Italy is a country made for love, with its beautiful landscapes, rich history, and timeless art. For couples seeking a romantic escape, Italy’s gardens offer perfect places to walk hand-in-hand, share quiet moments, and make unforgettable memories. Here are some of the most romantic gardens in Italy, where love truly blossoms.
Botanical Garden of Rome
In the heart of Rome, between Via della Lungara and the Gianicolo Hill, lies the Botanical Garden of Rome. Covering 12 hectares in the historic park of Villa Corsini, this garden feels like a secret world far from the city’s busy streets. Once home to Queen Christina of Sweden, the garden has been at this location since 1883, although its history goes back to the Renaissance when it was a Papal Botanical Garden.
Couples can wander among more than 3,000 plant species from around the world, including ancient eastern plane trees, cork oaks, and Himalayan cedars. You can even walk through one of Europe’s richest bamboo groves or explore the Mediterranean forest, a glimpse into the plants that once grew on Gianicolo Hill.
For a more intimate moment, visit the glasshouses filled with exotic orchids or the succulents’ collection. The Japanese Garden is especially popular, with cherry trees, camellias, and small waterfalls, and it even hosts a cherry blossom festival in spring, called Hanami. The garden also has a Rose Garden with 60 species showing the evolution of roses over the last 2,000 years.
The Botanical Garden of Rome is accessible to all visitors, with paths for disabled people and electric vehicles available. It is open every day, including Sundays, with an admission fee.
Villa Borghese Gardens
A visit to Rome is not complete without a walk through the Villa Borghese Gardens. Located on the Pincian Hill, close to the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo, these gardens cover 80 hectares and are known as Rome’s green lung. Developed in 1606 by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, the gardens were once his private vineyard before he transformed them into the largest gardens built in Rome.
The gardens were redesigned in the 19th century in the naturalistic English style, creating a relaxed and open atmosphere. Today, Villa Borghese is a public park, open every day from dawn to dusk, and always free of charge. Art lovers can visit the Villa Borghese Pinciana, now housing the Galleria Borghese, which was designed by architect Flaminio Ponzio.
Villa d’Este
Just outside Rome, in the town of Tivoli, Villa d’Este offers a magical setting for romance. This 16th-century villa is known for its magnificent Italian Renaissance garden and countless fountains. Now an Italian state museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Villa d’Este is an ideal place for couples who want to step into a world of elegance and beauty.
The villa also has a 25-acre botanical garden with many types of plants that bring different colours and scents each season. The garden’s layout and architecture, including fountains and ornamental ponds, make it one of the first “wonder-gardens” in Europe. Its innovative design influenced garden styles across the continent.
Villa d’Este’s gardens are known for their Baroque style, creating a dramatic and elegant atmosphere. They are part of the Great Italian Gardens, which includes the most important botanical treasures of Italy.
Boboli and Bardini Gardens
In Florence, romance is found around every corner, especially in the Boboli and Bardini Gardens. Connected by a path called the “Greenway,” these two gardens offer a journey through history and beauty.
The Boboli Gardens, located behind the Pitti Palace, are one of the most famous examples of an Italian Renaissance garden. Designed by the Medici family, they are known for their geometric layout, ancient and Renaissance statues, and large fountains, like the Ocean Fountain and the Fountain of Neptune. The gardens also feature grottos, including the famous Grotta del Buontalenti, and historic buildings like the Rococo-style Kaffeehaus and the Lemon House. Boboli is like an open-air museum and gives a glimpse into the life of the Medici court.
Just a short walk away, the Bardini Gardens provide a more peaceful setting. Located on the hills of Oltrarno, these gardens offer breathtaking views of Florence and the Arno River. The garden is divided into three parts: a 17th-century grand staircase, a 19th-century Anglo-Chinese garden, and an agricultural park.
Walk up the grand staircase and feel like royalty. Share a quiet moment on the terrace while looking out over Florence’s rooftops. Statues, waterworks, and vibrant flowers add to the romance of this place. It has been restored according to the wishes of its last owner, Stefano Bardini, and is now open to the public.
Borromeo Gardens, Isola Bella and Isola Madre
On Lake Maggiore, the Borromeo Gardens on Isola Bella and Isola Madre offer a romantic escape like no other. These gardens have attracted visitors to Stresa since the days of the Renaissance, and they remain among the most stunning in Italy.
Isola Bella is known for its grand Baroque-style garden, designed as an extension of Palazzo Borromeo. Built around the Teatro Massimo, a spectacular structure made of ten flower-filled terraces forming a pyramid shape, the garden feels like a dream. Statues, fountains, and terraces create an elegant atmosphere, with the unicorn symbol of the Borromeo family standing proudly at the top. From 37 metres above the water, the garden offers unforgettable views of Lake Maggiore.
Isola Madre is home to the Giardini Botanici dell’Isola Madre, one of the oldest botanical gardens in Italy. Created in the late 18th century in the English style, the garden stretches over seven terraces. It features rare plants from around the world, including a 200-year-old Cashmere Cypress, exotic flowers, and colourful birds like parrots and white peacocks. The mild climate allows subtropical plants to thrive, giving the garden a unique and exotic feel.
These gardens on Lake Maggiore showcase a perfect blend of design, history, and nature. They are magical places where couples can wander together, share quiet moments, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Secure Your Dream Italian Experience Before It’s Gone!
Planning a trip to Italy? Don’t let sold-out tours or overcrowded attractions spoil your adventure. Unmissable experiences like exploring the Colosseum, gliding through Venice on a gondola, or marvelling at the Sistine Chapel often book up fast—especially during peak travel seasons.
Booking in advance guarantees your place and ensures you can fully immerse yourself in the rich culture and breathtaking scenery without stress or disappointment. You’ll also free up time to explore Italy's hidden gems and savour those authentic moments that make your trip truly special.
Make the most of your journey—start planning today and secure those must-do experiences before they’re gone!