Italy Honeymoon: Where to Stay, When to Go & What to Do

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Italy is one of the most popular European destinations for honeymooners. Home to some of the world’s greatest gastronomy, art, fashion and history, you’ll find it hard to decide which part of this dizzyingly cultural country to spend your Italy honeymoon.

Should you eat your way around Naples, tour the world’s greatest painters in Florence and Rome, laze away a day on the canals of Venice, or ski and hike in the Northern Dolomites? 

In this guide, we’ll help you explore the options for planning your dream Italian getaway. We'll cover the best times to visit, the top Italian honeymoon destinations, must-see attractions, and romantic activities to make your trip truly special.

Plus, Kuoni travel expert Stacey Owens will share what makes this European country a top choice with newlyweds and tips on making the most of your Italy honeymoon. 

Let’s go…or as the Italians would put it, Andiamo!

Is Italy Good for a Honeymoon? 

Deemed one of the most romantic places in the world, there’s no doubt that Italy is a good choice for a honeymoon. But what is it that makes this Mediterranean gem so special? We put the question to travel expert Stacey:

“Romantic, world-famous artistic heritage and culture, incredible food and wine and outstanding natural landscapes make Italy a prime honeymoon destination. The diversity that the country can offer, with the option to have multiple stays in one trip, makes it perfect for what honeymooners want to get from their first adventure together at the start of married life.

"From historic cities and rolling countryside to stunning lakes and the dramatic Amalfi coast - a holiday to Italy ticks all the boxes to have a rich memory-filled honeymoon.”

Where to Stay on Your Italy Honeymoon?

With so much on offer, the trickiest part of planning your Italy honeymoon will likely be deciding which area of the country to visit. 

Do you want to soak up the culture of ancient cities, explore breathtaking landscapes or kick back by the sea with a limoncello cocktail in hand?

To help answer your “where to honeymoon in Italy” woes, we’ve rounded up some of the top Italy honeymoon destinations below, including what each has to offer and the type of couple it will suit best. 

Where to Go in Italy for a Honeymoon

For the Culture Lovers: Venice

Located in northeastern Italy, Venice is a picture-perfect city that epitomises romance with its enchanting canals, historic architecture, and old-world charm. Famed for its iconic gondola rides, captivating art galleries, and stunning landmarks such as St. Mark’s Basilica and the Rialto Bridge, Venice is perfect for couples who want to immerse themselves in historic beauty and endless culture. 

For the Foodies: Rome

Likewise, Rome is a massive draw for honeymooners who love history…though there’s another equally strong attraction to Italy’s capital…the food! Rome’s food scene is a delicious mix of traditional trattorias, elegant ristorantes, and chic pavement cafes, famous for pasta dishes like carbonara and cacao e pepe, plus supplì (fried rice balls).

In between culinary treats, explore the city’s ancient ruins and iconic landmarks, such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon.

For the Sun Seekers: Amalfi Coast 

An Amalfi Coast honeymoon offers newlyweds an uber-romantic mix of coastal beauty, celeb-style luxury, and Italian charm. Located in southern Italy, this swoon-worthy stretch of coastline is famous for its dramatic cliffs, pastel-coloured villages, and sparkling blue sea views.

Perhaps the ultimate #honeymoongoals is to hire a convertible car and tour the Amalfi Coast, stopping off for stays in picturesque towns like Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi along the way! 

For the Laidback Lovers: Tuscany

Known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and charming mediaeval towns, Tuscany is the ideal honeymoon location in Italy for newlyweds seeking peace and serenity amidst stunning rural landscapes.

Should eating be top of your list – and it should – Tuscany’s gourmet farm-to-table ethos and world-class wines make it equally appealing for those wanting to indulge in exquisite gourmet experiences.

Finally, its luxurious spa retreats cement its position as a top Italy honeymoon destination.  

For the Fashionistas: Milan

Known as Italy’s fashion capital, Milan is perfect for sartorially hot honeymooners, offering world-class shopping and a chic, cosmopolitan atmosphere. Hours can easily be idled away from people-watching, especially during Milan Fashion Week in September when the city buzzes with high-end designers, celebrities, and models.

Beyond fashion, the city boasts must-see sights like the Duomo di Milano and Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. With short, affordable flights, Milan also makes an ideal minimoon destination. 

For the Romantics: Lake Como

Completing our lineup of where to honeymoon in Italy is Lake Como. Nestled in the foothills of the Italian Alps in northern Italy, Lake Como is a top Italy honeymoon destination with good reason.

Famous for its serene waters, picturesque villages, and elegant lakeside villas, it’s a dream choice for those looking to relax in a tranquil, romantic setting of breathtaking natural beauty. If it’s good enough for George and Amal Clooney, it’s certainly good enough for us!

How to Honeymoon in Italy

Still feeling torn? Rachel suggests planning a multi-stop getaway to experience several honeymoon locations in Italy during your trip. 

“For active couples, we’d suggest twinning a city break in Rome with an Amalfi Coast honeymoon,” says Rachel. “This way, you can explore the rich culture, history and iconic sights of Rome and the towns and islands off the Amalfi Coast, such as Sorrento and Positano, plus jump on board a ferry to glamourous Capri for the day or an overnight stay.

“Meanwhile, for couples who want to relax, the slow pace and romance of the lakes teamed with a countryside stay in Tuscany where you can enjoy slow picnic lunches in a local vineyard and learn to make pasta, is ideal.”

With Italy being just a short flight away, another alternative is to plan a series of minimoon weekends away instead of taking one big honeymoon. That way, you get to experience each of the locations individually and keep the honeymoon spirit alive all year.

Things to Do During Your Italy Honeymoon

Once you've decided on your Italy honeymoon destination(s), it’s worth putting together an itinerary that includes what you’d like to see and do while you’re there to make the most of your trip.

In addition to the top tourist attractions mentioned above, here’s a taste of activities you can enjoy in the different locations: 

• Rome: Stroll through Piazza Navona, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, and take in the beauty of the Vatican City before enjoying a romantic dinner in one of the city’s cosy trattorias.
• Venice: Wander through the city’s narrow streets, immerse yourself in art at the Doge’s Palace, and then relax on a sunset cruise along the Grand Canal.
• Lake Como: Enjoy boat trips on the water and strolls along lakeside promenades while exploring charming towns like Bellagio and Varenna.
• Milan: Admire the artistic treasures housed in Santa Maria delle Grazie, shop top fashion brands at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and enjoy an aperitivo at a chic rooftop bar. 
• Tuscany: Test your tastebuds wine tasting in Chianti, discover the historic streets of Florence or Siena, and take a dip in therapeutic thermal waters at Bagno Vignoni.
• Amalfi Coast: Take a scenic boat trip to the idyllic island of Capri, visit the region’s vibrant lemon groves and delve into the fascinating history of the ancient ruins of Pompeii.

How Much Does a Honeymoon in Italy Cost?

The diverse nature of the country’s top destinations means there are Italy honeymoons to suit a range of budgets. 

As Rachel points out, looking for Italy honeymoon packages with established travel companies can help maximise your spending, whether on a more modest budget or planning a blow-out newlywed getaway.

“If you speak to a destination expert, they can guide you in maximising your budget – we can do short minimoons in one of the many cool cities, like Venice, Rome, Florence or Milan, or the lakes can be very affordable if couples are on a smaller budget.

“Meanwhile, if you want an epic multi-destination trip across different locations, start in the North, stay in the Lakes, then travel down to Tuscany and end on the Amalfi Coast to really treat yourself.

“If you’re moving around and staying in cities, country, lake, or coast destinations, use the trains. They are a very affordable, reliable, and relaxing way to sit and watch the scenery while you move between locations.

“Another top tip for Italy honeymoons to make your budget stretch further is booking different styles of hotels. You can splash out in one or two locations and look at better value options in areas you spend more time exploring, like the cities, for example.”

When to Honeymoon in Italy

Spring, summer and autumn are all perfect seasons to visit Italy. If you’re planning to go from the end of June to September, be aware that everyone has the same idea. Many Italians have holiday homes by the sea, so you’re likely to be competing with the locals for a spot on the beach or a seat in the restaurant.

But don’t let that put you off – it does mean there are often fewer people in the big cities, and there are plenty of charming, smaller seaside towns outside the tourist hotspots just waiting for you to discover.

“Italy can be enjoyed all year round, and the cities are less busy during the autumn and winter months,” adds Rachel. “The coast, lakes and countryside, meanwhile, are best enjoyed between May and September for the summer sunshine.”

Your Italy Honeymoon: Everything You Need to Know

• Getting there: Italy is just a hop away across the continent and perfect for a weekend away or minimoon, as well as a longer honeymoon. The flight time from the UK is under 2.5 hours to Rome. You can also drive to Italy, crossing the channel and going straight through France, or through Switzerland too. It’s at least 19 hours from London, so take a couple of days to do the trip and see some more of Europe while you drive.
• Must-do activities: “Soak up the Roman architecture and visit iconic sites such as Pompeii and the Colosseum,” says Rachel. “Also, learn something new - cooking classes, like pizza or gelato making, are often top of honeymooners’ wish lists!”
• Entry requirements: No visa is required if you hold a British passport.
• Language: Italian
• Currency: Euro
• Need to know: It has been legal to be in an LGBTQ+ relationship in Italy since 1890 and it is a widely accepting and welcoming country when it comes to gay rights. Same-sex marriage is not permitted, but LGBTQ+ couples can enter into civil unions. 

Still trying to decide on where to go on honeymoon? We've got plenty more inspiration!