Italy's Most Romantic Places
Spend Valentines Day in the World’s Best Destinations for Lovers
Jan 11, 2009
Italy means romance any time of year, the perfect place for a Valentine’s Day getaway. In the winter, lovers can take advantage of uncrowded attractions and all inclusive vacations that offer budget friendly bargains. And don’t think that it’s only American hotels that offer Romance Packages around Valentine’s Day.
Venice
The crying violins in St. Marks Square may have moved indoors, but on a nice February day, the café tables are out in every sunny spot overlooking the Grand Canal. Arrive at the water entrance of boutique hotel Ca Maria Adele by gondola for the ultimate romantic experience; the more practical vaporetto stops in front of the church of Santa Maria della Salute, right next door. The 16th-Century palazzo has been preserved beautifully, while adding all the modern comforts.
Turin
Cafes and chocolate shops make this beautiful city – a short train ride from Milan – a sure bet for romance. Stroll hand-in-hand for miles under the cover of its elegant arched arcades, shopping in boutiques and chocolate shops and relaxing in cafes over cups of Turin’s favorite coffee, bicerin. Savor this cup of equal parts espresso, hot chocolate and cream at Al Bicerin, the café that invented it, and have lunch in the elegantly ornate Caffe San Carlo.
Verona
So what if Romeo and Juliet were pure fiction? The myth only makes this beautiful old city more romantic. In its heart, Hotel Due Torri Baglioni is the most romantic hotel, and its concierge is a confirmed romantic himself. He will have lots of cozy dining options to suggest, or seek out the little wine bars and osterie in the nearby streets.
Siena
Granted, most visitors probably won’t race across the tile rooftops as James Bond does in Quantum of Solace, but Siena offers quieter pleasures. Just wandering the narrow cobbled streets of the Medieval hilltop town in search of cafes and cozy trattorias is romantic. For rooms with a view, ask for # 29 or 30 in Il Chiostro del Carmine. February packages make this a most affordable luxury.
AmalfiMidway on the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, the town itself cascades down the steep mountainside to the sea. Perched on a crag above the startlingly blue water, Hotel Santa Caterina overlooks terrace after terrace of its own lush gardens and citrus groves perfect for hand-in-hand strolls. Although not as well known as Capri’s Blue Grotto, the nearby sea caves are called the Emerald Grotto for their mystical shimmering green light.
Capri
The name alone conjures up romantic visions, and stylish Capri lives up to them with secluded coves, dramatic sea cliffs and boat rides into the Blue Grotto. Reach this island by boat from Sorrento, another town whose name was made famous in a song.
Sestre Levante
On a nice winter day, walkers have the trails and charming little villages of the nearby Cinque Terre to themselves, and have no trouble reserving a window table at Olympia to watch the sunset over the Bay of Silence. The setting of Hotel Vis a Vis is spectacular – ascend to the clifftop by an elevator to check in, and rooms offer views as sweeping as the restaurant’s.
Sunny Sicily by Moonlight
What could be more romantic than moonlight massages for two in the gazebo of the spa at Kempinski Hotel Giardino di Costanza, set amid vineyards and orchards. The warmth and exhuberance of the Sicilians is legendary, and Sicilian spring arrives in February, when the almond trees bloom in the valleys.
