With Valentine’s Day coming up, I thought I’d make a list of candidates for the most romantic city in Italy title. The order is arbitrary, each destination is very different, so I’m going to list them alphabetically.
If you’re planning an extensive trip to Italy, try not to miss the best destinations in Italy.
So, which is The Most Romantic City in Italy?
Romantic cities in Italy – Florence
Everybody wants to see Florence at least once. A city of art, history, culture, and beauty, Florence has it all. See the Ufizzi Gallery, Michelangelo’s David, take a Tuscan cooking class or have a wine tasting in a Tuscan vineyard. You can make a lot of memories with your special someone here.
Walk along the Arno River and across the Ponte Vecchio, climb the hill on the other side of the river for spectacular views over the city and just wander through the streets of Florence.
The food is also great in Florence, well..in Italy in general, but each region has its own twist on food.
Where to stay in Florence
The city center is not that big and is easily accessible on foot from the main train station, Santa Maria Novella. Choose a place close to the center to fully enjoy your time here.
Hotel Calimaia is a comfortable hotel with an amazing rooftop terrace in the city center.
Pontevecchio Relais, a romantic and very affordable option very close to the Uffizzi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio.
Beautiful Italy – Polignano a mare
This is a beautiful town on a cliff in the southern region of Puglia. It is one of the lesser-known romantic places in Italy, which adds a lot to its charm. If your dream is to walk with your loved one and enjoy breathtaking views without fighting the crowds for a good photo, Polignano a mare might be your best option on this list.
On a sunny day (and most days are sunny in southern Italy), a cave tour by boat is the thing to do here.
Polignano a mare is easy to reach from Bari Central Station. You can read more about this quaint little town in my post here.
Where to stay in Polignano a mare
Santo Stefano Home & Breakfast would be my top choice as it is a place with a lot of character.
B&B Calaporto is also a very good option, in an amazing location.
Small towns in Italy – Positano
Positano is probably the most famous town on the Amalfi Coast, even more than Amalfi itself. Technically, the season starts here in May. However, the weather in southern Italy is pleasant and warm throughout the year so visiting in winter isn’t a bad idea. Also, the prices in summer are absolutely crazy, but in the off-season, there aren’t that many accommodation options.
The colorful houses hanging on top of each other are absolutely gorgeous. Positano is not so much a lot of activities kind of place, but more of a place to relax and enjoy an Aperol Spritz while watching the sun setting over the sea.
You can read more about Positano in my post here.
Where to stay in Positano
Casa Nilde is my choice here. Every room is designed with different but typical colors, and they also have these little balconies with spectacular sea views.
Most romantic city in Italy – Verona
Verona is the official city of love since the story of Romeo and Juliet made it famous worldwide.
Visit the Roman Arena, walk in the most famous lovers’ footsteps, visit the Castle and enjoy a wine tasting in one of the many vineyards close to the city.
More things to do in fair Verona in my detailed post here.
Where to stay in Verona
B&B La Bella Verona is right in the city center, close to everything you’ll want to see, and the rooms are absolutely special.
Romantic Italy – Venice
Do I really need an introduction for Venice?
Venice is probably the first city that comes to mind when we talk about the most romantic city in Italy. The sinking city with its canals, beautiful bridges, and gondolas is commonly accepted as the ultimate romantic worldwide destination.
However, Venice is a victim of overtourism, so you should be very careful about choosing the time of the year you plan to visit Venice.
Visit Saint Mark’s Basilica at night, walk the hidden streets to discover the real Venice, experience a gondola ride, and stop for a coffee at Caffè Florian.
You can also visit Venice for the Carnival in February and dress up for the occasion.
Where to stay in Venice
Hotel Donà Palace is a classic hotel very close to Saint Mark’s square, close to everything really.
Locanda Fiorita – a typical hotel in a quiet area but still close to the main attractions of Venice.
Hotel Bucintoro – a hotel with beautiful views over the lagoon.
I started this post as a Valentine’s Day escape idea, but any excuse is good to surprise your other half with a romantic getaway and some time spent together in one of the most romantic places in Italy.
Which is the most romantic city in Italy in your opinion? I’d love to know all about it.
Disclosure
Some of the above may be affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. However, I only recommend companies, activities, or products that I use myself. Thank you for your support in keeping my blog live!
Positano has to be the most romantic surely!? I’d love to visit here with my boyfriend – I went last year with my Nan, Mum and Sister haha. I actually voted Positano / Italy as my favourite place to travel in my recent blog! xx
Positano is definitely an amazing place. I can’t make up my mind between Positano and Verona though 🙂
I’ve only made it to Florence and Venice. Looks like I have some traveling to do. The other 3 look amazing!
Italy is such a beautiful country. I would love to visit Venice one day and I have never heard of Polignano a mare before reading this post but your pictures make it look spectacular I will need to do some more research into it. Do you have a favourite place in Italy to visit?
Tough question. I love to visit the area around Naples, I love to spend time in Rome, I like to eat in Bologna, I love Puglia region and Lecce especially but the truth is-I could live in Milan. So, what can I say? I love Italy and I have way to many favorite places to choose only one.
Wonderful post and great photos. Adding this to our Italy list. Thanks.
Cheers!
I plan on doing Verona when I return so thanks for the tips and it is sad that Venice is so beautiful but overrun by tourists… Guess I’ll just have to get my gondola ride in Vegas lol!
😀
I don’t think there’s anywhere in Italy that could disappoint me, but we did have an excellent time in Piano di Sorrento!
Oh, I love that area, there’s so much to see close by and the food is incredible!
One day, I dream of going to Verona and Positano. Such beautiful places.
I hope you you get there soon, Corinne!
Polignano a mare with a cave tour sounds both romantic and something a little bit different.
I know, it’s an underrated town in an amazing area.
You have shared some great photos, thank you for sharing these pictures! X
I’ve been everywhere on your list except Polignano. I’d pick Positano from where I’ve been but I’m certainly intrigued by Polignano. Next on my Italy list. I’d also highly consider Tuscany for the hillside views, food and wine. Great list and suggestions!
Mark / Mark’s Travel Journal
https://www.markstraveljournal.me
So glad you found somewhere new to visit here. I haven’t explored Tuscany properly and it is high on my to do list. Thanks for reading, Mark.
There are so many romantic places in Italy it’s impossible to choose just one. 🙂
So true, I chose five but there are many others which could be on that list 😀
Gosh I’ve been dying to go to Florence for so long and to see that beautiful cathedral with my own eyes! Maybe I’ll go next year… When did you go? What was the weather like?
Hey Lizzy! I was in Florence in November and the weather was a little chilly. I’d suggest April to June or September-October to have the best experience.
Such a charming country. I’m heading to Italy this week actually and I’ll be in Florence on Tuesday – wonderful place! ♥️
I’m so happy you are heading to Italy this week, have a great trip!
What a great post! Thank you for sharing some great ideas!
Such a cute and helpful post. I’ve never been to Italy but I will one day. Your photos are stunning too!
Thank you so much, I hope you’ll make it to Italy soon. 😀
Great post full of stunning pictures! We visited Venice twice and you are right, it can be very busy and the city can be overwhelming. But is still very romantic, especially when al crowds dissapear.. Another romantic city is Rome, we love its authentic streets of Trastevere. Cannot wait to explore the streets of Florence in April! Safe travels.
The truth is, almost every place in Italy fits the ‘romantic’ description. I love Rome too 😊
Ypu are right, Italy is a very romantic country 😉
Your pictures are fabulous! I will make it to Italy one day! You’ve inspired me to visit each of these places!
Thank you so much. I hope you will make it there soon and visit everything you want to. 🙂