There is a reason why people like to spend their honeymoon in Italy, and that is because no matter where you are in this beautiful country, you can’t help but be swept up in the romance. There is a certain ambience in this part of the world that can’t be described in words; instead, it needs to be experienced first-hand by day trips or weekend getaways. So, if you are looking for some romantic places to visit, look no further; here are 5 of the most romantic places to visit in Italy by car. (updated January 2025)

Italy is the perfect destination for a romantic road trip, with its picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and scenic coastal routes. From the sun-drenched Amalfi Coast to the serene countryside of Tuscany, driving through Italy offers countless opportunities to create unforgettable memories with your partner. Stop at quaint hilltop towns, enjoy intimate meals at local trattorias, and take in breathtaking views along the way. This guide highlights some of the most romantic places to visit in Italy by car, ensuring your journey is as enchanting as the destination.

Romantic Road Trips in Italy: Discover the Most Enchanting Destinations by Car

Car hire

Your road trip would not be complete without first organizing your car hire. Hiring a car is simple, and it can be picked up at any major city or airport in Italy. I highly recommend Discover Cars, where you can book online, choose the company with the best deal, and it will be ready when you arrive.

Visa in Italy

Check that you do not require a visa for Italy. The ivisa website is a quick and easy way to check whether your passport requires a permit.

Travel insurance in Italy

SafetyWing is the world’s first International Travel Medical Insurance developed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs and remote workers travelling or living abroad worldwide. However, if you do not fall under this category, do not worry; SafetyWing also suits all vacation types.

Most Romantic Places in Italy

Verona

How to get to Verona

Verona is approximately 160km from Milan and 114km from Venice. Both are great options for your romantic road trip. The views along the way are just as impressive as the destination itself. Milan to Verona will take about 2.15 hours, and Venice to Verona will take a similar time. 

Highlight: Stop off in Padua if you are coming from Venice, and spend a day exploring this historical city that is older than Rome. However, if you are driving from Milan, Brescia is the place to stop; this city is a UNESCO World Heritage site currently known as one of the most charming cities in Europe. 

Why is Verona a romantic place in Italy?

Do I even have to spell out why this place is the number 1 choice on this list? Verona is the place where the story of Romeo and Juliet was created. Shakespeare was inspired to write one of the most romantic stories of their time, and when you walk the pebble-stone streets of this beautiful city, you will see why.

Would you like to know more? From Juliet’s balcony to Romeo’s Tomb, this intriguing town has plenty to see. Listen to the Opera at the Arena Di Verona or marvel at the fantastic architecture this romantic city brings. There are many other things to do in Verona; for more details, click here to see what to do in Verona in a day.

2 Venice

How to get to Venice

If you plan to fly into Verona and then drive to Venice, it is about 114km and will take up to 2.5 hours. The other option is to drive from Milan, which is about 273km and takes up to 3 hours. 

Highlight: You can not park in Venice, so park your car at Tronchett Carpark first and then hop on public transport to your accommodation. To make things easier, you can purchase your ticket online. 

Why is Venice a romantic place in Italy?

We’ve all seen it in movies and commercials, haven’t we? A gondola ride through the canals of Venice makes it the perfect place for your romantic getaway. Venice has always been considered one of the most romantic cities in the world, so you can’t come to Italy and not visit it, right?

This beautiful city is built around 150 canals, so the cobbled streets and little bridges are everywhere. Once home to Giacomo Casanova and Marco Polo, Venice is the city of lovers, so spend an afternoon visiting the Doge’s Palace or Basilica of San Marco and marvel at the Renaissance architecture and the fantastic streets that lead you to the many canals.

3 Rome 

How to get to Rome

Driving from Florence to Rome is about 275km and will take around 3 hours; from Naples, it is 223km and will take about 2.5 hours. Both destinations have fantastic scenery along the way. 

Highlight: If you are heading from Florence, make a 30-minute detour to Sienna and spend the day in one of the prettiest little towns in Tuscany. This medieval town has some of the most delicious food in Tuscany! If you are making the road trip from Naples, stop at Tivoli. Although the city has much to offer, it is the Villa Adriana and Villa D’Este that people travel to Tivoli. It is a popular day trip from Rome. 

Why is Rome a romantic place in Italy?

Most people would consider Rome something other than a romantic trip, as it is mainly known for historical world heritage sites and religious sites, but if you plan a romantic trip to Italy, Then Rome has to be featured on your bucket list; why? Who doesn’t wish they were Audrey Hepburn in a scene from Roman Holiday?

Spending the day on a Vespa zooming around the back streets on a beaten path, flipping a coin in the Trevi Fountain or eating gelato on the Spanish steps is a real amore moment. If you are heading to the Colosseum, click here to purchase a ticket and ensure you skip the line!

4 Pisa

How to get to Pisa

On this romantic Italian road trip, two major cities are worth mentioning: Milan to Pisa, about 279km, around 3.5 hours, or 90km from Florence to Pisa, about 1.5 hours scenic drive. 

Highlight: If you are travelling from Milan, then Parma should be a stop on your romantic getaway. Rich in food and tradition, this is a stop; if you are here for the mouth-watering delicacies this region offers, try Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, both given Protected Designation of Origin status.

Why is Pisa a romantic place in Italy?

The Leaning Tower is just as breathtaking in person as it is depicted in the many movies filmed there and the books describing it. Your romantic holiday is only complete if you walk to the top and view the many narrow streets from above. This beautiful piece of Italian architecture leans!

Stay at one of the hotels that allow you to view the spectacular leaning tower from your bedroom window. Book your ticket online and beat the lines, and then spend the afternoon enjoying the cathedral next door, or go for a guided tour of this magical town.

5 Lake Como

How to get to Lake Como

The 50km drive from Milan will have you there in about 1.5 hours. Although the drive to Como is all freeways, once you arrive and drive up the lakeside, it then becomes magical!

Highlight: I highly recommend driving to Menaggio. First, I find this side of the lake so much more beautiful than the other side. However, if you decide to go to Belaggio, the streets will be quieter, and there will be far fewer tourists. 

Why is Lake Como a romantic place in Italy?

If you ask anyone for a list of weekend getaways in Northern Italy, this is one of the places on the top of the list. This perfect little town is hands down one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. First, drive up the lake to one of the major towns, such as Menaggio or Bellagio and stop at many of the little romantic villages along the way.

Then, enjoy a hike up the fantastic mountains and see why this is one of the most romantic places to spend your Italian getaway. Want to know more? Click here.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!

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