For a romantic getaway, you can’t beat Italy. And Venice is surely one of the most romantic destinations the country has to offer.
According to Italian tour operator Citalia, the term ‘Italy romantic holidays’ was searched for on Google more than 43,000 times in 2024 – and searches spiked 240 per cent in the last three months.
Searches for ‘couples’ holidays’ have also skyrocketed by 110 per cent since November, and Citilia says 81 per cent – more than four out of five – of its bookings for 2025 are for couples’ holidays.
Venice is one of the most iconic cities in Europe and the world, with its intricate network of canals navigated by the iconic gondolas, criss-crossing through 118 islands linked by 472 bridges.
Surely there’s nothing more romantic than a moonlit gondola ride for two while being serenaded by a gondolier?
The world-famous Grand Canal is the largest of the city’s waterways, and is lined with more than 170 buildings, some dating back 700 years. It provides the perfect backdrop to a quiet meal, a romantic stroll – or even a proposal.
It’s no surprise the city has been the setting of numerous romantic films, including 1955’s Summertime, and The Tourist, as well as providing the spectacular backdrop for the climax of 2006 James Bond film Casino Royale.
Citilia’s head of product Heather Green described Venice as “the perfect destination where romance feels woven into the very fabric of the city”.
Heather said: “Venice offers a romantic atmosphere that feels both magical and timeless, with its enchanting canals, iconic gondola rides, cobbled streets and charming alleyways.
“The city’s blend of grand historic architecture and quieter corners creates the perfect backdrop for couples to connect. It’s no wonder that Venice has been the setting for countless love stories throughout history.”
Known by numerous evocative monikers including The Floating City, the City of Canals, and Queen of the Adriatic, Venice hosts up to 30 million tourists every year.
The spectacular Carnival of Venice, in which the city is filled with colourful costumes and striking masks is one of its most popular attractions. Held in the two weeks leading up to the start of Lent, it dates back to the Middle Ages, and was revived in its modern form in 1797.
The incredible Piazza San Marco – also called St Mark’s Square – is another must-visit site. Dominated by the 1,000-year-old St Mark’s Basilica, everywhere you look there are incredible sights, including the Clocktower, the Campanile, and the Piazzetta di San Marco. None other than Napoleon Bonaparte – who conquered Venice in 1797 – was said to have called the square “the drawing room of Europe”.
But there’s so much more to Venice than that. Step off the beaten path and you will discover endless hidden treasures.
The website of the Consiglio Comunale – the city council – says: “There are entire areas of the historic city to explore, far from the obligatory places of tradition, where every corner hides wonders.
“By getting off the beaten track, you will be lucky enough to look at the city from a less conventional, more intimate, authentic and original point of view.
“The best way to get to know the hidden soul of Venice, in fact, is to get lost in the streets and squares, explore the city slowly, better if on board a traditional boat or on foot, and look at it through the eyes of those who live there, perhaps entering one of the many artisan workshops to discover the stories of the authentic Made in Venice, such as gondolas, glass, pearls, lace, typical sweets and fabrics.”