10 of the Most Romantic Cities and Towns in Italy

There’s no denying that Italy's landscapes are downright romantic. The country is a prime honeymoon destination– how can one not fall in love with the picturesque seaside towns of the Amalfi Coast and the rolling green hills of Tuscany? Even the Italian language is widely considered to be one of the most romantic languages in the world, renowned for its rhythm and flow – it’s not called a Romance language for nothing.  As the 19th-century English novelist Mary Shelley put it, “the name of Italy has magic in its very syllables.”

On Valentine’s Day, known in Italy as La Festa di San Valentino or even il Giorno degli innamorati (The Day of Lovers), the country becomes a hotspot for love and intimacy. While seeds of romance can be found in every city and town across the country, there are some that evoke that warm, gushy feeling more than others. 

From the pastel-colored towns of the Cinque Terre to the olive groves of the Umbrian countryside and the gondola-flecked waters of Venice’s canals, these are the 10 most romantic cities and towns in Italy. 

Verona 

The northern city of Verona might just be the most romantic place in Italy. It’s famous for being the setting of William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” a 16th-century play about star-crossed lovers from rival families. A 14th-century Gothic-style house that once belonged to the Capuletti family (in English, Capulets) is said to have been Juliet’s House, and a small balcony overlooking a courtyard is supposedly where the two young lovers proclaimed their love for each other. The house is one of the city’s major attractions and welcomes thousands of visitors each year. It’s hard not to feel romantic in the city that was the inspiration behind one of the world’s most famous and enduring love stories.

Venice 

The lagoon city of Venice immediately recalls romantic gondola rides for two, quiet canal alleyways, and laundry swaying from the windows of ancient palazzos. There are few things more intimate than getting lost together in an ancient, floating city’s streets, especially when they’re freckled with under-the-radar boutiques and cafes. Even taking a ferry to explore the nearby islands of Murano and Burano is sure to invoke feelings of whimsical romance. 

Ravello

Located up a series of winding mountain paths on the Amalfi Coast is the cliffside town of Ravello. Renowned for its stunning views of the Mediterranean, terraced gardens, villas, and outdoor summer concerts, Ravello is a romantic getaway that’s ideal for those seeking a break from the crowds of Amalfi and Positano. The town is particularly known for Villa Cimbrone, an 11th-century villa that was heavily refurbished in the 19th century. While the former residence now doubles as a luxury hotel, it is open to the public during the day. Visitors can stroll through its manicured gardens and peer over the marble bust-lined Terrace of Infinity, which looms roughly 1,200 feet above the ocean and offers dazzling views of the coast. 

Rome

The Italian capital is known for its charming sampietrini streets and winding vicoletti (small alleyways) and is undoubtedly a top romantic destination for couples. There’s no better place to proclaim your eternal love than in the Eternal City. Rome is jam-packed with intimate cafes, bars, and restaurants where lovers can share a tagliere (meat and cheese board) and sample some local Lazio wines. The weather in Rome in February is usually mild, averaging 55 degree-days, meaning you can enjoy a full meal beneath a latticework of vines or snuggled up to a heat lamp.  Even the ruins of ancient temples and buildings are romantic in the light of a Roman sunset. 

Florence

Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, is bursting with culture. Couples can spend their days hopping around the Tuscan capital’s various art and history museums overflowing with frescoes, statues, and paintings created by renowned Italian artists such as Michelangelo and Botticelli. For romantic panoramic vistas, soaking in a sunset along the Arno river and watching the city light up in gold, maybe with a cocktail in hand, is an ideal pick.

Pienza

The small hill town of Pienza, situated in the heart of Tuscany’s Val D’Orcia area, is no stranger to love. Many of the medieval town’s narrow streets refer to romance, such as Via del Bacio (the street of the kiss) and Via dell’Amore (the street of love). It’s difficult not to be charmed by the town’s stone architecture and 360-degree views of the countryside. Pienza was also the setting for Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 film “Romeo and Juliet” starring Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting. 

Lake Como

Lake Como is often synonymous with George Clooney and the lavish parties he hosts at his villa, but there’s much more to the area. The massive lake, the third largest in the country, is dramatically backdropped by the peaks of the Alps. It’s home to a number of story-book villages that make for bucket-list romantic getaways. The towns of Bellagio and Varenna in particular are great hotspots for hiking, stunning views, and upscale shopping and dining options. 

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre, in English meaning five lands, is a stretch of five small villages along Liguria’s coast that make up the Italian Riviera. The five towns are Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, all connected by boat, bus, or train. The cliffside towns are known for their pastel-colored houses and sweeping views of the ocean. Riomaggiore and Manarola are linked by a pedestrian pathway that’s a little under a mile in length. It has views of the ocean and is, of course, called the Via dell’Amore (the street of love).

Cefalù

This under-the-radar Sicilian town makes for an ideal quiet seaside escape. Backdropped by craggy mountains, the harbor town of Cefalù is a cozy getaway complete with a stunning beach, historical monuments, and a number of restaurants serving fresh, local seafood. It’s notable for the ruins of Diana’s Temple, a structure dating to the 4th century, that offers sweeping views of the town and coastline. 

Polignano a Mare

Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Polignano a Mare, built upon a limestone cliff overlooking the ocean, is one of the most magical towns in the southern Puglia region. The waters there are crystalline and the town itself is a maze of winding, white-washed streets that immediately invoke a summer nostalgia. It’s also home to the Grotta Palazzese, a hotel, and restaurant located in an actual cave. Conde Nast Traveller once referred to it as one of the most romantic restaurants in the world.