Amanda Blackard/Travel + Leisure
Romantic is certainly a subjective term.
If theres one thing even the most mismatched lovers can agree on, we say its Italy.
Im happy to share that the sparks are still there, and Italy is just as romantic as ever.
Buildings on the coast of Lake Como, Italy.Credit:Amanda Blackard/Travel + Leisure
Yes, its crowded and often chaotic.
But dont sleep on this beautiful, historic, and slightly mysterious Umbrian hill town.
Assisis grid of narrow streets, vaulted alleys, and stone stairways largely follows the towns Roman origins.
Via Margutta in Rome, Italy.Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure
StylishNun Assisi Relaisoccupies a 13th-century monastery and has a spa built into its first-century Roman foundations.
The bright, simple rooms atHotel Saracenopractically hang over the sea below.
Ortisei
Max shen/Getty Images
Heres another secret Ill share though I suppose itsnotthat much of a secret.
St Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Italy.Daniel Gorostieta/Travel + Leisure
Its car-free center is entirely walkable and filled with cozy shops, eateries, and pastel-painted churches.
Despite being right in the heart of town,Adler Spa Resort Dolomitioffers privacy and lots of outdoor space.
And as I recently found when visiting the town ofBellagioandGrand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, it really isthatbeautiful here.
Empty street in Assisi, Italy.jenifoto/Getty Images
They were shot inMatera, in the southern region of Basilicata.
Housed in a former convent, luxeVilla Paolahas tranquil gardens and its own beach club.
Severalsmall hamletshave been renovated into luxury hotels, withRosewood Castiglion del Boscoamong T+L readers all-time favorites.
Piazza Sant’Oronzo in Lecce, Italy,.Siegfried Schnepf/Getty Images
A short distance from Amalfi,Hotel Santa Caterinais lemon-tinged, majolica-tiled perfection.
Cala delle Cannele beach in Isola del Giglio, Italy.Guido Cozzi/Atlantide Phototravel/Getty Images
Hiking path through Ortisei, Italy.Max shen/Getty Images
Matera, Italy.Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure
Plaza in Tropea, Italy.Francesco Vaninetti Photo/Getty Images
A villa with green pastures in Val d’Orcia, Italy.Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure
Boat off the Amalfi Coast.Don Eim/Travel + Leisure