No matter what time of year it is, Italy is a destination that never fails to disappoint. This enchanting country is home to some of the world’s most beautiful and romantic places. From dramatic coastal towns to secluded villages in the countryside, Italy has something to offer everyone who is looking for a romantic getaway.
Although the places that come to mind when thinking about Italy are cities like Venice, Rome, and Florence, the truth is that there is a lot more to this country. To give you inspiration for the perfect place for a honeymoon, an anniversary trip, or just a romantic getaway, we collected a list of some of the most romantic places in Italy beyond these cities. In addition, we are also featuring plenty of other places worthy of a visit on a first (or second, even a third) trip to Italy.
Lake Como
Lake Como is one of the best Italian destinations for high-end romantic escapes. Stunning sunset views over the lake, picturesque lakeside towns, elegant villas, and the majestic backdrop of the Alps make it the perfect place to escape and rekindle your love.
Besides the town of Como, other idyllic towns around the lake, like Bellagio, Tremezzo, and Varenna, offer a broad range of luxurious accommodation options, from rustic villas to chic lakeside hotels.
The place offers plenty of things to do. A private boat cruise across the lake’s placid blue waters, sipping Prosecco, is the perfect romantic experience. As you sail around the lake, you can take in the sights of quaint villages.
If you like walking, you can take one of the several hiking paths and end it with a romantic picnic surrounded by the greenery that characterizes the landscape. To fully immerse yourself in the culture, remember to take an aperitivo with your partner while enjoying a glimpse of the stunning lake.
Dolomite Alps – San Martino di Castrozza
If your idea of romance is in the mountains, we recommend you consider visiting the gorgeous San Martino di Castrozza in North Italy.
In the spring or summer, you can stay at one of the several chalets you’ll find around the area. You can also take hikes in the incredibly beautiful nature of the Dolomite Alps.
In the winter, this snow-covered town in the Dolomites is the perfect place to enjoy some time together surrounded by nature. Besides skiing, take a cable car up to one of the nearby peaks for spectacular views. Or you can cozy up by the fireplace with a glass of wine. End the day relaxing in a sauna or a gorgeous pool with a stunning view of the charming Dolomites.
Cinque Terre
You probably have seen pictures of this charming place on the northwestern coast of Italy. Cinque Terre is comprised of five fishing villages that are perched atop cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The setting is dramatic and stunning!
Cinque Terre means “five lands” because there are five villages in the area. Each has a different “personality”: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. They are connected by network of hiking trails, making it easy to explore the area and take in stunning views.
In addition to its natural beauty, the Cinque Terre is also home to many excellent restaurants serving fresh seafood and other local specialties, overlooking some of the best views you’ll ever see!
The beaches of Cinque Terre are also stunning. We suggest you visit the Portovenere if you decide to have your honeymoon or anniversary trip here. It is a magical place that will leave you and your loved one breathless.
Tuscany – Val D’Orcia
Tuscany has attracted some of the world’s most famous artists and writers. They all have been inspired by the region’s natural beauty and made it their home. Val D’Orcia in southern Tuscany is the quintessential Tuscan valley with ancient villages, medieval castles, and farmhouses in expansive estates dotted along its rolling hills.
Its idyllic landscape with vineyards, olive groves, golden fields of sunflowers, and country roads lined with cypress trees has a deeply bucolic feeling. The entire area is protected as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is also home to simple but delicious Tuscan cuisine and some of the best wines in Italy.
You can spend relaxing days at one of the several “Agriturismo” you’ll find in this area. Explore the countryside by bicycle, Vespa, a vintage Fiat 500, or Ferrari, depending on your lifestyle preference. Take in the scenery from cozy village cafes. Top your holiday with visits to iconic places such as Montalcino, Montepulciano, Castiglione, and Moticchiello. These are typical villages surrounded by breathtaking views. And don’t forget to do some wine tasting! Your visit won’t be complete without one of those!
Amalfi Coast
Amalfi Coast is the place in Italy where every couple in love should visit the area once in their lifetime!
Situated on the southern coast of Italy in the Campania region, this stunning stretch of coastline is home to some of the most enchanting villages and towns in all of Europe.
The panorama is something that seems from another world. You’ll feel like you are living in a movie for a couple of days. Top that up with delicious food and charming people, and you’ll have unforgettable honeymoon or anniversary trip in this area. Of course, if you like the sea, you’ll get to sunbathe and swim in clear waters and stunning beaches surrounded by gorgeous mountains.
Sicily – Taormina
Taormina sits as a small town atop a cliff on the east coast of Sicily and offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Its beauty has attracted writers and celebrities for centuries, from Goethe to Oscar Wilde, Federico Fellini to Woody Allen. The town’s cobblestoned streets, mostly closed to traffic, are lined with quaint shops, cafes, and art galleries.
Taormina is a couples’ paradise. Soak up the Mediterranean sun on Isola Bella, Mazzaro, or Giardini Naxos beaches. Enjoy a sunset walk along the water’s edge or do the ‘passeggiata’. It’s Italy’s time-honored tradition of evening walk hand-in-hand through the town’s winding alleys. Have romantic candle-lit dinners at restaurants with stunning views of the Bay of Naxos.
If it’s summer, make sure to attend a concert or performing arts event at the Greco-Roman theatre. It ranks among the most impressive landmarks in all of Italy. You can be sure that it will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
