Romantic holidays in Italy 2026

Yes. Since distances in Italy are short and the landscapes are very diverse, you can visit lakes, hilltop towns, and coastal areas in a single week without spending much time travelling. You can enjoy dinner late into the evening; the towns are so compact that you can explore them on foot, and there are small family-run hotels everywhere. As the major cities are connected by rail, it’s very easy for couples to plan a trip that includes visits to two different destinations.

Venice is often called Italy's most romantic city, thanks to its canals, cosy squares, and almost no road traffic. Verona, thanks to its connection to Shakespeare, attracts couples in love above all else. Other popular tourist destinations include the Amalfi Coast with its charming terraced cliffs, Lake Como with its beautiful lakeside gardens, and Tuscany, where you can enjoy a peaceful stay in the countryside. Since you can explore each of these places at your own pace, it’s best to choose a destination not so much for its fame as for the atmosphere it offers.

Lake Como, the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, Venice, and Rome are likely to appeal to most people. If you want to enjoy calm waters and gardens, pick a lake; if you appreciate views of the sea and steep villages, then the Amalfi Coast is the right choice; and if you want to explore vineyards and hilltop towns, head for Tuscany. For those who love visiting art museums, dining late into the evening, and strolling through the city, cities are the ideal choice. If you’re looking for quiet beaches or want to stay in a trullo, choose Puglia.

Verona. Juliet’s House and the balcony in her courtyard are located in the Old Town, and plaques around the city point to the city’s connection to Shakespeare. In addition, Verona has a Roman amphitheatre where operas are staged in the summer, a compact city centre that’s easy to explore on foot, and good train connections to Venice, Milan, and Lake Garda.

In May, June, September, and early October, there are many warm days, beach clubs are open, and there are fewer tourists than in the height of summer. In July and August, cities like Rome and Florence enter their peak season, and it gets very hot. In winter, the galleries are less crowded and accommodation prices are affordable, making it a good time to explore the cities, though hotels on the lakefront and along the coast are often closed during the off-season.

In many Italian hotels, breakfast is included in the room rate; it is usually a light spread rather than a cooked meal such as pastries, bread, ham, and sausage, as well as coffee. Half-board (two meals a day) is more common in regions along lakes or the coast than in urban areas. Hotels in resort and rural areas often feature a swimming pool, a wellness centre, and a terrace, whereas city hotels are generally small and modestly equipped.