These 12 Cheap Getaways in Italy Feel Like Pure Magic on a Budget

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Are you looking for cheap getaways in Italy? Do you want to spend your vacation exploring historic locations, sunbathing, and eating your body weight in pizza and pasta without breaking the bank? If the answer to either of those questions is yes, you’ve come to the right place.

While popular cities like Milan and Rome are expensive, many places in Italy offer a more affordable experience. Therefore, it’s possible to enjoy everything Italy offers on a budget.

Here are 12 of Italy’s more affordable travel destinations to show you what’s out there. We selected these locations because they have affordable daily travel costs and many things to see and do.

Trieste

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Trieste’s average daily travel cost is $134, making it one of Italy’s most affordable city break destinations. The capital of Italy’s Friuli Venezia Giulia region, Trieste, is a picturesque port city on a narrow strip of land between the Adriatic coast and the Slovenian border.

Like many Italian cities, Trieste is well known for its traditional architecture, historical landmarks, and world-class cuisine. Interestingly, the city is also considered Italy’s unofficial coffee capital.

There are many exciting things to see in Trieste, so get ready to do plenty of walking. Must-visit attractions include the Unity of Italy Square, Revoltella Museum, and Castello di San Giusto.

Lucca

If you’ve always wanted to explore one of Italy’s historic cities but are concerned about how much it will cost, look no further than Lucca, a fascinating city in the Tuscany region famed for its breathtaking architecture, winding cobblestone streets, and lush surroundings. One of Italy’s cheapest cities, Lucca’s average daily travel cost is $116.

Tourists who visit Lucca spend most of their time exploring the historical center, which is surrounded by beautifully preserved Renaissance walls. These walls offer an excellent vantage point of the city and a peaceful place to walk and cycle.

While you explore the city, keep your eyes peeled for Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, Duomo di San Martino, and Guinigi Tower.

Bari

Another budget-friendly Italian city is Bari, a gorgeous city in Italy’s Puglia region. The average daily travel cost in Bari is only $123. For context, the average daily travel cost in Rome, Italy’s capital, is $223. One of the best things about this scenic coastal city is how it offers something for every kind of traveler.

Beachgoers can relax on Pane e Pomodoro Beach, Bari Waterfront, and Torre Quetta Beach. History lovers can discover iconic landmarks like Saint Nicholas Basilica in the Old Town.

Food enthusiasts can enjoy the sights and smells of the local food markets, and theatergoers can watch live performances at Teatro Petruzzelli. What’s not to like?

Cagliari

Cagliari is another cheap getaway in Italy that combines rich history, traditional culture, and coastal charm. Cagliari is a beautiful city on the island of Sardinia in the Mediterranean Sea. It’s best known for its vibrant architecture, hilltop castle, medieval quarter, and long sandy beach with turquoise waters.

You can enjoy everything Cagliari offers for less than $160 daily. If you stay in a hostel and avoid eating out at restaurants, you could save even more money.

A big hit with romantic couples, you’ll spend your time in Cagliari strolling along Spiaggia del Poetto and sipping Aperol Spritz by the sea. Visit historic landmarks like the Tower of San Pancrazio and Porta dei Leoni.

Cinque Terre

Unfortunately, the iconic seaside village of Positano is too expensive for budget travelers, with the average daily travel cost above $240. However, luckily, Cinque Terre offers a similar experience at a much more affordable price. The average daily travel cost in Cinque Terre is approximately $150, making it a cheap coastal getaway option.

For those who don’t know, Cinque Terre is a collection of five colorful seaside towns on the Italian Riviera. These towns are best known for their vibrant buildings, spectacular coastal views, and impressive natural beauty.

They are easily reached by train from Pisa, Livorno, and Florence. Significant points of interest in Cinque Terre include the Church of St. Margaret of Antioch, Monterosso Public Beach, the Ruins of Doria Tower, and Castello di Riomaggiore.

Siena

Siena isn’t one of the most popular cities in Italy, but it’s undoubtedly one of the most affordable. This fascinating city’s average daily travel cost is less than $150. Siena is one of the most underrated cities in Europe. Everything about it oozes charm, elegance, and historical importance.

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You’ll find magnificent architecture, traditional cafes and restaurants, and mind-blowing historic landmarks at every city corner. One of the most significant draws to the city is its medieval red brick architecture.

You’ll never tire of exploring Siena’s colorful streets. Make sure you visit the 13th-century Duomo di Siena, Piazza del Campo, the Gothic Town Hall, and Palazzo Pubblico.

Messina

Messina is one of the most affordable getaway destinations on the island of Sicily. Separated from mainland Italy by the Strait of Messina, this charming harbor city is well known for its stunning coastline, traditional architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. The average daily travel cost in Messina is $158.

There is something for everyone in Messina, but you’ll probably spend most of your time visiting the most famous attractions, eating pasta and pizza, and walking along the waterfront.

Some of Messina’s most popular tourist attractions include the Norman Messina Cathedral, Fontana di Orione, Neptune Fountain, and Museo Regionale Interdisciplinare di Messina. Messina is also an excellent base for exploring the rest of the island.

Palermo

Palermo, the capital of Sicily, is one of the most affordable and beautiful cities in Italy, if not Europe. It offers an experience similar to that in Rome but without the extortionate prices. In fact, with an average daily travel cost of $101, Palermo’s affordability is hard to beat.

Not to mention, Palermo sits on the Tyrrhenian Sea, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds. When you’re not strolling along the seafront promenade, admiring the coastal views, get lost down the city’s historic streets.

Notable points of interest in Palermo include the 12th-century Palermo Cathedral, Teatro Massimo, the 9th-century Palazzo dei Normanni, and Ballarò Street Market.

Catania

You could also stay in Catania if you have a slightly bigger budget. Catania is a historic port city along Sicily’s east coast. It’s well known for its phenomenal architecture, wide plazas, and lively atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea are the perfect backdrop for a dreamy Italian getaway. The average daily travel cost is approximately $160.

When you can take yourself away from admiring the impressive views, eating pizza, and drinking red wine, Catania has many exciting attractions, such as Piazza del Duomo, a breathtaking 11th-century square.

Other must-see attractions in Catania include Ursino Castle, Monastero dei Benedettini di San Nicolò l’Arena, and the Roman Amphitheater of Catania.

Trento

Trento is perfect if you’re looking for an affordable getaway in Italy that offers something for the entire family. This vibrant city in Northern Italy is loved for its traditional architecture, historical landmarks, lush scenery, and dazzling plazas. Regarding costs, you can get by in Trento for approximately $140 daily.

When exploring Trento, you won’t be short of things to do. History buffs can visit Buonconsiglio Castle and Trento Cathedral. City lovers can soak up the atmosphere at Piazza del Duomo di Trento.

Outdoor adventurers can hike in Giardino Botanico Alpino Viote, and families with children can have fun at MUSE. Sounds like a fun trip, right?

Sorrento

You might be surprised to find Sorrento on this list because it’s often considered one of Italy’s most expensive coastal towns. However, compared to the rest of the country, it’s actually one of the most affordable getaway destinations.

You can visit Sorrento for approximately $150 daily. Expert budget travelers can reduce this figure by utilizing hostels and cheap eats.

Sorrento is an excellent place to visit if you want to experience Italy’s picturesque coastline. Your days in the town will be filled with coastal charm, delicious Italian food and drink, colorful buildings, and epic day trips.

You can easily reach Pompeii, Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and Capri from Sorrento. Popular attractions include Vallone dei Mulini, Villa Comunale di Sorrento, and Peter’s Beach.

Pisa

If you’ve always dreamt of visiting one of Italy’s most famous cities but don’t want to pay the high prices associated with Rome, Florence, and Milan, head to Pisa instead. The average daily travel cost in Pisa is $170, making it one of Italy’s more affordable famous cities. Like other iconic Italian cities, Pisa is best known for its world-famous landmarks.

There’s a good chance you’ve already seen photographs of Pisa’s most famous landmark on Instagram – the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Constructed in the 14th century, no visit to Pisa is complete before taking a photograph in front of the tower.

However, this isn’t the only significant landmark in Pisa. You’ll also want to visit Piazza del Duomo, Cattedrale di Pisa, and Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina.