The Most Romantic Spots In Italy

Thinking about planning a romantic getaway to Italy with your loved one? Great idea! Italy is the perfect destination if it’s romance you’re after. 

With its warm climates, slow pace of life, delicious food and wine on offer, and the Italian passion for ‘dolce far niente’ or ‘the sweet art of doing nothing’, there really is no better place to relax and enjoy being in the company of your loved one. 

Although Italy is a small country, there are so many places to visit! Here are some of my favorite spots that are bound to make sparks fly…

1. Venice

Venice is one of the more popular tourist destinations in Italy and it’s easy to see why! It’s brimming with beauty and historical significance. Unlike any other city in Italy, the capital of the Veneto Region of Northern Italy is actually made up of 117 small islands connected by a series of bridges and separated by a network of canals. 

The Floating City is completely unique in this way and therefore is a must-see if you’re in Italy. Although it’s not the largest, there is plenty to see here. Top sights include St Mark’s Basilica, St Mark’s Square, Doges Palace, Bridge of Sighs, and San Marco Campanile. 

Get lost in the many tiny alleyways and eat the best ham and cheese toasted sandwich you’ve ever tasted. 

For the ultimate romantic experience: Take a gondola ride along the Canale Grande, and take in the beautiful surroundings whilst being serenaded by your gondolier. Plus, this is on my Ultimate Travel Bucket List, so it’s one you can tick off!

2. Verona

‘In fair Verona where we lay our scene….’ The setting of (arguably) the greatest love story in the world, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, you can’t get more romantic than the idyllic Verona. Also situated in the Veneto Region, Verona is only a few hours from Venice. 

With remarkably well-preserved Roman architecture, including the magnificent amphitheater, there is also plenty to see here. Still, it’s Romeo and Juliet who have left the greatest mark on the city. 

Visit the 14th Century balcony of Casa di Giulietta where lovers leave pleas of devotion, the amazing Cortile del Mercato Vecchio, where Romeo’s banishment took place, and the crypt of San Francisco al Corso monastery, which became Juliet’s tomb to follow the star-crossed lovers. 

For the ultimate romantic experience: Watch an opera at Verona Arena, which was built in the 1st century, predating the Colosseum, providing the perfect backdrop for an evening of romance.

3. Lake Como

Lake Como is situated in Lombardy in the north of Italy. It is often regarded as one of the most picturesque places in Italy due to its natural beauty and of course, the majestic Lake Como that stretches from the north edge of the city. 

It also features a multitude of historical buildings, fine restaurants, and important museums, including Como Cathedral and Como Archaeological Museum. It’s also worth visiting some of the smaller towns and villages, such as Bellagio, Menaggio and Cernobbio, where you can see more of the natural beauty the city has to offer. 

For the ultimate romantic experience: Enjoy a scenic boat ride around the spectacular Lake. 

4. Milan

Milan is one of Italy’s larger cities with a population of around 3 million, so expect a bit more hustle and bustle here! With a history dating back to 222 BC, the city is rich in culture. Today, the historical architecture is mingled with high-rise skyscrapers giving the city a more modern feel. 

It is also known for its abundance of high-end fashion retailers so if shopping is your thing, here is the perfect place for a spree. Top sightseeing spots include: Milan Cathedral, Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, Grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Castello Sforzesco. 

For the ultimate romantic experience: Enjoy a candlelit dinner overlooking the Naviglio Grande canal. The twinkling shop lights along the canal and the sunset colours over the water will make it magical.

5. Florence

Florence is renowned as one of the most cultural and historical cities in the world and is packed full of amazing architecture and places of significance. It is hailed as the birthplace of the Renaissance movement, and throughout the 12th-16th centuries, was one of the most important cities of the world. 

Notable residents of Florence included Machiavelli, Michelangelo, Donatello and Galileo. Must-see sights include: Florence Cathedral (possibly the most celebrated cathedral in the world), Giotto’s Campanile, Palazzo Vecchio and Basilica of Santa Croce. 

For the ultimate romantic experience: Stroll along the bridges that stretch over the Arno River. These bridges are perfect for picnics, great photo opportunities, and a spot to watch the sunset.

6. Rome

Rome stands as one of the finest and oldest cities in the world. It is steeped in legend and mythology and there are various different accounts of how this majestic place was built. Various Roman emperors ruled mighty Rome and this is the place where the colossal Roman Empire grew from. 

Rome is consistently ranked as one of the top tourist destinations in Europe and with sights such as the Colosseum and the Vatican, it is easy to see why. It’s definitely one to tick off your bucket list! 

For the ultimate romantic experience: Make a wish in the Trevi Fountain. Ok, so it might be a bit cliche but it’s iconic and has to be done in my eyes! So get your coins at ready and toss them in together as you make a wish with your partner. Tradition has it that one coin ensures your return to Rome; two coins ensure a romance in Rome, and three guarantee marriage with your lover!

7. Pienza

Pienza is a small hill town lying in the fabulous Val d’Orcia area, south of Siena. It’s so charming, making it the perfect destination for lovers. It's beautiful piazza, palaces, and characteristic alleys give it an irresistible atmosphere. 

Many of the narrow streets of the village have names referring to love, such as Via del Bacio (street of the kiss) and Via dell’Amore (the street of love). It’s no wonder the great Italian director Franco Zeffirelli chose Pienza as the setting for much of the 1968 film version of Romeo and Juliet!

For the ultimate romantic experience: Visit the panoramic lookout over the Val d'Orcia on Via del Bacio for a photo of the perfect couple.

8. Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi coast is one of the most renowned tourist destinations in the whole of Italy and draws thousands of tourists annually. This stretch of mountainous coast sits in between Naples and Salerno and encompasses the arm of the Sorrento Peninsula. 

This region has some picture-perfect towns full of multi-colored houses, such as Positano, Praiano, and Amalfi itself. Furthermore, there are some absolutely fantastic beaches, coastal walks and mountainside villas. Other top sightseeing spots include Sorrento, Ravello, Grotta dello Smeraldo Cave and the gorgeous waterfalls of the Valle Delle Ferriere. 

For the ultimate romantic experience: Go on a day trip to the island of Capri. An island of romance and stunning views, the island of Capri is a top destination in Italy for love birds. From the Amalfi Coast, you can reach the island easily with a scenic boat ride from Amalfi or Positano and enjoy a day trip exploring Capri. 

Take the chairlift to the top of Monte Solaro in Anacapri, where you can see the beautiful Sorrento Peninsula and across the bay to Naples. Bliss!