The best Honeymoon Destinations in Italy
If you are planning your honeymoon, there is no better choice than choosing from one of the many gorgeous honeymoon destinations in Italy.
Whether you want to explore the cobblestoned streets of Rome or relax on the Amalfi Coast, there are plenty of romantic activities and attractions that will make your honeymoon unforgettable.
From historical sites to outdoor adventures, Italy offers something for everyone – making it an ideal location for a dreamy getaway with your new spouse.
I studied in Italy and have returned almost every year, exploring the country from east to west and from north to south, and I still cannot get enough. That’s why I would choose it as a honeymoon destination in the blink of an eye.
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Table of Contents
The Best Honeymoon Destinations in Italy
The Amalfi Coast
An Amalfi Coast honeymoon would be any couple’s dream, and for good reason. One of the most beautiful destinations in Italy, home to luxurious and intimate hotels, restaurants serving delicious food, and a breathtaking landscape, this is the place you will want to consider as well.
Getting on the Amalfi Coast is not hard, and if you follow this comprehensive guide I put together, you will manage to plan the perfect trip, no matter if you are looking to travel on a budget or to splurge.
If you are unsure whether you should spend your honeymoon on the Amalfi Coast or Santorini, I prepared a comparison that will help you decide.
Puglia
Still a less popular destination with international tourists, Puglia is the perfect Italy honeymoon destination for those looking for an authentic experience without breaking the bank.
Nothing beats staying in a trullo house with a swimming pool, driving along winding roads, exploring whitewashed villages, or swimming in the turquoise waters of the sea.
You can choose to stay in Alberobello or Monopoli and drive around Puglia. You can also easily combine the Amalfi Coast and Puglia for an unforgettable vacation.
Courmayeur
Located in the north of Italy, Courmayeur is close to Mt Blanc and the French border. It is the perfect honeymoon destination for people who like the outdoors. During the summer and autumn, hiking in the area is some of the best in Italy, and during the winter, you can go skiing.
The town itself is charming and full of nice restaurants and shops to browse, but the main reason for coming here is the outdoor activities. The best hikes are to Val Veni and over the ridge towards Refugio Walter Bonatti. For a less strenuous way to get amazing mountain views, take the Skyway Monte Bianco cable car up to the Mt Blanc viewing platform.
One of the best places to stay is slightly outside of town, at Auberge de la Maison in Entreves. The hotel provides one of the most romantic experiences in the area since the views of Mt Blanc from the spa and pool are breathtaking.
Venice
Venice is a super romantic city in the northeastern part of Italy. It’s known for its canals, bridges, and numerous historic buildings. Due to its breathtaking scenery and romantic atmosphere, Venice would make a perfect honeymoon destination.
There are lots of romantic things to do in Venice, including taking a gondola ride along the Grand Canal, watching the sunset by St. Mark’s Square, and visiting the charming island of Burano, which is lined with colorful houses.
When it comes to accommodation, Venice features a variety of luxurious hotels, including the Belmond Hotel Cipriani and Aman Venice, both of which offer stunning views of the city and are super romantic. Moreover, there are many excellent restaurants to choose from in Venice.
Venice is a must-visit destination for couples looking for a romantic getaway.
Gaeta
Located in the Lazio region of Italy, Gaeta is one of the best honeymoon destinations. If you are looking for a magical beach vacation with amazing resorts, this is the place for you.
Gaeta is a hidden gem. Most international tourists are unaware of this amazing place, partly because there is no train stop near the area. If you want to visit, you must rent a car. Rome and Naples are the closest international airports and the best places to rent a car.
It is a very popular beach destination for Italians. Over seven beaches are in the area, which is great for snorkeling and boating. You can also enjoy some of the best hikes in Italy. The downtown historic area is also worth checking out before you try one of the local restaurants.
One of the most romantic hotels in the area is the Grand Hotel le Rocce. This resort has its own private beach, a gorgeous pool, and breathtaking views.
A honeymoon destination in Gaeta is a great choice!
Lake Como
Nestled at the feet of the Alps lies the tranquil and splendid Lake Como. This magnificent lake has consistently been a popular destination for travelers exploring Italy. Unsurprisingly, millionaires and Hollywood stars have residences in the area.
It features charming and idyllic towns and villages, providing enchanting landscapes, delightful lakefront promenades, and stunning panoramic views, making it an ideal destination for a romantic honeymoon.
Our top pick for where to stay in Varenna is Hotel Royal Victoria, a beautiful 4-star luxury hotel. The Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio is a lavish 5-star hotel housed in an enchanting historical villa.
Val d’Orcia
The romantic Val d’Orcia in Italy is a true gem for a special honeymoon. Located in the heart of famous Tuscany, this picturesque region offers some of Italy’s most spectacular hilly scenery! Experience Tuscany as you know it from pictures and movies on your honeymoon.
Val d’Orcia is a dream, especially in the early morning or at sunset when the mist covers the fields. There are many charming Renaissance villages where a stroll through the medieval streets is a true experience of Tuscany at its best. Pienza, the birthplace of the Renaissance, should not be missed.
In 2004, the entire Val d’Orcia was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to many medieval towns and unique landscapes.
For a honeymoon, we recommend Agriturismo Marinello, which has a great pool and breathtaking views of Pienza.
Lake Garda
If you’re looking for a relaxed honeymoon destination in Italy, Lake Garda offers the perfect mix of tranquility and mountain beauty. Located only a two-hour drive from Milan Malpensa airport or a one-hour train ride from central Milan, Lake Garda truly is easy to reach.
With an array of delightful towns from which to base yourself, Lake Garda has everything from buzzing lakeside accommodations to quiet mountain views.
Lake Garda has romantic lake-view hotels and restaurants at every step.
Pistoia
Pistoia is a charming, lesser-known village in Tuscany, which makes for a perfect romantic honeymoon destination in Italy. We turned to Michelle Schomp from Passport Explorers to weigh in on Pistoia. She has been a full-time world-traveling digital nomad for 7 years.
While there are many amazing places in Italy, Pistoia is a bit off the radar but has all the charm, making it a unique honeymoon. You won’t have to fight loads of tourists as you stroll hand in hand around the picturesque streets, shops, markets, and many historical monuments.
Staying in Pistoia allows you to easily access the coast and Tuscan hills, making it a perfect honeymoon destination in Italy.
Vicenza
Vicenza, Italy, is a perfect honeymoon destination for couples who want to indulge in romance and beauty.
Located in the Veneto region of Northern Italy, Vicenza is a small city with a rich cultural heritage, scenic views, and a peaceful ambiance, making it an ideal place for honeymooners.
When it comes to romantic things to do in Vicenza, plenty of options will make your honeymoon memorable. You can take a leisurely stroll through the city’s charming streets, visit the famous Basilica Palladiana and the Teatro Olimpico, or take a scenic boat ride on Lake Garda, which is located around one hour’s drive from the city. For art enthusiasts, the Basilica Palladiana and the Teatro Olimpico are must-visits.
Bologna
Bologna is a wonderful city in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. While it’s not as well-known as Rome or Naples, it’s a great place for couples to visit. The city has amazing food, beautiful surroundings, great day trips, and a wide range of romantic hotels.
Strolling through the covered walkways, popping into little cafes and restaurants, or browsing the markets and bookshops is a wonderful way to spend your honeymoon in Bologna.
Art Hotel Orologio is an elegant 4-star hotel just off one of Bologna’s most beautiful squares.
Turin
Turin, located in northwestern Italy, is a city that offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and romance, making it an ideal honeymoon destination! It is the capital of the Piedmont region and is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and delicious cuisine – which makes Turin definitely worth visiting on a honeymoon!
There are plenty of romantic things to do in Turin, such as strolling through the beautiful Valentino Park, visiting the Mole Antonelliana Tower, which offers stunning panoramic views of the city, and exploring the Royal Palace of Turin, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can also take a romantic boat ride along the River Po or enjoy a romantic dinner in one of the many fine restaurants in the city.
For accommodations, the Grand Hotel Sitea and NH Collection Torino Piazza Carlina are both centrally located and offer luxurious amenities.
Palermo
Couples looking for a unique and unforgettable honeymoon destination in Italy should head to Palermo, the vibrant capital of the stunning Italian island of Sicily. Palermo offers a perfect blend of history, scenic beauty, and romance, making it an ideal spot for newlyweds interested in a honeymoon rich with culture.
For a bit of relaxation, newlyweds can head to nearby Mondello Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy. Just a short drive from the city center, the beach offers a stunning stretch of white sand and crystal-clear water where couples can soak up the sun, swim in the sea, or take a romantic stroll along the coastline. If driving in Sicily frightens you, Mondello Beach is also accessible via bus from Palermo’s city center.
Staying in a central location is key to making the most of your time in Palermo, and there’s no better honeymoon splurge than the romantic Quintocanto Hotel & Spa.
Overall, Palermo is the perfect honeymoon destination for couples looking for an Italian city with a mix of history, culture, natural beauty, and romance.
Sardinia
For a honeymoon in Italy, consider venturing off the beaten path to Italy’s second-largest island, Sardinia. Sardinia is located 200 km west of mainland Italy in the Mediterranean Sea.
The main honeymoon destination in Sardinia is Costa Smeralda, the northeastern tip of the island. Costa Smeralda has some of the most beautiful beaches with sand and unique granite formations. In Costa Smeralda, there is swimming and snorkeling in clear turquoise waters, hiking, exploring small Romanesque towns, and indulging in delicious Sardinian cuisine.
Stay at Le Suites Porto Cervo in Porto Cervo, an upper-scale area of Costa Smeralda, where you can relax and be pampered.
Sardinia’s rich history, beautiful landscapes, and delicious cuisine make it a perfect destination for couples on their honeymoon.
Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore is situated in northern Italy and straddles the border with Switzerland. It’s the second largest lake in Italy and is the younger sister of Lake Garda which means that it’s quieter and less touristy, perfect for honeymooners wanting to spend some quality time together.
The town of Luino is an excellent place to stay on the shores of Lake Maggiore. It has excellent public transport links and a direct train to Milan. In Luino, you can take a romantic stroll along the lakeside or relax on one of its beaches.
Trento
Trento is a stunning city located in the province of Trentino in northern Italy. Surrounded by mountains, it is the gateway to the mighty Dolomite Alps.
On a stroll through the old town, look for the romantic palaces decorated in shades of pastel. Visit the symmetrical rose gardens in the Castello del Buonconsiglio, where the gentlewomen of the most powerful houses in Europe would spend their time.
Trento is not a large town, but a centrally located hotel, such as the Grand Hotel Trento, is recommended, especially if you want to enjoy the mild and pleasant evenings in the beautiful old town.
Lake Orta
Italy has long been known for its wealth of romantic honeymoon destinations. One mostly undiscovered destination in northern Italy is Lago d’Orta (Lake Orta) in the northern Piedmont region.
The most popular lake town on Lake Orta is the beautiful and medieval Orta San Giulio, which occupies a small peninsula on the lake’s eastern shore and is the perfect destination for an Italian honeymoon.
The narrow streets in Orta San Giulio are lined with boutique and artisan shops, cafes, gelaterias, and restaurants.
The Hotel San Rocco is right on the lake with a pool, a charming bar, a restaurant, and lakeside seating, and is only a few minutes walk from the town piazza. For a special romantic dinner, reserve ahead of time at the elegant Michelin Star-rated Ristorante Villa Crespi.
Rome
What’s more romantic than honeymooning in Rome? Italy is known as one of the most romantic countries in the world, and Rome is the best place to start a honeymoon. In fact, Rome is named Europe’s most romantic capital!
With gorgeous monuments, opulent fountains, cobblestoned streets, and historic buildings, this ancient city offers a wide range of things to see and do within walking distance, with easy access to other cities throughout Italy by train.
There are a number of fantastic places to stay in Rome for all budgets, but for those looking to splurge on their honeymoon, the Hotel Artemide is a luxurious place to stay in the city and is walkable to many sites and attractions.
Be sure to throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return, perhaps for an anniversary!
Matera
If you’re looking for a romantic destination that will take you back in time, I would suggest visiting Matera, Italy!
Located in the region of Basilicata, Matera has often been nicknamed ‘the City of Caves’ thanks to the dwellings carved out of stone in the Sassi district. It is the third-oldest continually inhabited settlement in the world, and it is a maze of zigzagging staircases, steep lanes, and tiny courtyards!
For a romantic stay, I would recommend booking a guesthouse set in a cave – with all the modern comforts, of course! Le Dodici Lune is a nice option.
As for dining, it’s pasta all the way! Some dishes to try in the region include Orecchiette with cardoncelli mushrooms and pork sausage, Ferricelli with porcini mushrooms and a cheese fondue sauce, and Strascinati with sausage and red peppers.
Cinque Terre
If you’re looking for a great honeymoon destination, look no further than Cinque Terre! This amazing location offers a perfect blend of romance, adventure, and relaxation. Cinque Terre consists of five picturesque villages—Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—perched on the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
You’ll never run out of things to do in Cinque Terre, whether you want to go hiking along the coastal trails, explore the colorful villages, sample delicious Italian food, or simply relax and take in the breathtaking scenery. You can also rent a boat and discover secret coves along the coastline, try snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, or take a sunset cruise on the Mediterranean.
One of the best places to stay for a honeymoon is La Torretta Lodge in Manarola, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the sea and the village – and you’ll even have a hot tub!
Overall, Cinque Terre is a lovely honeymoon destination in Italy. With its breathtaking views, romantic activities, and delicious food, Cinque Terre is a paradise for couples on their honeymoon.
Portofino
Portofino is an ideal destination for honeymooners. It is known for its stunning scenery, crystal clear waters, and pastel-colored buildings, which create a romantic setting for couples to explore.
The best place to stay is Hotel Piccolo Portofino. The rooms are big with a terrace and a fantastic sea view, and the hotel has a beautiful private beach.
Portofino is known for its seafood cuisine, and there are several waterfront restaurants where you can enjoy a romantic dinner with stunning views of the sea. Definitely check out Da I Gemelli and Trattoria Tripoli while visiting. Be sure to try the local seafood specialties, such as freshly caught fish and trofie al pesto pasta.
Portofino is a destination that captures the essence of romance and provides an ideal setting for honeymooners looking for a memorable and enchanting experience.
Verona
Verona is an enchanting city known mainly as the setting for Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” While that ending may not be persuasive enough as a honeymoon destination, Verona’s beauty, culture, and charm make it a top destination.
There are many romantic experiences couples may have in Verona, including a visit to Juliet’s house, where visitors can get a picture from the famous balcony. Honeymooners can share a passionate kiss underneath the balcony and leave a love note on the wall of the courtyard.
For accommodations, Verona’s luxurious Due Torri Hotel is a five-star hotel with elegant rooms and fine dining options for honeymooners.
Verona also boasts many excellent restaurants, such as the Osteria Trattoria al Duomo, a cozy, intimate spot offering traditional Veronese cuisine. Booking a table at Il Desco, a Michelin-starred restaurant, would be quite an experience.
La Spezia
One of the best honeymoon destinations in Italy is La Spezia. This city is one of the largest in the region of Liguria and is located on the Ligurian Sea.
La Spezia is a beautiful place that is not very touristy and is very close to many other great places in Italy.
One of the most romantic activities that you can do here is to go for a walk in the historic city center and along the promenade of La Spezia.
Furthermore, when you want to learn something while you are in La Spezia, you can check out one of the city’s museums that the city is known for. For example, the Center of Modern and Contemporary Art is a great one to check out.
A great place to stay for a honeymoon in La Spezia is Hotel Firenze e Continentale, and a restaurant with good local food is Antica Osteria Dei Camalli.
Milan
For a great honeymoon destination in Italy, stop by Milan.
Located in Northwest Italy, Milan is perhaps best known as a fashion capital. But the second-most populated city in Italy has more to offer than just that.
For your fashion fix, visit Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the oldest active shopping gallery in Italy.
Dine at Sadler Restaurant. For a less expensive option that doesn’t lack overall experience and charm, go to Paper Moon Giardino.
No trip to Italy is complete without Gelato. So make sure to indulge in it often.
For a competitively priced hotel in a great location, consider staying at Meliá Milano. This hotel offers clean, beautiful, romantic rooms, perfect for your honeymoon getaway.
Dolomites
Italy has no shortage of honeymoon destinations, and an often-overlooked romantic escape is a winter ski trip to the Dolomites, otherwise known as South Tyrol.
Winter in the Dolomites is special, and one of the best hotels that provide unforgettable experiences is Hotel Teresa in San Vigilio. This stunning boutique hotel has an incredible culinary experience by offering traditional Ladin dishes, educational and memorable adventures in the great outdoors, a Dolomitic spa experience, and more. The hotel is also near the popular Kronplatz Ski Resort.
During your winter honeymoon in Italy, you can enjoy some of the world’s best skiing in the Dolomites and relax at one of the many spas afterward. South Tyrol has mineral-rich waters, herbs, and other healing natural resources that spas appreciate using during massage and facial treatments. Some of the best spas in the Dolomites are Forestis, Hotel Chalet Mirabel, Park Hotel Mignon, Villa Eden, and Castel Fragsburg.
You are sure to have the trip of a lifetime!
Florence
Florence is one of the most romantic cities in Italy and a perfect honeymoon destination. Numerous major attractions can be added to your Florence itinerary to create lovely romantic memories.
Make sure you catch the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo, where you will get the best views of Florence and the Arno River. While you are in Italy, you must indulge in Italian Pizza, and Florence is no exception.
The Old Town is filled with romantic restaurants serving high-quality pizza and Tuscan wines. One of the local favorites is Gianotto Pizzeria, which serves mouthwatering Neapolitan pizza. When talking about wine, it might also be appropriate to mention a wine tour of Tuscany from Florence.
A romantic place to stay is Casual Rinascimento Firenze. You can slow down in the hotel’s cave-like swimming pool and sauna.