Hey, all you newly married couples looking for a top romantic honeymoon destination that you will relive each anniversary! Look no further than Italy! To help you, we have created our guide to a romantic honeymoon in Italy. Here, we recommend our top activities you can do as a couple, as well as the top spots in Italy to visit.
Italy is a magical land in Europe that has left its mark as one of the world’s culturally and historically rich countries. Italy, the land of Roman ruins and Tuscan vineyards, is among the most romantic destinations in the world. Not to mention, its gastronomy scene is top-notch.
For those planning a honeymoon abroad, Italy is a dream come true. So keep reading, and I guarantee you’ll want to keep Italy on top of your honeymoon bucket list.
Best time to visit Italy
The best time to go on a honeymoon trip to Italy is from April to June and September to October. These are the times when the temperatures are mild and best for traveling. The towns look vibrant with blooming flowers. And you’ll find less crowded places, making it best to carry out sightseeing and outdoor activities. July to early September is when the country invites lots of tourists. So unless you are comfortable with that, you should avoid these months.
Italy Honeymoon Guide: Activities
1. Take a Gondola Ride
Gondolas are a symbol of Italy’s tradition and history. A honeymoon trip to Italy without a gondola ride along the canals of Venice sounds incomplete, given it’s your honeymoon. A private gondola ride is a bit pricey, but if you and your partner want to add a touch of luxury to your honeymoon trip, a Gondola ride will be a beautiful experience for you.
Make sure to go on a ride during the sunset to get the feel of Hollywood romantic couples.
2. Enjoy Wine Tasting
Wine tasting is a popular activity among visitors to Italy and Italians as well, and it is just as fun for couples. Experience Italy’s countryside and vineyards where you can sample several types of wines. Wine tasting is usually paired with snacks or meals. Wine tasting is also an excellent opportunity to improve your knowledge about wine.
Tuscany houses one of the world’s most beautiful vineyards and Italy’s famous wine, Chianti. You will love strolling the picturesque rolling hills and sipping wine as you take in the view.
Some of the best places you need to check out for wine tasting are Montalcino, Montepulciano, and San Gimignano.
3. Charter a Yacht
Nothing beats a yacht charter. It is one of the relaxing and luxurious ways to experience Italy. Choose among the sailing boats, motorboats, and catamarans to embark on the ultimate romantic experience.There is so much fun on offer on a chartered boat: you can swim, have food and drinks, take photos or watch beautiful sunsets on the ocean in style.
Some of the best spots to go on a yacht tour are Amalfi Coast and Positano.
4. Take a Cooking Class
Another great honeymoon activity to try as a couple in Italy is going on a cooking class. In every region, there are cooking classes where you can learn how to make delicious Italian food.
Cook in Rome, the Paella Club, Walkabout Florence Tours, and Bologna Cooking Class are some of the best cooking classes in Italy. Some of the cooking classes even offer sightseeing tours.
5. Go on a Hike
Italy has diverse hiking trails that offer stunning views of the Italian landscapes. Depending on how much you and your partner want to experience adventure, you can choose between the volcano climbing trails in Sicily or the Dolomites. Cinque Terre is also an ideal place for hiking where you’ll get to see the views of the fishing villages and pastel color houses along the way. You can also go to the Aeolian Islands and hike the Stromboli.
Italy’s natural landscape is diverse and there are no shortage of hiking trails throughout the countryside.
6. Go on a Dinner Date
Dressing up and going on a dinner date will never be out of trend. There are tons of internationally recognized restaurants around Italy’s cities and countryside.
Cities like Florence, Venice, and Rome are some of the top places for an intimate dinner date where you get excellent food along with amazing views of the city and the sunset. Spend your evening strolling around the city after a great dinner.
7. Mind-blowing Art and Architecture
Italy’s art and architecture are world-renowned and date back to ancient times. There are no shortage of museums, galleries and architectural wonders in both the largest of cities as well as the smallest of villages.
Check out the Vatican Museums in Rome. It houses Michaelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, artworks of Renaissance masters like da Vinci, Giotto, Lippi, Caravaggio, and countless galleries of tapestries, maps, and sculptures.
The Borghese Gallery is another place to check out the fantastic collection of Bernini sculptures and paintings of Caravaggio and Raphael. Florence also has lovely museums such as the Uffizi Gallery.
The Academy of Florence Art Gallery is a must-go place and houses the iconic Michelangelo’s David. Other famous places to check out art and architecture are the Bargello National Museum, the National Gallery of Umbria, and the Academy Gallery in Venice.
Italy Honeymoon Guide: Best Places to Visit
1. Rome
Italy’s capital city is a blend of history, art, fantastic gastronomy, and glamour. Rome is renowned as the Eternal City, and it stays true to its name with the most exemplary Italian architecture that blows every explorer’s mind.
Traveling to new places with your beloved is one of the best things to do on a honeymoon. So, I suggest you visit the Garden of Oranges and take a stroll, check some of the famous sculptures of Rome. The Pincio Gardens is also excellent for lovebirds.
If you are an art lover then you must visit the Vatican Museums, National Etruscan Museum, and galleria Borgese. The iconic Colosseum is an unmissable visit for any tourist in Rome.
Go to the Bridge of Angels to see the beautiful view of Castel Sant’Angelo.
2. Florence
Florence! The capital city of Tuscany is the center of beauty and romanticism. It boasts Renaissance art and architecture. What’s better is that you can explore the city on foot. UNESCO has designated Florence a World Heritage Site, home to artworks by Michaelangelo and Botticelli. Florence’s romantic cityscape makes it an excellent destination for mesmerizing day trips.
There are lots of renowned vineyards in the countryside where you can go for wine tasting. We will elaborate more about this in Tuscany.
You can visit castles and take a picture on the Ponte Vecchio Bridge. Make sure you throw your lock keys over the bridge if you want a long-lasting relationship.
End your day by watching the sunset from the Piazzale Michelangelo.
3. Tuscany
Located in central Italy, Tuscany is renowned for its excellent vineyards. In addition, Tuscany is one of the best destinations in Italy for a honeymoon trip.
Chianti is the best place to taste wines in Tuscany. Then go on a wine tour in the Montalcino region.
Besides the views of the vineyard hills and delicious wines, Tuscany also has Renaissance-style buildings that are fun to check out. It is one of the unique destinations for a honeymoon because of its prominent selection among the quaint countryside and bustling city life all under one region.
Take a train ride to visit the nearby cities like Siena and Pisa. Rent a car and go on a drive at the off-beaten paths of Tuscany.
4. Venice
While the gondolas in Venice are known around the world, this unique city has so much more to offer. Gondola rides in Venice are definitely on the honeymoon bucket list of every couple who visits. Why wouldn’t it? Floating on a gondola as the sun gets ready to set is a magical feeling you can find only in Italy.
Besides cruising through Venice’s Grand Canal, check out the fantastic atmosphere along with Italian architecture. Go and explore the city’s beautiful piazzas, such as Piazza San Marco. Try the delicious Gelatos, watch opera and ballet performances at the Theatre La Fenice. Walk, walk, walk and explore the neighborhoods of Venice and settle into a trattoria where residents frequent. Go on a 30-minute ferry ride to Lido- a beautiful island where you can escape from the city’s crowds and relax on the beaches.
5. Verona
Everyone knows the legendary love story of the star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet. On your Italian honeymoon, you must venture to Verona without a doubt. Verona is splendid, especially if you both love art and literature. Verona also has impressive views of the Adige river. Explore the famous Juliet’s Balcony, which was based on Shakespeare’s novel.
While you are in Verona, you and your partner should attend ballet and opera shows which are considered one of the best in the world. If you happen to visit the city anywhere from June to September, be a part of the Arena Opera Festival. Explore the ancient Roman ruins at Teatro Romano and enjoy the vista of Ponte Pietro Bridge.
6. Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is a picturesque village that mesmerizes every couple with its vibrant buildings, narrow alleys, and unique lush forests and vineyards.
This village is excellent for sightseeing and hiking as it also houses a national park. Make sure to bring your swimsuits as Cinque Terre has the best spots for swimming.
Cinque Terre can be explored on a train or a ferry ride, but it’d be better if you hike this gem of a place. The hike will take you to beautiful villages and restaurants. If you’re staying here for a week, visit the hamlets of Cinque Terre, namely, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Monterosso al Mare.
If you are a couple looking to quench your thirst for adventure you can go paragliding in Monterosso.
7. Amalfi Coast
Amalfi Coast is a classic honeymoon destination which is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town sits on top of the dramatic cliffs and offers impressive views of the blue sea.
One of the top things to do on the Amalfi Coast is dining at a picturesque cafe and watching the sunset. Praiano and Conca dei Marini are two of the top destinations for gastronomy in the Amalfi coast.
Besides, Amalfi Coast is a perfect Mediterranean holiday spot where you can relax on the beaches as you get sun kissed. Spiaggia di Laurito is a beautiful and less crowded cove beach.
Dress up and wander the village and sail to the coast of Positano. Take pictures at the gardens of Villa Rufolo in Ravello. If you and your spouse want to take on some outdoor activity, hike the Path of the Gods.
Visit the Arechi Castle. It is an 8th-century castle that sits atop a hill and shows you amazing views of Salerno city. You will also find a museum inside.
8. Capri Island
Capri is a gorgeous island located on the Bay of Naples. This place is easily accessible from the Amalfi Coast.
Capri Island has attracted many tourists ranging from elites, Roman emperors, and even movie stars to explore its vicinity. It is one of the best places for a honeymoon trip because of the Blue Grotto. It is a dark cavern where the sea lights up with the sunlight.
You will see amazing landscapes that will remain in your memories forever. If you want to splurge, there are many designer showrooms where you can shop for couture dresses. Go to Punta Carena Lighthouse, where you can sip cocktails and watch the sunset over the horizon. Also, tour the Center of Anacapri. It is the island’s highest point which is usually free of tourist crowds.
9. Lake Como
Situated on the base of the Italian Alps, Lake Como is one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy. It is one of Europe’s deepest lakes and is a well-renowned destination for newlyweds.
You will be mesmerized by the Renaissance architecture, quaint villages, and natural views of this place. The Botanic Gardens of Lake Como are also great places to take a stroll.
If you both love swimming, stay at the villas in Bellagio. Spend your time exploring the streets of Menaggio. If you want to have fun, go to Jungle Raider Park to try bungee jumping and zip lining.
Kite surfing and windsurfing are also some of the exciting activities you need to try with your partner. Explore the Forte di Fuentes- a 17th century fort. End your Lake Como trip by going on a couple spas.
10. Sicily
If your spouse loves road trips, then it’s time to take them to Sicily. Sicily is the largest Mediterranean island that houses beautiful cities and amazing beaches. With lots of winding roads, ancient Greek ruins, and quaint towns, Sicily is a memorable destination for a honeymoon trip.
While you’re here, you can visit the impressive castles, islands, and restaurants. The eateries in Sicily have excellent seafood that bursts the Mediterranean flavor with each bite. It tastes even better when paired with the delicious wines of Sicily.
Italy Honeymoon Guide: Is Italy expensive to travel?
Yes, Italy is a relatively expensive country to visit for a honeymoon trip. However, it can be less costly than many other European destinations, including France and the UK. The cost will vary upon where and when you decide to visit Italy. Traveling in Italy during the winter is less expensive, whereas the spring and summer months tend to be costly. Plan your trip carefully and you can keep costs down while still enjoying a memorable honeymoon in Italy.
So, here is all that you need to know when considering a honeymoon in Italy. Tell us which destinations you’ve kept on your honeymoon bucket list in the comments below.
For More:
- On our site: Visiting Rome for the First Time
- On our site: Everything You Need to Know About Prosecco
- Italy, Tourism Bureau
-All photos courtesy of jumpstory.com.
