Let’s find out many ideas for a romantic trip to Italy…
Some say that the most beautiful declaration of love to make to a beloved person is “I have to take you there“, second only (in my opinion and that of many others) to the question “have you eaten?“.
These statements are so rich in meaning that to explain them would be reductive. What is certain is that, when we love someone, we almost always show it in the simplest way, by ensuring each other’s well-being in the smallest things.
Precisely for this reason, taking trips together with your loved one is the best way to ensure together that simplicity that can amaze. Whether celebrating an anniversary or simply satisfying the need to be together in peace and quiet, a romantic getaway is always a good choice to create wonderful memories together. Everything you need for your weekend is provided by… Italy!
It sounds like a cliché, but the truth is that you could have your own romantic adventure, even a one-day experience, without spending exorbitant amounts of money. The only prerequisite is to learn to look at the land with the same eyes with which you look at your loved one. Fortunately, Italy is overflowing with natural, architectural and gastronomic beauties, capable of providing a worthy backdrop to any love story.
Here, a brief review of some of the most romantic places in Italy to “take someone”… Possibly to eat! 😋
🧳 Travel & Taste Italy with us!
A dive into the most romantic places in Italy…
The choice of the destination for a trip (whether short or long) depends very much on the season. But, in general, many of the places I will tell you about can be visited all year round. You will immerse yourself in romantic Italy, among medieval villages, spas and natural landscapes that embrace the sea and the mountains via the hills! Let’s take a look at some of the most romantic cities and Italy and other lovely destinations:
1. Turin: a great “Mole” of romance
Have breakfast at one of the city’s historic cafés, go under the Mole Antonelliana at night, discover the secrets of the master chocolate makers in Italy’s first capital. Turin is the cradle of art and embraces every aspect of it, from cinema and literature to gastronomy and design. Stroll under the arcades, see Turin from the top of Monte dei Cappuccini, visit historical residences such as the Villa della Regina or the imposing Reggia di Venaria. The Savoy city is full of surprises all year round!
2. Lake Orta: a shimmering mirror at the foot of Monte Rosa
Lake Orta is a romantic, private, intimate place where time passes slowly. You can take refuge in this small Piedmontese paradise, allowing yourself to be enraptured by the melancholic charm of the lake while enjoying the tranquillity of Orta San Giulio. The heart of this charming village is the square overlooking the lake and looking out over Isola San Giulio. A few hundred metres from the shore, the latter houses an early Christian basilica founded in 390 A.D. by the saint himself, victor over the snakes and dragons that ruled the land. From above, Orta is overlooked by the Sacro Monte, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a religious complex consisting of 20 chapels scattered in the woods, dedicated to St Francis of Assisi. A trip between mysticism, relaxation and, if you wish, even water sports!
3. The Langhe: the scents of wine & truffle
The vast territory of the Langhe is dedicated to the wine-making tradition, hence Barolo, Nebbiolo, Barbaresco and Roero. You can discover them all through direct experiences at the winery or historic wine shops such as the Enoteca del Barolo: nothing more romantic than a dinner in the vineyard! Between jazz strolls in Monforte d’Alba and the culture of the highly prized Alba white truffle, you will have more than one reason to tour the romantic Langhe.
4. Lake Como in Lombardy
Despite being one of the most touristy destinations in the region, Lake Como knows how to be intimate and reserved. From the characteristic Molo di Pescallo, you can navigate its waters on board a “lucia”, the typical boat. The entire landscape is dotted with historical residences, villas and entire municipalities perfectly set in their natural surroundings, such as Tramezzina or Bellagio. For sports enthusiasts, there is no shortage of opportunities to find romance in Italy by walking along the Sentiero degli Olivi, enjoying breathtaking views!
5. Lake Garda and its shores
It is the largest lake in Italy and this can only mean one thing: there is so much to do and see! Its shores are marvellous in every season and the great thing is that you can move from one side to the other, passing from south to north and from east to west. Some of the most beautiful places include Sirmione, Riva del Garda, Bardolino… On late August evenings, you can watch the romantic fireworks at the end of summer, as well as dine on the shores, stroll along the lakeside promenades or admire the views from the peaks surrounding the Benaco, such as the Ponale Path.
6. Trentino Alto Adige: Val di Cembra, Val Gardena, Val Pusteria
Amidst the lush green valleys of Trentino, you can get in tune with nature as well as embrace the simplicity of mountain life. The winter season makes everything more evocative because the lights that colour the markets, such as those in Ortisei, warm up the atmosphere along with a good mulled wine and the smell of roasted chestnuts. What could be more romantic than waking up in a chalet in the Dolomites at Christmas time! Perhaps soaking in the warm waters of the numerous high-altitude spas. On top of that, there are plenty of nature trails, including waterfalls in the Cembra Valley, boat rides on Lake Braies, and much more.
7. Verona and surroundings
The Shakespearian love between Romeo and Juliet is at home here, and their torments still attract many visitors to Juliet’s House. There are several vantage points, including the Torre dei Lamberti on Piazza Erbe or Castel San Pietro on the other side of the Adige River. The view over the surrounding area is beautiful and leaves room to imagine the indigenous vineyards of Valpolicella. Not far from Verona, love stories also inspire gastronomy, such as for the tortellini of Valeggio, also called “love knot”. You can taste them in the towns of Borghetto and Valeggio sul Mincio, the romantic mill villages where time seems to stand still.
8. Venice
Here the atmosphere is unique in the world and that is why nothing can ever render the idea of romance like Venice. Is it the water of the lagoon that welcomes the city or is it the city that accepts the compromise of this fusion? Perhaps the uniqueness of Venice lies precisely in this uncertainty. A city that connects with bridges, that you get to know in the calli and that you discover in the ancient taverns… It is perhaps the most romantic city in Italy, in every way!
9. Valdobbiadene and Asolo
These are the lands of prosecco wine, offering many opportunities for romantic getaways amidst the hectares of vineyards. The villas in the area provide the privacy you need while sipping a good Conegliano Valdobbiadene Superiore DOCG by the pool. In the Colli Asolani, you can enjoy wine tastings and lunches with amazing views.
10. Trieste and Duino
At the far end of Friuli Venezia Giulia, on the shores overlooking neighbouring Slovenia, the long Molo Audace is perfect for a long, intimate walk by the sea. The Miramare Castle is a must-see, as well as pursuing the Rielke Path leading to the poetic Duino Castle – where the poet Rainer Maria Rielke elaborated his profound Elegie Duinesi!
11. Portovenere and the Cinque Terre
Among the most accessible seaside destinations for those living in northern Italy, Liguria’s Cinque Terre amaze with the cheerful plays of colour that enrich the coastline. Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso are part of the UNESCO World Heritage, thanks to the harmonious work of man in relation to nature. Further south, Portovenere faces the nearby islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto. A weekend in these small and picturesque villages, taking advantage of the excellent Ligurian cuisine, will be inspiring!
12. Bologna
A steaming plate of tortellini tastes like home and is often what you seek while travelling. Bologna, with its rebellious soul, its gastronomy and its Colli Bolognesi, is not only a city for university students but could be the ideal romantic place to spend a weekend among the arcades of the historic centre or a movie at the film library. Not far from Bologna, a visit to the extraordinary Rocchetta Mattei will make your stay unforgettable.
13. Florence and Chianti
Tuscany, as we know, is one of the most popular regions when thinking of romantic trips to Italy. Florence, the capital of the Italian Renaissance where poets and geniuses lived, is full of monuments, art and, of course, excellent food and wine. For those looking for something a little more private, the Chianti hills, with their vineyards and olive groves, provide just the right amount of “food and wine pampering”.
14. Val d’Orcia
Near Siena, the Val d’Orcia is the best choice for those who want to lose contact with the present world and take a few steps back in time, visiting beautiful medieval villages such as Pienza, Montepulciano or Montalcino. There are many natural baths, open-air spas dotting the area, perfect for a romantic contact with nature!
15. Viterbo and Tuscia
In the valley of the Etruscans, Viterbo embodies the medieval spirit that lives on in the Alfina Tower Castle. In its surroundings, it is impossible to miss the panorama of Civita di Bagnoregio, the melancholic “dying city”. The territory of Tuscia is also rich in natural parks with lake landscapes such as Lake Bolsena and Lake Vico, ideal for a romantic out-of-town excursion.
16. Romantic Rome
A few years ago someone would have suggested putting a padlock on Ponte Milvio, as a promise of love. In fact, the Eternal City celebrates love already in its very name! The romantic views of the capital are many: you can see the city from a rooftop or admire it from afar from the Giardino degli Aranci or the Gianicolo. If you are looking for some relief from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can head to the quiet of Villa Borghese or the Pincio. And then, walking through the Roman Forum or along the Lungotevere, besides being idyllic for outsiders, is comforting for those who live Rome every day!
17. Umbrian Hills: Spello, Bevagna, Montefalco, Lake Trasimeno
Central Italy is the beating heart of this country, that is why you can feel your heart beat faster here! Among the Umbrian hills, the quietness of the surrounding landscape makes everything romantic: Spello, Gubbio, Assisi, Bevagna, Montefalco or Lake Trasimeno are just some of the most romantic places to spend time with your loved one. Let yourself be inspired by the area’s gastronomy, Sagrantino di Montefalco DOC and the experiences you can have as a couple, such as truffle hunting.
18. Mount Conero
This is a promontory in the Marche region where the sea is crystal clear and you can mirror yourself from the edge of a boat and have a romantic aperitif! Exploring the Cornero Park through its 18 trails and sampling the flavours of nature (including strawberry trees) is an experience to be shared with your loved one.
19. Molise: Oratino and Vastogirardi
Full of villages where to take refuge and spend days of serenity, Molise knows how to take care of you. The Belvedere di Oratino overlooking the Biferno valley is certainly one of the most beautiful views in the area. Vastogirardi, on the other hand, is a delightful medieval village surrounded by walls. Its territory includes the Monte di Mezzo Reserve, where you can enjoy outdoor picnics for two!
20. Amalfi Coast
Between the Gulf of Naples and the Gulf of Salerno, a succession of marvellous little beaches interspersed with picturesque villages, flower-filled balconies, the scent of lemons and good food! There are 16 towns on the coast, each one more beautiful than the last: Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, Vietri sul Mare. They all have that magical Mediterranean atmosphere that accompanies the regions of southern Italy. One of the most beautiful panoramas is in Ravello, from the Terrace of Infinity. But what you can perceive on the Lemons’ Pathway in Minori transcends the gaze and seeps into the mind through the sense of smell. A single weekend would not be enough to be satiated by these romantic places.
21. Apulia: Polignano a mare, Alberobello, Salento
Although it is a destination for all seasons, the heat brings with it the lively atmosphere of the pizzica and enervates the beautiful beaches of Salento, between Porto Cesareo or Santa Maria di Leuca. The historic centres, however, are rich in history: spend the night in one of the trulli of Alberobello or visit the historic centres of Specchia, Lecce or Polignano a mare, where the sea almost creeps between the houses… For a bit of relaxation in the first weeks of September, Puglia may be just your choice!
22. Matera
The town carved in stone is one of the most romantic places in Italy. Here, the rooms of the houses, the inns, the places to stay overnight are unique, precisely because they are carved out of the Sassi. To discover some panoramic views, go to the southernmost district of Matera, among the limestone of the Sasso Caveoso. It is a unique experience!
23. Sicily, an island of breathtaking views
In the midst of the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily does not hide its natural beauty and magnificent views. From the peaks of Mount Etna where the gaze turns to the sea, to the red sunsets of Trapani and Marsala where the colours of the sky are lost in the pink of the salt pans. Romantic walks in seaside resorts such as Agrigento or Cefalù alternate with nature trails inland to discover the Baroque in Val di Noto or the Arab-Norman influences in Palermo. And, if you are looking for a privileged place to watch the sunset, head to the Andromeda Theatre in the province of Agrigento and be enchanted by the magic of this open-air theatre.
This guide to the most romantic places in Italy ends here. You just have to choose the destination you like best and pack your suitcase! 😉
Comments