5 Romantic Towns in Italy

How would you describe a romantic place? Might it be somewhere that evokes a feeling of love or affection? How about a place that stimulates your senses? Or is it a mysterious and exciting place? A romantic place has many layers, if we’re being honest. For me, Italy is one big romantic peninsula, although there are a few places that affect me more. Let me introduce you to five romantic towns in Italy not often recognized for exuding romance.

Tropea 

Plopped on stunning cliffs overlooking crystal-clear aquamarine waters, Tropea radiates romance. The town’s charming streets and alleys, rocky coastline, sandy beaches, and dramatic cliffs create the perfect backdrop for strolling hand-in-hand or enjoying a peaceful sunset.

Quaint cafes and vibrant piazzas, perfect for enjoying a leisurely espresso or a candlelit dinner, line Tropea’s historic center. Perched atop a rocky outcrop, the iconic Church of Santa Maria dell’Isola serenely guards the town’s beaches and cliffs. 

Tropea is a quiet and unforgettable destination for couples seeking romance in Italy.

Stresa

As much as I like Tropea, I also like Stresa, a picturesque town on the shores of Lake Maggiore in northern Italy. Situated on the west side of the lake, Stresa offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Lined with lush gardens, beautiful hotels, and historic villas, the lunghomare is a great place for leisurely walks. Stopping in the small parks or enjoying a drink or meal in the seaside cafes is a perfect way to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. 

Visit Isola Bella and Isola Madre, two of the Borromean Islands, to enjoy their stunning palaces and lavish botanical gardens. Or stop on Isola dei Pescatori, a small fishing village and the only inhabited island of the three.

Stresa’s cobbled streets, cozy cafes, and fine restaurants, are wonderful places to watch the sun set over the lake. What makes Stresa most romantic, however, is its tranquil vibe and timeless elegance.

Alberobello

Let’s step away from coastal towns and look at the romance offered by a landlocked town. Filled with trulli, Alberobello is a romantic escape like no other. Whitewashed stone cottages, with conical roofs and charming details, create a magical, enchanting atmosphere with each telling a unique story. 

Once the sun begins to set, the fading sun casts a golden glow across the town. You can enjoy a drink on Terrazza Panorámico Casedda a Cummersa’s rooftop bar as you watch the sunset. And, while nightlife is a little sparse, you can dine on locally-sourced ingredients at the town’s enchanting restaurants.

Alberobello’s unique charm make it a perfect destination for couples seeking a dreamy, unforgettable experience.

Matera

Matera is one of the world’s most ancient cities. And while it may be difficult to imagine what was once “the shame of Italy” a romantic destination, it is. Stay with me.

Until the 1950s, Matera’s citizens inhabited sassi, caves dug into the tuffa mountains. Today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Matera’s historic cave district is a labyrinth of stone-carved homes and winding alleys. Walk the streets and you’ll find picturesque hidden courtyards, secret nooks, and overlooks with panoramic views of the area.

The ancient sassi are home to hotels, restaurants, and shops. Staying in one of the ancient stone structures offers an other-world experience like no other. Matera’s rustic trattorias offer regional delicacies amid ancient stone interiors.

History, architecture, and tranquility make Matera a romantic escape like no other.

Sulmona 

Last, but definitely not least, I offer a town off of most tourists’ radar. Nestled in the heart of the Abruzzo region, Sulmona is a charming town that is a well-kept secret. 

Surrounded by the majestic Gran Sasso mountains, Sulmona offers breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere. Famous for its colorful confetti (sugared almonds) and market, Sulmona is full of narrow streets, medieval buildings, and picturesque piazzas. My favorite places are the 13th-century aqueduct and the park in front of the stunning Cathedral of St. Panfilo.

The crown jewel of Sulmona is the evening passeggiata where residents stroll along Corso Ovidio, the town’s main street. You’ll find that locals and tourists, seniors and young families, children and teens, and even family pets join in. Along the Corso, cafes and bars are full of others enjoying a pre-dinner aperitif.

I am, of course, prejudiced because my family comes from a small village near Sulmona. That said, I do believe its history, natural beauty, and tranquility make Sulmona a peaceful, romantic retreat.

Chris Cutler

Travel Editor

Christine Cutler is a writer, photographer, editor, guide, teacher, traveler, Ohio native, Florida resident, and world citizen. she lives in downtown St. Petersburg with her husband and crazy Welsh terrier, and she considers Italy, where she holds dual citizenship, her second home. in addition to being travel editor and writing for live in Italy magazine, she maintains her own websites (coldpastaandredwine.com and christinecutler.com), guides small groups through Italy, and is a travel advisor for Adventures by Jamie (adventuresbyjamie.com) a travel, non-fiction, and memoir writer; photographer; and editor whose work has appeared in various publications, she spends as much time as she can exploring—and living and breathing—Italy.