How to Choose Where to Stay in Italy: Pick the Perfect Base for Your Trip
Not sure where to stay in Italy? Learn how to choose the perfect destination based on your travel style, budget, transportation, and the experiences you want to have.
6/29/20266 min read
(Photo on main page is of Bosa, Sardinia. Photo Above is of Terrace La Pergola in Sorrento, Italy)
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One of the biggest mistakes people make when planning a trip to Italy isn't booking the wrong hotel; it's choosing the wrong location.
Italy isn't a country you can "see in a week." Every region has its own personality, food, landscapes, traditions, and pace of life. Staying in the right place can completely change your experience.
I've been fortunate enough to travel throughout Italy, and after buying an apartment in Calabria, I've learned that where you stay matters just as much as what you plan to see.
If you're trying to decide where to base yourself, here are the things I always recommend thinking about before you book.
First, Decide What Kind of Italy You Want
When someone tells me they're visiting Italy, my first question is always:
"What kind of trip are you hoping to have?"
There isn't one perfect place because everyone's dream vacation looks a little different.
Maybe you picture yourself sipping wine in the Tuscan countryside.
Maybe you're dreaming of colorful fishing villages on the coast.
Or maybe your idea of heaven is wandering tiny medieval streets where hardly any tourists venture.
Knowing what excites you most will narrow your choices faster than anything else.
Ask yourself if you're looking for:
Beaches
History and ancient ruins
Food and wine
Mountains and hiking
Luxury
Small villages
Big cities
Relaxation
Adventure
Once you know your priorities, choosing where to stay becomes much easier.
Don't Try to See All of Italy in One Trip
This is probably my biggest piece of advice. Italy looks small on a map, but it isn't.
I've lost count of how many itineraries I've seen that try to squeeze Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, and the Dolomites into ten days.
Technically, it's possible. Enjoyable? Not really. You'll spend more time dragging luggage through train stations than actually experiencing Italy.
Instead, pick one region or two nearby areas and slow down. You'll eat better, sleep better, and actually remember what you saw. Italy rewards slow travelers.
Think About Transportation
Transportation can make or break your trip.
If you're planning to rely on trains, choose towns that are well connected.
One of the things I love about Italy is that so many beautiful places are linked by rail.
For example, when I'm staying in Scalea, I can easily hop on a train and visit places like Naples, Rome, Florence, Tropea, Paola, and even Sicily without worrying about driving.
If your dream destinations are smaller hill towns or countryside villages, renting a car may be the better option.
Before booking accommodations, ask yourself:
Will I need a car?
Can I walk everywhere?
Is there a nearby train station?
How difficult will parking be?
These questions can save you a lot of stress later.
Decide Between Big Cities and Small Towns
This is where personal preference really comes in.
Big cities offer endless museums, restaurants, shopping, and famous landmarks.
They're exciting, convenient, and packed with things to do.
Small towns feel completely different. Life moves slower. Locals know each other.
You stumble upon family-owned restaurants instead of tourist menus. You hear church bells instead of traffic.
Personally, I always find myself falling in love with Italy's smaller towns. They feel even more authentic. They're where I slow down enough to really experience everyday Italian life.
That doesn't mean you should skip the cities—just don't overlook the places in between.
Sometimes those become your favorite memories. And you never know... you may end up buying a place there!
Think About the Season
Where you stay in Italy can depend just as much on when you're traveling as where.
Summer is perfect for beach destinations like Calabria, Puglia, Sardinia, the Amalfi Coast, and Sicily.
Spring and fall are ideal for sightseeing when temperatures are comfortable, and crowds are smaller.
Winter brings Christmas markets, skiing in northern Italy, and quieter cities with fewer tourists.
Some coastal towns become very quiet during the off-season, while major cities stay lively year-round.
Checking what a destination is like during your travel dates can help avoid surprises.
Consider Your Budget
Italy has options for every budget.
You can find luxury hotels overlooking the Amalfi Coast or charming family-run bed and breakfasts that cost a fraction of the price.
In many parts of southern Italy, your money stretches much farther than it does in some of the country's more famous tourist destinations.
Don't automatically assume the most expensive destination will give you the best experience. For example, I honestly did not enjoy my time in Positano (a very famous and visited town on the Amalfi Coast). It was packed FULL of people. I would rather go when it's a little quieter.
Sometimes a smaller town with incredible food, welcoming locals, and beautiful scenery becomes the highlight of your trip.
Choose the Type of Accommodation That Fits Your Trip
Where you stay matters just as much as where you stay. Italy has so many unique accommodation options, and the right one depends on the kind of experience you're looking for.
Hotels are great if you want convenience and amenities like daily housekeeping or an on-site breakfast. If you're planning a longer stay or simply enjoy having more space, an Airbnb or vacation rental can make you feel a little more like a local—especially if you love browsing neighborhood markets and cooking with fresh Italian ingredients.
Bed & breakfasts are another favorite of mine because they often have a more personal feel. Many are family-run, and it's not unusual for the owner to share local recommendations you won't find in a guidebook.
Traveling on a tighter budget? Hostels in Italy have come a long way. Many are clean, modern, and even offer private rooms if you don't want to stay in a shared dorm.
And if you're heading to the countryside, especially in Puglia, don't overlook a masseria. These beautifully restored farmhouses are full of character and are one of the most memorable places you can stay in Italy. If you're visiting Tuscany or Umbria, you'll also find wonderful agriturismos—working farms that welcome guests and often serve incredible homemade meals made with ingredients grown right on the property.
No matter which option you choose, I always recommend reading recent reviews and checking the location on a map before booking. Sometimes spending a little more to stay within walking distance of everything is worth every penny.
Choose a Home Base Instead of Constantly Packing
One thing I've started doing more often is choosing one place as my home base. Instead of checking into a different hotel every two nights, I'll stay in one town for several days and take day trips.
Not only is it less stressful, but you get to know a place better. You discover your favorite café. The barista starts recognizing you. You learn which streets to wander after dinner.
Those little moments are what make Italy so magical.
My Personal Favorite Style of Travel
People often ask me where they should stay in Italy. Honestly? It depends.
If it's your first trip, spending time in places like Rome or Florence makes perfect sense. They're iconic for a reason.
But if you've already been once—or you're looking for something that feels a little less touristy—I always encourage people to explore southern Italy.
Calabria has completely stolen my heart. The beaches are stunning, the mountain villages are full of history, the food is incredible, and life just feels...better. That's one of the reasons I bought my apartment there.
Every visit reminds me that Italy isn't about checking landmarks off a list. It's about enjoying where you are.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
Before you click "Reserve," ask yourself these questions:
What kind of vacation do I actually want?
Will I be driving or using trains?
Do I want beaches, cities, mountains, or countryside?
How much time do I want to spend moving between hotels?
Is this destination busy during the season I'm visiting?
Does my budget match the area I've chosen?
Answering these first will usually point you toward the perfect place.
The Best Place to Stay Is the One That Matches Your Italy
There's no single "best" place to stay in Italy. Some travelers fall in love with the energy of Rome. Others don't like it.
Many dream about vineyards in Tuscany. Some never want to leave the Amalfi Coast. And then there are people like me, who unexpectedly fell head over heels for Calabria.
The beauty of Italy is that every region tells a different story.
The best trip isn't the one where you see the most places—it's the one where you truly enjoy the place you've chosen.
Slow down, stay a little longer, and let Italy surprise you.
My favorite hotel in Florence, Italy: Hotel Croce di Malta
