Planning a honeymoon in Bella Italia? From the cosmopolitan to the countryside, these romantic honeymoon destinations will give you once-in-a-lifetime experiences, delicious food, and the chance to make unforgettable memories with your one and only amore.

Lake Como (Lago di Como)

Favored by modern and classic movie stars, Lake Como is one of the most romantic places in Italy. It has a decidedly old-money feel and a slower pace than other destinations in the north.

The lake itself is surrounded by a series of picture-perfect towns with cobbled streets leading to delicious restaurants, opulent villas, and specialty shops. Boat taxis are ready and waiting to take you anywhere you want to go.

This Italian lake is an ideal summer honeymoon destination when the weather is warm and you can enjoy a glass of prosecco on your marble balcony!

Also, if you’re an outdoorsy couple, there are several Catholic pilgrimage hikes into the surrounding mountains that offer stunning views of the water and the Alps.

Cinque Terre

Located along a mountainous stretch of the Italian Riviera, Cinque Terre means “5 lands” and, as the name implies, is made up of 5 fishing villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Corniglia and Monterosso al Mare. Each village has its own sweet character and stunning views of the ocean.

Seafood dishes are the main regional specialties and the views from the restaurants will leave you speechless. The villages are close in proximity and connected by a train so it’s easy to get from one place to another.

You can also hike through the olive groves between each village, but it gets quite warm in the summer months. Vernazza is one of the most picturesque places in the world, featuring colorful houses along the waterfront, a petit natural harbor, and the towering ruins of a medieval fortress.

The Amalfi Coast (Costa Amalfitana)

If you go anywhere in Southern Italy, it should be the Amalfi Coast. Known for its stunning coastline, dramatic cliffs, and azure waters, the Amalfi Coast is over 30 miles long and dotted by tiny towns.

The best way to explore the Amalfi Coast is by yacht or sailboat, but driving or cycling will give you incredible views of the countryside. You can enjoy a variety of water activities, including kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling.

This area is also known for its lemon production so you can hike in the lemon groves and then enjoy a taste of Limoncello (a sweet lemon liquor).

Fine dining fans have a selection of romantic restaurants to choose from that offer curated menus, classic architecture, and sea views. We recommend trying the Mediterranean mussels at Ristorante Da Adolfo, which is accessible only by boat in Positano.

Florence (Firenze)

Located in the famed Tuscan region, Florence is an ideal destination for romantics and lovers of history. You can spend hours walking the cobblestone streets, sampling local cuisine, and simply taking in the beautiful buildings.

No trip to Florence is complete without visiting Ponte Vecchio (a historic arch bridge that survived WWII and dates back to medieval times) and admiring the gothic architecture of Duomo di Firenze (the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore).

Although Venice is more famous for its gondola rides, you can also partake in this fun activity as you enjoy the scenery along the Arno River. Florence is also a great jumping-off point for visiting some of the best vineyards in Northern Italy and indulging in slow lunches in ancient taverns.

Sicily (Sicilia)

If you’ve already been to Italy and are looking for something more immersive and adventurous for your honeymoon, Sicily is the best choice.

Located in the far south of the country, Sicily is the largest island and a politically autonomous region. It doesn’t feel as touristic as Rome or Florence, allowing you to imagine what it would be like to spend your entire life by the sea.

The local cuisine is vibrant and fresh with menu items such as Arancini (risotto rice balls stuffed with cheese and coated in bread crumbs), Cannoli (a pastry filled with sweet, creamy ricotta cheese), seasonal seafood, citrus fruit, and the most delicious pistachios you will ever taste.

In the morning, you can watch the fishermen sell their morning catch and wander the bustling, ancient streets. When you visit Taormina, make sure you hike Mt. Etna, which is an active volcano that will challenge you, but also give once-in-a-lifetime views!

Siena

Although Florence is the more famous Tuscan city, Siena has an old charm that’s entirely its own. This medieval city is famous for the Paleo Run, a horse race that takes place around the Pizza del Campo that was featured in the James Bond movie Quantum of Solace.

You can witness this race twice every summer or you can visit the romantic destination to take in the architecture and take day trips into the countryside.

Must-visit attractions include Duomo di Siena (the Siena Cathedral) and Torre del Mangia, a tower that offers incredible views of the area. Siena is also a great location for wine tasting and there are many romantic hotels that offer vineyard excursions.

Milan (Milano)

For lovers of designer fashion and high-end shopping, there is no better honeymoon destination than Milan. Gucci, Fendi, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, and Bottega Veneta all trace their origins to this chic city.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is the oldest shopping gallery in Italy and the best place to experience Milan’s world of high fashion.

However, non-fashion fanatics will also find something to love. Fans of art history can visit Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper, which is inside the monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie and smaller than you’d think. The nightlife is non-stop with some amazing clubs, underground venues, rooftop lounges, and craft cocktail bars.

Milan is also known for aperitivo, a dining tradition that includes a cocktail and a selection of pre-dinner dishes. At many aperitivo bars, you can order a cocktail and then enjoy unlimited pre-prepared food. But if you pile too much on your plate, the Milanese will judge you!

Naples (Napoli)

If you want to try the best pizza in the world, you have to add Naples to your honeymoon trip. So what makes this pizza special? Naples is considered the birthplace of pizza and the Napolitano people take great pride in their culinary history. They use fresh, local ingredients and don’t overcomplicate the dish by adding too many toppings.

The motto is always quality over quantity. The crust is thin and soft with a slight chew quality and bubbled edges with a light char. It’s best to eat Pizza alla Napoletana using a knife and fork because the middle is usually soft and the cheese plentiful.

Capri

Located in the Bay of Naples, Capri is a picturesque island that is a classic seaside destination for the rich and famous. Featuring azure waters, upscale hotels, and rugged scenery, Capri gets a lot of sun and is the perfect destination for beach lovers.

Beach chairs line the shores, while waiters are on hand to refill your drink or bring you a towel. A trip to Capri is incomplete without visiting the Blue Grotto, an eerily beautiful sea cave filled with mesmerizing blue waters illuminated by beams of sunlight.

You can also take a sunset cruise or enjoy a romantic dinner with your love. However, one of our favorite activities is visiting the beautiful Giardini di Augusto (Gardens of Augustus). Here you can stroll at your leisure through the cliffside gardens and watch the sailboats navigate the cove.

Venice (Venezia)

There truly is no city more transfixing and recognizable than Venice. Built atop 118 islands in the Adriatic Sea, this romantic city has no car roads and is linked by a series of interconnected canals. The buildings and bridges seem to rise up from the sea itself as if the aquamarine water were solid ground.

You can walk for hours along narrow streets, enjoy delicious food with views of the water, or revel in the city’s artistic history. The intricate byzantine architecture of St. Mark’s Basilica will take your breath away, while the grand opera performances at Teatro la Fenice will transport you to the opulent era of dukes and duchesses.

Further, the luxurious hotels offer honeymoon suites complete with fresh flowers, plush furnishings, and dreamy bathtubs.

Rome (Roma)

I always debate adding Rome to a honeymoon itinerary. This famous city is home to incredible architecture, statues, and fountains chiseled by the masters, and places of enormous historical importance. The Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the Sistine Chapel, and Vatican City are just a few famous places.

However, it’s also extremely busy, so you have to be on your guard against pickpockets and people trying to scam you. That said, if you are a smart traveler and can appreciate Rome in all its brash glory, you should include the capital city in your honeymoon trip.

In terms of amazing food, you should sit streetside and try Pizza alla Romana (the crust is super thin), Supplì (a fried ball made of risotto-like rice stuffed with mozzarella and marina sauce ), and Spaghetti alla Gricia (spaghetti pasta in a rich bacon and pecorino cheese sauce).

Verona

Fans of Romeo and Juliet simply must visit fair Verona. Located in Northern Italy, this literary famous town is a 1-hour train ride from Milan. Couples in love should visit Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s House) for a chance to see the famous Juliet Balcony and leave their own love notes in the courtyard.

Verona’s romantic atmosphere is only amplified by its café culture and bustling city center. Piazza delle Erbe is one of the liveliest places in the city and a great spot to people-watch and buy local produce.

We recommend visiting Verona as a day trip from Milan or spending one night there. However, if you stay longer, you can embark on a wine-tasting tour of the Valpolicella wine region, take a day trip to Lake Garda, or join a food tour.

Bologna

Situated in the Emilia-Romagna region of Northern Italy, this medieval city is a great affordable honeymoon destination. The cost of hotels and meals out are generally cheaper here than in the major cities like Milan or Rome.

However, there are tons of great honeymoon activities, including low-key sightseeing, exploring the food scene (Bologna is literally known as “the food capital”), and soaking in the romantic atmosphere.

Must-try dishes include Tagliatelle al Ragù (often called Spaghetti Bolognese in the US), Mortadella (a sausage filled with pistachios and flavorful spices), and rich Lasagna. Bologna is also known for its aperitivo scene, so make sure you go to at least one aperitivo bar in the evening.

Sardinia

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path honeymoon destination, Sardinia is an excellent choice. Located on the west side of the Italian peninsula, Sardinia is the second-largest island and is full of folklore, history, and adventure.

You can explore ancient ruins dating back to the Roman, Byzantine, and Spanish empires (and even earlier), or swim in the crystal-clear waters. However, it’s the distinct Sardinian culture that really makes this island stand out.

We recommend keeping your itinerary simple so you can truly get to know the area and the people. Don’t forget to sample some of the famous dishes, including Porceddu (slow-roasted pig cooked over an open flame), Sebadas (pastries filled with fresh cheese and a dash of lemon zest), and fragrant lobster stew.