Italy has long been touted as one of the most romantic destinations in the world, so it comes as no surprise that every year many newlyweds flock here to enjoy their honeymoon. Amidst ancient ruins, rolling vineyards and captivating coastlines, Italy offers an unparalleled romantic backdrop. From the charming canals of Venice to the sun-kissed shores of the Amalfi Coast, join us as we countdown the 6 best Italian honeymoon destinations.
Benvenuti alla dolce vita!
1. Sardinia: Island Escape
This Italian Honeymoon is perfect for: Couples who want to spend their days laying on white sand beaches.
Best Time to Visit: May – September when the weather is warm and perfect for exploring the many gorgeous beaches on the Island. July and August are considered to be peak season, so be prepared to share the island with other visitors.
Highlights
The capital city of Cagliari has plenty to see and do. The airport and trains are well connected to the rest of the island, which make it a great place to start and end your tour of Sardinia. Cagliari also offers many cultural sites such as the Basilica Santa Maria, Baston Saint Remy and the Museo Archeologico Nazionale.
The picturesque town of Bosa, located on the west side of the island, is the perfect day trip. Wander through the pretty, colourful streets and enjoy the local shops and restaurants. This charming town is one of the prettiest on the Island.
Take a boat tour of the incredible Baunei Coast. Located on the eastern side of Sardinia, it is one of the island’s most visited sights. Spend the day cruising as you admire crystal clear turquoise waters and the impressive cliffs that dot the island coast. It is no wonder that some of the most beautiful beaches on the island are found here.
The Island is home to many amazing beaches, no matter which side of the Island you choose to stay you will find endless options. Some of the most famous include Tuerredda, La Pelosa, Costa Paradiso, Capriccioli and Brandinchi Beach.
Take the scenic route. Sardinia is known for its numerous scenic drives along the island’s breathtaking coast. Renting a car is the best way to see the island, so take advantage of the various scenic highways such as SP 83 and SS 125. Take your time and stop at the many incredible beaches, scenic outlooks and quaint villages along the way.
Adventurous couples will love exploring the island’s many caves and grottos such as Blue Marino Caves, Neptune Caves and Su Marmuri Cave.
Get In:
There are 3 airports on the island that are well connected to Italy and other major European cities. You can find a variety of direct flights and low cost air carrier options that offer services to:
Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG)
Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB)
Alghero Airport (AHO)
Once on the island, there are train routes to the major cities, however if you want to explore multiple areas it is recommended to rent a car. The major highways are easy to navigate and well maintained. Be sure to confirm parking restrictions, some of the most popular beaches require that you pay for parking during peak season.
2. Florence
This Italian Honeymoon is perfect for: Couples who love enjoying world class museums and art galleries.
Best Time to Visit: March – May or September – November
Highlights
Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is filled with many artistic and cultural sights. You can see Florence’s most famous works at the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery, home to The Birth of Venus and Michelangelo’s David.
Wander through the beautifully manicured Boboli Gardens. Established by the Medici family, it was instrumental in establishing the Italian Garden Style that would become popular throughout Europe at the time.
Marvel at Florence’s architectural masterpieces such as the Florence Cathedral (Il Duomo), Palazzo Vecchio and the Pitti Palace. Intricately designed, with the most luxurious materials, these sights stand as a testimony to the wealth and power of the Medici family, who made Florence a cultural center.
A romantic honeymoon is not complete without fine dining. Sample traditional Tuscan dishes at one of Florence’s many restaurants such as Culinaria Bistro or Essenziale. A short day trip from Florence is the Chianti region, known for its fine wines. It is recommended to set aside a day in your itinerary to explore the surrounding Tuscan countryside, perhaps with a winery tour.
For other amazing Tuscan road trip ideas click here.
To read our full Florence Travel Guide, click here.
Get In:
Florence is Peretola Airport (FLR), also known as Amerigo Vespucci Airport, offers regional flights from Italy or Europe. The nearest international airport is Pisa International Airport (PSA) also known as Galileo Galilei Airport. The Pisa International Airport is not located in Florence, but can be reached by bus or train which usually takes 1 hour.
Florence is easily reached by train from major Italian cities such as Venice, Rome, and Milan. The main train station, Santa Maria Novella (SMN), located near the city center is one of Italy’s busiest stations. Just outside the station you will find a major hub for bus lines that can easily take you to your hotel in Florence.
3. Amalfi Coast
This Italian Honeymoon is perfect for : Couples who love luxury with stunning views.
Best Time to Visit: May – October with July and August being peak season. The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most popular destinations, so be prepared for crowds.
Highlights
Sorrento is often referred to as the “gateway to the Amalfi Coast”. This lively town offers breathtaking views, and many Italian shops perfect for finding souvenirs such as linens, Limoncello (a local lemon liqueur) and ceramics.
Island hop to nearby Capri. Luxury abounds on the island as it is a stop for the yachts of the rich and famous. Here you will find an abundance of luxury and designer shopping and fine dining. Be sure to include a boat tour of the iconic Blue Grotto on your trip here.
Positano is a vibrant and photogenic town with incredible villas and viewpoints of the sea. Spend a day relaxing at the Arienzo Beach Club or exploring Grotta dello Smeraldo. Stretch your legs with a hike along the Path of the Gods, a scenic trail high in the hills with incredible vistas of the Amalfi coast and the island of Capri.
Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone in Ravello are two beautiful villas that offer visitors incredible dramatic views and well kept gardens.
Learn the art of Italian Cuisine with a cooking class. Known for its variety of seafood dishes, the Amalfi Coast is a perfect destination to learn more about the traditional methods and ingredients that makes Italian food so delicious.
Get In
The closest international airport is Naples Capodichino Airport. Once you have arrived in Naples there are a variety of ways to get to the Amalfi coast. Many rent a car, although be warned that the narrow and winding roads can be stressful to drive. Train or Bus is a popular choice, with the added benefit of not having to worry about finding parking. Private transfers are also available, although they are the most expensive option and it is worth confirming the distance from Naples to your hotel as some towns are over an hour drive away.
4. Lake Como
Perfect for : Couples who want to relax as they explore stunning lakeside villages
Best Time to Visit: May – October
Highlights
Bellagio is perhaps the most famous of the towns situated on the lake, this iconic romantic honeymoon spot has everything you need. Beautiful architecture, lakeside views and amazing restaurants. Many of Lake Como’s luxury hotels are found here, such as Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, which is a perfect splurge worthy accommodation.
Menaggio is famous for its gorgeous lakeside promenade that gives incredible views of the lakeshore. Golfing enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to Cadenabbia Golf Club, founded in 1907. Another popular destination is Lido di Menaggio, one of the best beaches on Lake Como. Rent a sunbed or umbrella and relax after a day of sightseeing.
Varenna is the perfect place to stay if you want to escape the crowds that are drawn to Bellagio. This picture perfect town is often a favorite among travelers, and is one of the easiest towns to arrive in with direct trains from Milan. Villa Monastero is a gorgeous villa that offers tours of both the inside of the villa and the surrounding gardens. Another incredible sight is the Vezio Castle. Perched high above the town center, the views from the Castle are some of the best Lake Como has to offer.
Get In:
The closest major airport is Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), which is about an hour away from Lake Como. Once in Milan, trains are easy to take to either the town of Como or Varenna. Varenna is the best option if you want to take the ferry to other nearby towns such as Belagio or Menaggio. Rental cars are also available, although driving in Como can be stressful due to the narrow streets and confusing parking restrictions.
5. Sicily
Perfect for: Couples who want a mix of culture and natural beauty.
Best Time to Visit: April – November
Highlights
The capital city of Palermo offers plenty of beautiful architecture such as The Norman Palace, Palermo Cathedral and The Ballaro Market. The city also serves as a great base for other day trips such as the Agrigento Valley of the Temples or the iconic Cefalù, one of Sicily’s most picturesque beach side towns.
Taormina is another must see destination. Known as “the Pearl of Sicily”, this town offers world class beaches and incredible views of Mount Etna, Sicily’s most famous volcano. For honeymooners who seek adventure, Mount Etna also makes a great excursion. Many companies offer guided tours to see the volcano’s crater.
Admire the baroque beauty of Noto and Modica. These towns are perfect to spend a day wandering the streets and admiring the unique architecture. Modica is especially sweet, the town is known for its amazing chocolate!
Soak up the sun on one of the many gorgeous beaches Sicily has to offer. Famous beaches include San Vito lo Capo, Mondello, Scala dei Turchi and Scopello.
Get in:
There are 4 international airports on the island with Aeroporto di Catania (CTA) and Aeroporto di Palermo (PMO) being the largest. It is recommended to rent a car if you want to explore all this island has to offer.
6. The Italian Grand Tour
Perfect for: Adventurous couples who want to see all Italy has to offer.
Best Time to Visit: Anytime, although July and August are peak tourism season.
Highlights
Can’t pick just one region for your Italian honeymoon? Then a grand tour of the country may be the perfect choice for you! Here are a few stops to consider.
Explore the romance Venice has to offer – canal rides, amazing historic museums and fine dining. Venice is known for producing some of Italy’s best locally made souvenirs such as Murano glass, Burano Lace and Venetian made paper goods. Although Venice has much to offer, the surrounding towns also offer much to see and do, often without the crowds. Be sure to include a day trip to one of these amazing destinations just outside of Venice.
Hike through the Cinque Terre National Park. This amazing national park includes 5 iconic towns along Italy’s Ligurian Riviera. You can hike through hills and vineyards between each of these towns, with perfect views of the sea and amazing fresh Ligurian cuisine such as Pesto and of course locally produced wine.
If you love Italian food, consider a visit to the Emilia Romagna region, known as Italy’s culinary center. Learn the art of pasta making with a cooking class, take a walking food tour of Bologna or tour a parmesan cheese or balsamic vinegar factory – some of the best in the country are found here.
Visit the Eternal City – Rome. Italy’s capital offers a wealth of cultural sights. From magnificent museums to Ancient Roman ruins. However the surrounding areas of Rome also offer amazing sights and activities. Consider adding a day trip to one of these towns where you will find less crowds.
Relax on one of Italy’s thousands of amazing beaches. Whether it’s soaking up the sun in the luxurious Amalfi coast, or going off the beaten path and discovering the beauty of Calabria or Puglia, Italy’s beaches are world famous for good reason.
Get In
The largest international airports can be found in Rome, Milan and Venice. Italy is well connected by trains and highways. If you prefer traveling at your own pace, renting a car is a great option. Italy’s toll highways are extremely well kept and easy to navigate with GPS. Be careful when driving through major cities, some have resident only car restrictions, but often have plenty of parking just outside the city center.
Conclusion: 6 Romantic Italian Honeymoon Destinations
Italy truly has something for everyone, and no matter what your personality, these 6 romantic Italian honeymoon destinations are sure to impress. From the rolling hills and vineyards to dramatic coastlines and perfect white sand beaches, an Italian Honeymoon is sure to create amazing memories you will cherish for a lifetime.
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