Nicky Pellegrino's Most Romantic Italian Spots

For some reason I find beautiful views very romantic so in Rome I always climb the steps behind the Piazza del Popolo to the Pincio, a terrace that offers a sweeping vista of the city. From there you can explore the shady calm of the Villa Borghese gardens and perhaps go boating on the lake. Or head to a less well-known spot, the Orange Garden on the Aventine Hill, another terrace with beautiful views and a small but romantic garden - wonderful as the sun sets.

Photo source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/101165136@N07/27733022342

The whole of Venice is romantic but sometimes the crowds can steal away the atmosphere. My most romantic moment happened when I was there entirely on my own. I’d woken early and walked to an almost-empty Piazza San Marco. There was already an orchestra outside Caffe Florian, which is said to be the oldest cafe in the world. So I ordered what was probably the most expensive coffee in the world and sat listening to them playing just for me.

Photo source: https://www.touritalynow.com/italy-travel-guide/venice/piazza-san-marco

Last time I was in Italy I rented a trullo house in Puglia. These are curious little stone buildings with conical roofs that look straight out of a fairytale. At night, illuminated by the moon, surrounded by olive groves and almond trees, with the countryside silent, and glasses of local wine to sip on, felt incredibly romantic.

Photo source: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/920177