Discover charming destinations across Italy that offer canals, piazzas, and timeless romance without the overwhelm of mass tourism.
Venice is often seen as the ultimate symbol of romance, but its popularity has also made it one of the most crowded and expensive destinations in Italy. For many travelers, the challenge is finding places that deliver the same atmosphere of intimacy and beauty without feeling rushed or overrun.
Luckily, Italy is filled with towns that balance history, architecture, and a slower pace of life. By exploring alternatives, you can enjoy gondola-like waterways, candlelit dinners, and charming old streets with more space to breathe. These towns remind you that Italian romance thrives far beyond the canals of Venice.
1. Verona offers Shakespearean romance and timeless piazzas.
Known as the setting of “Romeo and Juliet,” Verona blends medieval streets, Roman ruins, and lively squares. Unlike Venice, it feels spacious and walkable, with plenty of tucked-away courtyards for quiet moments. For travelers, it’s a balance of history and modern Italian life. A practical tip is to explore beyond Juliet’s balcony, where smaller churches and local trattorias capture the town’s authentic charm, as shared by Medium.com. Evening walks along the Adige River provide the romantic atmosphere many seek in Venice—without the overwhelming crowds.
2. Lombardy combines Renaissance beauty with alpine views.
Perched above Lombardy, Bergamo’s Città Alta (upper town) features winding cobblestone streets, fresco-filled churches, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The funicular ride up alone feels like stepping back in time. For travelers, it offers a romantic mix of art, architecture, and quiet moments far from tour groups, according to Lonely Planet. A helpful strategy is to stay overnight in the upper town, where evenings feel serene and candlelit dinners come with panoramic backdrops. It’s a setting that rivals Venice for intimacy.
3. Polignano a Mare delivers seaside romance on dramatic cliffs.
This town in Puglia sits dramatically over the Adriatic Sea, with whitewashed buildings perched above turquoise waters. Unlike Venice, its charm comes from coastal caves and hidden beaches. For couples, it offers breathtaking sunsets, cliffside restaurants, and a more laid-back pace. A useful tip is to visit outside peak midday hours, when day-trippers leave, giving you quiet streets and more room to explore, as mentioned in Condé Nast Traveler. Sharing a seaside meal here captures the same magic of Venice but with ocean breezes and fewer crowds.
4. Mantua surrounds you with Renaissance elegance.
Mantua is often overlooked despite its UNESCO status and stunning palaces. Built on lakes and filled with frescoed halls, it has a dreamy quality that feels just as romantic as Venice. For visitors, it means enjoying architectural treasures without long lines. The practical takeaway is to visit the Ducal Palace and then wander the quieter piazzas where locals gather. Staying for the evening lets you experience the city illuminated, when its reflection in the lakes makes it especially enchanting.
5. Orta San Giulio enchants with lakefront serenity.
Nestled on Lake Orta in northern Italy, this small town has cobbled lanes leading to a picturesque square by the water. A short boat ride takes you to San Giulio Island, with its monastery and peaceful pathways. For travelers, it’s an intimate escape that rivals Venice’s island charm. A practical step is to explore during the shoulder seasons when the lakefront is calmest. Sharing a boat ride at sunset here feels every bit as magical as a gondola ride in Venice.
6. Alberobello creates fairy-tale romance with trulli houses.
Famous for its cone-shaped stone houses, Alberobello in Puglia feels unlike anywhere else in Italy. Wandering through the whitewashed streets lined with trulli creates a storybook setting perfect for couples. For everyday travelers, it provides a mix of history, craftsmanship, and romantic photo backdrops. A helpful tip is to stay overnight in a restored trullo, where you can experience the town after day visitors leave. That quiet twilight atmosphere makes Alberobello one of Italy’s most unique romantic escapes.
7. Portofino brings coastal glamour without overwhelming size.
This small Ligurian fishing village has long been associated with romance and luxury. Its pastel houses curve around a glittering harbor, with hillsides dotted with villas and gardens. Unlike Venice, Portofino is compact, which makes it easy to explore at a leisurely pace. For travelers, it’s ideal for combining seaside walks with fine dining. The best advice is to explore nearby hiking trails for sweeping views and then enjoy dinner overlooking the harbor. The romance here lies in its simplicity and beauty.
8. Matera surrounds couples with timeless cave dwellings.
Carved into cliffs in southern Italy, Matera’s stone cave dwellings (sassi) create an unforgettable backdrop. Staying in a boutique cave hotel offers a uniquely intimate experience that no Venetian palace can match. For visitors, Matera provides both history and atmosphere in abundance. A practical tip is to plan for walking, as many streets are steep and cobbled. Exploring by lantern light in the evening creates a magical setting that feels private and otherworldly, perfect for a romantic escape.
9. Lucca offers romance within its Renaissance walls.
Encircled by intact city walls, Lucca invites couples to stroll or bike along its tree-lined ramparts. Inside, you’ll find piazzas, churches, and narrow lanes filled with charm. Unlike Venice, the crowds here are lighter, making it easier to linger in quiet corners. For travelers, it’s a blend of accessibility and intimacy. Renting bikes for a leisurely ride at sunset is a simple way to enjoy the town’s unique character while sharing a tranquil experience with a partner.
10. Ravello creates cliffside magic on the Amalfi Coast.
High above the coastline, Ravello offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean along with elegant villas and gardens. It’s quieter than Amalfi or Positano, making it an ideal romantic retreat. For visitors, the appeal lies in its combination of music, culture, and breathtaking scenery. A helpful strategy is to visit the famous gardens of Villa Cimbrone or Villa Rufolo during late afternoon for fewer crowds. Sunset from Ravello’s terraces captures the kind of romance people seek in Venice, but with a peaceful coastal backdrop.