Terni

Located in the central region of Umbria, Terni is the birthplace of Saint Valentine, who we celebrate on February 14.

In 1644, the residents of the city proclaimed Saint Valentine their patron saint, also declaring him to be the patron saint of lovers.

The martyr’s remains are currently preserved within the basilica just outside the city’s historical centre.

Each year, dozens of lovers flock to the basilica for the Feast of the Promise: it’s an occasion for all intending spouses to renew an ancient promise in the footsteps of Sabino and Serapia, swearing to each other an everlasting, brave and faithful love. 

The couples who are planning to marry that year can exchange their wedding vows in front of the urn of Saint Valentine and receive a blessing from the bishop.

Love letters are also left in Saint Valentine’s well.

Throughout the month of February, a host of other events also take place, including a jewellery-making competition, art exhibitions, music performances and a chocolate festival.

Other attractions in and around Terni include the majestic Marmore Falls, a 165-metre waterfall, the 17th-century cathedral and the ancient Roman amphitheatre, built in 32 BC and once capable of seating 10,000 spectators.

Photo: Pixabay

Verona

Shakespeare set Romeo and Juliet in Verona, and it has since become the portrait of a lovers’ paradise and arguably the most romantic city in the world.

Located in the Veneto region, the northern city is home to Juliet’s house complete with her famed balcony and statue.

Thousands of hopeless romantics visit the site and tuck love letters into the walls on Valentine’s Day.

Photo: ANSA

But beyond the pretty piazzas and Renaissance romance, Verona is a bustling centre, starring a remarkably-preserved 1st-century amphitheatre, the venue for the city’s annual summer opera festival.

Add to that countless churches, a couple of architecturally fascinating bridges over the Adige, regional wine and food from the Veneto hinterland and some impressive art, and Verona shapes up as the perfect place for loved-up travellers.

And did we mention that all of this is just a short hop from the shores of stunning Lake Garda?

Positano

Dramatic and luxurious, Positano is a couple’s oasis, with pastel-hued houses tumbling down to the sea and winding streets lined with wisteria-draped buildings.

Perched on a cliff, this seaside village offers the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway.

Photo: ANSA

There are many cosy restaurants up on the cliff or on the beach, all of which offer scenically-placed tables for two.

After a romantic dinner, a walk on the beach while watching the fishing boats float upon the moonlit water is the perfect ending to the day.

Spiaggia Grande is one of the longest beaches on the Amalfi Coast, and one of the most glamorous too, attracting a fashionable crowd of artists, actors and celebrities.

Those looking for a more peaceful spot in which to bask in the Mediterranean sun will enjoy Fornillo Beach, which can be reached via a coastal path commencing on Spiaggia Grande.

You can also take a boat out to the the three islets of Li Galli, just off the shores of Positano.

Legend has it that the islands, often referred to as the “Sirenus”, were inhabited by sirens who attempted to seduce, with their song, all those who sailed nearby.

Como

Located in the foothills of the Alps, on the Italian-Swiss border, the city of Como overlooks the southwest end of its namesake lake and is surrounded by green ridge hills, resulting in unparalleled, natural scenery.

It’s a proper patch of Italian idyll where waterside gardens and palatial villas flourish in abundance.

Photo: Pixabay

Long a playground for the wealthy, this city attracts a mix of tourists and fashionistas who plan trips across the lake region or to nearby Bellagio.

For a romantic dinner, take a quick water taxi ride to the famed Villa d’Este Hotel for a white-glove, fine-dining experience.

Ostuni

One of Puglia’s most picturesque locations, Ostuni is dubbed the “White City” thanks to its abundance of white-washed houses.

A short drive from the coast, the city is also celebrated for its labyrinthine streets, cathedral and ancient defensive walls.

Photo: ANSA

Surrounded by olive groves and perched on a perfect hill, Ostuni is renowned for its white, flat-topped houses, which would look at home on a Greek island.

With some excellent restaurants, stylish bars and lavish yet intimate places to stay, it makes for the perfect romantic retreat.