Deborah Chan
Italy is a popular honeymoon destination, with its incredible history, picturesque coastal towns, rich culture, and world-renowned cuisine. The country offers a wide range of diverse landscapes and activities, ensuring a remarkably unique and romantic trip. While many newlyweds opt for the well-known cities of Rome, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast, there are other Italian islands that make for a perfect honeymoon spot.
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What You'll Learn
- Sicily: ancient ruins, medieval cathedrals, and idyllic islands
- Sardinia: exclusive feel, stunning coastline, and turquoise sea
- Cefalù: ancient fishing harbour, beige beaches, and warm waters
- Bosa: colourful hillside town, medieval castle, and rustic charm
- Salina: verdant, tiny, and with new lighthouse suites
Sicily: ancient ruins, medieval cathedrals, and idyllic islands
Italy is a popular honeymoon destination, with its incredible history, picturesque coastal towns, rich culture, and world-class cuisine. The Italian island of Sicily, the largest in the Mediterranean, is a great choice for honeymooning couples. Here are some of the highlights of what Sicily has to offer in terms of ancient ruins, idyllic islands, and medieval cathedrals.
Ancient Ruins
With Greek temples, Roman theatres, and archaeological sites, Sicily has some of the most impressive ancient ruins in all of Europe. The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features some of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples in the world. The site also includes a large section of the Roman quarter, built from the 4th century B.C. to the 5th century A.D. Another notable site is the Naxos Archaeological Park in Taormina, which features a Greek theatre with spectacular views of the sea and Mount Etna. The Villa Romana del Casale at Piazza Armerina is home to the world's largest collection of ancient Roman mosaics, including the famous "Bikini Girls" mosaic.
Idyllic Islands
Sicily is surrounded by smaller islands, each with its own unique charm. The Aeolian Islands, located about 40 kilometres from the coast of Sicily, are a group of seven islands with volcanic origins. Stromboli, with its black sand and whitewashed houses, is famous for its volcanic activity. Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands, combines tourism with traditional charm, offering a bright, shining beach and a delightful small village. Other islands to visit include Panarea, the smallest and oldest of the islands, with the remains of a prehistoric village; Alicudi, a small and wild island with abundant heather; and Filicudi, known for its calm and deep blue sea.
Medieval Cathedrals
Sicily also boasts several impressive medieval cathedrals. The Cathedral of St. Nicolò, a Sicilian Gothic church completed in 1776, is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The exterior is constructed in the traditional limestone of the area, with two side towers and a central dome. The interior features striking artwork, including paintings by Costantino Carasi, Giovanni Bonomo, and Raffaele Politi, as well as significant sculptures, frescoes, and religious works. Another notable cathedral is the Nobile e Monumentale Chiesa dell'Immacolata Concezione al Capo, which offers a rich history and is one of the few churches in the world where both Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic services are held.
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Sardinia: exclusive feel, stunning coastline, and turquoise sea
Italy is a popular honeymoon destination, with its incredible history, picturesque coastal towns, rich culture, and delectable cuisine. One Italian island that stands out as a romantic getaway is Sardinia, located in the Tyrrhenian Sea in the Mediterranean. Sardinia offers an exclusive experience with its stunning coastline, turquoise waters, and a unique blend of beach, culture, and food.
Sardinia's lack of major highways gives the island a rustic and exclusive feel. The charming town of Bosa, with its colourful hillside houses, medieval castle, churches, and museums, is a highlight. Couples can explore the island's stunning coastline through smaller, provincial roads, making for a delightful adventure. The island also boasts secluded beaches, such as Arutas beach on the Sinis peninsula and Spiaggia di Piscinas on Costa Verde, offering tranquil escapes for newlyweds.
The island's diverse landscapes range from pristine beaches to mountainous interiors. Adventurous couples can explore the rugged interior, with its inland lakes, peaks, and hidden caves. The Grotta di Neptune, with its impressive pillar-like formations, and the wild stream of Rio Pitrisconi are worth visiting. For those seeking relaxation, there are luxury resorts along the Costa Smeralda, offering honeymoon suites and exclusive experiences. The Faro Capo-Spartivento lighthouse, the only Italian lighthouse with accommodation, provides a unique blend of luxury and authenticity.
Sardinia is also renowned for its cuisine, especially its seafood. Alghero, a small fishing town, is famous for its lobster, often served with vegetables or pasta. The island also offers unique culinary experiences such as su filindeu, known as the world's rarest pasta, with a recipe passed down for nearly 300 years. The capital city of Cagliari offers a lively atmosphere with plentiful gelateries, bakeries, cafes, and restaurants.
Sardinia is an ideal destination for couples seeking a combination of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and culinary delights. Its exclusive feel, stunning coastline, and turquoise sea create a magical atmosphere for newlyweds to start their married life, making it one of the best Italian honeymoon locations.
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Cefalù: ancient fishing harbour, beige beaches, and warm waters
Italy is a popular honeymoon destination, known for its incredible history, picturesque coastal towns, rich culture, and delectable cuisine. When it comes to Cefalù, this small fishing port on the northern coast of Sicily offers ancient charm, beige beaches, and warm waters for newlyweds seeking a romantic escape.
Ancient Fishing Harbour
Cefalù, nestled at the foot of a towering cliff known as La Rocca, has a long history as a fishing village. The charming port, filled with narrow fishing boats, still captures the essence of its maritime past. Here, you may catch glimpses of fishermen mending their nets, a testament to the town's enduring connection to the sea. The ancient walls and Roman laundry bear witness to the town's rich historical fabric.
Beige Beaches
Cefalù boasts some of Sicily's most exquisite beaches, characterised by beige-coloured sand and clear, calm waters. The crescent-shaped beach, framed by craggy rocks, provides an ideal setting for sunbathing and swimming. The beach is equipped with beach clubs, where you can rent chairs and umbrellas, creating a relaxing environment for soaking up the sun. The warm waters of Cefalù invite you to take a dip, offering a refreshing escape from the Sicilian heat.
Medieval Charm and Delicious Delicacies
Beyond the beach, Cefalù's medieval streets unfold, revealing a delightful mix of luxury jewellers, excellent delis, and enticing restaurants. The historic centre, concentrated in Corso Ruggero and its winding alleys, beckons you to explore. The town's culinary delights include mouthwatering Sicilian restaurants, gelateries, and delightful evening aperitivos. As you wander through the medieval quarter, you'll discover the Duomo-Cathedral, a majestic structure built by Roger II in the 12th century. Its twin towers rise above the flat roofs, creating an iconic silhouette against the backdrop of the imposing cliff.
Exploring the Surroundings
For those seeking excursions beyond the beach and town, Cefalù offers nearby attractions. The sanctuary of Gibilmanna, located just 14 kilometres away, is a sacred site with a museum housing art objects from the region's churches and convents. The area surrounding the sanctuary provides picturesque picnic spots and panoramic views of the mountainous hinterland, sweeping down to the Tyrrhenian Sea. Additionally, hiking to the top of La Rocca reveals ancient sites and rewards you with breathtaking vistas of the coastline and the town below.
With its ancient fishing harbour, beige beaches, and warm waters, Cefalù embodies the allure of a Sicilian honeymoon. Its blend of history, natural beauty, and cultural delights create an unforgettable experience for couples seeking a romantic getaway.
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Bosa: colourful hillside town, medieval castle, and rustic charm
Italy is a popular honeymoon destination, with its incredible history, picturesque coastal towns, rich culture, and delectable cuisine. The Italian islands are particularly sought-after for honeymoons, with their beautiful beaches, sunshine, and exquisite food.
One such island is Sardinia, which offers a peaceful environment with sandy beaches and gorgeous bays. The island town of Bosa is a colourful hillside town with a medieval castle, churches, museums, and rustic charm. Located in the province of Oristano, Bosa is a small and compact town, with a vibrant rainbow palette. The town is divided by the River Temo, with fishing boats moored along its banks and palm trees lining the river. Bosa has two bridges, one modern, and one older with single-lane traffic. The historic 'Sa Costa' district is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets, stone staircases, and tall houses, overlooked by the Malaspina Castle. The main street, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, is also cobbled and lined with impressive 17th-century multi-story buildings.
The Castle of Bosa, or Bosa Castle, is a medieval fortress with origins dating back to the 11th century, though most structures are from the 13th century. Built by the judges of Arborea, a powerful medieval Sardinian dynasty, it served to defend the town from enemy attacks. The castle is a source of pride for the people of Bosa and is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including majestic walls, defence towers, inner courtyards, and evocative rooms. The castle offers breathtaking views of the town, the River Temo, and the surrounding sea, with its white beaches and sharp cliffs contrasting the lush green vegetation.
Bosa also boasts a variety of restaurants and shops, and its narrow streets and alleys invite exploration. The nearby Maddalena Archipelago is a great sailing destination, and avid hikers will enjoy the numerous trails in the area. Bosa provides the perfect blend of rustic charm, natural beauty, and historical immersion for a peaceful and romantic honeymoon experience.
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Salina: verdant, tiny, and with new lighthouse suites
Italy is a popular honeymoon destination, with its incredible history, picturesque coastal towns, rich culture, and delectable cuisine. While the mainland boasts destinations like Rome, Tuscany, and the Piedmont Region, many couples opt for the country's beautiful islands.
One such island is Salina, a tiny verdant paradise nestled in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Italy. Part of the Aeolian Islands, Salina stands out for its lush greenery, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status. The island offers breathtaking views, including its twin volcanoes and the distant volcano of Stromboli.
For accommodation, newlyweds can choose the barefoot luxury hotel, Principe di Salina, which exudes Sicilian charm with its warm colours, locally-made furnishings, and rustic white touches. Guests can indulge in traditional Sicilian cuisine, crafted from fresh, local ingredients, and sip on fine Sicilian wines while taking in the stunning views.
However, the latest addition to Salina's accommodations is the Capofaro Locanda & Malvasia hotel complex, a unique transformation of a 19th-century structure. Architects Floriana Marotta and Massimo Basile, in collaboration with MAB Architecture, have converted the abandoned Capofaro lighthouse and its keeper's sheds into six exclusive suites. The resort, owned by the Tasca d'Almerita family, boasts twenty-seven rooms in total, including the lighthouse suites, which offer breathtaking views of the sea and the twin mountains of Salina.
To reach Salina, honeymooners can fly into nearby airports like Catania Fontanarossa (CTA), Palermo, or Naples, and then take a taxi, bus, or hire a car to Milazzo port. From there, a hydrofoil or ferry will whisk them to Salina in approximately 1.5 hours or 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the chosen mode of transport.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several Italian islands that are popular honeymoon spots, including Sicily, Sardinia, and Isola Bella.
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and has a lot to offer for honeymooners. It has a wealth of history and culture, glorious countryside, fabulous beaches, idyllic islands, and incredible food and wine. The coastal town of Cefalù, for example, offers ancient ruins, medieval cathedrals, and sparkling beaches.
Sardinia is located in the Tyrrhenian Sea and is known for its stunning beaches and gorgeous bays. It has a dry, mountainous interior and is less touristy than other destinations, offering a peaceful and exclusive feel. Bosa, a colorful hillside town on the island, is known for its medieval castle, churches, museums, and beautiful restaurants.
Other Italian destinations that are popular for honeymoons include Rome, Venice, the Amalfi Coast, and the Italian Lakes.
