Italy is synonymous with good food, incredible wine, and amore. These things combined make Italy the perfect destination for couples seeking a romantic vacation.
Couples who gravitate toward beaches and turquoise waters will love the magical coastal towns along the Amalfi Coast. Nature lovers who find inspiration in the mountains and natural landscapes will be attracted to the Italian Dolomites. Those who prefer historic villages with charming white-washed architecture should seek out the southeastern coast of Puglia. Whatever your travel style, here are three irresistibly romantic places in Italy for your next honeymoon or couples’ getaway.
1. Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is the epitome of La Dolce Vita. Chic coastlines are mixed with ancient Mediterranean architecture, world-class dining, and spectacular views. It is no wonder that the Amalfi Coast has become a popular destination for proposals, intimate weddings, and honeymoons. Although there are many famous cities along the coast like Capri and Amalfi, Positano in particular has become synonymous with romantic places in Italy. The town itself is rather small and intimate, lending to the charm of this destination.
Aside from these picturesque coastal villages, do not overlook the beautiful town of Ravello. Ravello is situated high up on the cliffside, so although it is not within walking distance of a beach, it provides some of the most spectacular views of the Amalfi Coast. The majestic views and lush gardens of Ravello have provided inspiration to composers, writers, and other creatives from around the world.
Romantic Things to do on the Amalfi Coast
Chartering a private boat is without a doubt one of the most romantic tours on the Amalfi Coast. You can relax in the comfort of your own boat with a glass of champagne all while enjoying some of the best views of the coast. A sunset photography tour in a vintage Fiat or vespa is another great way to see all of the amazing sites and viewpoints, while a professional photographer takes your photos to forever remember these special moments together.
If you make it to Ravello, do not miss the Terrazzo de Infinita, translated as the Terrace of Infinity. You may recognize this as one of the most Instagrammed places on the Amalfi Coast, and it is not difficult to understand why. The stunning viewpoint is decorated with Roman-style marble statues, overlooking the sea below. From the Terrazzo de Infinita, the light blue of the sky seems to melt into the turquoise blue of the Mediterranean Sea, creating an unforgettable view.
Romantic Places to stay on the Amalfi Coast
Hotel Villa Cimbrone (Ravello) has been celebrated as one of the most exclusive and romantic hotels in Italy. This 12th-century residence maintains original architectural and decorative features, distinctive of Italy’s Mediterranean region. Suites are elegantly decorated with stone fireplaces, hand-painted vaulted ceilings, and tiled flooring with intricate designs.
Villa Cimbrone’s gardens are breathtakingly beautiful with sweeping Wisteria, marble statues, and the famous Infinity Terrace. The on-site restaurant Il Flauto de Pan is included in the Michelin Guide, recognized for its “superb selection of local produce, prepared in traditional and reinterpreted dishes that are full of the intense and explosive flavors of this extraordinary region.”
Hotel Luna Convento (Amalfi) was originally built in 1222 by Saint Francis of Assisi as a convent. It is a spectacular example of Moorish architecture, characterized by colorful tilework, abstract geometry, elaborate arches, and honeycombed vaults. Each guest room provides a remarkable view of the Mediterranean Sea. Guests will enjoy a large cliffside pool, solarium, and private beach access. Hotel Luna Convento has two on-site restaurants including the Torre Saracena which is located inside an ancient coastal tower. The intimate setting paired with delicately prepared cuisine is a perfect location for enjoying a romantic candlelight dinner by the sea.
Le Sirenuse is one of the most popular hotels on the Amalfi Coast and is frequently recognized as one of the most romantic hotels in Italy. (Children under the age of six are not permitted at Le Sirenuse.) This luxury hotel is located just 650 feet from the coast and its famous pebble-stone beaches. Despite its central location, La Sirenuse maintains an intimate and rather quiet atmosphere, where couples can enjoy basking in the sun next to climbing grape trellises and unimpeded views of the coast. Guestrooms offer private balconies overlooking the cascade of village houses descending toward the sea. The Michelin-starred restaurant, La Sponda, is known to serve the best seafood in Positano.
How to get to the Amalfi Coast
The main transportation hubs for the Amalfi Coast are Naples, Sorrento, and Salerno. Naples Capodichino is the closest airport to the Amalfi Coast, about 40 miles. Both Naples and Salerno have train stations, but there are no routes linking these stations with the Amalfi Coast. Although public transportation from these hubs is available, they are highly unreliable. Busses run on their own timeline despite official schedules being posted online and at bus stops. Speaking from experience, during peak season buses are packed and will not stop. Taxis can also be difficult to track down unless you walk to an official taxi stand. A ferry is also available between hubs, however, they do not service every town on the Amalfi Coast and are sometimes not running due to high winds.
With this in mind, we advise you to rent a vehicle. Discover Cars is our preferred rental company with pickup locations in each of these main hubs. Although parking on the Amalfi Coast can get expensive, it is in our opinion the best way to experience the region. Having your own vehicle ensures that you have the flexibility and means to explore the most romantic sites on your own schedule.
2. Dolomites
Looking for a romantic destination with epic landscapes and fairytale-like villages? Then the Italian Dolomites is the destination for you. This region in northern Italy is incredibly picturesque with turquoise lakes and towering alpine mountains. You can choose to spend your romantic Italian vacation curled up in one of the many luxury hotels and spas, or if exploration and adventure are more your style, you can venture out into the mountains to experience some of Italy’s best hikes. No matter your travel style, you will fall in love with the natural and expansive beauty of the Italian Dolomites.
The Italian Dolomites is a large region fanned out across South Tyrol, Trentino, and Belluno. It is impossible to see everything in one trip, so we suggest dividing your time among a few key destinations including Funes (Villnöß), Merano, and Bolzano.
Romantic Things to do in the Dolomites
The Dolomites attract visitors from around the world who want to explore the fairy-tale-like beauty of its natural landscape. There is no shortage of breathtaking vistas to enjoy. Some of the more popular lakes include Lago de Braies and the much smaller Lago di Carezza. Both are located in South Tyrol, and are ideal for photography and row boats.
Val di Funes, translated as “pearl of the Alps” is a lush green valley juxtaposed with the majestic peaks of the Odle mountain range. It is one of the most photographed regions of the Dolomites, ideal for hiking and exploring. Another popular destination in the Dolomites is Alpe di Siusi, the largest high-altitude Alpine meadow in Europe. It is a major tourist attraction for skiing (in colder months) and hiking (in warmer months). These destinations are dispersed across the region, so unless you have a rental car it is recommended to book a private tour-by-car.
One of the most popular things to do in the Dolomites is to stay in an Italian rifugio, a high-elevation mountain hut, situated along a hiking trail. While staying in these mountain huts is far from romantic, they provide an incredible way to experience the region. Leave the luxury stay to one of the recommended hotels listed below.
Romantic Places to stay in the Italian Dolomites
Relais & Chateaux Hotel Castel Fragsburg (Merano) Castel Fragsburg is a 17th-century hunting lodge perched above the town of Merano in South Tyrol. Guests can enjoy spectacular views over the valley, surrounding mountains, and the property’s magnificent gardens. Twenty guest suites are elegantly decorated with ornate chandeliers and private balconies. Couples can enjoy an intimate Juno ritual in the romantic atmosphere of the Sanctuarium treehouse. During this intimate experience, you will experience sensual fragrances and soft sounds while melting away into a relaxing massage.
Forestis Dolomites (Bressanone) is located in a densely wooded area and is truly one of the most beautiful hotels in Italy. Couples will find themselves surrounded by nature and a peaceful sense of luxury in this modern and chic hotel. All rooms provide a direct view of the South Tyrolean Alps, however, the Tower Suite and Penthouse offer the most stunning of views with floor-to-ceiling windows. The two-story penthouse at Forestis is the ultimate location for a romantic getaway. The upper floor has a private pool, sun loungers, and a spruce wood shower.
Forestis brings the beauty of the Dolomites into your room so you will never want to leave. Like the rest of the hotel, the on-site restaurant and bar are inspired by the elements and nature. Cocktails and cuisine are artfully crafted with essences from the surrounding forests for a uniquely inspiring experience.
Schloss Freudenstein (Bolzano) – There is perhaps nothing more romantic than spending an evening together in a 13th-century castle. Schloss Freudenstein is a “castle with an old soul and a youthful spirit”. The stone walls and ancient staircases hold within them the enchanting tales of noble families, knights, and romance from long ago. Guests will experience a perfect blend of mysterious, aristocratic, and modern amenities within rooms that were once occupied by lords, ladies, and nobles. The castle’s panoramic garden offers unimpeded views of the Dolomites and the surrounding Etschtal valley.
How to get to the Dolomites
The easiest way to get to the Dolomites from out of the country is by flying into Venice or Verona, both of which are about a 3-hour drive. Flying into Milan is another option, often with cheaper flights given that it is such a major travel hub. However, Milan is about an hour further than Venice or Verona.
If traveling to the Dolomites from within Italy, there are many options including by rail ( www.trenitalia.com/en.html), by bus (www.altoadigebus.com or www.flixbus.it), or by regional plane (Bolzano airport is only 15 minutes from the city center).
If you plan to stay within a particular town or region, having your own vehicle is not necessary. However, if you plan to venture out into the Italian mountains and forests, renting a car is a good option. In fact, the Dolomites are made for road trips as the region is the most accessible by car.
3. Puglia (Apulia)
Puglia, or Apulia in Italian, has some of the most romantic towns in Italy. Coastal towns like Polignano a Mare and Monopoli are characterized by turquoise waters, fine beaches, and clear seas.
Travel inland and you will be entranced by charming Italian villages like Ostuni and Alberobello, where you’ll find ancient olive groves and stunning architecture. The medieval walled city of Ostuni “the White City” is one of Puglia’s most beautiful villages. The web of alleyways, staircases, and arches are built into the hillside resulting in a picturesque labyrinth for exploring. Like Ostuni, the white-washed buildings of Alberobello are accented by brightly colored wooden doors, pots of red geraniums, and cacti delicately climbing up the city walls.
These enchanting small towns are some of the most romantic villages in Italy, guaranteed to leave you both enamored and inspired.
Romantic things to do in Puglia
Pass the day at one of Puglia’s most romantic beaches, Lama Monachile in Polignano a Mare or Spiaggia di Pescoluse in Lecce, also known as the “Maldives of Italy”. Also along the southeastern coast of Italy is Poetry Cave, one of the most beautiful natural seawater swimming pools in the world. According to local lore, a beautiful princess loved to swim in the clear water of the cave. Inspired by her beauty, poets would come to the cave and dedicate poetry to her.
The seaside Grotta Palazzese Restaurant is perhaps one of the most romantic destinations in Italy. Tucked away in a limestone grotto, guests will enjoy an intimate dinner by candlelight while listening to the gentle waves of the Adriatic Sea. It is considered one of the most spectacular restaurants in the world, because of the jaw-dropping views and elevated dining experience.
One of the most romantic things to do in Puglia is to gallop along the Mediterranean coast on the back of a horse. You and your partner can take in panoramic views of the Dune Costiere Natural Park, riding through olive groves, coastal dunes, and breathtaking landscapes. Another way to experience panoramic views of Italy’s eastern coast is by boat. There are numerous boat tours available that take you along the coast from Polignano a Mare to admire the stunning coastal caves like the Grotta Azzurra and Cala Paura. You may even catch a glimpse of Grotta Palazzese Restaurant!
Romantic Places to stay in Puglia
I Trulli Del Nonno Michele (Alberobello) If you are seeking a unique accommodation that is characteristic of southern Italy, choose to spend the night in a Trulli resort. These white-washed homes with distinctive pointy roofs are truly whimsical and reminiscent of a fairy tale. Trulli are found only in the Valle d’Itria with the largest concentration found in Alberobello.
I Trulli Del Nonno Michele has 7 beautiful trulli suites, each with a private entrance and patio. The rooms have exposed stone arches, quaint alcoves, and high-domed ceilings. Details like stunning purple geranium flowers, simple lace tablecloths, and rustic clay pottery accentuate the humble beauty and charm of this B&B. Each suite is equipped with all you need for a self-service breakfast including olive oil pressed from the property’s own olive trees, fresh fruit, baked goods, and juices. Couples enjoy the quiet, yet authentic beauty of this Alberobello hotel. https://www.booking.com/hotel/it/i-trulli-del-nonno-michele.html
Masseria Torre Coccaro (Savelletri) https://www.booking.com/hotel/it/masseria-torre-coccaro.html – Torre Coccaro is a fine example of a restored masseria. A masseria is a style of farmhouse that was built throughout Puglia during the 16th century by wealthy landowners as a place to store food and other valuables. Torre Coccaro is a popular hotel for couples seeking a romantic getaway along the beautiful coast of Puglia.
Many beaches in the region are pebble beaches, however, Torre Coccaro has two private white-sanded beaches for guests to enjoy. One is equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas while the other has private gazebos with large mattresses for a more intimate experience. Other amenities include a Turkish Spa, 6 on-site dining options, a boutique, and even a mini club with babysitters should you be traveling with kids.
Guest suites are surrounded by magnificent olive groves with views of the sea and the estate. The tower suites are ideal for those seeking luxury furnishing and stunning views. Those with a taste for the unique and adventurous may prefer one of the cave suites, located within an ancient white cave with a private pool and whirlpool.
How to get to Puglia
There are two international airports in Puglia: Karol Wojtyla Airport in Bari and the Aripor of Slanento in Brindisi. For those traveling inside Italy, the train is the easiest way to reach Puglia. From Rome’s central termini station, it takes approximately 4 hours to reach Bari and 5.5 hours to reach Lecce. Once in Puglia, the smaller regional railways connect the smaller cities and towns.
Due to Puglia’s size and remoteness, the region is best explored by car. This will allow you the freedom to explore freely between Puglia’s coastal towns and the interior villages. Car rentals are readily available near train stations and airports.
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