ciampino (CIA): Ryanair's primary Rome base and often cheaper than Fiumicino for European routes. It's around 40 minutes from the city center by bus.
- Milan Bergamo - Orio al Serio (BGY): serves Ryanair and Wizz Air and is usually the cheapest option for northern Italy. It's 45 to 60 minutes from Milan city center by coach, which runs frequently and costs around €6.
- Bologna (BLQ): well connected to Florence (35 minutes by high-speed train), Venice (90 minutes) and Rome (2 hours). Ryanair and Wizz Air both fly here, and it's a great city in its own right for a night stop.
- Pisa (PSA): the cheapest way to Tuscany, served by Ryanair with direct trains to Florence taking just over an hour.
For travelers from the US, your cheapest transatlantic options are typically Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa. However, Newark to Venice and New York to Naples routes are starting to offer competitive pricing in shoulder season.
Want to see which airport best suits your Italy travel plans? Check my complete guide to 26 international airports in Italy for planning and transport advice.
Map: Where are the cheapest places to visit in Italy?
All 14 destinations are plotted on the map below. Use it to plan your route or see at a glance how the south compares to the center and north.
North vs. south Italy
As a general rule, southern Italy is cheaper than the north.
As someone who lives in both, I can tell you this difference is real and consistent across every category of daily spending.
Take coffee. At a neighborhood bar in Sicily, not a tourist spot, an espresso costs €1.20. In Vicenza in Veneto, northern Italy, the same coffee costs €1.30.
At first glance, it’s a marginal difference. However, it reflects a pricing structure you’ll find across food, accommodation, entrance fees and services in the south.
Price of food
The gap is most visible with food. A margherita pizza at a proper Neapolitan pizzeria in Naples costs around €6.
Order the same pizza at a sit-down restaurant in Venice and you'll likely pay €11 or more.
A plate of pasta at a local trattoria, the kind of place with no English translation, can cost about €10 in Sicily or Campania. In the north, it’s closer to €14.
Accommodation costs
Accommodation is where the north-south divide becomes most evident, though here, season matters as much as geography.
A good B&B in Matera or Palermo in low season may cost €40 to €70 per night. A comparable room in Florence during summer will rarely be under €120. The equivalent in Venice (in summer) regularly exceeds €150 to €200 for anything near St. Mark’s Square.
If your budget’s tight, the south gives you better value for the same quality of experience.
This isn't to say the north is unaffordable. It simply requires more planning, earlier booking and more deliberate choices about where you stay and eat.
Read my 'where to stay' resources for tips, hotel recommendations and best areas to choose according to travel style.
Northern Italy
- Where to stay in Venice
- Best towns to stay in Lake Como
- Where to stay in Lake Garda
- 8 best areas to stay in Milan
- Florence where to stay travel guide
- The Dolomites where to stay travel guide
Southern Italy
- 15 best places to stay in Sicily
- Best neighborhoods in Rome
- Sicily best hotels with a view
- Where to stay in Sicily with kids
- All-inclusive resorts in southern Italy
Time of year to visit
The time of year you visit Italy makes a big difference to what you'll spend, and it doesn't follow a single rule across the whole country.
For cities like Venice and Florence, traveling in winter means cheaper flights and hotels with far fewer crowds. Book the same trip in July or August and prices are considerably higher across the board.
Winter destinations work the opposite way. Visiting the Dolomites in winter is one of the most expensive times to go, given the ski season demand. Spending Christmas in Sicily, by contrast, is surprisingly affordable and one of my favorite times to be on the island.
📌 Lisa's resident tip: book tours in advance wherever possible. Skip-the-line tours not only save you from standing in long queues at major sites, they're often cheaper than buying tickets on the door.
Jump to:
14 cheap places to visit in Italy
1. Naples, Campania
The capital of the Campania region is known for many things: its rich history, its pizza and its animated people.
One of several cheap places to visit in southern Italy, Naples makes for an ideal 1, 2- or 3-day break.
We spent one day in Naples before heading on our 4-day Amalfi Coast trip and were shocked by how cheap things were.
Naples is also the gateway to the island of Capri.
Both Capri and the Amalfi Coast are more expensive destinations given their popularity. But, aside from the ferry, the views and the coastline itself cost nothing.
From Naples, day trips to Pompeii and the Vesuvius National Park are well within reach and make excellent additions to a short stay in the city.
One of the cheapest cities in Europe, Naples deserves a place on every budget traveler's list.
Cheap places to stay in Naples
Given its size and scale, you’ll find a whole range of cheap accommodation in Naples. Some to consider for the historic center (centro storico) includes:
Other cities to visit in Campania
Though undoubtedly beautiful, the region of Campania has more to offer than Positano, Sorrento , Ravello and Capri. So, if you prefer your travels a little off the beaten track, you can find plenty in Campania.
The region of Campania has far more to offer than its famous names suggest.
Positano, Sorrento (see 'one day in Sorrento'), Ravello and Capri are all beautiful, but they come with a price tag to match.
If you prefer traveling a little off the beaten track, Campania rewards you well.
Agropoli
A historic borgo surrounded by castle walls, a 17th century arched entrance and a castle with a tower.
Come here for quiet streets, genuine local life and uninterrupted views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Caserta
Home to the magnificent Reggia di Caserta (Royal Palace of Caserta) this UNESCO World Heritage Site makes a perfect day trip from Naples.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the palace belonged to the royal family of the Bourbon dynasty of Naples. Its glorious gardens were awarded the title of 'most beautiful park in Italy' in 2009.
Reggia di Caserta, Piazza Carlo di Borbone, Caserta
Paestum
Shaped by Ancient Greek and Roman ancestry, Paestum offers a fascinating window into the ancient world.
The temples that remain are considered unique examples of Magna Graecia architecture. Booking a small group tour with an archaeologist is well worth it for the context it adds to what you're seeing.
2. Palermo, Sicily
The capoluogo of Sicily, Palermo is one of several affordable Sicilian destinations on this list.
It offers striking architecture, a fascinating blend of cultural influences and a street food culture that will leave you wanting more.
It's also genuinely easy on the budget, which is good news whether you're traveling with kids in Sicily or keeping a close eye on costs.
Within walking distance
Once in the center, most of Palermo's main attractions are within walking distance of each other.
It’s something we discovered on our 2 days in Palermo and one of the reasons the city is so budget-friendly.
From Teatro Massimo, walk down Via Ruggero Settimo until you reach the spectacular Quattro Canti. The baroque square with its four near-identical façades is one of Palermo's most photographed sights and completely free.
From there, head into the Kalsa neighborhood, known as the Arab Quarter, and explore its historic churches and pretty streets at your own pace.
The main attractions that sit slightly outside the center are Palazzo dei Normanni and the Cattedrale di Palermo and Monreale.
Teatro Massimo (Massimo Theater), Piazza Verdi, Palermo
Quattro Canti, Piazza Villena, Palermo
Cattedrale di Palermo (Palermo Cathedral), Via Vittorio Emanuele, Palermo
Palazzo dei Normanni (Norman Palace), Piazza del Parlamento, 1, Palermo
For accommodation inspiration across all budgets, take a look at 20+ best hotels in Sicily with a view. It covers different hotel types around the island.
3. Noto, Sicily
My second Sicilian pick is Noto, and there are plenty of things to do in Noto that won't cost you a thing.
The centro storico is filled with monuments showcasing some of the finest Sicilian baroque architecture in the world.
Via Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the main street running through the heart of the city, is where you'll find the Cattedrale di Noto and Palazzo Ducezio. Both are spectacular from the outside and both are free.
Off the main road, Via Nicolaci is one of several streets that hosts the Infiorata di Noto. Every May, the entire street is transformed into an elaborate floral display.
If your visit coincides with the festival, don't miss seeing it.
An affordable trip
As with everywhere on this list, timing makes a real difference in Noto.
Avoiding traveling to Sicily in August not only saves money but spares you from temperatures that make sightseeing genuinely uncomfortable.
For cheap eating along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, two places are worth knowing about. Pani Cunzatu serves generous traditional Sicilian sandwiches at very reasonable prices.
Directly across the street, Putia del Coppo is no-frills dining at its best: paper cones filled with deep-fried seafood, fresh and cheap.
Pani Cunzatu, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 76
Putia del Coppo, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 105
Cheap places to stay in Noto
Noto has seen an accommodation boom given the rise in tourism in recent years.
While several boutique brands have set up shop in central Noto, they sit alongside many affordable and charming B&Bs. A few to choose from include:
4. Mazara del Vallo, Sicily
Located in the province of Trapani on Sicily's west coast, Mazara del Vallo was one of several towns we visited on our Sicily road trip.
Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and less than 200km from the Tunisian coast, it's one of the most culturally distinct towns on the island.
Mazara del Vallo is best known for its fishing industry, one of the most important in Italy. But it's the town's history that makes it worth a stop.
Arab influences
The Arabs occupied Mazara del Vallo in 827AD, dividing the town into three administrative regions.
That legacy is still visible today in the architectural mix of Mediterranean and Arabic styles that gives the town its distinctive character.
One of those regions, the Casbah, sits at the heart of the old Arab quarter.
The homes here are colorful and densely packed, reflecting the town's ancestral past in a way that feels genuinely different from anywhere else in Sicily.
From the Casbah, head to Piazza della Repubblica for a complete change of style.
At its center is the Cattedrale del Santissimo Salvatore, built during Norman rule. The tapestry of frescoes on the ceiling is so striking, it’ll leave you with a sore neck from staring upward.
Cattedrale del Santissimo Salvatore (Cathedral of the Holy Savior), Piazza della Repubblica, Mazara del Vallo
Looking for more Sicily inspiration to plan your trip? My guide to the 27 most beautiful places in Sicily is a perfect starting point.
🎥 Watch: affordable places to visit in Italy
5. Matera, Basilicata
Staying in the south, we arrive at the unique city of Matera.
The city is best known for the Sassi di Matera, a complex of cave houses carved into the mountainside that's unlike anything else in Italy.
Many families lived in these homes until the entire sassi was evacuated in 1952 due to poor living conditions.
Today the complex houses museums including the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, where original antique furniture and handcrafted tools give a vivid picture of how life once looked inside the caves.
Matera also makes an ideal base for exploring the surrounding region.
Nearby, is the Parco Regionale della Murgia Materana. The archaeological site and natural park is filled with churches carved directly into caves and cliffsides. It’s rare, haunting and completely worth the detour.
Sassi di Matera
Parco Regionale della Murgia Materana (Regional Nature Park of the Murgia of Matera)
Affordable places to stay in Matera
Tourism has brought Matera firmly onto the international radar, but the city remains genuinely affordable.
Charming B&Bs sit alongside boutique hotels and more comfortable options with pools, covering a wide range of budgets.
As with everywhere on this list, timing matters. Visit in spring or autumn and you'll find lower prices, smaller crowds and far more comfortable temperatures. Visit in summer and expect the opposite on all three counts.
The following are worth considering if looking for cheap places to stay in the center of Matera.
6. Reggio Calabria, Calabria
Calabria is one of the most overlooked regions in Italy, which is precisely what makes it worth considering for a budget trip.
With coastal cities, charming towns and historical sights, it offers genuine rewards for travelers willing to go a little further south than the well-worn tourist trail.
Reggio Calabria is a good example of what the region does well.
A pretty lungomare runs along the seafront leading to beaches and open sea views with very few tourists in sight.
Across the Strait of Messina, Sicily is clearly visible on a fine day. The ferry crossing takes under half an hour if you want to add a quick trip across.
Beyond the promenade, Reggio Calabria has genuine cultural depth worth exploring.
The National Archaeological Museum holds one of the most important collections of ancient Greek and Roman artefacts in southern Italy. It includes the famous Riace Bronzes life-size Greek warrior statues.
Recovered from the seabed in 1972, they’re considered among the finest examples of ancient Greek sculpture in existence.
Nearby, the Museo del Bergamotto e del Cibo tells the story of bergamot. This citrus fruit grows almost exclusively in this corner of Calabria and gives Earl Grey tea its distinctive flavor.
Booking ahead is advised for both museums.
Museo Archeologico di Reggio Calabria (National Archaeological Museum), Piazza Giuseppe De Nava, 26, Reggio Calabria
Museo del Bergamotto e del Cibo (Museum of Bergamot and food), Via dei Filippini, 50, Reggio Calabria
Beach towns in Calabria
Calabria has no shortage of pretty coastal towns. However, it's worth knowing that many beaches on the eastern Ionian coast tend to be pebbly rather than sandy.
If you're after sand, the towns below are the ones to note. Accommodation prices vary significantly by season, so factor that in when planning your visit.
- Santa Maria
- Capo Vaticano
- Torre Marino
- Santa Domenica
- Tropea
- Vibo Marina
7. Tropea, Calabria
If you've ever seen photographs of a clifftop town perched above impossibly turquoise water in Italy, that's Tropea.
One of Italy's best-kept budget secrets, many assume that it’s expensive.
Located on the Calabrian coast, Tropea has the kind of scenery that would cost a fortune in Positano or Capri.
The centro storico sits on a dramatic promontory above the Tyrrhenian Sea. On a clear day, you can see views across to the Aeolian Islands. Better yet, you can book a day trip by boat from Tropea to the islands.
Below it, the beach, Spiaggia di Tropea, is rated among the most beautiful in Italy and it’s free to access.
Food reflects the Calabrian tradition of bold, simple flavors. The local red onion (cipolla rossa di Tropea) has protected DOP status and appears in everything from bruschetta to gelato.
A full sit-down meal in Tropea can typically cost between €15 to 20 per person. Granted, it depends on the establishment and dishes. Fresh seafood will naturally cost more.
Getting there requires taking a train to Lamezia Terme or Vibo Valentia and a regional connection. But the journey is straightforward and it’s worth the effort to pay the lower prices.
Cheap places to stay in Tropea
Look for B&Bs and agriturismi (farm stays) in the surrounding hills. They're typically cheaper than in-town hotels and often include breakfast.
Accommodation outside peak months (July, August) could range from €50 to €70 per night for a nice double room.
Affordable Tropea hotels to consider booking include:
8. Lecce, Puglia
A fun and vibrant city teeming with beautiful baroque architecture, I never turn down the chance to visit Lecce.
Called the 'Florence of the south', the baroque city in the heel of Italy's boot is one of the most affordable, and beautiful.
Lecce is built almost entirely from a golden limestone called pietra leccese, which gives the entire city a glow in afternoon light.
Many of Lecce's main attractions are within walking distance of the other, and they’re also 100% free. A prime example of this are the churches in Lecce.
Its most notable is its cathedral, Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e San Oronzo. The ancient cathedral houses several chapels, has a detailed façade and a bell tower. Just 7 minutes' walk away is the Basilica di Santa Croce.
Its churches, piazzas and palazzos are elaborately decorated in the local baroque style. More theatrical and exuberant than anything you'll find further north, they’re nearly all free to view from the outside. The Basilica di Santa Croce alone is worth the journey.
More theatrical and exuberant than anything you'll find further north, it alone is worth the journey to Lecce. Both are free to enter, as are the majority of churches across Italy.
Be mindful that many churches may be closed to visitors during mass.
Other unmissable sights in Lecce include Teatro Romano. The Roman theater dates to the Augustan period, and has a museum adjacent that exhibits artifacts found on site. Similar to the amphitheater in Syracuse, Sicily, but on a smaller scale, it’s one attraction you won’t want to miss.
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e San Oronzo (Lecce Cathedral), Piazza del Duomo, Lecce
Basilica di Santa Croce (Basilica of Santa Croce), Via Umberto I, 1, Lecce
Teatro Romano, Via Del Teatro Romano, Lecce
Good for tight budgets
What makes Lecce special for budget travelers is that the beauty is in the streets themselves.
You're not paying to see things here. You're paying to eat, drink and sleep, and all are much cheaper than in comparable cultural destinations in the north.
A coffee at a local bar costs around €1. Add €1.50 to pair it with a pasticciotto (a traditional shortcrust shell pastry). Lunch at a neighborhood trattoria shouldn’t exceed €15.
Lecce is also a natural base for exploring the broader Salento peninsula, including the beaches of the Adriatic and Ionian coasts. With some of the clearest water in Italy, they’re accessible by local bus or a short rental car journey.
Budget-friendly hotels in Lecce
B&Bs in the historic center start from around €60 to €80 per night in shoulder season.
My husband and I stayed in a traditional B&B in central Lecce and paid €90 for one night in August. It was nothing fancy, but it was bang in the center and had everything we needed.
Some affordable Lecce hotels you might want to consider booking include:
9. Ancona, Le Marche
If you're looking for a beach destination in Italy without the Capri price tag, Ancona is worth serious consideration.
Le Marche's capital sits on the Adriatic coast with more than 10 sandy beaches within easy reach. What’s more, almost every one of its historic monuments is free to enter. Some of the most popular beaches include:
- Spiaggia del Passetto
- Spiaggia dei Gabbiani
- Spiaggia di Numana Alta
- Spiaggia dei Forni
- Spiaggia di San Michele
- Spiaggia delle Due Sorelle
- Spiaggia Mezzavalle
**spiaggia = beach
Ancona and more
The city's cathedral, Cattedrale di San Ciriaco, commands the best position in Ancona. Sitting high on a hilltop, it’s surrounded by granite lions with the sea stretching out below.
Dating to the 6th century, it was built on the foundations of a 3rd century BC Ancient Greek temple. The remains of the original mosaic flooring and perimeter walls are still visible today.
Impressively, the remains of the mosaic flooring and the perimeter walls from the first building are still visible today.
Also worth seeking out is the Fontana del Calamo. The striking fountain features the heads of 13 mythical figures from which water once flowed.
Opposite the harbor stand two triumphal arches side by side. The Arco di Traiano, was built between 115 and 166AD with Corinthian columns in honor of the Roman emperor Trajan. Arco Clementino was erected in honor of Pope Clement XII in the 18th century.
Together they make for one of the more unusual pairings of ancient and baroque architecture in Italy.
Cattedrale di San Ciriaco (St Ciriaco Cathedral), Piazzale del Duomo, 9, Ancona
Arco di Traiano (Arch of Trajan), Lungomare Vanvitelli, Ancona
Arco Clementino (Clemenine Arch), Lungomare Vanvitelli, Ancona
Affordable places to stay in Ancona
For accommodation, you're well served in the center of Ancona across a range of budgets.
Hotels closer to the beaches naturally charge more for the location. But most central options are around a 10-minute drive from the nearest beach, which is a reasonable trade-off when traveling on a budget.
10. Pesaro, Le Marche
Pesaro is less famous than its Adriatic neighbors, Rimini and Ancona.
But, as one of Italy's most underrated seaside towns, Pesaro has plenty to offer.
It boasts a long sandy beach, walkable historic center and an archaeological museum with an impressive Della Robbia ceramics collection.
Add to this unpretentious, and reasonable, seafood restaurants that are becoming harder to find on the more famous Adriatic coast.
In August, Pesaro hosts the Rossini Opera Festival. The birthplace of composer Gioachino Rossini, the world-class festival draws fans from across Italy and abroad.
The rest of the year, Pesaro moves at a pace and price point that rewards travelers willing to look beyond the obvious.
Le Marche as a region is consistently one of Italy's best-value destinations.
Prices across accommodation, food and activities are lower than in Tuscany or Veneto plus the crowds are far fewer.
Choosing Pesaro places you perfectly for day trips into the Marche interior.
Urbino, a perfectly preserved Renaissance city is 40 minutes inland, and the Frasassi Caves will easily take up a morning.
Cheap places to stay in Pesaro
Seafront hotels that would cost €150+ a night in Rimini regularly come in at €70 to €90 in Pesaro during shoulder season.
The town also has a good range of B&Bs and self-catering apartments for longer stays. Hotels that I'd personally stay in Pesaro include:
11. Urbino, Le Marche
One of the most important centers of the Italian Renaissance, Urbino punches well above its size.
The historic center was awarded UNESCO status in 1998. Walking through Urbino feels like stepping into a perfectly preserved 15th century city that the rest of the world hasn't quite discovered yet.
The town’s main attractions include Palazzo Ducale di Urbino, which houses the National Gallery of Marche and Fortezza Albornoz.
The impressive hilltop fort offers panoramic views across Urbino's rooftops and surrounding countryside. Both are worth your time.
Urbino is also the birthplace of Raphael, one of the great masters of the Renaissance. The house where he was born is open to visitors.
For a UNESCO city of its significance, prices here are refreshingly low.
Historic churches are free to visit throughout, including Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta. Built in a neoclassical style, it replaced an earlier cathedral destroyed by an earthquake in 1789. Today, it remains one of the most graceful buildings in Le Marche.
Palazzo Ducale di Urbino (Urbino Palace), Piazza Rinascimento, 13, Urbino
Fortezza Albornoz (Albornoz Fort), Viale Bruno Buozzi, Urbino
Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta (Urbino Cathedral), Via Puccinotti, 29, Urbino
12. Spello, Umbria
Take me to any historic borgo in Umbria and watch my face light up.
Spello is one of the finest. Located in the east of the region, you enter the picturesque small town through a series of ancient gateways.
The most notable is the Porta di Venere, an imposing Roman doorway flanked by two Romanesque towers. The walls surrounding the town date to the time of Emperor Augustus and are among the most intact Roman walls in Italy.
Like Noto, Spello hosts an annual floral festival, the Infiorate di Spello, every June. The entire village is carpeted in elaborate floral displays that transform the streets into an open-air gallery for the weekend.
What makes Spello particularly special for budget travelers is that its greatest pleasure is simply exploring. The winding streets, flower-covered houses and sweeping Umbrian views cost nothing.
Similar to Montemerano in Tuscany, getting happily lost here is the entire point.
13. Assisi, Umbria
Many visitors come to Assisi for one reason: the Basilica di San Francesco d'Assisi.
The imposing Gothic church spreads across two levels and was built in honor of St. Francis, the patron saint of Italy, who was born here.
Inside, are 13th century frescoes depicting the life of St. Francis. Attributed to Italian masters Giotto and Cimabue, they’re considered among the most important works of medieval art in existence.
Assisi remains an active place of pilgrimage, and the atmosphere reflects that.
It has a quiet, contemplative quality that sets it apart from busier Italian destinations, and it's all the more affecting for it.
Basilica di San Francesco d’Assisi (Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi), Piazza Inferiore di S. Francesco, 2, Assisi
Free to explore
Assisi is home to more than 16 Catholic churches, each free to enter. Along with the basilica, other notable churches in Assisi include:
- Chiesa di Santa margherita
- Chiesa di Santo Stefano
- San Giacomo de Muro Rotto
- Chiesa Abbazi di San Pietro
- Chiesa Superiore
- Chiesa Santa Maria Maggiore
Cheap places to stay in Assisi
Assisi has a good range of budget-friendly accommodation for those who want to stay overnight.
They include religious guesthouses run by local monastic communities, which are among the most affordable and atmospheric places to sleep in Umbria. Some of my favorites include:
14. L'Aquila, Abruzzo
Abruzzo is a region that rewards curiosity.
Its Adriatic coastline offers some of the best beaches in central Italy. Inland, its towns carry centuries of history that most visitors never make it far enough to discover.
The capital, L'Aquila, is one such inland town.
Sitting at 721m (2,365ft), its medieval historic center sits within ancient walls that have been carefully maintained. This is in spite of the devastating earthquake the city suffered in 2009.
Walking through it today is a testament to what patient, considered restoration can achieve.
At the heart of the city is Piazza Duomo, home to two of L'Aquila's most striking churches.
The Cattedrale di San Massimo sits diagonally opposite the Chiesa di Santa Maria del Suffragio. The square between them is one of the most photographed spaces in Abruzzo.
Beyond the piazza, two more sights are worth making time for. The Fontana delle 99 Cannelle is a medieval fountain with 99 spouts flowing from the faces of historical figures carved in stone. It’s L’Aquila's most iconic landmark.
If the fountain in Ancona caught your attention earlier, this one takes the same idea but scales it up considerably.
Nearby, the Museo Nazionale d'Abruzzo is one of the finest regional museums in central Italy.
2026 is a particularly special year to visit. L'Aquila has been designated the Italian Capital of Culture, with over 300 events running throughout the year, making it one of the best destination dupes in Italy right now.
Cattedrale di San Massimo – Duomo dell’Aquila, Piazza Duomo
Chiesa di Santa Maria del Suffragio, Piazza Duomo, 43, L'Aquila
Fontana delle 99 Cannelle (Fountain of 99 spouts), Piazza San Vito, L'Aquila
Museo Nazionale d’Abruzzo (National Museum of Abruzzo), Via Tancredi da Pentima, L'Aquila
The cheapest ways to get around Italy
Transport is one area where smart choices make a significant difference to your overall budget. Here's what really works.
Booking trains early
is the cheapest way to travel between major cities. Trenitalia and Italo both release their lowest fares 90 to 120 days before departure. Booking a Rome to Florence high-speed (Frecciarossa) ticket booked three months out can cost as little as €15 to 20.
The same journey bought the morning of departure regularly costs €60 to 80. Regional trains between smaller cities have fixed prices and you can buy them on the day with no penalty.
FlixBus
This service is cheaper than trains for many routes and has expanded significantly across Italy.
Rome to Naples can cost as little as €5 to 8 booked in advance, compared to €20 to 30 on the train. The trade-off is journey time: buses take longer, particularly in traffic around major cities.
Car rental
Hiring a car is worth considering only if you're planning on exploring rural, hard-to-reach parts of Italy. This includes places in the south, like Basilicata, inland Sicily, Calabria or the Cilento coast, where public transport is limited.
In cities and between popular tourist destinations, a car is more expensive, and inconvenient, than the train. Factor in ZTL restricted zones in historic centers, which can result in fines of €100+ if you drive into them unknowingly.
For more on navigating Italy's train network, see my complete guide to Taking trains in Italy. It covers a whole range of topics including how to book tickets and what the different fare types mean.
FAQs about budget travel in Italy
Italy has a reputation for being expensive that doesn't always match reality, particularly if you travel in the south. In cities like Naples, Palermo and Matera, you can eat well, stay comfortably and visit attractions on €70 to 90 per day. In Venice, Florence or the Amalfi Coast, the same daily budget feels tighter. The short answer: Italy is as expensive as where you choose to go and when you choose to go there.
Naples consistently ranks as the cheapest city in Italy for visitors. Food costs lower than almost anywhere else in the country. A margherita pizza at a proper Neapolitan pizzeria costs around €6. Palermo is similarly affordable. For sheer value-to-experience ratio, choose Matera or Lecce. Both are UNESCO-listed, beautiful and a fraction of the cost of the more famous northern cities.
November is typically the cheapest month for flights and accommodation across most of Italy. January and February are equally affordable but colder. If weather matters to you, October offers the best balance. It’s warm enough, cheaper than summer and without the peak-season crowds. Avoid August if budget is a priority. It's the most expensive month and the busiest, particularly at coastal destinations.
In southern Italy, a realistic budget traveler can get by on €60 to 80 per day covering accommodation, food and transport. A mid-range traveler staying in a good B&B and eating at trattorias should budget €100 to 140. In northern Italy and major tourist cities, add roughly €30 to 50 per day across all categories. Accommodation is the biggest variable. Booking 2 to 3 months in advance and traveling in shoulder season (April, May, October) greatly reduces costs.
Trains booked 90 to 120 days in advance are the cheapest option between big cities. Fares can range from €15 to 20 for routes that cost €60 to 80 on the day. FlixBus is even cheaper for some routes but takes longer. Regional trains between smaller towns have fixed prices and tickets can be bought on the day with no price penalty. Avoid renting a car in cities. ZTL restricted zones can result in fines of €100 or more if you drive into them without a permit.
What do you think of this guide of cheap places to visit in Italy? Are there any that you've added to your list? Let me know in the comments.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
Written by Lisa Rivera: Italy traveler and resident for 10+ years. First-hand researched for 2026.
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Naples, for instance, is a hidden gem with its rich history, delectable pizza, and vibrant atmosphere. It serves as an excellent base to explore nearby wonders like Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast, making it a budget traveler's paradise.
Sicily, especially Palermo, is another fantastic choice. Its captivating architecture, diverse cultural influences, and mouthwatering street food indeed make it an enticing destination. And Sicily, in general, offers excellent value for travelers.
I agree, we had a great time in Naples and Palermo.
🙋 Lisa. Can you recommend any safe places to sleep while being a tourist in Palermo? Greetings Linda
Hi Linda, we stayed at the Grand Hotel Wagner. It is a classic hotel and right in the center of Palermo. I have written about our experience here. https://www.followingtherivera.com/2019/08/26/palermo-things-to-do-in-2-days
Hotel Wagner is fabulous we stayed there when we were in Palermo .
Great article . Well done ! Can't wait to visit !
Thank you, I hope you do visit one day
Sign me up for one of the beach towns!! So beautiful
You're signed up!
This was a beautifully curated list. I also love that you included affordable places to stay during the visit. Thanks for sharing. P.s. Your photos are amazing!
Thank you Kimberly! I want to show budget-friendly places in Italy to visit 🙂
This is a super helpful and informative post! Thanks for sharing!
You are welcome 🙂
We found Soriano nel Cimino inexpensive, too. But this is a good guide. Sicily definitely!
Thanks Carol, that's a good tip!
Beautiful photos! Your are right, when thinking of cheap places to visit, Italy is not what I would think. But like in any country, if you go outside the big cities things will get cheaper. And as you said, the season definitely matters. These were great suggestions, I will save these for my future travels.
Thank you Paula. Like many western countries, you can visit on a budget, but I wanted to show affordable places for budget travelers 🙂
Great list of places to visit in Italy. I haven't been to many of them yet. I don't know if they are cheap, but the time of the year significantly impacts prices. Indeed, out of season, it is definitely more affordable. I would love to see Naples because I haven't had a chance to see the Campania region yet. Recently I was in Matera. I spent three days in this town, and it totally charmed me. Remarkable history, architecture, and food. I agree that Lecce is worth visiting as well. Lecce's main attractions for sure are within walking distance of the other, and they're also free. Urbino is also on my list of dream cities as its historical center was awarded UNESCO status in 1998.
Thanks Agnes, I'm glad you enjoyed it. For a history lover, you will really enjoy Naples, Lecce and Urbino.
An interesting list. Apart from some really extreme places like the Florian on Saint Mark's Square I don't find Italy particularly expensive. Also, since flights within Europe are so cheap, this factor is already out of the way, and public transportation is very reasonably priced there, too. As a matter of fact, I would not search for cheap places when visiting Italy, however, Matera is high on my list - for the beauty, not the price 😉
I understand what you mean, but for non-Europeans, Italy can be expensive. Matera is very interesting
This is cool! I've been to 4 cities in Italy but none of these that you've listed. I should really plan another trip to Italy to a few of these towns! Naples is high up on my wishlist. For the history buff in me, the Agropoli & Caserta are absolutely perfect. Good to know that Palermo is good even to visit with kids, coz I'd be taking my gal, for sure. Asisi has actually been in my wishlist since my school days!!! Hopefully I'll make it there!
Thank you Bhusha! Yes, there are so many historical places to visit here. Palermo is really great for families!
This is quite a list! The city of Matera seems fascinating and intriguing with its caves and cliffs. I’m an enthusiast for historical architecture so I appreciate Ancona and Urbino. I always equate Italy with luxury and opulence and so I’m glad with these wonderful experiences that are not expensive at all.
Yes I promise you can do Italy on a budget. Even the more popular spots have budget accommodation, but these places are cheaper for most things not just hotels 🙂
We have been to different places in Europe during March/April and it's noticeably cheaper and less crowded. It's also cold in some places, lol. That's okay though, fair trade off.
March is still cool in many places here, even in the south of Italy. It's why May is my favourite time to travel here 🙂
Italy is one of my dream countries to visit someday.
Good to know
It was great to start this post reminding me that time of year mattered for the cost in different areas. We are currently thinking about where we want to go in the fall and winter so this was helpful to see if there was a cheaper spot to plan. Since both Sicily and Puglia are on our “possible” list, it was good to see them on your list of more budget friendly places in Italy. It was a bit strange to see L’Aquila on the list. When we last visited it was still in quite a state of damage from the earthquake. Good to know we need to go back since we had trouble getting into the heart of the town. Saving this post!
The south is typically cheaper than here in the north. Signs of the earthquake are still there, but L'Aquila is charming nonetheless and probably more affordable because of this.
I confess I would rather pay the extra bit to explore Italy during the summer months in fact my dream is to spend a summer abroad and travel through as many places as I can. It's such a beautiful place and for me it would be a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience.
I understand that and fully support your idea 😀 This is for those on a tight budget that dream of visiting but are put off 🙂
There are so many lovely places to visit in Italy. It's somewhere I'd love to go and explore but without the children. It's great to hear there are a range of budget hotels to help keep costs down.
I totally understand that! There are budget hotels across the country and some very comfortable too!
I would love to Naples and see Mount Vesvius. Glad to hear it's one of the cheaper places in Italy
Yes, especially compared to the north!
We absolutely love Italy and want to go back and explore more. Out of this list I've only ever done Naples before, then it's the big ones like Rome and Venice I've been to, and Ischia which is beautiful x
I'm glad you've enjoyed your travels here 🙂
I love Italy. I can't wait to go back. Traveling can be expensive. These tips will help people make their dream vacation more affordable.
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed this post
This has given me so many ideas, we are even considering being in sicily for christmas (maybe palmero?) because we are there for 5 days over new year. Or we may go to Reggio Calabria instead and get the ferry over for when we need to, it looks stunning.
I'm happy to help Nicole! Christmas in Sicily would be cool and you really won't have the crowds 😀
These are all places that I still have on my Italy bucketlist! So I was happy to see these as recommended places to go. And who doesn't love to save a little money while travelling?! I especially want to go to Matera for the cave houses, Umbria, known as being the cheaper version of Tuscany and Puglia. Sicily hasn't been on my radar, but know I will get there some day.
Umbria is much more cheaper than Toscana and just as pretty! I hope you make it to Sicily, it's an incredible island!
What fantastic information! I am on the same page where I thought it would be almost impossible to visit Italy due to the cost of everything.
I promise it is possible to visit and on a budget!
You've uncovered quite a few places around the country that I would love to visit and a plus since they are more affordable. I think the next time I visit Italy would be to explore the southern parts like Sicily and Puglia areas which I have never been to and they both look so different from each other and I'm sure the food scene down there is really an amazing culinary experience worth traveling for on its own.
The south has so many great places to visit and in my experience, it's much cheaper than in the north. And the food in the south is incredible!
I have always wanted to visit Italy. It's such a gorgeous country. I think an extended trip to visit all of these places would be amazing.
I really hope you visit one day Beth, there's a lot to see here!
omg take me to Italy nowwww...I've been a few times, I love it. I've never been to the south, next trip I hope.
I really hope so too
I've only been to Rome in Italy but I would love to visit more of the country! It's so pretty and there seems like to much to do!
There are really more places to see!
Wow - I love all these off-the-beaten-path, affordable options in Italy! I think my favorite might be Ancona, Le Marche. I really enjoyed the Amalfi Coast on my last trip, but I really didn't get the chance to explore the eastern coast of Italy. With so many beautiful beaches in Ancona, it's an east coast destination that tops my list. I'd love to visit the Arabic Quarter in Mazara del Vallo, too. I feel like this chapter in European history is often overlooked or worse, has been wiped out altogether. That makes it especially intriguing and worth the visit!
Ancona is a great, and affordable, choice Jackie! The beaches there are pretty and the prices are reasonable 😀
With everything feeling SO expensive these days this was such a useful guide which I'll be coming back to. It really does seem that the South has a lot of relatively cheaper options than the North.
Thank you Talya, this is why I wanted to write this post, there are many places to see and on a budget 😀
We are going on holiday to Umbria in September and can not wait, will be going to visit Assisi while we are therre
Perfect! I know you will enjoy Assisi and Umbria 😀