Can you think of a better destination for a honeymoon than Italy? Whether you’re already based in Europe or are planning a long-distance trip. Italy has everything you need for a romantic holiday, from spectacular beaches with sunny weather to national parks, ancient cities, incredible food and stunning landscapes. Not to mention, it’s one of the most affordable honeymoon destinations – although you can go as extravagant as you’d like.
From northern Italy, where active couples will love spending time in the mountains or by the lakes, to central Italy’s food regions, the colourful coastal charm of Cinque Terre and the stunning beaches and seaside towns of Italy’s islands, like Sicily, Capri and Sardinia, the country has something for everyone. And it’s truly set up for lovers, with some of the most romantic hotels and experiences imaginable, such as gondola rides in Venice, sipping wine in Tuscan vineyards and soaking up the sun on the Italian Riviera.
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20 Best Places to Honeymoon in Italy
1- Venice
Venice might just be the most iconic and renowned Italian city for a honeymoon.
With its maze of waterways, beautiful architecture and gondolas drifting through the streets, it oozes romance.
It’s great for both first-timers and newbies, as there’s lots to see.
Make sure to tick off famous spots like St Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge, but the Venice experience is equally about wandering down hidden alleys, taking a vaporetto down the Grand Canal and finding secret trattorias by the water.
Just a short boat trip away, you also have the islands of Burano and Murano to explore, meaning you can enjoy a day trip or two to see their colourful houses and glass-blowing factories, picking up lots of souvenirs while you’re there.
Recommended tours:
- Venice: Private Gondola Ride along Grand Canal.
- Venice: Photoshoot at Piazza San Marco and the Canals.
2- Florence
Florence is another city that is charming and fascinating, with years of history to explore.
It’s almost an Italian cliché, with excellent restaurants and some of the country’s greatest museums – see Michelangelo’s David and paintings by Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli in the Uffizi Museum.
Florence’s Duomo is at the heart of the city with spectacular views from its dome, and while the area around the cathedral can be touristy, cross over the river to visit the Pitti Palace and check out the trendy neighbourhoods there, which have lots of great pizza, pasta and gelato spots.
Best of all, Florence is in Tuscany and can be paired with a tour of surrounding vineyards or a day trip to beautiful Siena, an ancient city on a hilltop.
Recommended tours:
- Florence: Symbolic Wedding and Vows Renewal Package.
- Florence: Private Photoshoot at Piazzale Michelangelo.
3- Rome
For those couples who might be looking for even more culture and history, not to mention great food, you can’t go wrong with Rome.
Firstly, you get two countries rolled into one if you visit Vatican City, where you can explore the beautiful Vatican Museums and marvel at the Sistine Chapel.
Of course, the city is full of famous sights too, such as the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and the Roman Forum, along with the Spanish Steps, Villa Borghese and more.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do and enjoy their city over an espresso in one of the stunning squares, like Piazza Navona.
Rome isn’t known for pizza, but it has plenty of delicious local foods to try too, from gelato to cacio e pepe pasta, or you could just buy some local produce and have a romantic picnic on Janiculum Hill.
Recommended tours:
4- The Lakes
In Italy’s north, you can find three lakes which, despite their reputation, aren’t reserved for the rich and famous.
Lake Maggiore is the largest and a great alternative to the other two, as it’s less touristy and close to the Swiss border and mountains.
Some of the best things to do are explore the Botanical Gardens and wander past the incredible palaces and villas that dot the lake.
Slightly south is Lake Como, the most famous of the lakes, where stars such as George Clooney have homes.
Hop on the ferry to explore the lakeside villages and stop at Bellagio for some celebrity spotting, or you could head up into the hills surrounding the lake for amazing views and restaurants.
Finally, Lake Garda is further southeast and has its own charm.
Garda is much more about castles, caves and archaeological sites, but it also has colourful waterfront towns and a few islands to explore.
Recommended tour:
5- Tuscany
Tuscany is a huge region and one of the most romantic in Italy.
Rolling hills and stretching vineyards are dotted with villas, vineyards and wineries, making it ideal for an escape to the countryside.
Tuscany encompasses both countryside and cities, such as Florence and Pisa, so you can incorporate sightseeing into your honeymoon.
To truly experience Tuscany, however, you should tick off a few signature experiences, such as truffle hunting – after which you can enjoy delicious truffle pasta and food and wine tastings, especially the latter in one of the many vineyards, where you can learn about the winemaking process and buy a few bottles.
Another fun and romantic thing to do in Tuscany is to hire a vintage car and take a tour around the countryside; you could even hire a photographer to remember the experience forever.
Recommended tours:
- Romantic Escape in Tuscany with Overnight and Wine Tasting.
- Honeymoon in Tuscany: Private Day Tour & Wine Tasting.
6- Sicily
Although Venice or Tuscany might spring to mind for an Italian honeymoon, the country has magnificent islands too.
Sicily is one of the most beautiful places in Italy and it’s gaining popularity.
It has attractions for all tastes, including stunning architecture in the capital of Palermo, ancient archaeological sites and even a volcano, Mount Etna, which is one of the highest in Europe that you can climb to the top of.
Of course, it’s also home to gorgeous beaches and waterfront spots, such as Taormina and Cefalu, but the island isn’t huge – about four hours from side to side, so you could easily spend a week’s honeymoon here visiting beaches, exploring ancient ruins and sampling some southern Italian food on an island road trip.
Recommended tour: Photographer in Taormina.
7- Capri
Capri is another of Italy’s most beautiful islands, located in the Bay of Naples.
Like the Italian Rivera and other areas, it’s become known as a destination for the social elite but there are lots of authentic experiences to be found.
The island is easy to reach by boat from places like Naples and Sorrento, so it can also make for a pretty excursion from the mainland.
It’s full of beautiful sights, like the Giardini di Augusto and the Blue Grotto, and although there aren’t really any beaches, there are still opportunities for kayaking, swimming and sailing, or enjoying seafood lunches around the island.
Recommended tours:
8- Amalfi Coast
On Italy’s southern coastline lies the Amalfi Coast, one of the country’s most famous tourist destinations that’s perfect for a honeymoon.
The area is all rugged cliffs and cute villages perched on the cliffside, with blooming flowers in summertime which are a great photo opportunity next to the pastel-coloured houses here.
The Amalfi Coast is made up of lots of different areas and towns.
Some of the most popular include Ravello, Positano and Atrani.
The best way to see the whole area is on a road trip, by car or Vespa, if you’re feeling Italian, as you’ll be able to hop off wherever you choose.
Make sure not to skip the beautiful gardens at Villa Cimbrone, hiking the Path of Gods or exploring the incredible hidden beaches and coves in spots like Furore.
Recommended tours:
9- Verona
Verona is the home of romance in Italy, all thanks to being the setting for Romeo and Juliet, one of the greatest and most tragic love stories.
Verona isn’t huge, so it’s an ideal city break or you can combine it with other areas for a romantic tour of Italy.
Casa di Giulietta is where most of the crowds are, but you can’t miss a photo at this iconic spot at Juliet’s supposed balcony.
The city also has amazing architectural sites, such as the Arena di Verona, which looks just like the Colosseum, Piazze della Erbe and a Roman theatre.
As with many Italian cities, there’s also a river running through its centre, and the neighbourhoods on either side of it have lovely riverfront cafes and restaurants to enjoy
Recommended tours:
10- Cinque Terre
Cinque Terra is ultra-famous for its five towns, Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore.
Each one is unique but they’re all stunning, perched on the edge of the cliffs with colourful painted houses cascading down towards the sea.
This is where you’ll find Instagrammable beaches too, with stripey umbrellas, beach bars and clubs.
If you’re treating yourselves- it is a honeymoon; stay in one of the towns, but if you’re being budget-conscious, La Spezia is nearby and makes the perfect base for a Cinque Terra holiday.
You can hop on the train or ferry to explore them all.
Beaches, churches, epic viewpoints, hiking trails and restaurants with sweeping views of the coastline can all be found here, but look for local spots if you visit in summer when it gets overtaken by tourists.
Recommended tour: La Spezia: Cinque Terre and Portovenere Full-Day Boat Tour.
11- Puglia
Italy is shaped like a giant boot and Puglia is the country’s heel, on the southeastern side of Italy.
Many visitors don’t get down here or skip it in favour of more famous places, but there are a few spots like Bari, the capital and Alberobello, home to cute conical trulli houses, which draw tourists and are worth the visit.
Dotted along the coastline are lively beach clubs, with more locals than tourists and plenty of space to stretch out.
To splash out, you could also book a cruise or speedboat tour along the coast.
Lecce is another pretty town known as the Florence of the south for its incredible buildings, museums and art galleries.
And don’t forget the islands, also much quieter than the likes of Capri or Sicily – the Tremiti Islands are home to white sand beaches, hidden caves and sparkling blue waters, and the islands are dotted with monasteries, churches and trattorias.
12- Sardinia
Sardinia is the second-largest Italian island after Sicily, and it has thousands of kilometres of coastline, with beaches, inlets, caves and villages.
But in the middle of the island, it’s more mountainous, with hiking trails and ruins to discover.
There are also a few excellent resorts on the island, and it’s ideal for adventurers and nature lovers.
A beautiful place to start is Parco Nazionale dell’Arcipelago di La Maddalena, a national park right on the coast where you can visit untouched beaches.
The capital of Calgliary is a vibrant city which makes a great base on the island, or for quieter vibes, Alghero has a more local feel.
But if you’re planning to just kick back on the sand, the best beaches are Speranza Beach, Cala Brandinchi and Capriccioli, which is also renowned for snorkelling.
Recommended tour: Sardinia: La Maddalena Archipelago Full-Day Trip by Boat.
13- Umbria
Umbria is a beautiful and vast region of Italy below Tuscany which many people visit without realising, but its similarities with Tuscany and its own unique attractions make it an amazing destination for a honeymoon.
It’s known as the country’s green heart, thanks to the lush landscapes, with forests and hills.
The capital is the historic city of Perugia, which sits on a hilltop and is home to medieval art, the Priori Palace and a Gothic cathedral.
Another beautiful spot not to miss is Assisi, along with the capital’s cool range of summer festivals.
The green heart is best explored on foot or by bike, with hiking and cycling routes through the National Park of Montecucco and between the towns of Spoleto and Norcia.
Recommended tour: Umbria: guided tour to traditional oil mill + tasting.
14- Naples
Naples offers lots in the way of romance, adventure and most importantly, food for honeymooners.
Make sure to explore the historic streets of Spaccanapoli, where you can find authentic Neapolitan pizza at renowned restaurants like Sorbillo.
For a more chilled-out experience, take a romantic stroll along the Lungomare, which has stunning views of Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples.
As mentioned, you can also easily take a day trip to the island of Capri or simply do a cruise down the coastline.
If you’re more adventurous, you can climb Mount Vesuvius on an excursion.
The Chiaia district is home to dozens of fun bars and restaurants, so it makes the ideal place to enjoy a sunset cocktail together.
Recommended tours:
- Naples: romantic dinner on the rooftop terrace.
- Naples: Photo Shoot with a Private Vacation Photographer.
15- Piedmont
Piedmont is an idyllic honeymoon destination famous for wine and natural wonders.
In the capital of Turin, you can explore the opulent Royal Palace and baroque architecture, and you can visit the Automobile Museum, which is well-known in the city.
On the wine front, there are great local restaurants where you can try wines from the area like Barolo, plus, you can get first-hand experience of these wines in the hills of Langhe, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is famous for its vineyards and truffles.
Nature lovers should also make time for a scenic drive through the Alpine foothills to Lake Orta where you can visit the picturesque island of San Giulio and explore the various churches and monasteries around the lakefront.
Recommended tour: Piedmont: 2-Hour Winery Visit with Wine Tasting.
16- Dolomites
If you’d prefer a slightly more outdoorsy honeymoon or maybe want to go in winter, the Dolomites are a perfect year-round destination.
Cortina d’Ampezzo is known for its upscale boutiques and fine dining, and in winter makes a good starting point if you’re planning to ski.
In warmer weather, try hiking or a cable car ride to Tre Cime di Lavaredo for panoramic views.
You can also visit the pretty town of Bolzano or head to Lake Braies, which is surrounded by mountains and is a stunning bright blue.
Merano is renowned for its thermal baths, so you can also have the chance to relax after exploring some of the region’s most famous hiking, biking and driving routes like the Gardena Pass and the Giau Pass.
Recommended tour: The Dolomites at night with snowshoes.
17- Calabria
Calabria is the toe of Italy’s boot over in the southwest.
Tropea is the best place to start, which has dramatic cliffs, beautiful beaches and local restaurants which service regional specialities like ‘nduja and red onion dishes.
For a romantic adventure, you could take a hike in Sila Natural Park, see wildlife in Monte Pollino National Park or venture to Capo Vaticano which has crystal-clear water for swimming and relaxing.
Another mysterious and beautiful place that’s off-the-beaten-track is Pentedattilo, a town that sits on a rugged, towering cliffside which used to be abandoned but is now a fascinating attraction.
18- Portofino
Portofino, on the Italian coast, has all the charm of places like Cinque Terra and Amalfi, and although it’s popular, you can always find quiet areas to appreciate.
The village is stacked with brightly coloured houses, shops and restaurants serving delicious seafood such as La Terrazza.
The coastline here is stunning, so make sure to hike to Castello Brown, a historic fortress offering panoramic views of the Ligurian Sea.
For even less crowds, take a boat trip to San Fruttuoso Abbey, a stunning 10th-century monastery in a hidden cove, which is accessible only by boat or hiking.
Best of all, the water here is clear enough to dive or snorkel around the Portofino Marine Protected Area, where you can spot tropical marine life and there are plenty of beaches to spend the day at.
Recommended tour: Portofino Sunset cruise with Aperitif.
19- Emilia-Romagna
If you’re a foodie couple, then heading to the Emilia-Romagna region on your honeymoon is something you won’t regret.
In Bologna, you’ll find miles of medieval porticoes, historic buildings and its two famous towers – which you can climb if you don’t mind hundreds of stairs for an amazing view.
Above all, it’s famous for its food, particularly tagliatelle al ragu (not spaghetti bolognese as many assume), delicious pasta broths, wines and more.
Less than half an hour away, Parma is famous for its delicious Parma ham and prosciutto, as well as parmesan cheese, both of which you can try by visiting local factories and producers.
The final destination of the trio is Modena, which is known for its exquisite balsamic vinegar, which can sometimes sell for hundreds of dollars.
You can pick up some to take home much cheaper here and do tastings at various spots in the city.
Recommended tour: Rimini: San Valentino Vineyards Tour with DOC Wine Tastings.
20- Milan
If you’d prefer to spend your honeymoon somewhere classically Italian while you both shop til you drop, Milan is just the spot.
It’s rich with sophistication and you might need the budget to match, but there’s lots to see for all travellers.
The huge Duomo di Milano is the most famous cathedral in the city, which you can climb for panoramic city views.
For shopping, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is not only an impressive architectural wonder, but it’s also packed with designer boutiques.
For a bit of culture, the Pinacoteca di Brera has artworks by Raphael and Caravaggio, while the museums at Sforza Castle also have rooms packed with art and historical artefacts.
The Navigli neighbourhood is where you’ll find the cute cafes, restaurants and markets by the canal which are good for lunch or dinner, and don’t skip a visit to the magnificent Teatro alla Scala, the city’s most famous theatre which often shows opera and ballet performances.
Recommended tours:
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