Italy Honeymoon Guide for a Romantic Journey
As a honeymoon destination, Italy truly has it all: cobbled streets, intimate piazzas, picturesque countryside, and old-world charm. An Italian honeymoon also offers a variety of romantic experiences, from dining in a cozy trattoria to sailing at sunset along the Amalfi Coast, exploring the Tuscan hills, or being serenaded in a gondola on Venice’s Grand Canal. Romance is everywhere in Italy—even the name of the capital city, Roma, spells out “AMOR" (love) backwards!
Based on our decades of experience welcoming couples and travelers to Italy, we’ve put together this Italy honeymoon guide. If you’re dreaming of honeymooning in Italy but don’t know where to start, keep reading or send us an email!
Why Honeymoon in Italy?
Still wondering why to honeymoon in Italy? The country attracts visitors from around the world, but there’s far more to Italy than the typical tourist experiences… Here are a few reasons why you’ll want to consider planning your romantic trip in the bel paese.
Natural Beauty
First of all, Italy is blessed with diverse and breathtaking natural landscapes, from the stunning Lake Como framed by mountains to the rolling hills of Tuscany to hilltop villages, walled cities, and more. It’s hard to find a view in Italy that isn’t awe-inspiring! That means plenty of gorgeous photos to commemorate your Italian honeymoon, plus endless wonders to explore.
History and Culture
Did you know that Italy has the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites, with a total of 59? The country was once home to the Roman Empire, one of the greatest civilizations of all time, and boasts a rich history of powerful leaders, genius artists, and thriving cities. Steeped in history, Italy is home to over 100,000 monuments—museums, palaces, statues, churches, art galleries, and archaeological finds. While you may not have time to check out all of them, a visit to cities like Florence, Rome, Venice, Verona, or Naples will give you plenty of opportunities to marvel at Italy’s architectural and historical wonders.
Italian culture is synonymous with romance, with its melodic language, music, and passionate way of life. You’ll get a sense of this romance right away, but to further discover it, we recommend getting a seat at a classical music concert or opera performance or simply strolling through art-filled streets and museums, experiencing the cultural richness. A great honeymoon is all about shared awe and discovery, something Italian culture provides in spades.
And of course… Italian Food
Italian cuisine is renowned worldwide for its delicious flavors, owing to fresh ingredients that are often sourced locally. You may hear the phrase “kilometri,” which translates to “kilometers,” used to describe products that come from local farms just a few miles away from your table. You can indulge in pizza, pasta, gelato, and wines while enjoying intimate meals at family-owned trattorias or romantic dinners at upscale restaurants. Usually paired with fantastic Italian wine!
The best dishes often have only a handful of ingredients, but there is such perfection in their simplicity. You may even consider learning some tips during a cooking class for two… And discover new favorite recipes to take into married life!
When to Honeymoon in Italy
There is no wrong time to honeymoon in Italy, but we recommend off-peak seasons like spring or fall, as this will help you avoid the large crowds in cities like Rome, Milan, and Venice, or along the Italian Riviera. No matter when you choose to travel, we’ll help you settle on the right itinerary that shows off the best of the destination.
Where to Honeymoon in Italy
From the top of the boot down to the toe and heel and beyond the mainland, Italy offers so many regions worth exploring. Here are some of our favorite Italian honeymoon locations:
Great Italian Cities
Rome, Florence, and Venice offer iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Grand Canal, providing endless historical and cultural experiences. With our decades of experience in Italy, we can send you to both the must-see tourist sites and the quiet corners of each city. We can also recommend museums and landmarks further off the beaten path that are worth the trip.
For example, while 25,000+ visitors flock to see Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel inside the Vatican daily, Villa Farnesina in Rome’s Trastevere area has stunning frescoes by Raphael on its ceiling with only a handful of admiring visitors. Rather than the bustling Ponte Vecchio in Florence, you can cross over the Arno River to the San Carmine Church in Santo Spirito to visit the Brancacci Chapel, home to an example of early Renaissance art.
In Venice, take a traghetto across the Grand Canal for a few euros to get away from the crowds and pigeons of the Piazza San Marco. Disembark in the Dorsoduro neighborhood, which is brimming with art galleries, cafes, and the Peggy Guggenheim Museum. Here you’ll also find the Dogana da Mar, which houses rotating exhibitions of the Pinault Collection. You may also want to visit Venice’s three sister villages—Burano, Murano, and Torcello—during your stay.
The Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is legendary, with picture-perfect towns clinging to the cliffs, colorful buildings, sea views, and lush landscapes that create a romantic atmosphere. The coast is dotted with charming towns such as Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, and Sorrento, each offering its own unique character, beautiful architecture, narrow streets, and incredible views. Couples have plenty of places to explore and enjoy together on the Amalfi Coast during an Italian honeymoon.
The Islands
Escaping to private islands is a classic honeymoon experience, and Italy has plenty of spectacular ones to offer. Head to the Aeolian Islands for a volcanic wonderland with plenty of outdoor exploration, or relax on a beach in Sicily where Italians themselves go on vacation. Check out the glamorous islands of Capri, Ischia, and Procida on a day trip from the Amalfi Coast, or spend some time in Sardinia where some of Italy’s most beautiful beaches await.
For more Italian honeymoon destination inspiration, check out this article about our favorite places to honeymoon in Italy.
Where to Stay on Your Italian Honeymoon
On your Italian honeymoon, the accommodation is part of the experience. Choose from romantic hotels, boutique bed and breakfasts, family-owned inns and more, many of which feature stunning views, historical significance, and exceptional hospitality. After all the wedding planning stress, you deserve to splurge on a luxurious accommodation where you can be pampered!
Explore Our Romantic Villas
For a more spacious stay, discover our stunning villa accommodations throughout Italy, each a home away from home. These romantic villas offer true comfort and an authentic Italian experience, whether you’re in the undulating hills of Piemonte, on the sunny shores of Sicily, or among the Tuscan vineyards. Our carefully curated collection of villas provide an upscale Italian experience you won’t soon forget. Learn more here!
Italy Honeymoon FAQ
To round up our Italy honeymoon guide, here are some additional frequently asked questions about honeymooning in Italy:
How Many Days Should My Italian Honeymoon Itinerary Have?
The ideal length of your honeymoon depends on a variety of factors, including which honeymoon destinations you want to see and what your budget is. If you want to make the most of your romantic escape, we recommend 7-10 days. If you have the budget and the time, two weeks or more will allow you to explore stunning rural towns and villages off the beaten path.
Which Is The Most Romantic Place In Italy For Honeymoon Purposes?
Italy is widely recognized as the most romantic country in the world. From the coastline to the famed city of Rome, romance is all around. The history, gorgeous architecture, secluded gardens, and exquisite art galleries in Florence and Verona make them stand-out destinations for an Italian honeymoon.
Is Italy A Safe Honeymoon Destination?
Italy is considered a safe country, however, you should be aware of your surroundings in large cities like Rome and Milan.
Is Italy Good For A Honeymoon?
Italy is one of the best honeymoon destinations. Whether you're looking for beaches, a culinary adventure, or a cultural escape, Italy is the perfect choice for a romantic honeymoon.
What's The Best Method Of Transportation In Italy?
When it comes to getting around in Italy, there are so many convenient options! Italy's rail system is fast, modern, and efficient, making it easy to travel around the country. Italy is also well-known for its extensive road network, and renting a car is a great way to explore all the hidden gems of the country in your own time and at your own pace.
How Luxury Italian Honeymoons Can Help
With a combined 30 years of hosting travelers in Italy, we have all the destination knowledge and connections needed to put together a luxurious Italian honeymoon. Rather than offering a rigid, pre-set tour, we craft each honeymoon to the couple’s specifications, providing a customized experience steeped in comfort, luxury, and hospitality. Learn more about our favorite destinations or contact us today to start planning!