The degree of freedom Italian women enjoy is comparable to that in Britain or the USA, despite the somewhat outdated reputation of Italian men as predatory lotharios.* In previous editions of this guide we have mentioned whistling, hissing and catcalling being part of the Roman experience for some women. Actually this kind of behavior is quite rare: you are just as likely to find an intrinsic courtesy in day-to-day communications where men will take a great deal of care to show respect. It's all too easy to overreact to unwelcome overtures; don't take a little light-hearted flirting or an appreciative ciao bella! too seriously.

One thing that is dangerous is being drawn into making generalizations - the two female authors of this guide for example have had very different experiences researching the book - but Italy is an easy country to travel around for a woman, whether alone or with female friends. Certainly there is none of the alcohol-fuelled aggressive abuse from men that you might find in English cities; occasionally you might find yourself walking into a café and finding that you have invaded an all-male preserve, or be on the receiving end of a stupid comment from a group of adolescent boys. However, if you're on holiday without a male partner at any of the resorts popular with northern European tourists the assumption will be made that you are looking for a quick fling - fine if you are, but irritating if you're not.

Basically, as long as you recognize that you are in a different culture, and as long as you only do what you feel comfortable doing, you don't need to be unduly concerned. It is advisable to try and modify your dress and behavior to conform more closely with that of local women. Not only should this reduce the level of hassle you get, but it will also mean you're less likely to offend people's sensibilities. Incidentally, greater respect seems to be accorded to older women - so, for once, age can work in your favor.

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*The problems with Italian men stemmed from problems caused by the traditional adoration of the male-child that lingers on into adult life. After all, it is said that Jesus Christ himself had some of the attributes of the typical Italian male: he thought he was the son of God, lived at home till he was thirty, and thought his mother was a virgin.

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Sexual Harassment
If you do experience persistent pestering it isn't usually accompanied by any kind of violent intent, but it can be annoying and frustrating nevertheless. Silent indifference is often the most effective policy, as is looking as confident as possible - if you feel threatened it's always a good idea to look as though you know where you are going, even if you don't. Any attempt to hurl Italian insults in the direction of the transgressor is, at best, likely to cause ridicule - and at worst, could well inflame the situation further.

One thing that's worth mentioning is that the Italian sex industry is a thriving business, and a woman on her own wandering around a town may in some places be taken to be a prostitute looking for business. Even such an innocent occupation as waiting alone at a bus stop can bring unwelcome attention - this obviously doesn't mean every street or bus stop but there are certain places (one particular road in Rimini, for example) where car doors will mysteriously spring open as you pass by; you can pretty quickly work out what's going on and the obvious thing to do is walk somewhere else.

Flashers in parks are another common occurrence, and, as parks are often a pick-up place, your motives for sitting quietly in the sun may be misconstrued. This doesn't mean it's impossible to go there, just that it's more relaxing if you pick a spot where there are other people around.

Italy guide

Getting there
When to go
Where to go
Italy general info
Italy
Average costs
Credit and debit cards
Cost, money, banks
The euro
Insurance, health cover
Embassies, consulates
Red tapes, visas
Banks and exchange
Travelers with disabilities
North-South divide

Getting around
Ø Trains
Ø Flights
Ø Driving
Ø Cycling, motorbiking
Ø Ferries, hydrofoils
Ø Hitchhiking
 

Festivals:
Ø Religious, traditional
Ø Diary festivals
Ø Food festivals
Ø Arts Festivals
Ø Ferragosto

Italy food and drink
Ø Italian cuisine
Ø Italian pizza
Ø Lunch and dinner
Ø Drinking

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