Bologna Where To Stay In Italy On A Budget
Whilst many travel guides reference towns and cities in the South of Italy as the main budget destinations, Bologna remains somewhat a hidden secret when it comes to foreign visitors. With a large student population, Bologna is a great base for exploring the North of Italy from without breaking the bank.
Bologna is home to a major hub for budget airlines, with some excellent deals to the rest of Italy and further afield in Europe! It has the oldest university in Europe, and this academic history permeates every building in the city.
Well talk more about food in the Emilia-Romagna guide but Bologna is the largest city in the region, and a great pick for foodies that want to avoid the big tourist crowds.
Loved Palermo Our Gateway To Sicily
Loved Palermo, our gateway to Sicily. Crowded, noisy, a bit scary at first around our fabulous apartment next to the Ballaro Market but once we got our bearings nothing was scary and all the people were so helpful and friendly. We went up to Monreale to see the cathedral….fabulous excursion by local bus. We listened to a very talented violinist busking in the rain under the Porto Nuovo. We spent a few idle hours ‘people watching’ from our balcony, as in the street below kids came and went from school, customers bought eggs from a tiny shop in an old guy’s front window andmotorbikes/cars/cyclists vied for space with pedestrians in the narrow cobbled streets. There is an excellent restaurant called ‘molti Volti’ just next to our apartment and the Ballaro which features photographs and artwork of those ‘many faces’ and is linked with helping immigrants integrate to the city.
Scala Dei Turchi Realmonte
Casa vacanza rosariomaria
Located just a 13-minute walk from Capo Rossello Beach, Casa vacanza rosario maria provides accommodations in Realmonte with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a garden, as well as a 24-hour front desk. This self-catered apartment features grill facilities and free private parking.
The apartment has 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a patio with garden views.
Scala dei Turchi beach is a 16-minute walk from Casa vacanza rosario maria, while Spiaggia di Pergole is 2.3 km away.
Where to stay in Sicily is a common question. I think it depends what you want to do. Palermo and Catania or great bases to explore the country but Ive also included hotels for other Sicilian cities if you are looking to do a road trip.
Sharing is Caring! Pin this article to save for later.
Continue Reading more on my website:
Don’t Miss: Best Places To Stay In Aberdeen Scotland
Sardinia Best Place To Stay In Italy For Families
West of the mainland, Sardinia is a world apart from the Italy many tourists know! For families, Sardinia offers a peaceful and secluded atmosphere and even the main urban centres have friendly locals and businesses. There are plenty of watersports on offer for older kids, and some easy-going adventure activities for all the family.
As Sardinia is an island, it has a unique culture separate from the rest of Italy. Aside from having its own language, its location in the centre of the Mediterranean means it also draws influences from France, North Africa and Spain. It is truly a melting pot of cultures, with each town having its own charms.
Its fairly easy to decide where to stay in Sardinia, but wed still recommend having a look before you book your trip. The island is also known for its scenery with beautiful beaches circling the coast and mountains taking up the centre. Whilst most people arrive by flight, there are also ferries connecting Sardinia with mainland Italy, Sicily and Corsica.
Taormina Where To Stay In Sicily For Nightlife
Taormina is located on the east coast of the island and is a 1-hour drive from Catania Airport. It is a very picturesque town with beautiful buildings covered with flowers, medieval castles, and a nice beach. Here you will find a bit of everything but I recommend going to the hilly part of Taormina by cable car and enjoy amazing beach views from there they are incredible!
In Taormina, there are so many nice restaurants, trendy bars, and cafes, meaning nightlife is very vibrant in this part of the island. After discovering the beauties of the area you can pick a nice Sicilian restaurant to have a delicious meal then check out the night scene. Make sure to have a look out for some fun beach parties too! If you are looking for a place to stay in Sicily with vibrant nightlife, you will love Taormina.
Here are the best hotels in this area:
You May Like: Which Neighborhood To Stay In San Diego
Best Hotel In Italy Hotel Damaso Rome
This three-star hotel is surprisingly luxurious given the favourable prices, with a gorgeous balcony providing stunning views of Rome! If you want to stay in the Italian capital, this hotel is pretty close to most of the major historic sights and only a short metro ride away from the rest. Rooms are simple, but come with sturdy furnishings and a historic setting.
Torre Del Nera Umbria
The bare stone houses of the tiny medieval hamlet of Scheggino cluster on the slope of Umbrias rolling Apennine foothills. Torre del Nera is another albergo diffuso, with renovated abandoned houses keeping local village life alive. There are 16 independent structures, some transformed into apartments, the others spacious doubles with wooden beams, fireplaces, traditional furniture and modern bathrooms, plus a relaxing indoor pool and spa. For outdoor activities head to the Nera river for rafting, kayaking, no-kill fishing and canyoning. Just 15 minutes drive away is the beautiful ancient town of Spoleto.Doubles from88 room-only, torredelnera.it
Also Check: Best Places To Stay In St Andrews
Best Places To Stay In Bologna
Bologna is a small city, so most of the main attractions are located in the city centre. Try to stay close to the train station, as we recommend exploring further afield within the region to get to know some of Italys best cuisine.
Best Airbnb in Bologna: Bentivogli Panoramic
Located in the university district, this apartment is close to some of the cheapest bars and restaurants in Bologna. It is contained within an attic, with a skylight that provides gorgeous views of the surrounding city. The host also provides complimentary bike hire to guests if you arrange in advance a great way to get to know Bologna!
Best Hostel in Bologna: Il Nosadillo
Right in the heart of Old Bologna, Il Nosadillo is well placed to check out all of the historic attractions in the city. They provide a complimentary breakfast every morning saving you some cash on the most important meal of the day. Via del Pratello, a hip and modern dining and nightlife district, is only a short walk away.
Best Hotel in Bologna: Zanhotel Regina
As the highest-rated three star hotel in Bologna, this is perfect for budget travellers that want a little more privacy! It is only a short walk from Piazza Maggiore, with plenty of fantastic restaurants, boutiques and coffee shops nearby. They offer a complimentary breakfast buffet every morning, setting you up for the day ahead. They also provide single rooms, making it a great pick for solo travellers.
San Casciano Dei Bagni
Once youve got your tongue around the name, youll find that San Casciano dei Bagni is a fantastic town to stay in in Tuscany. Found close to both Florence and Siena, its a location with a small population that makes it favourable among travellers who dont want their holiday overrun with other tourists.
San Casciano dei Bagni is best known for the naturally occurring thermal pools that have been bringing visitors to the town since Roman times. There are four different thermal baths in the town that are supplied by these pools, and are a must-visit if youre staying in the area.
Stay in San Casciano dei Bagni: If youre looking for a quiet part of Tuscany that is close to some of its busiest cities, or you want to enjoy several different trips to thermal baths during your stay.
Recommended Reading: Places To Stay In Houghton Mi
Where To Stay In Sicily: 14 Best Areas
- Pin
Planning your trip to Sicily? Not sure where to stay in Sicily? This guide breaks down the best areas in Sicily for all travelers and budgets!
Sicily is perhaps equally known for being easily identifiable on a map it is the football getting a kick from the boot of mainland Italy and as being the birthplace of the Mafia.
It has so much more to offer than these factors though: the island is beautiful, bursting with agricultural produce, hand-crafted wares and friendly and welcoming people.
Friendly and welcoming, that is, as long as you do not go there aiming to find criminality and villains: Sicilys history as home to the cosa nostra is something many of the residents prefer not to glamorise.
But if you want to enjoy the positive aspects of the island, the locals will make you feel at home.
Where To Stay In Noto
midrange
Grand Hotel Sofia This boutique style hotel is all about its eclectic interiors, with rooms that mix luxury fabrics and features with sleek design details and whitewashed simplicity. Theres a hot tub and pool to enjoy, as well as an onsite Sicilian restaurant and two bars to choose from. Youll get a free breakfast served each morning. With both the Royal Gate and Noto Cathedral within walking distance of this place, its well positioned to explore the local area.
budget
Villa Felicia Unassuming and relaxed, Villa Felicia is just about as charming and rustic as you can imagine. Set amidst lemon groves in a traditional building, it features rooms that combine classic features and furniture with a stylish eye for design think wood paneling, stone walls, and tiled floors. Theres a tasty breakfast buffet served each morning, an outdoor pool, and a beautiful sun-dappled courtyard to relax in. Plus, its just a five-minute walk from here to the coast.
Read Also: Where To Stay In Venice California
Torre Salsa Nature Reserve
Torre Salsa nature reserve is located between Agrigento and Selinunte, which makes it a very nice stop during your road trip in Sicily.
Another good reason to go there: the sandy beachis huge and there are really not many people. This not very well-known point of interest is a real paradise for swimming or picnic!
To get there, you will have to go down a dirt road for about 20 minutes, then park your car in the parking lot.
Be careful though:
- Its not well indicated, so you may be struggling a little to find the right entry
- The path to go there is very rocky, so watch out for your rental car!
- Avoid leaving your car on the parking lot with your belongings inside. Dont leave anything in the car.
Aegadian Islands For Secluded Holidays
This small group of islands lie to the northwest coast of Sicily. There are five islands altogether: the largest, Favignana, along with Levanzo and Marittimo forming the main islands, although they are joined by the smaller, minor islands of Formica and Maraone.
There are ancient cave paintings on Levanzo and Favignana, and a lucky souvenir hunter might find some sign of the long-ago Aegatean War which was partly fought on and over the isles.
Crime is very low in the islands which has a small permanent population although day trippers and visitors vastly swell the numbers during the holiday season.
The islands are easily explored on foot, and travel between them is usually by small boat or ferry, both of which are readily available.
Unsurprisingly, most of the things to do on the islands involve water sports, swimming, boating and beach activities. Enjoy lazy beach days, explore the caves and then head over to mainland Sicily for the nightlife, bright lights and party atmosphere!
There are hotels on Levanzo and Favignana, most of which fall into the medium or high-end offering range. For the budget conscious traveller, you can arrange your hotel stay in Sicily and travel to each island as a day-tripper.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN AEGADIAN ISLANDS
Don’t Miss: Best Places To Stay In Bologna Italy
Florence One Of The Most Unique Places To Stay In Italy
Florence is the art capital of the world making it not only the most unique city in Italy, but one of the most creative cities globally! From the Statue of David to the Birth of Venus and everything in between, Florence is a mecca for artists. No trip is complete without a visit to the Uffizi Gallery, but there are also some great independent galleries for checking out modern pieces.
Art aside, Florence is the largest city in Tuscany acting as a major gateway to the region. Tuscany is known for its rolling hills, stunning scenery and world-class attractions including the Tower of Pisa! Most towns can be easily reached within an hour or so from Florence.
As a major city for artists, Florence also has a large student population resulting in some great nightlife venues and restaurants! The main tourist strips are expensive, but head out to the university areas and you will find some cheap and cheerful alternatives that dont skimp on quality.
Is Sicily Expensive To Visit
Sicily is one of the cheapest places in Italy, owing primarily to the fact that you dont have to worry about paying for any high-speed trains. Additionally, food at most restaurants in Sicily is generally a bit cheaper than what youd find in cities on the Italian mainland like Rome, Florence and Venice.
Recommended Reading: Places To Stay In Milos Greece
Beach Holidays In Sicily: Where To Stay
If your goal is a beach holiday, then you can opt for the beaches of Mondello or Cefalu .
There are many beach hotels in the vicinity of Catania, and the province of Messina will appreciate the resorts of Taormina Giardini Naxos and Isola Bella.
I can note that rest in Taormina is not cheap, hotel prices are quite high, as well as prices in restaurants. If you live in Taormina itself , then you will have to go down to the beach by cable car, the fare on which is 3 euros .
Tldr: Here Are The Top Cities In Sicily Italy
I will list the best places to visit Sicily starting with Palermo and then working clockwise around the island. This is how I took my road trip around Sicily
Palermo the capital of Sicily
Cefalu a beautiful beach town
Messina closest to the main land
Taoromina my favorite city with the ancient Theatre
Mt Edna the famous Sicilian volcano
Catania an often overlooked city but a great base to travel Sicily
Syracuse a great place to explore the old city
Noto a baroque city that is lovely to walk around
Ragusa a UNESCO world heritage site town
Agrigento Valley of the Temples is the number one Sicily attraction
where you can visit salt lakes and marsala wine vineyards
Trapani a great base to visit Erice and Favignana Island Sicily
All of these places make for a perfect 10 day Sicily road trip or if you have less time then check out this 5 Day Sicily Itinerary.
Don’t Miss: Best Place To Stay In Palermo Italy
Where To Stay In Cefal
Cefalù is a wonderful place to stay in Sicily but also very popular. So expect more expensive accommodation. However, we collected an array of options to suit you and your budget.
Hotel Kalura
With panoramic views of Caldura Bay and Rocca of Cefalù, Hotel Kalura has direct access to a private beach. It offers a pool, a tennis court and a scuba diving school, as well as free high-speed WiFi.
Le Calette N.5
Offering a hot tub and fitness centre, Le Calette N°5 is situated in Cefalù in the Sicily Region, a 5-minute drive from the centre and the Cathedral Basilica of Cefalù. The resort has an outdoor pool, children’s playground and sun terrace, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant.
Pepito palace
Situated in Cefalù, 150 yards from Cefalu Beach and 1.1 miles from Caldura Beach, Pepito palace features sea views and free WiFi. Every unit has a private bathroom and bidet, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a fridge.
Torre Della Loggia Abruzzo
This 12th-century fortress tower, converted three years ago into a seven-room lodging, dominates the medieval fishing port of Ortona. Thick stone walls encircle a maze of courtyards, gardens, shady arcades and sea-view terraces built almost 1,000 years ago. The comfortable rooms are minimalist and modern, functional rather than luxurious. The tower looks out over a 14km stretch of beach, with hiking and bike paths nearby part of the Costa dei Trabocchi, named after Abruzzos distinctive fishing cabins that sit on raised stilts above the water. Head to Cantina di Ortona vineyard to discover the local Montepulciano dAbruzzo wines. Doubles from 75 B& B, torredellaloggia.it
Don’t Miss: Best Places To Stay In Midtown Atlanta
The Best Activities In Sicily
During your stay in Sicily, you might want to do something else than cultural tourism or going to the beach.
I have thus selected for you the best activities in Sicily. There is something for everyone ??
Simply click on the links below for more information and to book your activities:
And if you have the budget, you should opt for a unique and exceptional activity: A Private helicopter flight over Mount Etna!
Now, I would love to know what you have planned to do during your trip to Sicily!