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The most romantic places to stay in Italy for couples
Published
23 January, 2024
Edited
5 February, 2026
Is there anywhere quite as romantic as Italy? Cosy restaurants for that special anniversary meal, sunset walks along the beaches of the Amalfi Coast, or driving in an open-top sports car through the golden hills of Tuscany or around Lake Como – nowhere does romance quite like Italy.
Romance in Rome: The Eternal City
Let’s start our romantic journey around Italy with the country's capital. Buzzing and vibrant, with surprises around every corner, it’s an ideal city break for couples in Italy. World-renowned pizzerias and bistros set the scene for a showstopping meal, while iconic historic sites, art galleries, and museums beg to be explored.
The best part? Rome is a surprisingly compact city, so you can do all your exploring on foot, hand in hand and with plenty of café (and gelato) stops along the way. Our top three romantic places to visit in Rome are:
The Trevi Fountain
This magnificent fountain was an original concept created by Italian architect Nicola Salvi. It was completed by Giuseppe Pannini in 1762 and is a staggeringly beautiful example of Baroque design. Tradition is that you throw a coin over your left shoulder, using your right hand, into the water. This act ensures that you'll return to the city and find romance here, too. True or not, the symbolism of the fountain makes it one of the most romantic spots in Italy.
The Spanish Steps
Nestled in a steep slope between the plaza and the church of Trinità dei Monti, the Spanish Steps is a beautiful staircase in Rome’s Piazza di Spagna. Pots of pink azaleas line the steps in the spring, and flower sellers ensure that star-crossed couples have a plentiful supply of red roses.
Villa Borghese
Opened to the public in 1903, Villa Borghese is a tranquil park in the heart of Rome that is home to museums, fountains and sculptures, as well as manicured gardens and lush lawns. It’s one of the most romantic places to visit in Rome, and on a sunny day, is the perfect spot for a special picnic or even a proposal.
One must-do:
Let our Guest Experience team book a reservation for a rooftop meal at Imàgo, Andrea Antonini's Michelin starred restaurant serving up fine dining with Panoramic views of the Eternal City.
Where to stay in Rome
With apartments right next to the Spanish Steps or the ultimate opulence of the incredible Palazzo Borghese, onefinestay has a wealth of villas in Rome for the perfect romantic escape with someone special. Immerse yourself in the charm and elegance of the city by staying at the stunning Altare Penthouse, or the enchanting Spanish Steps Terrace.
Florence: A love affair with art and history
The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is the place where Da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa's enigmatic smile, and Michelangelo created some of the world's most incredible art. It’s a place that captures the romance of Italy around every corner. Our top three romantic spots in Florence are:
Ponte Vecchio
One of the most iconic sites in Florence, this Medieval bridge spans the Arno River and is truly unique. The bridge is lined with gold and jewellery shops and is the perfect place to buy your loved one something special (and sparkly). This photogenic and evocative bridge is a genuinely beguiling spot in one of the most romantic cities in Italy.
Piazzale Michelangelo
Florence's most famous viewpoint provides panoramic views of the city in all its glory. At sunset, this stunning terrace is enchanting and filled with references to one of the city's most famous sons. A stroll along the terrace as the sunset turns the Tuscan hills in the distance to gold is simply magical.
Boboli Gardens
Home to ancient oak trees and trickling fountains, peaceful, shady spots and the scent of flowers on the breeze, Boboli Gardens are the green lungs of Florence and one of the city's most romantic places for an afternoon stroll. The garden is hundreds of years old, and a guided tour will take you through the history and culture of the heart of the Renaissance.
One must-do
Let our Guest Experience team arrange a private or curator-led visit to the Galleria Corsini, a still family-owned palazzo showcasing masterpieces by Caravaggio, Guido Reni, and Rubens, experienced in quiet rooms just as it has been since the 18th century.
Where to stay in Florence
Florence is one of our favourite city destinations, and the villas and apartments in the city and nearby in the Tuscan countryside are exquisite. Stay in the very heart of the city at the charming Bardi, the perfect hideaway for two. Or enjoy the delightful Turan, with its modern interiors and desirable location.
Tuscany: The heart of romance in Italy
Tuscany is simply breathtaking. The stunning landscape of rolling countryside, acres of vineyards, hilltop Medieval towns and villages, and spectacular coastline is possibly one of the most romantic places in the world. Tuscany's golden light and outstanding natural beauty have inspired artists, writers and musicians for centuries, and its farmhouses and palazzi offer quintessential romantic hideaways.
The food of love
Tuscany is home to one of the great winemaking regions of Italy: Chianti. Miles of vineyards cover its verdant hills, connected by broad avenues lined with the typical ‘paintbrush’ style trees. The whole region is famous for its food, much of it grown organically, and of course, its truffles. In fact, if your idea of a romantic trip involves candle-lit dinners and delicious meals, Tuscany is the place to go.
If you’re a wine connoisseur, we can arrange private wine-tasting tours at the best local wineries. Or why not get up as the sun rises and take a dawn hot air balloon ride over the Chianti hills? Night-owls or early-risers, there's something for every kind of couple.
One must-do:
One of the most coveted fine dining experiences in Tuscany is at Arnolfo. In the tiny town of Colle di Val D'Elsa, this superb restaurant has two Michelin stars and is famous for its innovative cuisine using local ingredients.
Lake Como
Lake Como: Serenity and elegance
One of the most idyllic places to go in Italy for couples, this iconic northern Italian destination promises nothing but the best. Lake Como is utterly stunning, and our curated Cilla Collection offers ultimate privacy and luxury.
Where to stay in Lake Como
Whether you're looking for sleek modern interiors or traditional Italian opulence, our collection caters for all tastes. Let the views be the star of the show through panoramic windows at Villa Como Views. Or, settle into a truly iconic stay at Villa Barbra - a cliffside retreat that puts design front and centre (with some more excellent views, of course.)
One must-do:
Let our Guest Experience team arrange a private wooden boat cruise on Lake Como, gliding past historic villas and terraced gardens with a local captain who knows the lake by heart, best enjoyed in the soft light of early evening.
The Amalfi Coast: A lover's paradise
The Amalfi Coast has been the destination for star-crossed lovers since Roman times. This magnificent coastline is filled with charming towns such as Positano and Ravello, and its sandy beaches and enchanting coves are lined by exclusive Amalfi villas, where the sunsets paint the sky in a thousand colours, and the views go on forever.
Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast
Experience Sorrento in style at Villa Lika, with classic Italian interiors and unobstructed ocean views. Alternatively, travel down the coast to the ever-popular Positano and experience La Dolce Vita at Villa Pamina.
One must-do:
Experience the Amalfi Coast on a privately guided drive, with a local expert unlocking quiet viewpoints, artisan workshops, and unhurried moments beyond the day-tripper routes.
THE ONEFINESTAY EXPERIENCE
THE ONEFINESTAY EXPERIENCE
Here at onefinestay, we have a choice of incredible Italian villas in Tuscany and on the Amalfi Coast, apartments in Rome and Florence that will enchant you from the moment you step through the door. Your dedicated concierge is on hand to make every moment special, with restaurant reservations and suggestions for off-the-beaten-track attractions you can share with someone special.
