The 11 Best Italian Honeymoon Ideas

Between captivating landscapes, idyllic little towns and glamorous cities with excellent food scenes, everything about Italy lends itself to being a fantastic honeymoon destination. Romantic settings can be found around every corner, and you’d struggle to find a more perfect place to celebrate your love for one another. 

It comes as no surprise that Italy has become such a popular place amongst newlyweds. Here you can enjoy picture-perfect coastlines with azure waters and golden sands, world-renowned cuisine, beautiful rural landscapes and a stylish urban culture – this country truly has it all. 

With so many incredible areas to explore, each special in its own way, it can be difficult to narrow down your favorite Italy honeymoon destinations and work out which one is most suited to you and your partner. For those of you looking to embrace the ‘la dolce vita’ lifestyle in celebration of your vows but not sure where to start, we have gathered together eleven of the best Italian honeymoon ideas.

1. Rome

If you’re dreaming of celebrating married life while surrounded by world-renowned pieces of ancient architecture, head to the historic Italian capital of Rome. Exploring the city is an exciting activity in itself. With atmospheric piazzas, stunning churches and architecture from centuries gone by, you’re certainly in for a treat if you opt for this famous destination.

There are so many romantic things to do in Rome that you will be left spoilt for choice, but an absolute must is paying a visit to the glorious open-air colosseum amphitheater. Back in the day, it played host to gladiator games and public spectacles but nowadays the spectacular monument has shimmied into the arts sector, with concerts and theatre productions taking place throughout the year.

2. Venice

Full of pretty piazzas, idyllic canals and wonderful palaces, Venice is the picture of bliss and a perfect setting for a romantic Italian honeymoon. An idyllic floating city in the middle of the Venetian lagoon, this unique location exudes elegance and is the perfect place to be explored by newlyweds.

Imagine drifting along the Adriatic hand-in-hand, taking in the stunning city buildings from the comfort of a gondola – could you imagine anything more divine? If you’re looking for a taste of quiet serenity, you could even head to the nearby island of Lido where you can splash out on a luxury Italy honeymoon; lazing on golden sand beaches with the tranquil sound of the cobalt waves lapping at your toes.

3. Amalfi Coast

If you are looking for the best Italian honeymoon destinations for a road trip, the Amalfi Coast is where you should be heading. A 50-kilometre stretch of heavenly coastline takes you across the gorgeous Sorrentine Peninsula, where you will be treated to breathtaking views across the flawless coastline as well as charming little towns that you can stop off at along the way. 

If you both are up for a bit of adventure, the Amalfi Coast is also a prime location for hiking. There are a whole host of hiking trails in the area that will guide you through the creme de la creme of Italy’s landscapes. Plus, the multitude of chic hotels and villas for you to stay on the Amalfi Coast makes it one of the best Italian honeymoon destinations.

4. Sicily

For couples looking for an intimate honeymoon to focus on spending time alone together, check out the beautiful island of Sicily. This magnificent slice of paradise offers top-notch cuisine, picture-perfect beaches and fascinating architectural sites – all without the touristy commotion these attractions tend to accompany in other Italian regions.

Buzzing with Mediterranean and Italian charm, the island is full of exciting things to do such as exploring food markets, visiting delightful beach towns, hiking across incredible landscapes and taking in a bit of culture at the largest theatre in Italy; Teatro Massimo in Palermo. 

Of course, one of the most incredible attractions in Sicily has to be Mount Etna; one of the largest active volcanoes in Europe and a UNESCO world heritage site. If you’re the kind of couple that likes an active challenge when you travel, why not plan a hike and even take a trip to one of the craters to really get your heart pounding?

5. Sardinia

Another of Italy’s gorgeous islands, Sardinia delivers romantic settings and dazzling coastal scenery at a slower, more relaxed pace than a lot of the other regions in the country. This peaceful atmosphere easily makes it worthy of being called one of the best Italian honeymoon locations. 

The northern side of Sardinia is the most popular amongst tourists, especially the renowned Costa Smeralda which is a heavenly coastal area that sprawls over 20km. But if you are seeking seclusion and tranquillity, head to Sardinia’s southern coast where you can check out Cagliari. 

Boasting an incredible hilltop Castello, Cagliari has so many exciting sights to see. One of the best Italian honeymoon ideas has to be venturing up the sensational marble steps of Passeggiata Coperta from Piazza della Constituzione to Bastione San Remy hand-in-hand and taking in the breathtaking views over Cagliari from the top.

If you are sold on honeymooning on an Italian island but struggling to decide between Sardinia or Sicily, check out our blog that outlines the best parts of each island to make your choice easier.

6. Cinque Terre

A string of five idyllic hamlets nestled along the French Riviera, Cinque Terre offers a taste of quintessential Italian charm at its finest. With rustic colourful houses and narrow winding streets lining the gorgeous coastline and seaside cliffs, this stunning area has been a favorite amongst holidaymakers for centuries. 

The five pastel-perfect villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Corniglia and Monterosso all make fabulous spots for a honeymoon on the Italian Riviera. Set sail on romantic boat tours along the breathtaking turquoise riviera and explore the delightful hamlets by foot or by car – these activities are a must for an unforgettable Italian honeymoon itinerary.

7. Puglia

The beautiful region of Puglia lies at the heel of Italy’s ‘boot’ and offers unspoilt landscapes, a relaxed atmosphere and outstanding Italian cuisine, all without being as touristy as some of the other areas of the country. With white villages, baroque architecture and a truly enchanting atmosphere, this is the perfect place to begin celebrating the joys of connubial bliss.

Share a carafe of local wine while people-watching in the pretty piazzas and finish off with some delicious gelato and a coffee. This is the ideal place for a honeymoon that lets you unwind after all the excitement of your big day, offering peace and tranquility amongst plenty of splendid scenery.

While exploring Puglia, be sure to stop off at the idyllic town of Polignano a Mare – a real pocket of paradise along the region’s coastline. With a buzzing main square and stunning beach surrounded by a dramatic cliffscape, the town is easily one of the most romantic Italian honeymoon destinations. 

8. Tuscany

A famous wine region in central Italy, Tuscany is an area renowned for its idyllic countryside, beautiful cities, olive groves, cypress trees and – of course – its incredible vineyards. On top of exquisite wine, food and history, you have plenty of intimate excursions to choose from, such as investigating ancient towns on a Vespa, relaxing in natural hot springs and even floating across the landscapes on a hot air balloon ride.

Newlyweds should stop by San Gimignano, a wonderful romantic medieval walled town famous for its fantastic wineries and quaint ambience. One of the best things to see in San Gimignano has to be La Rocca di Montestaffoli – a fascinating hilltop fortress with beautiful views over town and the surrounding Tuscan countryside.

Another necessity on any Italian honeymoon itinerary has to be the enchanting city of Siena. With a thriving arts and historical scene as well as lively squares such as the Piazza del Campo, it’s ideal for those looking for a trendy, understated travel destination.

9. Florence

Florence is part of Tuscany, but we thought this city was such a good honeymoon suggestion that we wanted to give it its own section! As a magnificent city full of drop-dead gorgeous architecture, the Tuscan capital is a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site described as “a masterpiece” and when you visit, you will soon see why!

This stylish Italian gem caters to every type of couple, with an unbeatable shopping scene for the fashionistas, fantastic cuisine for the foodies, countless historical museums for the culture vultures and some of the best art museums in the world for the creative couples. If your Italian honeymoon ideas involve being surrounded by style, a charming metropolitan buzz and spectacular architecture, Florence combines all three into a romantic utopia.

10. Lake Como

Being the third-largest lake in Italy after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore, the marvellous Lake Como covers an area of 146 square kilometers and offers plenty of activities for couples looking to get out and about during their vacation. You can set off on a hike to explore the sensational landscapes or paddleboard across the lake’s clear, calm waters while taking in the breathtaking surrounding scenery. There are also plenty of stunning fairytale towns dotted along the lake that you can meander around, taking in the enchanting atmosphere and utter serenity while sharing a gelato (or two!).

11. Umbria

If you’re tempted by the idea of an Italian lakes honeymoon, Lake Como might just be the place for you. Thought to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the country, this beautiful body of dazzling blue water has the enviable position of being nestled amongst the Italian Alps – creating a truly enchanting environment.

Commonly referred to as the Green Heart of Italy, Umbria’s nickname sets it in good stead as a romantic destination for honeymooners. Situated in the centre of Italy, the region boasts a wild landscape of flourishing green forests, rolling hills and deep valleys that are guaranteed to leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed at the end of your visit. 

Definitely one of the quieter Italian honeymoon destinations, tourists tend to miss out on this region in favour of the famous Tuscan region, but this just makes it all the more peaceful for savvy tourists that are in the know and craving a serene escape. Enjoy charming medieval hamlets, dreamy natural scenery and friendly locals in what is one of the best honeymoon destinations in Italy.

Summary

You simply cannot get much more romantic than the stunning cities, picturesque landscapes, splendid coastlines and idyllic hamlets of Italy. Plus, the world-renowned wine and famed cuisine are enough to warrant it as a terrific place to jet off to in celebration of your wedding vows to one another. 

Whether you choose to take in the rays from the heavenly shorelines, hike across sensational unspoilt landscapes or lap up the hustle and buzz of the trendy towns and cities, an Italian honeymoon is difficult to beat!If you’re planning a honeymoon to Italy and want more advice on where to go and what to do, get in touch with Italy4Real and speak to one of our team about our bespoke range of tours.

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