Karen Creed at the The Hotel Bristol, Sorrento, Italy (Photo Leslie Graham)
With sun, sand and all that amore, it’s no wonder Italy is the top honeymoon destination in Europe. Karen Creed highlights five of its most romantic locations.
LAKE COMO
The Italian Lakes are famous for their stunning landscapes of pastel-painted waterside towns and villages, luxurious mansions and historic islands. Little wonder this northern corner of Italy is a favourite haunt of celebrities, alongside romantic couples.
Lake Como in particular has made its mark thanks to the attentions of George Clooney, who has a home here. The first sight of the dramatic expanse of Lake Como, ringed by gardens and forests and backed by the snowcapped Alps, is likely to evoke strong emotions. Interestingly, Lake Como served as a backdrop for the romantic scenes in Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones Honeymoon Highlights: Take a boat tour on the lake followed by a candlelit dinner near the lakefront promenade.
Cultural Appeal: Como’s historic centre is lovely to roam about with its fine Renaissance churches and palaces.
Regional Delights: Risotto alla Milanese and seafood are both worth a taste, and be sure to snack on the delicious selection of regional cheese.
How to get there: Fly from Cork or Dublin to Milan Malpensa with Aer Lingus www.aerlingus.com and a short transfer to Lake Como by car or train.
Romantic Hotel: Albergo Terminus sits pretty on Lake Como, boasting incredible views over the lake and beyond. The hotel reflects an old world charm combined with contemporary facilities. The bedrooms are decadent in design while the friendly staff are sure to make your stay all the more enjoyable. www.albergoterminus.com
ROME
Of all the famous Italian cities, Rome is the obvious romantic. Even if you are sharing your romantic rendezvous with thousands of other tourists, this city is still intimate for a honeymoon. To revel in Roman royalty at a fraction of the price, couples should consider the captivating Castello della Castellucia. Situated 20 kilometres outside of Rome in the Lazio countryside, the castle rose from the remains of an ancient Roman villa. A wisteria avenue framed by forest pine trees and rolling woodlands form part of this scenic setting.
Honeymoon Highlights: For the thrill alone of dining near the Spanish Steps, sharing a romantic moment over a gelato in Campo di Fiori or sipping a cappuccino beside the Trevi Fountain, Rome oozes endless opportunities for romance.
Cultural Appeal: If you are fascinated by Roman history, you will revel in the city’s infamous ruins. Avid shoppers can satisfy their desires in La Furla and similar boutiques.
Regional Delights: As the home of lasagne and Frascati wine, you can be sure to dine well in Rome. Check out Campo di Fiori and Travestere areas for typical Roman fare.
How to get there: Fly direct from Dublin to Campino with Ryanair www.ryanair.com or direct to Fiumicino with Aer Lingus www.aerlingus.com
Romantic Hotel: Castello della Castellucia (a short metro journey from the city) offers a regal honeymoon where no two rooms at the castle are the same. Details down to the depth of sunken baths, king size beds and roaming space all add up to glorious luxury. www.hotelcastelluciarome.com
FLORENCE
Florence could be described as the world’s greatest art gallery. There is no city in the world like it. Since you can stroll across the heart of it in less than an hour, it’s incredible how it crams as much history, art, and sheer grandeur into so compact and charming a place. The Ponte Vecchio is a must visit for a famous snapshot of the city while a browse through San Lorenzo market offers a deeper insight into Florentine life. Allow time to visit the surrounding countryside as well. Tuscany is one of the most famous regions in Italy. Once you’ve seen it, you’ll know why.
Honeymoon Highlights: In the fine weather you can enjoy leisurely strolls along the cobblestone streets and enjoy coffee or ice-cream at the pretty sidewalk cafés.
Cultural Appeal: The most famous work of art is almost certainly Michelangelo’s David, closely followed by the Sante Croce Cathedral.
Regional Delights: Enjoy traditional and hearty bistecca alla fiorentina and ribollita in an authentic Florentine venue like The Savoy’s restaurant L’ Incontro
How to get there: Fly from Dublin to Pisa with Ryanair www.ryanair.com or to Bologna with Aer Lingus www.aerlingus.com
Romantic Hotel: The Savoy is the most luxurious hotel in the city centre with a prime position overlooking the Piazza della Repubblica. It is certainly unique in design and character as it features quirky images of shoes throughout, illustrating the city’s association with the fashion industry. Highlights include the fabulous L’Incontro bar and restaurant and spectacular views of the piazza from the lavish bedrooms. www.hotelsavoy.it
SORRENTO
Although Sorrento attracts crowds in summer, this coastal hotspot has never lost its magic. From its charming cobblestone streets, alluring seafront promenade, colourful and fragrant flowers, priceless vistas, and lively cultural scene, it offers an eclectic mix of fun and romance for newlyweds. The food is simply divine while the hotels can be as lavish and intimate as you request. Sorrento is also a wonderful base from which to visit Capri, the Amalfi coast, Vesuvius, Pompei and Herculaneum as well as Naples.
Honeymoon Highlights: Take a visit to Capri and see why it’s a millionaire’s paradise. On one corner you can have a two thousand year old building and beautiful shops on the other.
Cultural Appeal: A visit to Pompeii is extraordinary, as there is a great sense of Roman culture and you can also combine it with a climb up Mount Vesuvius.
Regional Delights: In this part of Italy they pride themselves on tomato and lots of lemon flavours. Two of the most simple but delicious dishes are a Caprese salad and a Pizza Margherita.
How to get there: Fly from Dublin to Naples direct with Aer Lingus www.aerlingus.com and take a short transfer (by train) to Sorrento.
Romantic Hotel: The Hotel Bristol is world famous and you can’t miss it as you drive through Sorrento. It is perched high up on the hill. With lots of character and a huge amount of warmth, it boasts incredible views of the Amalfi coast www.bristolsorrento.com
VENICE
Venice is sure to leave a lasting impression. Its real beauty lies in the labyrinth of streets where buildings glisten with intricate beauty and bridges interlinking different parts of the city. Hotels in Venice are notoriously expensive but the current climate has forced even the lavish five star hotels to reduce their prices. Well accustomed to hosting Italy’s elite and Hollywood superstars, The Bauer is where you can revel in the royal treatment of this five star abode. Bedrooms have a view of the water below with the gondoliers singing their hearts out, while you are just a two minute walk from the infamous St Marks Square. The whirlwind romance could not be avoided, even if you are not a romantic at heart.
Honeymoon Highlights: Obvious perhaps, but a gondola ride is still top of the list for romance in the city that floats on water.
Appeal: While Venice is beautiful, a visit to Burano is an enjoyable day trip and you can dine in the famous restaurant, Il Gatto Nero.
Regional Delights: Enjoy sparkling Prosecco in Hotel Bauer’s B Bar at night and snack on Venetian biscotti during the day.
How to get there: Fly from Dublin direct to Marco Polo Airport in Venice with Aer Lingus www.aerlingus.com or to nearby Treviso with Ryanair. www.ryanair.com
Romantic Hotel: Elegant, inviting and very Venetian, The Bauer Hotel is an ideal honeymoon venue. The Bauer’s luxury boutique hotel Il Palazzo is an extravagant taste of 18th century palace life. www.bauervenezia.com
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