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10 Most Romantic Places in Italy for Couples

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Positano at dusk

Positano on the Amalfi Coast, Italy

Italy personifies romance, its intriguing history and captivating landscape contributing to the top 10 most romantic places in Italy for couples.

From elegant cities to exquisite island getaways, secluded charms to scenic coastlines, preserved tradition offers authentic beauty and natural wonder creates the enchanting ambiance of a storybook.

Discover castles and ancient ruins, seductive cuisine and quiet vineyards. Lush countryside gives way to glistening lakes, canals offer quiet escapes, and rolling hills create the perfect picture of idyllic countryside. The following list offers our recommendations on the most romantic places in Italy for your trip.

Overview
  1. 1. Venice, Veneto
  2. 2. Lake Como, Lombardy
  3. 3. Pienza, Tuscany
  4. 4. Verona, Veneto
  5. 5. Capri, Campania
  6. 6. Amalfi Coast, Campania
  7. 7. Cinque Terre, Liguria
  8. 8. Portofino, Liguria
  9. 9. Polignano a Mare, Puglia
  10. 10. Taormina, Sicily
  11. Explore the Most Romantic Places in Italy for Couples

1. Venice, Veneto

San Marco Square in Venice

San Marco Square in Venice, Italy

Venice is the most obvious choice when considering Italy’s most romantic places, the city embodying passion, prestige, and charm. Gondolas wind down twisting canals and secluded cobbled lanes lead to gorgeous footbridges and views of High-Renaissance palaces, all unveiled further during the best time to visit Venice.

Venice is easily a city of lovers, once home to Giacomo Casanova and still home to the preserved Gothic design of the Doge’s Palace. Art galleries display famous Venetian artists who inspire desire, while the Basilica of San Marco entices with its immaculate gilded facade.

Whether you indulge in a glimpse of the city at sunrise over a quiet Piazza San Marco or stroll hand in hand through an authentic neighborhood, you can bask in the calm waters of the Venetian lagoon. Venice is an idyllic image of opulence and provides a great introduction to possible experiences you can have with our 10 best luxury Italy itineraries.

Romantic highlights: Bridge of Sighs • Piazza San Marco • Taking a Gondola Ride • Burano Island

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

Learn more: A Guide to Planning a Gondola Ride in VeniceTop 6 Things to Do in Venice

2. Lake Como, Lombardy

The town of Varenna on Lake Como, Italy

Varenna on Lake Como, Italy

The name Lake Como conjures images of elegant shores dusted with a light mist, as the region spreads across the incredible beauty of the Italian Alps near the border of Switzerland.

It boasts quaint villages offering serene streets, coupled with lakeside promenades and captivating scenery as far as the eye can see. One of the best ways to experience Lake Como is in the village of Brunate and the Faro Voltiano Lighthouse. The vista opens to the gorgeous scenery and quiet mountain charms.

The essence of Lake Como shines through its classic beauty and historical treasures, among them Villa Olmo in the city of Como. Cuisine and culture also extend the charm of this popular romantic destination.

Romantic highlights: Bellagio • Varenna • Menaggio • Tremezzina

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

Learn more: 7 Best Places to Visit in Italy7 Best Places to Visit in Northern Italy

3. Pienza, Tuscany

Green hills of Tuscany surrounding Pienza, Italy

Pienza, Italy

The small Tuscan town of Pienza feels like a secluded escape hidden in one of Italy’s most popular regions, a romantic wonderland worlds away from the bustling, crowded streets of many other Tuscan destinations.

The medieval walls continue to wrap around the edges of town and offer unparalleled views over Val d'Orcia’s bucolic landscape, known for vineyards you can explore during the best time to visit Tuscany. A destination inspired for centuries by poets, writers, and artists, Pineza does not just offer visual beauty, but a passionate atmosphere as well.

Wander the four “streets of love” and experience how the town’s Unesco World Heritage status protects the enchanting architecture and culture that embodies the ideal Renaissance city. Discover more world heritage sites in Italy in our top 10 Unesco World Heritage Sites to visit in Italy.

Romantic highlights: Streets of Love • Sweeping Views • Val d’Orcia • Piazza Pio II

Recommended length of stay: 2 days

Learn more: Top 4 Wine-Tasting Experiences in Italy

4. Verona, Veneto

Sunset over Verona with the Adige River in Italy

Verona, Italy

There is no better place to celebrate your love than in the city of Verona. Home of the famous Shakespearean lovers Romeo and Juliet, it has an alluring evening ambiance, when dim lights flicker through cozy alleys, unveiling romance.

Bask in views of the surrounding hills and enjoy the dreamy banks of the Adige River. Pozzo dell’Amore, the Lovers’ Well, is a well-kept secret and the Garden of the Giusti Palace sweeps couples into a romantic embrace through the late Renaissance charms of magnificent fountains and blossoming foliage.

Juliet Capulet has become a patron of love over the centuries and attracts visitors from around the world who are eager to stand in the courtyard where Romeo first climbed the balcony. People write letters to Juliet asking for advice on relationships or to bless their love.

Romantic highlights: Pozzo dell'Amore • Castelvecchio • Capello Street “Juliet” Balcony • Views from Castel San Pietro • Stroll Along the Adige River

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

5. Capri, Campania

Sunset behind the Faraglioni Rock Formations

Faraglioni Rock Formations in Capri, Italy

The island of Capri in the Tyrrhenian Sea is a unique destination known for lavish sunsets, the watery horizon, and enchanting views of the coastline. Viewing the water from anywhere on the island holds the same crystal-clear shades of azure.

The rugged karsts, stony peaks, and sporadic beaches highlight the natural beauty, while Capri Town unveils opulent culture with its winding cobbled lanes and boats sailing to the ethereal Blue Grotto.

The tranquil town of Anacapri offers a serene ambiance, revealing a secluded corner of the Mediterranean island. Roman ruins decorate the landscape with masterful architectural designs once belonging to emperors.

Romantic highlights: Sunset Boat Ride • Marvel at the Faraglioni Rock Formations • Visit the Blue Grotto • Punta Tragara Viewpoint

Recommended length of stay: 3-4 days

Learn more: Best Beaches in Italy to Visit on Your VacationOur 9 Best Italian Island Itineraries

6. Amalfi Coast, Campania

Atrani on Italy's Amalfi Coast

Atrani on Italy's Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast has become a perfect Mediterranean escape. Romance radiates from the sapphire water, rugged soaring cliffs, narrow winding coastal roads, and charming villages.

Using the eponymous town as a starting point, you can easily explore the entire coastline and discover the absolute romance of the Amalfi Coast, uncovered in our Amalfi Coast tours and vacation packages. Adventurous couples can set off on hikes in search of antique paper mills or crystal-clear mountain streams.

From rugged cliffs to colorful antique facades hosting terraces that frame the vibrant sunset, you can love the sea, board a boat, or simply indulge in the comfort of an artistic town.

Romantic highlights: Lover’s Arch in Vettica • Romantic Nocelle • Albori Scenic Walk • Positano • Sorrento • Ravello

Recommended length of stay: 3-5 days

Learn more: Our 9 Best Italian Islands7 Best Places to Visit in Southern Italy

7. Cinque Terre, Liguria

Vernazza, one of the five coastal towns that make up the Cinque Terre in Italy

Vernazza in the Cinque Terre, Italy

The Cinque Terre embraces the treasured shores of Liguria and comprises a colorful world with azure waters. The treasures of five quaint towns can be revealed through hikes, boating excursions, walks, and drives that highlight the gentle rhythms of day and night.

The romantic ambiance stems from a perfect combination of coastal views and remote authenticity. The minimal, narrow roads and preserved antique architecture weave between the network of mountain trails. The steep, windy roads lead to secluded coves, while colorful terraces face the Ligurian sea or offer an inspiring maze of stairways.

Life slows down along the Ligurian coastline that marks the southern edge of the Italian Riviera and creates a timeless romantic escape. Waterfront cafes, pastel houses that shimmer at sunset, and ancient sanctuaries hide amid the cliff tops that overlook the Mediterranean waves. Sip local sciacchetra wine and simply indulge in timeless bliss.

Romantic highlights: Monterosso • Vernazza • Corniglia • Manarola • Riomaggiore • Lover’s Lane

Recommended length of stay: 3-5 days

Learn more: Top 10 Things to Do on an Italy Honeymoon

8. Portofino, Liguria

Yachts and small boats in the harbor of colorful coastal Italian town of Portofino

Portfofino, Italy

The exquisite blend of rustic charms and sophisticated history brings the essence of Portofino to life. The harbor presents a gem of a village, with lush hillsides bordering bright blue waters and yachts and humble fishing boats hugging the marina to present a romantic ambiance.

The harbor's half-moon arrangement reflects the best of the Italian Riviera, with spectacular views from every point of the promenade stretching to the horizon. The 15th-century Castello Brown crowns the hill for a touch of fantasy and luxury, and one can feel the connection locals maintain with folklore.

Couples indulge in the romance of Portofino by strolling on the promenade, lounging on the nearby pebble beach, sailing along crystal-clear waters, or enjoying the views from the idyllic plaza known as the Piazzetta. It is an ideal place for creating tranquil, picturesque memories.

Romantic highlights: Strolling along the Harbor • Park of Portofino • Discover the Christ of the Abyss Statue • Dine in the famous piazza

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

Learn more: Top 6 Things to Do in Northern Italy

9. Polignano a Mare, Puglia

Beach in Polignano a Mare, Italy

Polignano a Mare, Italy

The spectacular seaside destination of Polignano a Mare is perched on limestone cliffs, resulting in elaborate panoramas of the Adriatic Sea. With maze-like narrow alleyways, panoramic terraces, and bright houses, the fabulous historic town blossoms with romance.

A seaside piazza dates back to Ancient Rome and is an enchanting setting famous for ice cream on a hot summer’s night and caves that pockmark the craggy ravine. The sunlight glints against the whitewashed walls as the picture-perfect village mirrors the limestone cliffs.

You can indulge in the sweeter side of town or celebrate romance hidden in the inlets and sandy bays, where the slower pace of life reveals the pleasures for which southern Italy is known.

Romantic highlights: Grotta Palazzee • Lama Monachile Beach • Castello Aragonese • Porto Antico di Monopoli • Lido Cala Paura

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

Learn more: Top 7 Things to Do in Southern Italy

10. Taormina, Sicily

The ancient greek theater of Taormina with Etna volcano in the background

The Greek Theater of Taormina in Sicily, Italy

The marvels of Taormina capture the spirit of Sicily. Ancient Greeks established the town on a rugged hill overlooking the water, with cobbled boulevards and panoramas sweeping from Mount Etna to the Ionian Sea, wrapping you in timeless romance.

Excursions for adventurers can lead to the top of Mount Etna or the ruins of Agrigento, visiting the rushing waters of Alacantara Gorge or absorbing the crafts and antique shops dotting the multicolored lanes. Discover more about the wonder of Mount Etna in our 7 breathtaking national parks in Italy for nature lovers.

Whether sipping a glass of wine or indulging in the charming atmosphere, from wide boulevards to attractive cafes, Taormina blends luxury with effortless charm.

Romantic highlights: Hiking Mount Etna • Agrigento • Alacantara Gorge • Ancient Greek Theater • Public Gardens

Recommended length of stay: 3-4 days

Learn more: Best Time to Visit SicilyTop 7 Things to Do in Sicily

Explore the Most Romantic Places in Italy for Couples

Giusti Garden in Verona, Italy

Giusti Garden in Verona, Italy

Italy inspires romance and passion, with idyllic towns and captivating seaside vistas, charming honeymoon locations and simple but intimate island escapes. Explore your most romantic Italian getaway with the assistance of a Zicasso Italy travel specialist who, with their local knowledge, will work with you to tailor any trip to your preferences.

You can explore more with the honeymoon travel guide or discover your perfect Italy trip with Zicasso’s Italy travel guide. If planning a romantic trip, you can speak with a travel specialist for free for new ideas highlighted in some of our 9 best sample romantic trips to Italy.

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