Best Romantic Locations and Places to Stay in Italy

By Elina Furman

You may be surprised to find that for a country whose name is synonymous with romance, Italy has been lagging in that department. With the hordes of tourists, interminable lines for historic sights, and impossible-to-navigate streets, it's hard to imagine the good ol' days, when groups of gorgeous boys loitered in the alleys and gondoliers serenaded passersby.

Of course, Italy is not without its hidden pleasures for the die-hard romantic. And if you know where to stay, where to look and what to avoid, you can channel the bygone era -- provided you have a little mullah and a lot of love to spread around.

After touring these hot spots from North to South, you'll be the one saying; "Now that's a - moré like it."

Heading North - Lake District

Skip the touristy Lake Como, and head on up a little farther north to the quaint and quiet Rive Del Garda. This is one place that hasn't lost its old-world charm.

Pool at the Hotel du Lac et du Park

Room with a View: The Spanish-style Hotel du Lac et du Park boasts a pristine park with private access to a lakeside beach. Ask for a double room with a balcony for powerhouse views of the water and the Dolomite Mountains. And don't forget to check out the glass-enclosed spa with Turkish bath, sauna, and Jacuzzi - it's the ultimate treat for two.

Romantic Itinerary: At dusk, begin with a stroll on the lakeside promenade to the center of town, where you'll amble past the Piazza III Novembre and the town's highest building and watchtower, the Torre d'Apponale. Then, you're off to enjoy a divine dinner at the romantic castle La Rocca (built in 1124 and formerly used as a prison), as you watch the sailboats gently rock in the nearby docks.

Staying Centered - Florence

Ahh! The art, the giant statue of King David, the Arno, the Duomo…what could possibly go wrong in a city made for lovers? Well, plenty, if you don't know where to go.

Room with a View: With a façade designed by Michelangelo and the only heated pool in Florence, the Villa San Michele combines the best of old and new. Of course, with rates starting at around 850 Euros, you'll need deep pockets to afford this über-luxurious celebrity haunt located high above the city in the hills of Fiosole. But once you've sipped Prosseco by the pool, experienced the warm hospitality of the hotel's gracious staff, soaked in the immense Bulgari-suds filled bathtub, and sampled the fine Tuscan cuisine at the hotel's panoramic restaurant, money will be the last thing on your mind.

Romantic Itinerary: City dwellers should try to limit their time in the congested areas around the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria. Avoid the shops and take a stroll on the Arno instead. If you're hungry, bypass the under-whelming and overpriced restaurants nearby and opt for the authentic and festive Il Latini. With its large communal tables, bottomless jugs of wine, and rumps of prosciutto hanging overhead, you'll swear you were transported back to 1950, the year it first opened. For those who want to bask under the Tuscan sun, hire a driver to take you to Capannelle, the sister property of Villa San Michele. Situated high above the village of Gaiole in Chianti, this rustic but luxurious farmhouse features its own butler, an infinity pool overlooking acres of vineyards, and private wine tastings from their homegrown collection (like the renowned "50&50"). Rates are much lower, starting at 300 Euros, making it a good option for frugal romantics.

Going South - Amalfi Coast

There's just something indescribable about the Amalfi Coast. Maybe it's the rugged cliffs, or the colorful towns that hang suspended between water and sky, or the warm Tyrrhenian Sea. Whatever it is, you're bound to be seduced.

Grand Hotel Cocumella in Sorrento

Rooms with a View: Sorrento is one of the liveliest cities on the coast, and the Grand Hotel Cocumella is the perfect place from which to explore its offerings. While the city bustles, the guests in the hotel sleep languidly just 10 minutes away from the crowds. The junior suites (400 Euros and up) are equipped with huge Jacuzzi baths, a separate living area, and oversized terraces overlooking the sea and cliffside beaches.

In Ravello, the peaceful town where Gore Vidal takes refuge, the Palazzo Sasso (360 Euros and up) is the top choice for travelers looking for a luxurious romantic hideaway. Generous balconies ensure that you'll never want to leave your room except to check out the fare served up at the Michelin-starred Rossellini restaurant or the sumptuous breakfast spread laid out on a terrace overlooking the coast.

Romantic Itinerary: In Sorrento, romance is everywhere. From the beaches to the quaint little streets, you'll be singing "O Solo Mio" until the wee morning hours. If you're a water lover, the Cocumella offers a once-in-a-lifetime journey aboard its historical 1880 ship, the Vera. Lounge in the deck chairs or take a plunge into the sea while the crew prepares an elaborate feast for you to enjoy on the 20-foot-long table. Once you sail into Capri with a happy stomach and a full heart, you'll have a few hours to shop and compare tans with visiting jet-setters.

In Ravello, don't miss visiting Villa Rufolo's acclaimed gardens, followed by a stroll to what is generally known as the "most beautiful view in the world," found at the nearby Villa Cimbrone. Overlooking the Bay of Salerno and built in the 15th century, the Villa has been visited by some of the greatest romantic figures of all time, including D. H. Lawrence, Virginia Woolf, Greta Garbo, and Tennessee Williams.