Italy is a country filled with romance and over the years we have welcomed couples on tours who have celebrated honeymoons and anniversaries. We’ve even helped set the stage for some unforgettable proposals. There’s no doubt that wherever you go with your lover in Italy will be romantic, but there are some places that stand out above the rest. Here are seven of our favorites.
Ravello - Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast offers lovers an opportunity to see a variety of romantic Italian villages at one time. One of our favorites, Ravello, is known for its stunning villas that overlook the water from 1100ft.
What to do: walk the Path of Gods and finish in Positano at Hotel Sirenuse (our two-night stay on the Amalfi and Capri Magnifica tour).
Val d’Orcia – Tuscany
Your artistic soul will fall in love with Tuscany. Its natural beauty makes it a the perfect place to visit and simply relax. The Val d’Orcia, a Unesco World Heritage Site, is an area of unspoiled and unparalleled beauty. The roads of Pienza and Montalcino are made from cobblestone and the architecture will leave you in awe. There surrounding hills covered with fields and vineyards are the perfect backdrop for a lovers’ stroll.
What to do: ride from vineyard to vineyard and pay a visit to one of the thermal villages such as Bagno Vignoni.
Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet
Verona is surely underrated compared to nearby Venice, but it is worth a trip, and is filled with romance. In fact, ever since Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet, Verona has been the portrait of the Italian romantic city. Unsurprisingly, in Verona you will find Juliet’s house, complete with her balcony and statue, as well as thousands of love letters tucked into the wall around Valentine’s Day (you can even write one yourself!)
What to do: Ride from Lake Garda to Verona on secondary roads among vineyards. Attend an opera at the Arena.
Capo Testa - Sardinian Coast
Capo Testa is a windy, wild area, located in the north of Sardinia, in the Gallura region. It offers unique, lunar landscapes, and incredible beaches. Lapped by translucent blue waters, backed by macchia (scrub land perfumed by wild herbs such as thyme, rosemary and oregano) and framed by Mistral-warped granite outcrops, northern Sardinia beaches are among the finest in the Mediterranean.
What to do: kayak and take long walks on the white sand beaches.
Portovenere – Liguria
What better place to propose than surrounded by the landscapes that are said to have inspired writers such as Lord Byron? Portovenere, along with Cinque Terre, is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Its landscape shows dramatic cliffs and terraces and a deep, blue sea. Spend a romantic evening in one of the handful charming trattorias that are clustered in the little port.
What to do: Hike the trails of the Cinque Terre national park and take a boat ride to enjoy this gem from all of its angles.
Pantelleria – Sicily
The atmosphere of Pantelleria is exotic and remote, and this island, closer to Tunisia than Sicily, offers a secluded getaway for lovers. There are no real beaches, but you can get lost in coves made of volcanic lava stone, soak in a mud bath, or spend hours lazing about in the sunshine. Stars like Madonna, Capote and Sting have all spent time here to get away.
What to do: The island is not very large. Swim, ride and hike all of its angles. Enjoy the African-influenced cuisine.
Lake Como
Lake Como is home to many Hollywood and European stars alike. This lake offers beautiful views of quaint villas and acres of small towns that sprawl along the beautiful water. As you block out the rest of the world during your honeymoon with your new life partner, there are few better ways to enjoy the peace and serenity that Italy offers, than walking along Lake Como.
What to do: take advantage of the ferries and hop from Bellagio to Menaggio to Varenna to explore the villages and different corners of the lake.
Special mention: Venice
It goes without saying that Venice is one of the most popular cities in the world for its beauty and natural romance. This city is famous for its gondola rides on the waterways that connect the city. While visiting Venice, you can get a ride to some of the best shopping areas in Europe; but as night falls, you can enjoy the lights of the city as you make your way through the waterways without a care in the world. After months of stressful wedding planning, there is little that is more relaxing than riding through Venice on a gondola with the one you love.
What to do: take a cycling vacation along the Po river that ends in Chioggia, then make you way to Venice.
A romantic vacation in Italy isn’t just for newlyweds or those celebrating anniversaries. There is great deal of literature that proves that a vacation can rejuvenate a stale relationship.
The site Psychcentral lists going on a vacation among its 6 simple ways to reignite a relationship.
Whether you are newly in love or looking to fall in love with each other all over again, Italy offers many romantic options.
