Italy is one of the world’s leading romantic vacation destinations; a country where picturesque seaside towns, grazing fields, idyllic islands, spectacular mountains and historic old towns will take you. Romance awaits in Italy!
Here are our favorite Italian cities, towns, lakes, and islands for romance.
Venice
Venice is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in Italy, and in the world, with winding canals, gondolas, and narrow streets that are perfect for getting lost together. Get away from the crowds in quaint little squares, romantic restaurants, and cafes where you can linger.
Lake of como
Lake Como, surrounded by beautiful villas and resort towns and surrounded by hills and mountains, has long been a romantic travel destination. Bellagio, known as the pearl of the lake, is one of the most romantic towns, with cobbled streets, elegant architecture and terraced gardens. Stroll along the lakeside or take the funicular from Como city to Brunate for a romantic candlelight dinner for two.
Positano on the Amalfi Coast
Positano, on the Amalfi Coast, is one of the most romantic destinations in Italy. The picturesque town is built vertically on the face of a cliff, offering stunning views of the sea. Follow the Paseo del Amor ( Sentiero degli Innamorati ) from the beautiful beach of Spiaggia Grande to the coves of Fornillo. Dive into the blue waters of the Mediterranean or admire dramatic sunrises.
Island of Capri
The enchanting island of Capri is most magical in the evenings when hikers depart by ferries back to Naples. Incredibly beautiful and filled with inspiring views and secluded coves, the island is awash with fragrant flowers that scent the air. Anacapri, the smaller of the island’s two main cities, is the perfect place for lovers of long walks, bright orange sunsets, and great seafood.
Portofino on the Italian Riviera
Portofino, a crescent-shaped seaside town with pastel-colored houses, beachfront restaurants, and crystal-clear water, is a honeymooner’s paradise. Located on the Italian Riviera, the sentimental Portofino has a 16th-century castle, a small Romanesque-style church, and panoramic views of the Ligurian Sea to die for. Walk hand in hand on a scenic trail through a pine forest to the lighthouse at the point.
You may also want to see other romantic villages on the Italian Riviera of Camogli and Portovenere.
Verona
Verona is home to the balcony associated with Shakespeare’s cross lovers, Romeo and Juliet . Romantics flock to Verona to see the place where Juliet called her Romeo, rub Juliet’s statue’s right breast for luck, and snap a photo on the iconic balcony. While there is no evidence to link Shakespeare to Verona, it is still a fun journey. See an opera in the 2000-year-old open-air Roman arena, stroll along the Adige River, or relax in an outdoor café in Piazza delle Erbe.
Taormina, Sicily
Sicily’s main tourist destination since it became part of the Grand European Tour in the 19th century, elegant Taormina sits next to Mount Tauro and offers spectacular views of the coastline and Mt. Etna (one of the only three active volcanoes in Italy). It has excellent beaches with clean, clear waters, a medieval quarter, castle ruins, and an ancient Greek theater used for outdoor summer shows.
Tuscany spa towns
Soak up the healing therapeutic waters at one of Tuscany’s historic spas and natural thermal baths (terme ), many of which are free to the public, such as Saturnia, Fosso Bianco and Bagno Vignoni. Spend a little money and enjoy a romantic stay in a spa town or luxury resort on the Tuscan coast.
Gulf of poets
If you prefer a more intimate seaside setting, you’ll like the Gulf of Poets ( Golfo dei Poeti ), once popular with poets like Byron and Shelley. You won’t find many tourists, but if you can brave the crowds, Cinque Terre’s nearby Via dell’Amore (Lover’s Lane) is a wonderful path over the sea that connects the five villages with each other.
Matera
The fascinating old town of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sits on the edge of a deep ravine with a series of ancient caves ( sassi ) carved out of the rock. For the best view, walk along the Strada Panoramica dei Sassi and then spend a loving night in a Sassi hotel to experience what it would have been like to be a cave dweller.
Florence
Florence’s Renaissance past evokes romance at every turn. Visit the 13th-century cathedral, marvel at the vast collection of Italian masterpieces at the Uffizi Gallery, and fall in love with Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery. Outside of the main tourist areas, you’ll find less crowded streets, romantic views, and quiet squares.
The small romantic cities of Italy
There are romantic cities scattered throughout Italy that provide relief from a tourist crush, allowing you to enjoy Italy at a slower pace. Visit cities like Pienza, Assisi, Orvieto, and Civita Bagnoregio in central Italy, or head south to Puglia’s Alberobello with its cute trulli houses, Reggio Calabria with its seafront, and Sicily’s Noto, a baroque gem.
Milan
The fashion capital of the world, Milan is full of attractive people, elegantly coiffed and dressed to the nines. If style is your aphrodisiac, then romantic and cosmopolitan Milan is the place to be.
Rome
At Roman Holiday , Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn fell in love while touring Rome on a Vespa. Follow in the footsteps of these iconic lovers by crossing a bridge over the Tiber River with views of the dome of Saint Peter in the distance; throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain; sitting in the Plaza de España; eat an ice cream in the baroque Piazza Navona, then go up the hill of Gianocolo to enjoy the best panorama of the whole city. That is amore!
Beach towns
With over 4,700 miles of coastline stretching from boot top to toe, Italy is the ideal destination for a romantic and exotic beach getaway. From the luxurious Italian Riviera to the Emerald Coast of Sardinia and the remote island of Lampedusa, sandy beaches + salty air + crashing waves = romantic days and nights by the sea that you will never forget.
Based on the original article by Martha Bakerjian
