Family holiday in Italy

[Supamum3]

I am looking for recommendations.

We are a family of five and would like to holiday in Italy next summer. My husband and I did a city break to Rome a few years and it found it very diverse. This time we’d like a villa/air bnb near the beach but Im concerned how diverse it will be in more secluded areas.

We have (white) friends who have raved about Tuscany, Lake Garda and Santorini, but their experience may differ from ours.

can any black mumsnetters recommend some diverse places we could consider? Thanks in advance.

Not sure about recomming diverse places.

A warning: I went to Naples, Santorini, Amalfi, Positano a few years back (as well as the North of Italy, which were fine) and found the people pretty unfriendly and rude, especially Naples.

More recently I went to Taromina in Sicily and found the people lovely and welcoming.

Went to Sorrento, not the best, when in the market.
My autistic boy was shouted at for trying to touch a balloon. First time, I lost my rag in a shop.

Also, full of stray dogs.

*sorrento, not Santorini 😅😅

We did not have a good experience in Bologna/Rimini. It has put as off and we wouldn't go again

Disclaimer: (White MNer but black children/dh)

I’m black, and my experience in Rome wasn’t positive, so much so that I’ve been hesitant about going back to Italy. However, two separate black female friends have said they really enjoyed Puglia. Both went as part of groups and said they were treated very well.

In my experience, the non-touristy and unremarkable suburban areas outside places like Venice were diverse - but it was mostly recently-arrived migrants and there was very little to do or see in those places. I know Italy can be a mixed bag when it comes to black people's experience, but 70+ members of my (black) family flew to Tuscany for my wedding and we had the BEST time. Most traveled across the country by train too. My advice: don't limit yourself to 'diverse' places.

Thanks all for your response, good to see a wide range of suggestions.

Tuscany has been jumping out so I think we will look more in that area

Tx

Spoleto in Umbria is a beautiful town.. about an hour from Rome by train. Very relaxed and kaid back. Great food and super vineyards nearby

Had a great time in Tuscany.

DP is from the South (Puglia region). Tbh
I was nervous about visiting and taking our DC when we first visited but it was fine. Most of the other Black people I saw were non-local (tourists or workers) and his village which is a bit further out had zero Black people which unnerved me.

Overall we had an enjoyable time and found people were very friendly. Obvious caveat is my experience isn’t necessarily the same for all Black people since I was always with DP/in-laws and his late father was related to a local Don figure (yikes) so all of his family members are treated well in the area.

One thing I would say about many Italians I’ve met both here and over there is that they tend to be quite dismissive of racism. It’s not unusual to hear the view that a racist insult is no different to commenting about the colour of someone’s hair etc.

Puglia. Particularly Brindisi Lecce areas.

@MCOut

Same here re Rome. My last visit there over Easter was awful, taxi drivers who were always out to overcharge, rude service etc.

I have a love-hate relationship with that country unfortunately. Love the food, scenery, history but I loathe their treatment of African migrants which I find to be racist.