If any country knows how to do romance, it’s Italy.
If you haven’t made a Valentines Day plan, and you’re feeling wildly spontaneous, here are some of my most beloved places to celebrate your love. Or maybe you’ll be inspired for next year!
1: Ravello
There’s a reason we named our small group tour of the Amalfi Coast “Romantic Amalfi Coast”. The light, the beaches, the palaces, the views of the Mediterranean Sea all along the coast road, and the scores of charming seaside towns and villages nestled into the mountains soaring up behind the cliffs… including the exquisite, poetic Ravello. Perched high atop a winding, fairy-tale road, this tiny, perfect town founded in the sixth century offers elegant restaurants, luxurious hotels, upscale rental apartments, and some of the most breathtaking vistas in the region.
A wander through the lush, terraced gardens of the Villa Rufolo and a view of the sunset from its promontory may be the most romantic moment of your year. Don’t forget the limoncello and gourmet picnic, obtained at the smallest cheese shop you may ever visit.
2: Punta San Vigilio, Lake Garda
Lake Garda may be the Italian Lakes Region’s largest lake. But Punta San Vigilio, located on its eastern shore, is one of its most intimate treasures – especially for a romantic occasion. Picture a small, cypress-forested peninsula extending into the crystalline water. Near its edge, you’ll find a stone inn dating from the 16th century, with a miniature harbor barely wide enough for a half dozen boats. What you won’t find is many other guests, because with only seven guest rooms, this indulgent establishment caters to travelers seeking the rare luxury of an elegant, yet quiet hideaway in a secluded parklike setting. A legendary destination for a few days of pure romance.
3: Paraggi/Santa Margherita/ Portofino
The words “Italian Riviera” conjure images of sun, sea, sky and several stylish, popular seaside resort towns. But, if your goal is a romantic retreat, the Bay of Paraggi, a petite cove between Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure, is the ideal destination. For one thing, it has an exquisite beach with clear, calm water made for snorkeling, and a beachfront walkway made for strolling. For another, there’s the Eight Hotel, a newly updated, well-appointed hotel featuring its own private beach. Everything about its subtle, contemporary decor, its restaurant highlighting Italian and regional seafood dishes, and its multiple welcoming spots from which to enjoy an aperitivo within sight of the bay’s sparkling turquoise water suggests amore.
4: The Dolomites
Ready for a break from cities and pavement? A few days in Northern Italy’s incomparable Dolomites will restore your love of natural beauty — and your love. Amongst the iconic sites in the South Tyrol: The fabled Three Peaks of Lavaredo (Le Tre Cime di Lavaredo) will take your breath away, even without climbing them. There’s a wonderful walk at ground level, too, if you’re more into scenery than heights. The Alpe di Siusi is a vast high mountain meadow bordered by noble Alpine peaks.
Winters here are a paradise for cross country skiers and trekkers with cozy, welcoming huts for warming up. It’s also ideal for spring/summer treks, bike tours, picnics (with love poems). And finally, a few days of marveling at the emerald Lago di Braies, (Lake Braies) will cleanse the cold damp winter from your soul; or next winter’s cold… Walk the paths around the lake, row a traditional wooden boat across it, or simply enjoy the scenery. Then, if you love a fine hotel, return to the nearby Hotel Lago di Braies for some world-class cocooning, and organic local cuisine.
5: Venice, Dorsoduro
If there’s an ultimate location for a romantic Valentines Day (or any other occasion), it’s Venice, especially the Dorsoduro section. Wake up in a gorgeous room in the Ca Maria Adele hotel, (often called the most romantic hotel in the world), and linger over a delectable breakfast in bed. You might start your day a few steps from the hotel, visiting Peggy Guggenheim’s intimate villa bursting with one of the world’s most glorious collections of modern art, spend the afternoon sightseeing, then book a gondola to arrive in Giudecca in time for a sunset “spritz” cocktail by the water. If fortune smiles, and your gondolier has a beautiful singing voice… this could become an annual tradition!
