Most Romantic Small Towns in Italy offer a wealth of options for setting the mood, far beyond serenades by the canals of Venice. Indeed, some of the most idyllic holiday spots are obscure towns and villages, ranging from laid-back Sicilian coastal retreats to medieval hamlets nestled in the Umbrian countryside. This collection of Italy’s 10 most romantic small towns should offer plenty of inspiration for Valentine’s Day (but honestly, who needs this holiday as an excuse?).
Lake Garda’s Sirmione
The village of Sirmione is located at the tip of a peninsula on Lake Garda’s southern shore. Just take a look at that photo—this is merely the start. Churches adorned with frescoes, castles dating back to the 13th century, and splendid villas that once housed figures such as opera legend Maria Callas and Latin poet Catullus can all be found. Pro tip: Sirmione is romantic throughout the year, but spring is the best time to visit, as you can enjoy its golden beaches and natural hot springs without anyone else around.
Cinque Terre, Vernazza
Vernazza, the steepest and most charming of the Cinque Terre villages, is perfect for a laid-back romantic escape. Its streets are adorned with distinctive candy-colored houses and many gelaterias, making you forget about the bathing suit you brought along. The town descends towards a small beach with sand, which is also the sole natural harbor of Cinque Terre. While sea views abound, the most proposal-worthy vistas are at Belforte, a renowned seafood restaurant in an 11th-century castle at the harbor’s tip.
Pienza in the region harbours
Pienza, a village atop a hill amid Tuscan wine country, is about as romantic as it gets. It seems it was put on the earth solely to inspire your sighs—all those distant vistas of the vineyard-dotted Val d’Orcia, and serene cobbled streets named Via dell’Amore and Via dell’Orcia. Fun fact: The city is regarded as a ” dell ‘ Amore ” essential “Renaissance utopia” and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sicily s Cefalù
The small town of Cefalù in northern Sicily, between mountains and the coast, is ideal for couples seeking a relaxed seaside getaway. It embodies a commendable lack of pretense: a tranquil port town featuring a lengthy sandy shore, numerous cozy eateries, and an inviting historic center that is just asking to be discovered (particularly if you can reach the Norman cathedral at the summit). Il Tempio di Diana, una rovina templare del IV secolo che sovrasta l’intero abitato e il litorale, è il luogo ideale per assistere al tramonto.
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The tranquil Umbrian hill town of Spoleto, nestled against the snow-capped Apennine mountains, is the perfect place to unwind. Set your smartphone on the bedside table and dedicate the day to discovering the architecture—there’s a Romanesque cathedral, an amphitheater from the second century, and a stunning medieval fortress—or enjoy pasta and wine in one of its candlelit trattorias. Bonus: A train ride to Rome takes just two hours, making a day or weekend trip possible.
Puglia, Polignano a Mare
Perched on a limestone cliff that juts into the sea, the quaint town of Polignano a Mare—dubbed the “Pearl of the Adriatic”—is among the most romantic locations in Puglia. Either spend a day discovering its sandy inlets and bays by boat or wander through the town’s twisting, whitewashed streets. To ensure your evening is memorable, book a table at Town’s Grotta Palazzese—dubbed by some the most romantic restaurant in the world…even if its food leaves something to be desired.
Lombardy’s Iseo
Lake Como may be the show’s star, but lovely Lake Iseo (or Lago d’Iseo), in Lombardy, has a peaceful atmosphere, fewer crowds, and (if we may say so) a far more romantic vibe. To begin with, the town of Iseo, located on the lake’s southern shore, offers a striking view of Monte Isola as it ascends like a verdant island. In contrast to the nearby town of Como, Iseo is devoid of tourists (at least until Christo hosts a monumental exhibition there), allowing you to enjoy its piazzas, Romanesque churches, and medieval castles without any crowds.
Trapani in Sicily
Trapani exudes romance, featuring medieval ruins, charming trattorias, and pristine beaches such as Lido Paradiso. However, the main reason for your presence is the day trips: Trapani serves as the entrance to the stunning Egadi Islands, which are situated only a few miles from its shores. Take a ferry and enjoy a day of swimming in the Lovers’ Grotto of Favignana or sunbathing on the secluded, clothing-optional beaches of Marettimo. Lovers of beaches? Travel to Marsala, which is close by, to sample the finest dessert wines from Italy.
Sperlonga in der Region Latium
Sperlonga, a tranquil coastal town just south of Rome, served as a hideaway for many Roman emperors and remains one of Lazio’s best-kept secrets. Here, you can discover tranquil beaches of incredible luxury, a nature reserve, and stunning Lazio’s ruins (such as the former villa of Emperor Tiberius). While away the day wandering around the reserve or lounging on the isolated beach south of the headland, enjoy a sunset from the terrace of Bazzano restaurant by the ocean, with a glass of rosé.
Lazio, Tivoli
The dreamy Renaissance village of Tivoli, once a summer retreat for ancient Romans, is now a favored honeymoon getaway. It must be all those fountains and landscaped gardens where you can stroll hand in hand at the 16th-century Villa d’Este. Bonus: Only a 40-minute drive from Rome.