The Most Romantic Honeymoon Destinations in Italy

Planning a honeymoon in Italy means choosing from a long list of alluring destinations. This country is brimming with romance, gorgeous scenery and endless activities and hotels that are especially ideal for couples. There are fascinating cities like Rome, Florence and Venice; the peaceful countryside of Piedmont and Tuscany; incredible islands like Sicily and Sardinia; the seaside beauty of Puglia and the Amalfi Coast; and of course the glamorous Lake Como.

Here are our picks of the best places in Italy for honeymoons, plus expert tips on what to do and where to stay in each.

With its winding canals and wealth of history, Venice is certainly among the best honeymoon spots in Italy. There’s something undeniably romantic about a classic gondola ride through the city, followed by drinks and cicchetti (traditional snacks or appetisers) on a waterside terrace. Stay at the St. Regis for excellent views or the Gritti Palace for unparalleled elegance.

We also suggest venturing outside the centre to some of Venice’s smaller islands, like Burano, Mazzorbo and Lido. These outlying isles are home to small communities, tranquil vineyards, lovely beaches and plenty of places to enjoy some quality time with your spouse.

Need to know: A 30-minute boat ride from Venice, the idyllic Venissa Ristorante is a restaurant hidden in the vineyards. Experience the height of romance by dining at a private table surrounded by flowering vines.

The Amalfi Coast boasts some of the most impressive vistas in all of Italy, with its rainbow-hued buildings, steep cliffs and sweeping sea views. Its location on the southwestern coast means that you’ll also be treated to incredible sunsets every evening – what could be more romantic?

Spend some time exploring the streets of Positano and Ravello, lunching on fresh seafood and sipping local wines, or step aboard a boat for a private tour of the coastline. You can discover hidden caves, lagoons and beaches, swim and snorkel, or even visit the island of Capri.

Need to know: The Amalfi Coast is one of the romantic destinations in Italy not only for its breathtaking vistas, but also its outstanding hotels; we especially love Le Sirenuse for couples.

Tuscany is a land of rolling hills, sunflower fields, medieval towns and, of course, plenty of vineyards. This rural region is where you’ll find some of the most quintessentially Italian scenery – not to mention homegrown cuisine and world-renowned wines.

The elegant estate of Borgo Pignano Volterra is among the best places to honeymoon in Italy, offering sumptuous suites and maisonettes imbued with traditional style. There’s plenty to do right on the property – think wine tastings and pasta-making workshops – but we can also organise food and wine tours to nearby towns like San Gimignano, Siena or Pisa.

Need to know: The best times to visit Tuscany are the shoulder seasons: spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October), as they offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds and beautiful scenery.

Lake Como is a legendary location for glamorous getaways in northern Italy, and one of our top choices for a honeymoon in Europe. Stay at the incredibly chic Grand Hotel Tremezzo and spend your days lounging beside the water or gazing out at the lake from your private terrace.

There’s also plenty of exploring to be done around Lake Como, whether you want to cruise across it on a private water limo or wander through the flower-filled streets of Bellagio and Varenna. End your day with a spectacular sunset beside the water, cocktail in hand.

Need to know: We love the Italian tradition of an evening passeggiata – enjoying a gelato while strolling along the lakefront in Varenna, one of Lake Como’s most enchanting villages.

Known for its ancient ruins, Rome is also a city of romance. There’s plenty of sightseeing to fill your days if you like, but you can also retreat to a quiet courtyard or a scenic rooftop bar at luxurious hotels like Villa Spalletti Trivelli and Six Senses Rome.

We can help you and your partner hit all the highlights without any stress, whether by organising an early-morning visit to the Vatican, a vintage Vespa tour or a private Italian cooking class so that you can take some useful culinary secrets home with you.

Need to know: After days exploring the Eternal City, one of our favourite ways to unwind is a private pizza-making class, where you’ll learn to craft (and enjoy) one of Italy’s most beloved dishes.

Florence is among the best honeymoon destinations in Italy for art lovers and history buffs. This city is absolutely packed with emblematic works of art and architecture, from the intricate Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (also known as the Duomo) to Michelangelo’s David.

Newlyweds can spend hours wandering the halls of some of the world’s best museums or relaxing in the Boboli Gardens. We can also arrange a romantic boat trip on the Arno River, a gelato tasting, a traditional fresco making workshop or a private rooftop aperitivo.

Need to know: Take your time in Florence and explore this compact city slowly. In spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October), the mild weather makes sightseeing especially comfortable.

The island of Sicily is practically a world unto itself, with its own complex history, distinctive culture and delicious contributions to Italian cuisine (think cannoli and arancini, for a start). It’s the perfect place for a honeymoon combining cultural immersion with culinary indulgence.

You and your loved one can explore the slopes of Mount Etna with a volcanologist guide, taste local volcanic wines, examine ancient theatres and temples at archaeological sites, learn how to make traditional Sicilian recipes and navigate the coast on a private sailing excursion.

Need to know: We especially recommend a full-day foodie adventure through the Baroque towns of Ragusa and Modica. Visit a family-run farm, cook with local experts and finish with a tasting of Modica’s famous chocolate, still made using ancient Aztec methods.

Sardinia is slightly smaller than Sicily, but just as enchanting. If you’re hoping to spend most of your honeymoon basking in the sun beside sparkling seas, this is the Italian destination for you, boasting more than 1,100 miles (1,800 kilometres) of idyllic coastline.

For a bit of adventure, you can head inland for a hike through the mountains of Gallura or a Jeep tour through the Lanaitto Valley. We suggest staying at 7 Pines Resort or Baglioni Resort for the perfect combination of exciting activities and direct access to the beach.

Need to know: Wander along paths that weave through the fragrant gardens towards secluded beaches at 7 Pines Resort. There’s a choice of pool, garden or beach side suites to make your stay a truly memorable one.

Picturesque coastal towns, whitewashed buildings, olive groves and golden beaches are the hallmarks of Puglia. Among the lesser-known honeymoon destinations in Italy, this southeastern region promises a romantic experience full of unforgettable food, wine and natural wonders.

Our favourite experiences for couples include touring a family-run vineyard, learning how to bake traditional bread at a local bakery, seeing the famous trulli houses of Alberobello, lounging at stylish beach clubs and seeking out hidden coves where you can enjoy some peace and quiet.

Need to know: The authentic restored 10th-century Palazzo Margherita is a great base for exploring Puglia. Set in the quiet hilltop town of Bernalda, it offers easy access to the region’s UNESCO-listed sites, Baroque cities and pristine Ionian beaches.

Located in northwestern Italy, the Piedmont region is our top pick for honeymooners who want to taste the very best Italian food and wine. While the whole country is renowned for its cuisine, this is where you’ll find some of our all-time favourite wineries and gourmet experiences.

Visit the town of Asti for an artisanal chocolate and nougat tasting, tour a local hazelnut farm, go winery hopping in Langhe-Roero and Monferrato, hunt for truffles with an expert trifolau and savour local specialties from agnolotti (stuffed pasta) to bunet (chocolate custard with amaretti biscuits). In between meals, you can also explore national parks and historic cities like Turin.

Need to know: The best time for wine tasting is in the fall (September-November) for harvest and truffle season, or in the spring (April-May) when the weather is pleasant and many wine festivals take place.