Italy’s Top 10 Romantic Towns

There’s nothing better than going off on holiday with our better half. If the relationship is in its initial stages, a trip together can be the perfect opportunity to learn what makes them tick, as well as get a taste of what life together would be like. For more “mature” couples, a trip can sometimes be the perfect occasion to fall in love all over again and rediscover the thrill of walking hand in hand through places unknown or visited years ago.

When we think of romantic escapades, we immediately conjure up images of the great European capitals, but we mustn’t underestimate the beauty of smaller towns, and particularly those in Italy.

If you are considering surprising your loved one with a romantic weekend getaway, here are our top 10 romantic towns in Italy. Big cities have nothing on these…

 

1.Positano (Campania)

It’s been said that this village on the Amalfi Coast is among the most romantic places in the world. Its gorgeous houses in myriad colors overlook the Gulf of Salerno, surrounded by stunning nature. Its side streets brimming with little shops are perfect for immersing oneself in the everyday life of the village and finding some shade for a relaxing stroll.

 

2.Tropea (Calabria)

This charming village has two separate parts: a top part with a beautiful old town and nobiliary palaces perched on the cliff face, and a lower part known as the marina, starring the beach and the crystal-clear blue sea. Legend has it that this small village was founded by Hercules himself, after defeating the Giants.

 

 3.Portofino (Liguria)

This little village framed by mountains and the sea has always been a favorite destination for a romantic getaway. The scenery is truly stunning with its pastels, little shops, side streets, and boats rocking on the bay. A walk to the lighthouse is the perfect time to hold each other’s hand and get better acquainted, stopping from time to time to take in the breathtaking and stunning views.

 

 4.Saluzzo (Piamonte)

Saluzzo is surely one of Piamonte’s most beautiful towns, as well as the birthplace of the great Italian writer Silvio Pellico. This Medieval town at the feet of the Monviso is rich in art and monuments, like the Castiglia, Casa Cavassa, or its pretty cathedral. It’s the perfect destination for a romantic and cultural weekend combo.

 

 5.Aci Trezza (Sicily)

If you know anything about Italian literature, you’re probably familiar with the name of this village, as it was the setting for Giovanni Verga’s popular novel I Malavoglia (The House by the Medlar-Tree in English).

This fishermen’s village in the Province of Catania overlooks the Ionian See with amazing views. One of its main attractions is the Cyclopean Isles, rocks which, according to legend, were thrown at Ulysses by Polyphemus.

 

6.Alassio (Liguria)

 

This beautiful town has its origins in a love story: legend has it that it was founded by the daughter of Otto I of Germany, Adelasia, and a young squire she had fallen in love with, Aleram. It’s no coincidence that it’s known as “the city of love”. Its main monument is also romantically themed: the Muretto di Alassio, a wall with irregularly shaped tiles bearing the signatures of famous people. Sitting on the wall, there’s a bronze statue known as The Lovers, by sculptor Eros Pellini.

 

 7.Lucignano (Tuscany)

Lucignano is a medieval town on a hill not far from Arezzo. Besides the beauty of its streets, this town is perfect for a romantic trip because it harbors the Tree of Love, a masterpiece of Gothic jewelry that brings happiness and good fortune to the promises of lovers. It’s only a legend but, why not give it a shot?

 

8.Canazei (Trentino-Alto Adige)

This little gem in the heart of the Dolomites is an ideal holiday destination to visit with your partner. Picture yourself getting home after a fun day out in the snow to warm up in your lover’s arms by the fireplace, with a glass of wine in hand and breathtaking views… Are you packing up already?

 

9.Sirmione (Lombardy)

This medieval village is fully bordered by Lake Garda: a single strip of land attaches it to the peninsula. Walking its streets and the shore of the lake will have you falling in love a bit deeper with each step you take, and especially at night, when the walls of Scagliero Castle are lit in red lighting. One of the mandatory stops is the “Kiss Please” sign: can you think of any better place for that first kiss?

 

 10.Bagnoreggio (Lazio)

Hurry up if you want to see it! This very romantic village is also known as “the dying town” because of landslides affecting the tufa hill it stands on, that will eventually make it disappear. But as long as it still stands, we recommend you visit it to feel like you are on top of the world. This tiny city stands between two canyons, and the views from the Belvedere di San Bonaventura will be like nothing you’ve experienced before. Sharing this experience together will make for an unforgettable memory you’ll cherish forever.

 

So, do you already know where you want to go?

If you know any other romantic towns, leave us a comment below..

 

If, on the other hand, you’d rather visit big cities, read these romantic suggestions.

And if you think the most romantic place is still Venice, try this Romantic Tour.