From pastel-colored villages in the towering Dolomite Mountains to sun-drenched islands in the Mediterranean Sea, Italy features an abundance of incredible under-the-radar destinations that allow couples to escape the crowds commonly seen in popular honeymoon locales like Venice, Rome, and Florence.
Looking to take a once-in-a-lifetime trip without dealing with tourists, long lines, and crowded venues? Consider these five underrated destinations in Italy when visiting on your upcoming honeymoon.
Brixen is the oldest town in the mountainous South Tyrol region of Italy and a four season destination thanks to its amazing location in the Dolomites. It's also one of Northern Italy's most beautiful towns, with colorful buildings, meandering streets, historical sites (Tip: don't miss the Cathedral of Brixen) and a great collection of restaurants, bars, and shopping options.
Couples visiting during the colder months will find plenty of winter mountain activities with Mount Plose nearby. Come summer, newlyweds will have ample hiking opportunities, plus unique options like mountain coasters, paragliding, and mountain biking.
Drop your bags at My Arbor, a luxury treetop hotel featuring rustic-chic rooms, an excellent spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and restaurant and bar.
Just five miles from the shimmering Adriatic Sea in Italy's Puglia region, this jaw-dropping hilltop city is worth a honeymoon visit.
Featuring magnificent whitewashed buildings (Ostuni is also known as the "White City") and a lovely historic center, it's an ideal spot to leisurely stroll its winding streets, stop into one-of-a-kind vintage shops (particularly ceramics and crafts), enjoy unforgettable meals, and to soak in panoramic views of the sea and olive-tree filled countryside.
Book a room at the Paragon 700 Boutique Hotel & Spa. Nestled in the heart of the city, this acclaimed hotel features luxurious accommodations, a restaurant, bar, and spa.
Newlyweds won't want to miss this gorgeous seaside town located on the Italian Riviera. Close to Portofino and Cinque Terre but with fewer crowds, this longtime fishing village offers stunning views, delicious food, lots of activities, and top-notch beaches.
The local cuisine is truly divine, especially fresh pasta dishes, pesto, focaccia, and seafood specialties (Note: the catch of the day at many restaurants comes right from the surrounding Mediterranean waters).
For an unforgettable dining experience, book a table at Sa Camogli, a cozy restaurant in the heart of town featuring mouth-watering homemade dishes like tagliatelle with pesto and shrimp.
Honeymoon couples searching for laid-back island living will find it on the island of Procida. A great alternative to the nearby Amalfi Coast, this tiny island is located in Southern Italy off the coast of Naples and boasts colorful buildings, a medieval hilltop town (better known as Terra Murata), quaint harbors, and lovely beaches. It's truly an idyllic Italian honeymoon destination -- and minus the crowds.
Drop your bags at San Michele, a small but luxurious boutique hotel with comfy accommodations, bohemian style, and delightful views. Be sure to enjoy dinner at nearby restaurant La Lampara before indulging in spectacular gelato at Chiaro di Luna.
We're head over heels about this beautiful lakeside city in Northern Italy, perfect for honeymooners in search of a glorious Lake Como getaway without the crowds.
Situated on the southern end of the eastern part of Lake Como, Lecco enthralls with its picturesque views of the lake and mountains, convenient location for regional exploration, boating options (Tip: Ride the local ferry up to Bellagio for a fun day trip), plus easy access to great hiking.
For a unique experience, take the cable car up to Piani d'Erna for breathtaking vistas, hiking trails, and wonderful picnic spots. Also, don't miss visiting Lecco's clock tower, the second highest in all of Italy.
In case you missed it:
How to Decide on Your Italy Honeymoon Destinations