5 Unique Romantic Places to Propose in italy

Not Your Typical Gondola Ride - Where to Pop the Question!

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and our thoughts are turning towards Amore! If you’re planning on popping the question to your Valentine during a romantic vacation in Italy and wondering where to plan the big moment, then we have some good news and some bad news.

The good news is that it’s hard to find a bad place to propose in Italy! From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the dramatic ocean views of the Amalfi Coast, Italy has romance spread across every cobblestone and poured into every cappuccino.

The bad news is that the fact that it’s so perfect, means that a lot of it has been done before. If you want your special someone to have a unique proposal story then you’ll have to be creative. It would be a shame to come all the way to Italy just to be one of seven other hopefuls down on one knee underneath Juliet’s balcony.

Here are our 5 suggestions for a proposal that is decidedly not your typical Gondola ride:

Expected Spot: The Trevi Fountain, Rome

The Trevi Fountain in Rome is a famous spot for Romantics, thanks in large part to Anita Ekberg’s iconic swim in an evening gown in La Dolce Vita. While you should enjoy the romance and be sure to throw a coin in for good luck, trying to kneel in the middle of the crowd could result in trampling.

The Alternative: Villa d’Este, Tivoli

Escape the hectic city to Tivoli, just half an hour outside of Rome, where you’ll find the stunning gardens of Villa d’Este. A UNESCO world heritage site, the gardens of Villa d’Este are the perfect example of lavish countryside lifestyle during the Renaissance. They are most famous for their many spectacular fountains. Instead of just one fountain surrounded by a crowd of tourists, you can choose from any one of this gardens’ numerous fountains and pools!

Expected Spot: Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence

While you’re enjoying the postcard-worthy panorama of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo, you’ll see plenty of wedding dresses as newly-weds pose for their photographers. Wedding bells may be on her mind, but wait for a more unique moment to surprise her!

The Alternative: The Bardini Gardens, Florence

The Bardini Gardens were only reopened in 2005 after a long and expensive restoration. They still seem to be relatively unknown to tourists, and when you see them you’ll wonder why word hasn’t spread more quickly. Choose from any of the quiet romantic corners, such as the pergola of wisteria, the small winding dragon canal, or climb the central Baroque staircase that leads to a panoramic view of Florence to rival even Piazzale Michelangelo.

Expected Spot: Island of Capri, Amalfi Coast

The curves and cliffsides of the Amalfi Coast are full of romantic spots, and you should be sure to take a day trip to Capri, where you can spend a romantic day venturing into the Blue Grotto and sharing a kiss as you pass through the Arch of Love. While the island of Capri is incredible, you can do better than this expected spot.

The Alternative: Terrace of Infinity, Ravello

Instead, head back to the mainland and venture off the beaten path to Ravello, a spot often overlooked by tourists who may tend to stick to the busier towns of Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi. Here you’ll find Villa Cimbrone, with it’s stunning panoramic view from the Terrace of Infinity. The romance of this spot cannot be overstated, so just be sure to give her a moment to catch her breath so she can say yes!

Expected Spot: Chianti, Tuscany

When you’re sipping your glass of Chianti Riserva while wine tasting at a vineyard in the Chianti countryside just outside of Florence, you may think that you’ve reached the height of romance. Believe us when we say that Tuscany has even better hidden spots!

The Alternative: San Galgano Abbey, Tuscany

Outside of Siena, in Chiusdino, Tuscany is the Benedictine Abbey of San Galgano, or at least the walls of it. It is named after St Galgano, who is said to be the original inspiration for King Arthur. Nearby in the Montesiepi Chapel you can even see the original sword in the stone. In Italy you’ll stand in the middle of many impressive churches, but the simplicity of the San Galgano Abbey is a surprising and refreshing change. No mosaic marble floors or frescoed ceiling can compare to the feeling of standing in the midst of these tall stone walls, with a carpet of grass under your feet and an expanse of sky overhead. Proposing in this evocative and timeless atmosphere will make for a story that can’t be matched.

Expected Spot: Italy

It would be natural to expect a proposal during a romantic Italian vacation, but what if we told you that you could propose during your trip, but actually do so in another country?

The Alternative: San Marino

The Republic of San Marino, after Monaco and the Vatican is Europe’s third smallest state, and the oldest constitutional republic in the world. This 24 square mile country offers spectacular views of the sparkling adriatic and the countryside of Emilia Romagna, all from the tops of jagged Apennine peaks high above the clouds. San Marino has stood the test of time and lasted against all odds; what better place could there be for a marriage proposal?

Need more romantic ideas?

Know more about Ravello, the lovely town on the Amalfi coast with the most breathtaking views. Or discover beautiful Villa Monastero in Varenna, one of the jewels of Lake Como