Forget Venice. Swoon over Italy's alternative romantic destinations
Italy always delivers when it comes to romance. From marriage proposals to weddings and anniversaries to vow renewals – and Valentine’s Day, of course – there’s a reason why so many choose Italy as the backdrop for life’s most romantic moments.
Some might say it’s Italy’s scenic beauty. Others will say the excellent Italian food and wine savoured over candlelit dinners make it romantically irresistible. Or perhaps it's the love stories, world-famous opera, and soul-stirring music set and created here that make Italy so compelling for romantic escapes.
If you’re wondering if that makes Italy just too cliched – think again. You don’t have to go all out with the most obvious Italian favourites to experience the romance of Italy. We’ve got the best blend of suggestions, from the outlandishly romantic hotspots of Venice, Rome, and Verona to some lesser-considered options like the Dolomites and Puglia. So whether you’re looking for a surprise Valentine’s Day gift or co-plotting a romantic break for 14th February, or another time in your 2025 holiday plans, here are the Italian destinations that should be on your radar.
For active couples: Dolomites
If you're after an alternative version of romance but still want to dedicate some quality time together, perhaps you should consider spending time away from the cities and head to Italy's mountains instead. With Valentine’s Day landing in prime Dolomites ski season, if you’re more of an active couple, spending a weekend on the slopes here could be the perfect Valentine’s weekend or a romantic Italian escape.
If you don’t fancy skiing but are drawn to the scenery, the Dolomites in summer are just as wonderful. You could stay on the shores of Lake Molveno and take railway journeys into the mountains – getting all the views with none of the effort.
Good Housekeeping has a wonderful Lake Molveno and Dolomites tour, taking in the beauty of the region by train.
For a wellness break: Lake Garda
A hotspot for wellbeing breaks, the waters on the southern shore of Lake Garda draw on the therapeutic properties of the region’s sulphurous waters, thought to be anti-inflammatory, immune system stimulating, with antioxidant properties and more. Sounds like something we could all do with in the cold and flu season.
Day spas are available, although you could check yourselves into one of the best Lake Garda hotels, many of which have their own spa – perhaps you could treat yourselves to a couples’ massage to up the romance factor. A spa break to Sirmione makes the perfect Valentine’s Day or romantic break, combining thermal spa experiences with the multitude of things to do and places to see around Lake Garda.
Good Housekeeping has an Italian Lakes tour that takes in Verona and Lake Garda, with a stay at a stylish hotel.
For fabulous backdrops: Lake Como
If gorgeous scenery is non-negotiable for your romantic break, look no further than Lake Como, which is dazzlingly beautiful at every turn. Choose any number of lovely Lake Como towns as your base (try Varenna — you won’t be disappointed), or start by selecting one of the best Lake Como hotels that most scream romance to you. Of course, Lake Como in February isn’t blessed with the same sunny skies and warm temperatures it enjoys in the summer months. That said, it’s still a magically atmospheric time to see it when snow-capped mountains surround it, and there’s a more peaceful ambience.
It’s also worth remembering that many Lake Como hotels and restaurants close in the winter, so you might decide to keep a romantic break to Lake Como up your sleeve until spring rolls around. Then you can take a scenic railway journey on the fabulous Bernina Express, or cruise across the lake when the cool winds have settled down a bit.
Good Housekeeping has a lovely Lake Como, St Moritz and Bernina Express tour, where you'll spend seven nights on pretty Colico on Lake Como.
For die-hard romantics: Verona
As the setting of one of the world’s most famous love stories, Fair Verona will forever be deemed romantic. And, leaning into its notoriety as a global romance capital, Verona hosts an annual event every Valentine’s Day – Verona in Love, where special events are hosted throughout the city.
Whatever time of year you plan a romantic escape to Verona, you can visit Juliet’s House and Museum (where you’ll find the balcony) and the House of Romeo, too. If you save your romantic escape until August, you could catch the Arena di Verona Festival, which takes place in an ancient Roman amphitheatre and attracts some of the world’s best opera stars to its stage.
Good Housekeeping has a marvellous tour of Verona, which includes a day of free time before you get dressed up and head to the opera.
For an authentic escape: Puglia
Looking for an Italian break that’s not one of the obvious Italian regions? Step forward, Puglia. The heel of Italy has been curiously overlooked in the past, considering everything it has going for it. The pristine beaches might not be your first go-to if you decide on a February trip to coincide with Valentine’s Day, but there are some delightful sandy stretches to seek out for a romantic break in the late spring or summer.
We love this region for foodie couples who can stand side-by-side learning to make pasta from scratch or find out more about the region’s famous bread and cheeses. Plus, you can choose to stay somewhere a little out of the ordinary, like cave hotels in Matera or traditional trullo in Alberobello.
Good Housekeeping has a small group tour of Puglia, where you'll see the most authentic side of the region.
For wine lovers: Tuscany
Perhaps you’re the type of couple who loves nothing more than sharing a great bottle of red wine over dinner. Some of Europe’s best wine regions, from Bordeaux to the Douro Valley, might be vying for your attention, but for a truly romantic wine-inspired getaway, Tuscany delivers. The Brunello here is simply exceptional, and visiting the rolling vineyards for tastings in the most beautiful surroundings is nothing but romantic.
Not sure which vineyard to start with? The Bocelli Vineyards are in the Val D’Era part of Tuscany. As part of a Bocelli Tuscany Tour, you can visit the vineyard and sample some of the wines produced here at the Bocelli family restaurant. For something extra special and especially romantic, the new Dolce Vita Orient Express should be on your shortlist. This luxury train debuts in 2025, and has a fabulous itinerary departing from Rome, taking guests to Montalcino in the Tuscany wine region.
Good Housekeeping has impressive ways to explore Tuscany this year, with plenty of romance and glamour thrown in.
For foodie couples: Emilia-Romagna
If there’s anything more synonymous with Italy than love, it’s food. And while any Italian destination will deliver amazing food, we think Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region is the place to go. Together, you can feast on many of Italy's delicious foods from here, including parmesan cheese, parma ham, and balsamic vinegar. Historic dairies, farms, and vineyards are open for tours and tastings.
To wow the foodie in your life for Valentine’s Day or a sweeping romantic gesture for a special anniversary, it’s worth knowing that Modena is home to one of the world’s finest and most famous restaurants, Osteria Francescana, that’s bound to blow them away.
Good Housekeeping has an intimate tour of Emilia- Romagna, with cooking lessons and food tours.
For hand-in-hand sightseeing: Rome
Tales of bloodthirsty gladiators aside, Rome brings romance by the spadeful. Of all the Italian cities, Rome perhaps has the longest list of sightseeing must-sees, from the Colosseum and Vatican City to the Trevi Fountain and Roman Forum. Although you could just take a slow stroll around its historic streets, gelato in hand, or plan a shopping spree – naturally, you’ll find all the swish Italian labels here.
For an unforgettable Italian weekend away, it helps that Rome is home to some exceptional hotels, from boutique options to luxury Rome hotels.
For a grand gesture: Taormina
With The White Lotus Season 3 tantalising close, we can’t help but think back to Season 2, where San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel provided the sensational setting for this lavishly sinister drama. And while notions of romance here weren’t always conventional, the hotel couldn’t be more conducive to romantic breaks in real life.
Staying here is a real treat and requires a bigger budget than other hotels in Sicily – perfect if you’re celebrating a big anniversary or need a real showstopper of a gift. Valentine’s Day is off the cards, though. San Domenico Palace, along with other Sicilian hotels, closes seasonally, so this is a romantic break you’ll want to save for when the social season is in full flow.
And for classic romance: Venice
It seems impossible to compile a list of the most romantic places in Italy without Venice. There’s a reason that destinations like Venice hold their reputation as being utterly romantic – because it, well, is. There’s a magical atmosphere in Venice, hard to put your finger on, but it’s one that makes you feel you’re a world away from home. Plus, all those beautiful buildings give you a sense of walking through a fairytale and make you feel like you’re living in a bubble for a few precious days.
Valentine’s Day in Venice often falls within the Venice Carnival, so it can be busy. However, in 2025, the Venice Carnival doesn’t start until the week after. Although you'll miss out on the festivities, the good news is that because it’s low season in Venice (yes, it might rain, and yes, you’ll need a coat), it’s quieter and cheaper than the peak summer months.
Alternatively, visit Venice with GH in March when you can explore the city, before boarding the luxurious Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to another romantic city, Paris. Or, you could spend seven nights on a luxurious boutique ship, enjoying after-hours sightseeing, a cooking demonstration from a celebrity chef, and more.
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