5 places to spend Valentine's Day in Italy

Discover one of the most romantic places in Liguria: the Via dell'Amore in the Cinque Terre is one of the most popular trails in this corner of paradise overlooking the sea. The Via dell'Amore ('Path of Love') starts at the Riomaggiore train station and connects this delightful village with the nearby Manarola station in 1.5 kilometres on foot. If you are not only romantic but also an adventurous sports enthusiast, among agaves, prickly pears and terraced vineyards, you can also experience what it means to go hiking in the 5 Terre by following one of the many trails in the area.

The Via dell'Amore is not entirely passable today, but you can get a taste of it in the stretch from Manarola to Riomaggiore by taking the path known as Via Beccara.

If you can, extend your holiday by another day by taking a trip to Genoa, an authentic art city that combines history with culture and maritime charm.

Lake Scanno, situated at an altitude of 922 metres above sea level at the foot of the Montagna Grande, is the most frequently visited natural lake in Abruzzo and a destination not to be missed on Valentine's Day. We'll let you in on a little secret: the lake is not really shaped like a heart, but there are vantage points from which, thanks to the perspective effect, it appears precisely this way, and it is here that we suggest you go on 14 February.

The Sentiero del Cuore del Lago di Scanno (Path of the Heart of Lake Scanno) is a route suitable for everyone. It starts at the souvenir kiosk on the lakeshore and climbs to the famous viewpoint via the Hermitage of Sant'Egidio. It takes less than an hour to walk the entire Sentiero del Cuore to the Heart Observatory, and here you can take your romantic photos, with a maximum height difference of 200 metres.

Good food and breathtaking views: for a unique Valentine's Day, we suggest you explore the viewpoints of Naples. From the Fenestrella di Marechiaro to the terrace of Sant'Antonio on the Posillipo hill, to the Caracciolo seafront: take one of the most romantic walks the city and the whole of Italy has to offer.

If you are looking for a romantic and evocative place for an aperitif with a breathtaking view, perhaps at sunset with the light that makes everything even more magical, we recommend that you do not miss the view from Castel Sant'Elmo, the largest castle in the city from which you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the city centre and the magnificent Gulf of Naples.

If you want to spend Valentine's Day in one of the most romantic cities in northern Italy, Verona will welcome you with open arms amidst riverbank castles, stone bridges, unique views and a place that has helped to turn Verona into the city of love: the statue of Juliet and the balcony symbolising her tormented passion with Romeo.

If you are planning a romantic weekend in the city of Romeo and Juliet, you must make a stop at the house of the young Capulet in Via Cappello. In the courtyard of the house, a statue of the protagonist of Shakespeare's play has been erected: it is said that touching her breast brings good luck. 

A mecca for romantics from all over the world is the birthplace of the patron saint of lovers. Terni is the city of St Valentine, a bishop and martyr who died on 14 February 347. Every year, numerous events are dedicated to the patron saint, attracting thousands of tourists and visitors to Terni.

But why is St Valentine the patron saint of lovers? It is said that St Valentine celebrated the marriage between a young Christian girl and a pagan legionnaire, allowing love to triumph over religious barriers.

So how about a 14 February to discover the history and events for Valentine's Day in Terni? From the thousand-year-old Basilica, dedicated to the patron saint of the city and of lovers, to the Roman amphitheatre: you can treat yourself to a day filled with history, culture and tradition. And if you are in the mood for a treat, you cannot miss the edition of Cioccolentino, the event dedicated to chocolate with educational workshops, itinerant shows, blind tastings and the chocolate village.

Finally, why not take advantage of Valentine's Day to spend a weekend discovering an art city in Italy? From Rome to Cagliari, from Assisi to Trieste, from Turin to Ferrara, from Florence to Perugia, the Peninsula from north to south holds marvels waiting to be discovered: there is nothing more romantic than training the heart and mind in beauty.