La bella Italia, the country of love and romance. How does one ever go about choosing where to pass a romantic Italian vacation with that special someone? There are just too many options, all enticing and romance evoking. Don’t get overwhelmed, I have compiled a list of the most romantic Italian destinations, from Sicily’s gorgeous villas with pools to Juliet’s balcony in Verona, you are sure to find the perfect spot (or spots) to pass that romantic vacation with your sweetie.
Sunset cruising in Sicily
Rent that gorgeous Sicilian villa, but tear yourself away from the house for a private sunset cruise along Sicily’s pristine, breathtaking, exquisite coast. You can even sail out to the Egadi islands, or the Aeolian for that matter. I can’t recommend one over the other, as they are both beautiful, I just insist you go! Crack open that bottle of champagne, or go Sicilian style with a Passito di Pantelleria. Watch the sun say goodnight to the Mediterranean, caressing her salty waves with orange and pink kisses, and you’re sure to wind up smooching in under the Sicilian sunset as well.
Verona
Verona is home to Shakespeare’s most famous doomed and star-crossed lovers. In Verona, you can take your lover to the house that belonged to Juliet in the classic Shakespearean tragedy. Stand below the balcony where our good ol’ Romeo declared his ever-loving devotion, and touch the breast of Juliet’s bronze statue for good luck (and good love).
Amalfi Coast
While Italy is packed with majestic views, cities, and towns, one of the most magical is just a bit south of Naples. It is called the Amalfi coast, and it is dotted with picturesque little towns clinging to the edge of steep cliffs, overlooking a turquoise Mediterranean below. Rent a car and take the most romantic, memorable, and adventurous drives of your life down these pretty little country roads.
Rome
Rome, the mother of all romance. History is everywhere in Rome, but I recommend ditching the guidebook and wandering down her picturesque cobblestone paths holding hands with your loved one. Savor the sights and sounds, enjoy the chic little shops, eat some of Italy’s best cuisine in romantic mom-and-pop restaurants. If you’re looking for real luxury, get a room in the Hotel Hassler, which is where Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise stayed before they were married in Italy. It is at the top of the Spanish Steps, which are arguably the most romantic stairs in the entire country (maybe the world!)
A helicopter over Mount Etna
Come fly with me, baby, right over Mount Etna and out to the Aeolian islands. Take a helicopter for a bird’s eye view of Sicily’s major active volcano, then head out to another island, much smaller, with another active volcano, Stromboli. Talk about a flaming romance! Stop for a massage, lunch and a swim at Capofaro on the island of Salina before jetting back to your romantic villa. Now that is hot, if I’ve ever seen it!