Italy is a romantic country. The music, the food, the atmosphere and the scenery all combine to create somewhere that can feel truly magical. We often get asked for advice on what to do and where to go for couples, so have brought together all our knowledge and experience in one place here. Whether you’re looking for Italy honeymoon inspiration, the perfect place to propose or simply somewhere you and your partner can switch off and spend quality time together, here is our guide to the most romantic places in Italy.
Rome
Where else could we start but Rome? The Eternal City is home to countless love stories, both in real life and in fiction, and has long been a city that couples come to in order to create their own romance.
Not only are there plenty of luxury hotels to stay in, Rome is the home of world class restaurants, lots of shopping options and all sorts of ways to experience the city’s rich history. You can really make your trip unique to you in Rome, whether you want to explore the city on a Vespa, try all the different street food on offer or relax with a beer or an aperitivo.
Here are our favorite romantic things to do when visiting Rome:
Watch the Sunset
Rome has many places where you can watch the sun go down. The Pincio Terrace, sitting above Piazza del Popolo is a go-to sunset spot, with views over the city, which means that it is usually pretty busy. Another great vantage point is the Gianicolo hill, which is slightly removed from the historic center so you can see all the major landmarks and the Vatican in front of you.
Both of these places are popular so if you’re looking for somewhere a little more intimate, try the Giardino degli Aranci on the Aventine hill. Trees frame a picture-perfect view of St Peter’s Basilica and as the Roman sky changes color as the sun goes down, you’re guaranteed a stunning view of the beautiful scenery all around you.
Relax in the Villa Borghese Park
One of Rome’s largest parks, the Villa Borghese is the perfect place to spend time with your loved one. There are countless paths winding through the greenery, with lots of different fountains, plants, statues and other monuments to discover.
Bring a picnic to enjoy together under the shady trees (this is a lovely place to come in the heat of the summer) or hire bikes to explore more of the park’s treasures. We particularly like the lake garden, where a faux-Greek temple sits on an island in the middle of a lake where you can hire rowboats and drift on the water.
Make the Most of Rome’s Restaurants
Rome has one of the best culinary scenes anywhere in the world. Michelin star restaurants are easy to find for a really special meal, but there are many more accessible dining options where you will find some of the most delicious food you’ve ever had.
For a really romantic evening, start with aperitivo on one of Rome’s rooftop bars and watch the sunset, before opting for a later dinner. Whether you’re looking for classic Roman pastas, modern twists, seafood, vegetarian or something non-Italian, you won’t have trouble finding a fantastic restaurant.
Wherever you dine, take your time over your meal but skip the dessert. Instead, stroll through the streets of Rome with a gelato and admire the city’s landmarks by night. Places like the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and Roman Forum are all lit up, plus there are far fewer visitors around, so it almost feels like you have Rome to yourselves!
Verona
When many people think of romantic destinations in Italy, one of the first places that come to mind is Venice. While the city is undeniably romantic, with St Mark’s Square, the Grand Canal and more, we prefer the city of Verona.
Located in the same region, Veneto, as Venice, Verona is a really special place. The city centre is made up of layers of history, from the ancient Roman amphitheater to medieval palaces and modern shopping, as well as the supposed balcony from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. You can wander the streets of Verona and soak up the atmosphere by day, and dine at your choice of excellent restaurants by night.
Out of everywhere in our collection of the most romantic places in Italy, Verona is one of the best for easy romantic day trip options as well as lots to do in the city itself. Here is what we recommend:
Visit the Giardino Giusti
Located slightly outside the immediate center of Verona, the gardens of Palazzo Giusti are absolutely breathtaking. Built in the 1500’s, the terraces of gardens were deliberately built to impress visitors, with carefully designed avenues lined with trees, grottoes, fountains and even a labyrinth.
The terraces open out to wide-ranging views of Verona, and as the gardens are rarely busy, this is a lovely place to come with your partner.
Attend a Concert at the Verona Arena
The Verona Arena is an ancient Roman amphitheater that has been carefully looked after and restored through the centuries by the local people. Located right in the center of the city, the arena is an important place and is today one of the best preserved examples of Roman amphitheaters. A visit here is essential for anyone coming to Verona, but what makes it one of the most romantic places in Italy is the opera festival.
The arena is in such good condition that even today it is home to concerts and events every year. Each summer the Arena Opera Festival takes place, with a series of operas performed through the summer months. Sitting in the open air watching these incredible performances take place, surrounded by the ancient stone structure is very special, and definitely an unforgettable moment filled with romance.
Check out the official website here for details of the upcoming events – as these are very popular, it definitely pays to book in advance.
Explore More of Veneto
While we love Verona (check out our blog post here about all the things to do), there are lots of romantic destinations nearby you can also visit while staying here. Venice itself is just over an hour away by train, where you can get on the water with a gondola ride or boat trip, before wandering the city. The city of Padova is only 45 minutes from Verona Porta Nuova train station, where you will find spectacular art, great shops and a fun aperitivo scene.
Lake Garda is also easily reached from Verona, where you can visit the charming towns of Bardolino or Peschiera del Garda. In the summer the waters are perfect for swimming or joining a boat trip, and the local wines are not to be missed.
Turin
While many of the suggestions here are more suited to summer trips, the northern city of Turin for us is more of a winter romantic trip location. Turin is filled with cozy bars and restaurants, the food is rich and decadent and there is something special about being able to enjoy all of this when the weather is cold. This is definitely one of our go-to Valentines Day destinations!
This is what we would include on a romantic vacation itinerary in Turin:
Explore Turin’s Museums & Galleries
Unlike the museums in many other major Italian cities, those in Turin are never packed. Wander the rooms of the Royal Palace in the heart of the city and admire the rich decor, get to know the ancient Egyptians in one of the finest collections in Europe or learn about the history of Italian cinema – there really is something for everyone here.
Indulge With Chocolates
Turin is the home of some of the best chocolate anywhere in Italy. The city has a long legacy of chocolate-making, and chocolate has long been in high demand here. So much so that when cocoa imports were restricted in the early 1800’s due to various European wars, the artisans turned to local hazelnuts, finely grinding them to bulk out the cocoa they did have, to keep up with demand. The resulting mix was called gianduia, and became just as popular as pure chocolate!
There are many cafès and specialist stores where you can enjoy these chocolates today. As well as the candy pieces themselves, make sure to also try bicerin, a hot drink made with espresso, hot chocolate and cream. Yes, it’s as decadent as it sounds but unbelievably tasty.
Make the Most of the Local Wine and Cuisine
Turin is the capital of the Piemonte region of Italy, which is where some of the best wines we’ve ever tasted are produced. You’ll find bold, rich reds like Barolo, Barbaresco and Barbera d’Alba as well as fantastic sparkling wines from Asti that are balanced rather than overly sweet.
The local cuisine matches these wines perfectly, from hearty pasta to creamy cheeses, meat, vegetables and more. Piemontese cuisine is not as well-known as other Italian dishes are, but this means you can discover something new with your partner in one of the many excellent restaurants in Turin.
Capri
Our final recommendation in this list of the most romantic places in Italy is the island of Capri, located off the coast of Campania near Naples and Sorrento. While the nearby Amalfi Coast is a popular recommendation for a honeymoon or romantic trip, we prefer Capri when looking for romance.
Surrounded by the glistening Mediterranean sea, there are very few places as beautiful as Capri. The water is clear and deep blue, the scenery on the island is spectacular and wherever you look, there is an incredible view. In the summer Capri is busy during the day with visitors, but the last ferries depart for the mainland around 7PM so there is an entirely different atmosphere in the evenings.
For us, the smaller town of Anacapri is a great location for couples. Slightly away from the main town of Capri, Anacapri has a slower pace. There are also some seriously high-end hotels here, one of which is home to a 2 star Michelin star restaurant, so if Capri is on your honeymoon wish list, check some of those out!
Planning a romantic trip on Capri?
Looking for where to stay in the town of Anacapri? Discover all of your accommodation options here including the best hotels, B&Bs and apartments and more.
If you need any help planning your trip to Italy, don’t hesitate to contact us – our team is waiting to hear from you.
Take a Boat Trip Around the Island
The first activity we recommend doing as a couple is to take a boat trip around Capri. There is a lot of choice so it is easy to find a boat where it will be just you and the skipper, where you can take your time. Capri is an impressive sight from the water, with lots of sea caves and grottoes to see. During your trip there will be stops where you can have a swim, or simply sunbathe on the boat with a drink or two.
This is a wonderful way to spend time together in such a beautiful place, and with it being private, you can make it your own. If you would like to see more of the Campanian coast, from Capri you can reach the islands of Ischia and Procida, stop off in Sorrento or head the other direction and sail along the Amalfi Coast.
Head Up to Capri’s Highest Point
The summit of Monte Solaro is Capri’s highest point, which can be reached either by hiking up or taking the chair lift. The spectacular views from here are unrivaled, on clear days you can see beyond Mount Vesuvius to the mountains further inland.
Once you’ve explored the summit, stop at the bar. Serving coffees, cocktails, gelato as well as (fairly simple) meals, the bar itself is a standard Italian establishment but those views really elevate the experience. You can then either walk back down, or take the chair lift – remember to check the timings for when the chair lift is running as this can vary at different points.
Relax by the Sea
You can’t spend time on Capri without making the most of the surrounding sea. There is something different about the water around the Bay of Naples, we can honestly say this is one of the best places in Italy for swimming and being in the sea.
Capri doesn’t have long sandy beaches, but it does have plenty of places to swim. You’ll find beach club options at various points around the island, which you will pay to access but receive comfortable sunbeds and an umbrella for the day, as well as bathrooms and food and drink services.
Plan Your Romantic Italy Trip With Us
These are some of our favorite places to have a romantic vacation in Italy, but there are many more options. Perhaps the Tuscan countryside is more suited to you, or a luxurious stay on the banks of Lake Como, but wherever you go in Italy it is easy to make it special.
We have lots of ways we can do this for you, whether that is organizing private wine tastings, city tours, day trips or even bespoke multi-day itineraries. If you’re planning your honeymoon or any special vacation, get in touch with us today to find out how we can help create the perfect experience for you.
