Are you looking for a destination for your wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway? Personally, I don’t think it gets any better than visiting Italy!
Between the hills of Tuscany to the Amalfi Coast, it is not easy to shortlist the most romantic places in Italy. There are like a zillion truly picturesque places in Italy, but below, I have shortened the list to the crème de la crème.
Rome
It is impossible to plan a trip to Italy and not visit Rome. Rome has dozens of places that are ideal to have a romantic experience and avail opportunities.
For us, the best way to start a romantic trip to Rome is to go sightseeing and enjoy a scrumptious meal on the cobbled streets. We also loved walking through the Spanish Steps. These steps have an alluring effect that makes the experience romantic for any couple.
Be sure to make a quick stop at the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon to dive deep into Roman ruins and culture. And, to ensure that your relationship stays strong, visit the Trevi Fountain and toss a coin with a wish for eternal love.
Being an adventurous soul, we recommend exploring the Vatican City, which is an independent city-state enclave within the city of Rome. Here you will also find the Sistine Chapel, home to one of the most famous artistic treasures of the world, Michelangelo’s paintings.
Verona
It’s not surprising that Verona made it to the list of most romantic places in Italy. After all, Verona is the origin of two famous lovers, Romeo and Juliet. Although it did not end well for them, Verona has evolved to carry an optimistically romantic vibe, making it a beautiful city for a romantic getaway.
Set on the Adige River, Verona always captivates us with its panoramic views from every angle. Despite being ages apart, the city still carries the Roman prestige well. Landmarks like Castel San Pietro not only give Verona a Romantic touch but also guarantee some incredible views.
Apart from the Castel San Pietro, I also recommend visiting Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza Bra. If you are looking to add a recreational touch to your romantic getaway, there is nothing better than climbing the Torre dei Lamberti.
Of course, make sure to stop by Juliet’s house and capture a photo there to make your trip memorable!
Venice
Often, we see many movies using Venice as a romantic getaway for couples. Its feature in various movies is a testament to Venice being one of the most romantic places in Italy. The city is renowned for its serene vibe and unique infrastructure, which has a certain romantic allure to it.
In Venice, you will find Gondolas win down twisting canals, paired with secluded cobbled lanes. As these lanes connect to the gorgeous footbridges and high-renaissance palaces, its mapping adds a subtle hint of adventurism.
Once home to Giacomo Casanova, many people see Venice as a city of lovers. The city is also full of interesting spots like the Piazza San Marco with iconic landmarks such as St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Campanile (bell tower), and the Procuratie buildings. You will also find many lovely art galleries displaying the works of the finest Venetian artists.
Lake Como
One of the most romantic destinations in Italy is definitely Lake Como. With its beautiful scenery, lakeside promenades, and Italian Alps. Did you know George Clooney lives in Lake Como? Many other celebrities have homes around the shores of the famous Lake Como too! Now you know it’s a special spot!
And what can be more romantic than taking a scenic boat cruise through the lake? These boat trips can be easily arranged, and while you enjoy relaxing next to your partner, they will take you through the spectacular landscape, with majestic mountains, charming lakeside villages, and villas of grandeur along the lake.
What’s more? There are many upscale restaurants with delicious food where you can enjoy a romantic dinner with a lakeside view and sunset glow. Lake Como is the perfect place to try out Risotto al Lago, a regional specialty made with fish from the lake.
You should also set a time with your partner to visit some historic sites and landmarks around the area, like the village of Brunate, Volta Temple, and the Faro Voltiano Lighthouse.
The Dolomites
Imagine 360 degrees of dramatic peaks, stunning views of both sunrise and sunset, and quaint villages nestled amidst the mountains that exude charm and tranquility. The Dolomites are a mountain range in the eastern corner of Northern Italy and is the perfect romantic spot for those seeking a serene escape and for every adventurous couple.
One of the most romantic things we did in the Dolomites was visiting an Italian Rifugio. Picture this: a cozy mountain hut tucked along a hiking trail, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks. We hiked up, feeling the crisp mountain air and anticipation building with every step. When we finally arrived, we were greeted by the most breathtaking scenery. Sitting there, enjoying a simple meal together, surrounded by nature’s grandeur, it was pure magic.
In winter, you and your lover should hit the ski slopes in Alpe di Siusi, the largest high-altitude Alpine meadow in Europe. You can also get some souvenirs at one of the Christmas Markets and enjoy a hot chocolate drink together.
If you are here in the summer months, take a boat ride along Lago Di Braies. Enjoy a meal at the banks of Lago di Dobbiaco, and visit Tre Cime de Lavaredo for views of three of the most famous peaks in the region. You should also hike the trails and stay at a rustic lodge around the alpine lakes.
Trieste
The next destination on my list of romantic places in Italy is Trieste. This might come as a surprise on my list, as Trieste is different from all Italian cities. All Italian cities look alike with big squares, coffees, and Trieste has big squares, probably the best coffee in Italy, and one thing other places do not have: Austro-Hungarian architecture and James Joyce.
There are numerous things to do in Trieste. Its seaside promenade offers romantic walks with stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. The Miramare Castle, perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, is a perfect spot for couples, with its beautiful gardens and historical rooms.
For a quiet, intimate experience, visit the Caffè San Marco, a historic café where you can enjoy a cozy atmosphere and literary ambiance. The narrow streets of the Old Town are uniquely romantic, perfect for strolls, lined with shops and cafes.
Cinque Terre
With its natural touch of azure waters and the treasured shores of Liguria, Cinque Terre is my top pick for the most romantic places in Italy. Surrounded by immense scenery, this town offers an abundance of romantic activities that you can embark on with your partner.
Whether it be boating excursions, long walks/drives, or hikes, every activity reflects a gentle aroma of romance in Cinque Terre.
In Cinque Terre, you will find the preserved vintage architecture paired with the mountain trails through narrow roads. Although steep, these windy roads give you a roadmap to see secluded coves, allowing you to spend some personal time with your partner.
The colorful terraces facing the Ligurian Sea, this view will make you cherish every beautiful memory of your relationship and strengthen your bond further.
Needless to say, a visit to Cinque Terre will have you racing against the time to bask in all the views and make memories with your partner that’ll last a lifetime.
Capri
Although Capri is a relatively small town, lovers worldwide often visit it for its wholesome vibe and exemplary beauty.
Located close to the Amalfi Coast, Capri also gives you a chance to cherish the natural beauty and be captivated by the views. Walking through landmarks like the Garden of Augusts, Monte Solaro, and the Ville San Michele will allow you to give your relationship an adventuristic touch.
Another must-do activity in Capri as a couple includes taking a boat tour around the city. According to a famous saying, “Couples who kiss while passing under the rock will stay together for a lifetime.”
If I were you, I would take my chances by taking a boat tour around Capri to reach these mountains through the Faraglioni formations!
Portofino
A quick getaway to Portofino is all you need to have an amazing honeymoon experience in one of Italy’s most romantic places.
As Italians classify Portofino as a “fishing village,” this town is not considerably famous among tourists. In reality, visiting this town is a perfect way of exploring the Amalfi Coast with a shortcut!
While it is true that you could walk through Portofino within 15 minutes, this place has a lot to offer. Some romantic attractions in the fishing village include its hillside mansions, its busy yacht harbor, and its street crowded with luxurious fashion boutiques.
Its high-end boutiques make Portofino an ideal target destination for various designers, actors, and models. Hence, planning a trip to Portofino also gives you a chance to rub shoulders with your favorite A-listers from the fashion/Hollywood industry!
Positano
Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi are all great destinations on the Amalfi Coast, but Positano is one of the most beautiful coastal towns in the region! This small village on the Mediterranean Sea is gorgeous with its mountains, coastline, pastel-hued houses, and clear waters.
There are plenty of reasons that make this town the perfect romantic escape. Activities like a sunset boat ride along the Amalfi Coast, where you can admire spectacular views of stunning waters, soaring cliffs, coastal cathedrals, and charming villages on the hillsides. All while enjoying a bottle of red wine or prosecco! The best time for a boat ride is at sunset, when the golden glow will have you reaching for your lover’s hands.
You can also have fun by taking a limoncello-making class, where you’ll learn to craft the famous liquor made with a mix of lemon zest, sugar, and alcohol. Other activities you will enjoy on your romantic trip to Positano include watching the sunset from a hilltop, taking a stroll along Spiaggia Grande beach, and enjoying a date night at one of the Michelin-starred restaurants.
For us, simply walking along the narrow charming streets, admiring the beauty everywhere, and indulging in a treat or two at one of the many gelato stores brought us immense joy.
Florence
You can’t talk about romantic cities in Italy and not talk about Florence, the city of Renaissance. A trip here will feel like walking through time and history. This magical city is full of stunning landmarks, terracotta-roofed buildings, scenic beauty, culinary delights, and gorgeous art.
Florence’s historic center, which is considered UNESCO World Heritage, is the perfect setting to spend time with your partner, so take a romantic stroll hand in hand while enjoying the charming streets, beautiful squares, and iconic landmarks.
One of the most romantic things you will do in Florence is watch the sunset set over the Ponte Vecchio, one of the most beautiful bridges in the world.
Other things you need to add to your bucket list while you are here include seeing the Statue of David and visiting a world-class museum like the Uffizi Gallery. For some adventure, you can climb the 463 steps to the stunning Duomo of Santa Maria del Fiore, an architectural wonder that took centuries to complete. Reaching the top offers breathtaking views of Florence.
Despite being a bustling city, Florence retains a sense of intimacy and charm, with hidden courtyards, quiet alleys, and secret gardens waiting to be discovered.
To add to the romantic experience, you can take a day trip to the Tuscany region. Rent a car with your partner and drive through the rolling hills, olive groves, cypress trees, and coastal roads.
Lake Garda
Crystal-clear waters, wine bars, breathtaking mountains; that’s Lake Garda in a nutshell!
One of the reasons we love Lake Garda is because it’s the perfect place to have romantic fun with your other half. This is the largest lake in Italy, so you will enjoy a lot of water activities no matter the side of Lake Garda you visit.
Take a boat cruise on Lake Garda, sunbathe on one of the beaches, and book a winery tour in Lazise, the major wine scene in the region.
Couples in Lake Garda should not miss Sirmione, a small town on the southern shore boasting beautiful villas, 13th-century buildings, golden beaches, and hot springs. Climb the castle tower in Sirmione to enjoy panoramic views of the surroundings.
Other things you shouldn’t miss are the lake views at the medieval village of Malcesine, the beautiful views of Limone sul Garda, and a romantic lakeside dinner at Lazise.
Puglia
Puglia is a region in Southern Italy, and while the towns here are not often on the list of the country’s most beautiful towns, take it from us when we say it’s a perfect destination for a romantic trip. This region is made of coastal towns, such as Putignano, Polignano a Mare, Leece, Ostuni, Monopoli, and Gallipoli. For a romantic afternoon, take a road trip with your partner to enjoy the views of the seaside towns like Capitolo and Monopoli.
Other romantic activities you can add to your itinerary in Puglia include booking an olive oil tasting, learning to make cheese in a burrata-making class, and enjoying a picnic date at the beach.
One of the best experiences here is heading to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello, where you will find the famous Trulli houses. There is nothing better than staying in one while you are here, these beautiful whitewashed cone-roofed houses offer a very unique and romantic stay! There are over 1500 of these, and an expert will tell you everything you need to know about their history.
Udine
Finally, on the list of most romantic places in Italy, an atypical Italian city. With its understated elegance and ambiance, Udine is a great place to visit for couples looking for a more intimate Italian experience.
To immerse yourself in a romantic Italian atmosphere away from the crowds of tourists and cameras, visit Udine. The city’s charm lies in its quiet streets and lovely squares, like Piazza della Libertà, which is often said to be the most beautiful Venetian square on the mainland.
The Udine Castle, perched atop a hill, offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside, perfect for a romantic outing. For a taste of local life, visit the traditional osterias, where you can enjoy regional wines and cuisines, and explore the art galleries and museums that are packed with historical artifacts and contemporary works.
