By Soren Rivero ✔ Reviewed by travel expert Ben Braude
Love is in the air all across Italy! As one of Europe's best known countries for romance and scenery, there's no place quite like Italy when it comes to romantic retreats.
Whether you're looking to take a peaceful gondola ride on the canals of Venice or a scenic walk during the golden sunset of Florence, there's a spot in Italy for every type of couple. Keep reading to learn the 10 most romantic places in Italy to visit!
Rome
As you might have expected, Rome will find itself at the top of the list of the most romantic places in Italy (much less one of the most romantic cities in Europe). Challenge: try saying romance without saying the city's name – hard isn't it? Love in the Eternal City feels inevitable, woven into daily life through sun-washed plazas, intimate neighborhoods, and ancient runs.
Couples would find comfort wandering hand in hand through Trastevere's cobblestone streets with an espresso in hand. Perhaps a quiet moment near the Trevi Fountain late at night when the crowds are slight. Other notable experiences include walking the Pantheon, the Colosseum, and the Spanish Steps (preferably after enjoying a cup of hand-churned gelato).
Explore our Rome vacations.
Verona
Blending literary romance with the feel of “lived-in” charm, Verona is an enticing spot for couples to enhance their chemistry in a more intimate, quiet alternative to Italy's biggest cities. Stroll along the Adige River to catch up on conversations and build stories together, whether you've just met or you've been married for decades.
Verona's medieval streets and comfortable piazzas are filled with local life, making the experience more natural than forced. Verona's size encourages slow travel, making it easy to feel connected to the city and to each other. Take the time to really unplug here and just enjoy your partner's (or your own) company. Its romantic tone is gentle and authentic, rooted in history and everyday beauty.
Fun Fact: Verona is the birthplace of the legendary Shakespearean tale of Romeo and Juliet. Proposals are popular here, as well as romantic photoshoots. Feel free to replicate the story's cinematic and dramatic essence (omit the tragedies, of course).
Amalfi Coast
Scenic, bold, and passionate, the Amalfi Coast is a visual masterpiece forged by Mother Nature and embellished by that true Mediterranean Charm. With dramatic cliffs that rise high above the sea and colorful villages that cling to its surroundings, the scenery in the Amalfi Coast is unforgettable. Of course, that means it's great for a romantic destination, especially if you're looking for an Italy honeymoon.
Positano and Ravello are especially romantic, offering panoramic terraces, winding stairways, and glowing sunsets over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Couples can explore by boat, discover hidden coves, or enjoy long dinners filled with fresh seafood and local wine. Romance here is vibrant and sensory, fueled by ocean air, lemon groves, and the constant interplay between land, light, and water. Though technically not a part of the Amalfi Coast, nearby Sorrento is also a romantic place in Italy to visit filled with sun-soaked shores and delicious cuisine.
Ischia
As much as Italy is popular for its historic cities, monuments, and dramatic countryside, on the other hand, Italy's islands are something you can't miss out on. A true hidden gem is that of Ischia, a softer, more restorative kind of romance, perfect for couples who want to relax without sacrificing the natural beauty.
Known for its natural thermal springs, lush landscapes, and peaceful beaches, the island feels grounded and authentic. Days can be spent soaking in spa gardens, wandering seaside towns, or enjoying quiet swims, while evenings bring simple, candlelit meals by the water. Less crowded than nearby Capri, Ischia allows couples to connect without the rush.
Please note: Ischia is an island that is easily accessible by Naples, taking only about an hour and a half ferry ride. Before embarking on your ride, take some time to admire the beauty of Naples as well! Alternatively, set aside some time during your stay in Naples for a day trip to Ischia.
Florence (Tuscany)
Wanting something more on the artsy, refined side? Florence is your go-to. Romance in this elegant city is rooted in balance and bliss. The city's compact center encourages slow exploration, whether that means admiring Renaissance masterpieces in Uffizi, or taking a smooth crossing over Ponte Vecchio at dusk. Florence offers a refined, artistic form of romance rooted in beauty and balance that's perfect for an Italy honeymoon.
From rooftop bars overlooking the Duomo to peaceful walks along the Arno, Florence feels intimate despite its cultural weight. It also serves as the perfect romantic base, allowing couples to venture into Tuscan countryside vineyards, olive groves, and medieval towns while returning to elegant evenings in the city.
Explore our Florence vacations.
Val d'Orcia (Tuscany)
Sticking to a similar feeling, another Tuscan icon for romantic getaways is Val d'Orcia. Poetic in nature thanks to its rolling hills and winding roads, the golden light that washes over the region gives Val d'Orcia a sense of timelessness that isn't quite replicated by other areas.
The best thing to do for an overall experience is touring the region's quaint small towns. Notable ones of mention are Pienza, Montepulciano, and Montalcino, which all invite couples to take a paced approach to local living. While in these small towns, you're free to savor local wine, indulge in hearty dishes, mingle with locals, and simply spend time in nature.
Venice
Okay, you probably expected this one to make the list – Venice! Mastering the essence of romance, from its lighthearted atmosphere to its iconic gondola rides, there's nothing but pure love and fairytales to be found in Venice. But beyond gondola rides and grand canals, the city's true charm lies in its hidden corners: quiet bridges, secluded squares, and softly lit alleyways.
Couples can get lost together, discovering cafés tucked behind palaces or watching reflections ripple across canals at night. Early mornings and evenings reveal Venice at its most romantic, when the city feels private, frozen in time, and almost like a film screening set specifically for the couples who wander its streets hand in hand.
Explore our Venice vacations.
Taormina (Sicily)
Taormina combines drama, history, and coastal appeal into a unique romantic Sicilian setting cast against the backdrop of Mount Etna. With the Ionian Sea just barely beyond the horizon, the town has a feeling of being suspended between the Earth and the constellations, making it great for personal time between two souls in a loving relationship.
Couples can wander ancient streets, visit the Greek Theatre at sunset, or relax on beaches reachable by cable car.
Explore our Taormina vacations.
Lake Como
Lake Como delivers a refined, cinematic romance shaped by water, mountains, and elegant villas that make it a perfect romantic destination for an Italy honeymoon. Boat rides connect charming towns like Bellagio and Varenna, allowing couples to drift across calm waters with alpine scenery all around.
The atmosphere is serene and luxurious without feeling overwhelming, perfect for slow mornings, lakeside lunches, and evenings on candlelit terraces. Bonus: visiting Lake Como allows for easy day trips to places like Milan or even the Swiss Alps.
Explore our Como vacations.
Cinque Terre
Travel between the five colorful villages of Cinque Terre perched above the Ligurian Sea, and you'll soon discover why Cinque Terre's romance comes from movement and shared discovery. Coastal trails offer breathtaking views, while small harbors and terraces invite lingering moments over wine and seafood.
Manarola and Vernazza feel especially intimate at sunset, when the sea glows and the villages quiet down. This destination suits couples who enjoy exploration and simplicity, where a romantic getaway is told through slow walks and the rhythm of the coastline.
