14 Most Romantic Places in Italy
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You’re not alone if you’re looking for the most romantic places in Italy. This is a destination that has some of the prettiest and most romantic settings on the planet – think enchanting cities, rolling hills and picturesque beaches, lakes and mountains.
I fell in love with Italy after my first visit – it’s magical, photogenic and easily one of my favourite countries in Europe!
So, if you’re planning an Italian getaway and want to know the dreamiest spots, I’m here to help you out! From Tuscany to Puglia, here’s my guide to the most romantic places in Italy…
14 most romantic places in Italy
1 Rome
First on the list of most romantic places in Italy had to be the capital… and how could it not be?! Gorgeous Rome has so much to offer. It’s a beautiful destination and one of the most romantic cities in Italy.
There are loads of key attractions in Rome – including the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Trevi Fountain – so there’s always lots to do. The Vatican City is also a highlight. St Peter’s Basilica is majestic!
Rome is a really lovely setting for a romantic break. If you want to soak up the charm, you’ll love ambling the streets and discovering all the different piazzas. Piazza Navona and Piazza di Spagna at the bottom of the Spanish Steps are ones you can’t miss.
Romantic hotels in Rome: Hotel Vilòn, Aleph Rome Hotel, Nerva Boutique Hotel
2 Venice
Venice is easily one of the most romantic places in Italy (if not the world)! I absolutely love this city and would go back again and again.
It’s no wonder it’s such a great honeymoon destination – Venice is magical in every way. During the day, you can explore quaint narrow streets, enjoy a gondola ride and take in the architecture of Piazza San Marco.
There are also amazing views from the top of Campanile di San Giorgio Maggiore. It’s a picture-perfect setting looking over the Grand Canal, Doge’s Palace and San Marco.
Romantic hotels in Venice: Palazzo Cristo, Novecento Boutique Hotel, JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa
RELATED: Is Venice Worth Visiting in 2023?
3 Bellagio (Lake Como)
On the shores of Lake Como, Bellagio is a top contender for the most romantic place in Italy. This is a gorgeous town that’s renowned for its cobblestone streets and picturesque waterfront views.
For a small place, there’s lots to enjoy. The Villa Melzi gardens are a lovely visit, as is the nearby village of Pescallo. A boat tour of Lake Como is also one for the bucket list!
Bellagio is perfect for a luxury and romantic getaway in Italy. It’s one of the best places in Italy for couples! There are some great hotels in the surrounding area where you’ll be treated to dreamy lakeside rooms.
Romantic hotels in Bellagio: Hotel Belvedere, Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Pescallo Apartments
4 Verona
A list of the most romantic places in Italy wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Verona! Famous for being the setting of Romeo and Juliet, this city is all about love.
Juliet’s House is the main attraction with its famous balcony, but there are loads of other things to see and do too.
Like most Italian destinations, this is a city that’s renowned for its architecture and gorgeous historical buildings. If you visit, you’ll want to check out Arena di Verona, Basilica Saint Anastasia, as well as Piazzale Castel San Pietro for sunset views across the city.
Romantic hotels in Verona: Vista Palazzo, Hotel Indigo Verona, Butterfly Boutique Rooms
5 Positano (Amalfi Coast)
Known for being a top European honeymoon destination, Positano absolutely deserves its reputation as one of the most romantic places in Italy! Sitting on the Amalfi Coast, this village is all kinds of perfect.
It’s a destination that epitomises the romance of Italy with its pastel houses that spill down the cliff. It’s here that you’ll find picturesque pebbly beaches, secluded coves and sparkling turquoise sea.
If you want to soak up the beauty, you can hike the Path of the Gods – it’s one of Italy’s best trails and boasts jaw-dropping views.
The hike starts near the village of Bomerano, but you can also start from Positano.
Romantic hotels in Positano: Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, Villa Magia
6 Capri
Close to the Amalfi Coast, Capri is an enchanting and romantic Italian destination. As an island, Capri is known for its luxury and glamorous status – it’s loved by celebs and attracts millions of tourists each year.
Capri is a captivating place with lots to see and do. In Capri town, you’ll want to visit the cafe-bars at the beautiful Piazzetta, as well as visit the famous shopping streets and nearby Marina Piccola. You’ll find pretty pebble beaches and beach clubs with crystalline waters.
The natural landscape is heavenly here so you can also enjoy coastal hikes to take it all in. The scenery is breathtaking!
Romantic hotels in Capri: J.K. Place Capri, Capri Tiberio Palace, Pazziella Garden & Suites
7 Barga (Tuscany)
High in the hilltops of Tuscany, Barga is an ancient and charming village that needs to be on your list.
Only small, Barga has the tiny winding streets, red-tiled houses and pretty squares that you’d expect from an Italian town. But, this is a place that not many people know about so it’s perfect for a quiet and authentic experience.
Surrounded by mountain peaks, it’s no surprise that Barga has been named one of the prettiest villages in Italy. It also has some lovely historical gems to visit in its old town.
Romantic hotels in Barga: Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa, Art Boutique Hotel Acchiappasogni, Villa Moorings
8 Milan
Often cast aside in favour of other Italian cities, Milan is still a must in my opinion. This under-the-radar romantic city not only feels less touristy, but there’s lots to see and do!
Known for being a fashion capital, Milan is a cosmopolitan city and one of the most stylish cities in Italy! Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is the famous shopping arcade and a must-visit. But, with its culinary scene, art and architecture, fashion isn’t the only thing going for it.
There might not be as many ancient architectural gems as other Italian cities, but Milan still has romantic spots – from the Navigli canals to the cobbled streets of Brera.
The city’s majestic cathedral is the largest in Italy and is a breathtaking site. Climb to the rooftop at sunset for the most glorious views.
Romantic hotels in Milan: Casa Baglioni Milan, Château Monfort, Magna Pars l’Hotel à Parfum
9 Cinque Terre
Think of Cinque Terre and you’ll picture colourful seaside villages that capture the romance of Italy. Made up of five quaint villages in the Italian Riviera, Cinque Terre is a must if you’re looking for a romantic place to visit in Italy.
It’s possible to visit all five villages (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore) during your Italian getaway. You can travel between them by train, boat or foot.
If you’re not sure which village to base yourself in, my choice would be Riomaggiore or Manarola.
Riomaggiore is known for being the most vibrant and buzzy. It has a younger vibe than the other villages and is a little more lively. While super pretty Manarola has a more relaxed, romantic feel – it’s great for couples wanting something more laidback. Both are also incredibly scenic with the most beautiful views.
Romantic hotels in Cinque Terre: La Torretta Lodge, Alla Marina Affittacamere
10 Polignano a Mare (Puglia)
One of the prettiest places in southern Italy is Polignano a Mare. This coastal town in Puglia is known for its limestone cliffs, whitewashed houses and photogenic pebble beach.
Bursting with charm, Polignano a Mare has a lovely historic centre filled with a maze of alleyways. There are also bucket list things to do while you’re here – from dining at Grotta Palazzese to taking a boat trip to the sea caves.
You can also do day trips from Polignano a Mare to some of the other destinations in Puglia. Alberobello is a favourite with its trulli houses – even if it’s touristy, it’s a fairytale setting.
Romantic hotels in Polignano a Mare: BAYIT Charming Place, San Michele Suite, Sei Stelle Mama
11 Florence
Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence packs a punch with its stunning art, architecture and cultural landmarks. There’s a real charm to Florence making it a good contender as one of the most romantic places in Italy!
With its cobblestone streets, this is a city that’s compact and walkable so it’s a lovely place to stumble on hidden gems. It’s also known for its art and cultural scene with numerous museums and galleries.
When you’re not marvelling at artistic masterpieces or taking in the cathedral, Ponte Vecchio and Boboli Gardens, you can also day trip to the glorious Tuscan countryside from Florence.
Romantic hotels in Florence: Velona’s Jungle Luxury Suites, The St. Regis Florence, Villa Cora
12 Portofino
With its crystal waters, sun-splashed beaches and colourful old buildings, Portofino is easily one of the prettiest places in Italy.
If you’re planning your honeymoon or have cash to splash on a luxury vacation – this is a destination that should be on your list.
Attracting visitors from around the world, Portofino is known for its jet setter and millionaire crowd so this is a destination all about luxury!
Boasting jaw-dropping scenery, you can spend most of your time soaking up the atmosphere and admiring the views. But you can also go hiking in Portofino Regional Park, explore the coastline by kayak and snorkel in Paraggi Bay.
Romantic hotels in Portofino: Belmond Splendido, Eight Hotel Portofino
13 Cortina D’Ampezzo (Dolomites)
It’s not just picturesque beaches, lakes and cities – Italy boasts magical mountainscapes, too! The Dolomites are a dream destination and an utterly romantic place to visit in Italy.
There are lots of different areas to visit across the range, but Cortina D’Ampezzo is the best known and is a luxurious spot. Known as the Pearl of the Dolomites, Cortina D’Ampezzo is a vibrant resort town surrounded by beautiful alpine peaks.
In winter, this is a great destination for skiing, while in summer it’s a paradise for hikers. It’s also well located for visiting other parts of the Dolomites – including the stunning Lago di Braies.
Romantic hotels in Cortina D’Ampezzo: Camina Suite and Spa, HOTEL de LEN
14 Taormina (Sicily)
Ultra-pretty Taormina is a Sicilian jewel. It’s one of the island’s best-loved destinations and is a charming town that encapsulates romance.
Found on Sicily’s east coast, hilltop Taormina is impossibly scenic. Sitting in the shadow of Mount Etna, you’ll find beautiful hiking trails if you want to get out and explore.
There’s also a lovely variety of beaches – from small pebbly bays to glittering golden stretches.
Whether you’re strolling through lush public gardens, taking in the views at Piazza IX Aprile or visiting the Greek Theatre, there’s lots to fall in love with. You’ll also be able to see Isola Bella – this postcard island is one of the most famous spots.
Romantic hotels in Taormina: Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo, San Domenico Palace, Villa Fiorita Boutique Hotel
Romantic places in Italy map
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There you have it! Easily the most romantic country in Europe, there’s so much to love about Italy! Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a shorter city break or a back-to-nature getaway, there are so many romantic places in Italy that you need to add to your list!
READ MORE: 10 Day Italy Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas
