Cities rich in art and culture to discover with your better half

15 Jan 2025

Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity to take a few days off and enjoy a getaway with your sweetheart. When is Valentine's Day 2025? This year, 14 February falls on a Friday, the perfect day to plan a romantic getaway to explore some of Italy's most beautiful cities.

If you're wondering where to go for Valentine's Day 2025 and looking for ideas for a couples' weekend in Italy, here are three perfect destinations for you: Venice, with its stunning views of the lagoon; Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance and a city rich in art; and Ortigia, known for its multicultural heritage and its proximity to the sea. 

 

Valentine's Day 2025: enjoy a getaway to Venice

 

When it comes to romantic cities in Italy, Venice is undoubtedly a must-visit destination: couples from all over the world come here to soak up the romantic atmosphere that only the capital of Veneto can offer.

 

Valentine's Day Venice 2025

 

The Serenissima is full of beautiful places to discover: from the Grand Canal to the Rialto Bridge, from St. Mark's Square, even more enchanting at sunset, to the Bridge of Sighs. And let's not forget the colourful islands of Murano and Burano, each with its own artisanal excellence: Murano is famous for the craftsmanship of its glassmakers, while Burano is home to the first Lace School, which has now been turned into a museum.
And then there is the Fondamenta delle Zattere, a famous panoramic spot where you can enjoy a stunning sunset over the lagoon. This is an almost mandatory stop if you want to surprise your partner with a view that's impossible to forget. 

 

Hotel in Venice for Valentine's Day

 

To experience authentic Venetian charm during your Valentine's Day weekend, we recommend booking a room at Maison Venezia | UNA Esperienze. This prestigious historic palace has been restored to its former glory thanks to an extensive renovation. Located in the Cannaregio district, it offers 28 beautifully furnished rooms to provide you with an unparalleled experience.

For those who prefer to combine the familiar comfort of a B&B with the prestige and elegance of Venetian structures, Residenza Venezia | UNA Esperienze is the ideal solution. Managed by Maison Venezia, this property offers six elegant rooms located between Ponte di Rialto and Venezia Santa Lucia, the perfect setting for your romantic stay.  

 

Romantic weekend in Florence: what to do on Valentine's Day

 

Where to celebrate Valentine's Day in Florence? This city is one of the most beloved destinations for Valentine's Day: alongside its rich artistic and cultural heritage, with landmarks such as the Florence Cathedral, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Uffizi Gallery, you'll also find romantic green corners perfect for a charming stroll.

 

Florence Valentine's Day 2025

 

Discover the gardens of Florence

 

Florence offers many beautiful gardens, and there's no better opportunity than Valentine's Day to discover them: among the most famous is Boboli Gardens, considered the green lungs of the city. In this open-air museum you can find manicured lawns, Renaissance sculptures and majestic fountains.

Not far away is Bardini Gardens, which stretches around the villa of the same name. As you climb the baroque staircase inside this green oasis, you'll be rewarded with a magnificent view.  

And then there is the Rose Garden, which owes its name to the more than 350 varieties of roses it welcomes: once open only in the spring months, it can now be visited all year round for free. Within this large area, located near Piazzale Michelangelo, there is also a Japanese garden.

Piazzale Michelangelo is the ideal conclusion to this itinerary: here you will find one of the most famous viewpoints inthe city, ideal for admiring the sunset together with your partner.

 

Romantic Tour of the Florentine Museums

 

Florence is a city renowned worldwide for the large number of museums it hosts. An original idea to celebrate Valentine's Day 2025 is to explore some of the artworks where love and beauty take centre stage. 

For example, at the famous Uffizi, you can discover masterpieces such as Titian's Venus of Urbino, a true invitation to love, and Botticelli's Spring and the Birth of Venus. At the Accademia Gallery, you'll find Daphne and Chloe by Ulisse Cambi, a sculptural group inspired by the ancient Greek novel The Pastoral Loves of Daphnis and Chloe, as well as Venus and Cupid by Michelangelo.

Another masterpiece to include in your tour is the captivating and melancholic Psyche Abandoned by Pietro Tenerani, displayed at the Gallery of Modern Art in Pitti Palace. This kind of romantic "treasure hunt" will allow you to admire some of the most famous works collected in Florence with a fresh perspective.

 

Valentine's Day Florence Hotel

 

If you're coming from outside the city, Leone Blu Suites | UNA Esperienze, a luxurious historic residence housed within Palazzo Ricasoli, awaits you for a stay in the heart of Florence. It offers nine elegant suites, each enhanced with unique elements.

If you're looking for a solution in the trendy San Frediano district, we recommend  UNAHOTELS Vittoria Firenze, an establishment that's easily accessible by both car and public transport. The icing on the cake? The San Frediano Restaurant, where the best traditional dishes are revisited in a modern way.

 

Ortigia, the pearl of Sicily: ideas for Valentine's Day 2025

 

Another way to surprise your other half is to take them to the sea, which retains its undeniable charm even in winter. A few steps from the beautiful sea of Sicily is Ortigia, the oldest and most authentic part of Syracuse. This island bears the signs of the passage of different populations, from the Romans to the Arabs, through to the Greeks, the Byzantines and the Spaniards, and their cultures, thus becoming a vibrant and fascinating place. 

 

Syracuse and Ortigia Valentine's Day

 

A tour of this destination must include a visit to the Syracuse Cathedral, with its baroque façade and the elegant square in front of it. Inside, you'll find the Temple of Athena, one of the best-preserved remnants of Greek civilisation in Sicily. Even today, you can admire the peristyle columns and parts of the original walls.

And then there is the Fonte Aretusa, an evocative body of freshwater considered one of the most famous and important places in the city. This small lake near the sea, where history and legend mingle, has inspired many poets and writers such as Ovid, Virgil and John Milton: an unmissable place, especially when the sun sets on the Sicilian coast. Additionally, noteveryone knows that its papyrus grove, along with the one on the Fiumefreddo River, is one of only two in all of Europe.

 

Hotel Ortigia Valentine's Day

 

If Ortigia is the destination you have chosen, then the Maniace Boutique Hotel Ortigia | UNA Esperienze awaits you for an unforgettable stay. The historic residence – an elegant and romantic boutique hotel – is located just steps from the sea and all the main attractions in the area. Each of the 21 rooms is designed around a specific theme inspired by Sicily, offering a comfortable and refined atmosphere.

 

For those wondering where to spend an unforgettable Valentine's Day, there's no shortage of options: this special occasion is the perfect opportunity to visit some of Italy's most beautiful cities and create memories to share with your loved one. All you have to do is choose the destination you prefer, book the hotel and set off for a memorable weekend.

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