Romantic is certainly a subjective term. For some of you it is the long-distance trekking through the mountains with romantic nights spent in a two-person tent, for some of you spending peaceful time with your partner is a recipe for romance and for some of you it is the idea of a romantic theater weekend.
But if there is one place even the most mismatched lovers can agree on, we say it will definitely be Italy. Italy brings a heady dose of history, the beautiful scenery, delicious wine, its heralded cuisine, plus a way of the good life that makes small moments feel like happy memories . Italy is just as romantic as it was always.
So if you and your partner want to spend some “we time”, here is the list of the most romantic places in Italy.
1. Rome
There’s no romance without Rome. This Eternal City tops the list of the most romantic destinations in Italy. Rome is like an open-air museum with its ancient ruins, Baroque fountains, and grand piazzas. Yes, it might be crowded and often chaotic sometimes. But all it takes is an evening walk to the best viewpoints of Rome city such as the top of the Spanish Steps, the Acqua Paola fountain and the terrace of the Capitoline Hill. For couples, there’s something magical about exploring these sites together. Will you believe that Rome transforms into night? Yes it is true. The Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Piazza Navona are incredibly romantic under the soft light of the evening.
Best Places to Visit:
- St. Peter’s Basilica
- Colosseum
- Trevi Fountain
- Piazza Navona
- Pantheon
- Spanish Steps
- Villa Borghese Gardens
- Gianicolo Hill (Janiculum Hill)
- Trastevere
- Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
2. Lecce
Lecce’s location in the Salento Peninsula gives it access to some of the most beautiful beaches in southern Italy. Lecce still feels like you have stumbled onto a secret. Lecce offers a range of romantic accommodations such as boutique hotels with delicious piazzas and bars that are perfect for long lunches and early drinks. The beautiful beaches of Salento are just amazing.
Best Places to Visit:
- Museo Faggiano
- Piazza del Duomo
- Lecce Cathedral (Cattedrale di Lecce)
- Basilica di Santa Croce
- Roman Amphitheater
- Piazza Sant’Oronzo
- Porta Napoli
- Museo Provinciale di Lecce
- Castello Carlo V (Castel Sant’Angelo)
- Piazza Mazzini
3. Matera
Matera is an ideal place for a romantic getaway. Matera is built on a series of hills that offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Matera is one of the oldest places in Italy. Matera was built around thousands of years ago. It has ancient rock-carved cave dwellings and forms a veritable maze where the romance is undeniable and the history is palpable. Their cave residence adds a special, unique element to a romantic trip.
Best Places to Visit:
- Piazza Vittorio Veneto
- Sassi di Matera (Cave Dwellings)
- Cattedrale di Matera (Matera Cathedral)
- Piazza del Duomo
- Rock-hewn Churches (Santa Maria de Idris, San Pietro Barisano)
- Rione Caveoso
- Cave Hotels (Sassi Cave Hotels)
- Rocca Riggio (Panoramic Viewpoint)
- Murgia National Park
- Museo Nazionale d’Arte Medievale e Moderna
4. Assisi
Assisi’s peaceful, timeless charm creates the ideal setting for couples. It offers a perfect blend of history, serene landscapes, spirituality, and intimate experiences. Assisi is a combination of vaulted alleys, narrow streets, and stone stairways that follow the town’s Roman origins. These ancient stones at night are even more beautiful to view when the lamplights spark and the tourist’s crowds are gone. The slow pace of life here allows you to relax and enjoy your partner’s company away from the hustle and bustle.
Best Places to Visit:
- Viale G. Marconi & Surrounding Views
- Basilica di San Francesco (Basilica of St. Francis)
- Basilica di Santa Chiara (Basilica of St. Clare)
- Piazza del Comune
- Rocca Maggiore
- Eremo delle Carceri (Hermitage of the Carceri)
- Basilica di San Rufino (Basilica of St. Rufinus)
- Pinacoteca (Gallery of Assisi)
- Santuario di Rivotorto (Sanctuary of Rivotorto)
- Porta Nuova
5. Ortisei
Ortisei is located in the Val Gardena region of South Tyrol. Ortisei is a charming town in the Dolomites which makes it just right to spend some romantic time with your partner. The car-free center of Ortisei is entirely walkable. It is filled with pastel-painted churches, and cozy shops, or eateries.
It is known for its beautiful landscapes, rich history, and outdoor activities. Despite being right in the heart of the city, Adler Spa Resort Dolomiti will offer you some private moments and lots of outdoor space.
Best Places To Visit:
- Ladin Museum
- St. Ulrich Church (Chiesa di Sant’Ulrich)
- Seceda
- Val Gardena Museum
- Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm)
- Ortisei Pedestrian Zone
- Puez-Odle Nature Park
- Rasciesa
- Dolomiti Superski Area
- Sella Pass
6. Isola del Giglio
Isola del Giglio is an idyllic island off the coast of Tuscany. The beauty here is something else! It is known for its crystal-clear waters, charming villages, and stunning natural landscapes. The bright, and peaceful rooms at Hotel Saraceno make it best to hang out with your partner.
Best Places To Visit:
- Giglio’s Hiking Trails
- Giglio Porto
- Giglio Castello
- Cala del Sole
- Cala delle Caldane
- Cala Giuncu
- Monte Argentario (views from the mainland)
- Scoglietto Marine Reserve
- Cala Porticciolo
- Isola del Giglio Lighthouse
7. Val d’Orcia
Val d’Orcia is known for its romantic hill towns, rolling landscapes, and outstanding cuisine. Val d’Orcia is one of the UNESCO World Heritage site in Tuscany.
It has everything from the ancient towns, the infinite roots of grapevines and olive trees. Some of the places to visit are Montepulciano, Pienza, and Montalcino.
Best Places To Visit:
- Val d’Orcia Vineyards and Wine Tours
- Pienza
- Montalcino
- Bagno Vignoni
- San Quirico d’Orcia
- Castiglione d’Orcia
- Cipressini di San Quirico d’Orcia (Cypress Trees)
- Monticchiello
- Abbey of Sant’Antimo
- La Foce Gardens
8. Lake Como
Lake Como is located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. With its picturesque and elegant view it will make you fall in love with this place. It has charming towns and luxury villas. It has been a favourite place of some of the big celebrities. You should definitely visit this place with your partner, doing some romantic activities on a boat ride in a vintage Riva boat. It is a complete package with a picnic and prosecco.
Best Places To Visit:
- Laglio
- Como Town
- Bellagio
- Villa del Balbianello (Lenno)
- Varenna
- Isola Comacina
- Tremezzo (Villa Carlotta)
- Menaggio
- Cernobbio (Villa d’Este)
- Brunate (Funicular & Volta Lighthouse)
9. Venice
With its overwhelming beauty it doesn’t only make your heart wonder but also make you amaze. It is famous for its winding canals, historic architecture, and rich cultural heritage. It is the most gorgeously heavenly place on the Earth, where history runs through murky canals, oozes from the bricks and stones that have flowed for over 500 years.
Best Places To Visit:
- La Giudecca
- St. Mark’s Basilica
- Doge’s Palace
- Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square)
- Rialto Bridge
- Grand Canal
- Bridge of Sighs
- Murano Island (Glass Museum)
- Burano Island (Colorful Houses)
- Gallerie dell’Accademia
- Ca’ Rezzonico
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection
- Santa Maria della Salute
- Cannaregio District
- Teatro La Fenice
10. Tropea
Tropea is a beautiful coastal town in Southern Italy. Tropea means “Taormina without the crowds. Although in the months of July and August, it might have crowds. It has everything you need for your romance from beautiful beaches to stunning landscapes. The beautiful beaches present in the Tyrrhenian Sea are the big attraction here. This place is the best place to spend romantic time with your Partner.
Best Places To Visit:
- Local Food Experiences
- Tropea’s Historic Center
- Santa Maria dell’Isola (The Island Monastery)Tropea’s Historic Center
- Santa Maria dell’Isola (The Island Monastery)
- Tropea Beaches
- Cattedrale di Tropea (Tropea Cathedral)
- Piazza Ercole
- Chiesetta di San Giuseppe
- Capo Vaticano
- Museo Diocesano di Tropea
The Belvedere (Viewpoint)