Romantic Books set in Italy
- We review the best!

Your Guide to Love Stories in this Most Beautiful Country

What could be more part of Italian culture and traditions than love? We review the very best romantic books set in Italy that you could ever wish to find. Read, rate, enjoy!

Think of Italian culture and one of the things likely to come into your mind is romance. Love and Italy just go together.

If you've ever dreamed of wandering through cobblestone streets in Rome, sipping wine in Tuscany, or watching the sunset over the Amalfi Coast, then romantic books set in Italy are about to become your new obsession. There's something magical about Italy that makes it the perfect backdrop for love stories.

The combination of stunning landscapes, rich history, delicious food, and passionate culture creates an atmosphere where romance just naturally blooms. Whether you're planning a trip to Italy, reminiscing about a past visit, or simply want to escape into a world of love and beauty, these books will transport you there.

Romantic Books set in Italy

We're excited to share with you nine of the most popular romantic novels set in Italy that have captured readers' hearts around the world. Each of these stories offers something unique, from contemporary romance to historical fiction, and they all showcase different regions of this incredible country. You'll find yourself falling in love not just with the characters, but with Italy itself. So grab a cup of espresso, get comfortable, and let's explore these wonderful romance books in Italy together.

"Under the Tuscan Sun" by Frances Mayes

First on our list is "Under the Tuscan Sun" by Frances Mayes. This isn't your typical romance novel, but it's absolutely a love story—a love story between a woman and a place. Frances Mayes writes about her experience buying and renovating an abandoned villa in Tuscany after her divorce. The book beautifully captures her journey of self-discovery, healing, and falling in love with Italian life.

You'll read about the restoration of the villa, the incredible food she prepares, the gardens she cultivates, and the friendships she forms with locals. While there's romance woven throughout, the primary love affair is with Tuscany itself, making it a perfect read for anyone who's ever dreamed of starting over in Italy.

You can purchase this book here.

"The Light in the Ruins" by Chris Bohjalian

Next up is "The Light in the Ruins" by Chris Bohjalian. This romantic novel takes you to Tuscany during and after World War II, following the aristocratic Rosati family. The story alternates between the war years and 1955, when a detective investigates the murders of family members. At the heart of this mystery is a love story between Cristina Rosati and a German soldier, a forbidden romance that has devastating consequences.

Bohjalian's writing is descriptive and atmospheric, painting vivid pictures of the Tuscan countryside while exploring themes of love, loss, and the lasting impacts of war. It's a darker romance, but incredibly compelling and beautifully written.

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"Beautiful Ruins" by Jess Walter

"Beautiful Ruins" by Jess Walter is an absolutely stunning novel that spans five decades and moves between the Italian coast and Hollywood. The story begins in 1962 at a tiny Italian village on the Ligurian Sea, where a young innkeeper falls for a beautiful American actress. Their brief encounter sets off a chain of events that connects multiple characters across time and continents.

Walter's writing is both funny and heartbreaking, and she captures the beauty of the Italian coastline in a way that makes you feel like you're actually there. This book is about second chances, the roads not taken, and how one moment can change everything. It's one of those romantic books set in Italy that stays with you long after you've finished reading.

You can purchase this book here.

"One Italian Summer" by Rebecca Serle

If you're looking for something more contemporary, "One Italian Summer" by Rebecca Serle will sweep you off your feet. This novel tells the story of Katy, who travels to Positano on the Amalfi Coast shortly after her mother's death—a trip they were supposed to take together. In a magical twist, Katy encounters her mother as a young woman in her thirties, before Katy was even born. The book explores their relationship in a completely new way while Katy also finds unexpected romance.

Serle's descriptions of Positano are absolutely gorgeous, from the colorful buildings cascading down the cliffs to the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. It's a story about love, loss, and the complex relationships between mothers and daughters.

"The Italian Teacher" by Tom Rachman

"The Italian Teacher" by Tom Rachman offers a different kind of love story—one about a son's devotion to his father and his own search for love and purpose. Set primarily in Rome, the novel follows Pinch, the son of a famous painter, as he navigates his complicated relationship with his father while trying to find his own path.

Throughout the story, which spans several decades, Pinch experiences various romantic relationships, but the central relationship is with his father and with art itself. Rachman's portrayal of Rome and the art world is fascinating, and while this isn't a traditional romance, the love stories woven throughout are touching and real.

Click here to purchase this book.

"The Birth of Venus" by Sarah Dunant

For fans of historical romance, "The Birth of Venus" by Sarah Dunant is an absolute must-read. Set in Renaissance Florence during the late 1400s, this novel follows Alessandra Cecchi, a young woman with a passion for painting in a time when such pursuits were forbidden to women. She falls in love with the painter hired to decorate the family's chapel, and their romance unfolds against the backdrop of political and religious turmoil.

Dunant brings Renaissance Florence to life with incredible detail, from the art and architecture to the dangerous politics of the time. It's a passionate and intelligent novel that combines romance with historical intrigue.

You can purchase this book here.

"The Italian Villa" by Elizabeth Edmondson

"The Italian Villa" by Elizabeth Edmondson is a delightful romantic novel that takes place in the 1950s. The story follows four very different people who find themselves at the same villa on Lake Como: a disgraced writer, a young woman escaping a scandal, an American composer, and a mysterious Italian count. As they spend the summer together in this beautiful setting, relationships develop, secrets are revealed, and romance blossoms.

Edmondson's writing captures the elegance and beauty of Lake Como, with its stunning villas and mountain backdrop. It's a charming story about second chances and finding love when you least expect it.

"The Italian Matchmaker" by Santa Montefiore

"The Italian Matchmaker" by Santa Montefiore is pure romantic escapism set in a small Italian coastal town. The story centers on Luca, a handsome Italian man whose heart was broken years ago, and the various women in the town who try to help him find love again. When a glamorous stranger arrives in town, everything changes.

Montefiore writes with warmth and humor, creating a cast of colorful characters and a setting that feels like a warm embrace. The Italian village comes alive through her descriptions of the food, the sea, the piazzas, and the close-knit community. It's the perfect book to read when you want to lose yourself in a feel-good romance.

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"A Room with a View" by E.M. Forster

Last but certainly not least is "A Room with a View" by E.M. Forster, a classic that has enchanted readers for over a century. Set in Florence and the English countryside, the novel follows Lucy Honeychurch, a young Englishwoman who travels to Italy with her cousin as a chaperone. In Florence, she meets George Emerson, and they share a passionate kiss among the violets in the countryside. Back in England, Lucy becomes engaged to someone else, but she can't forget George or the feelings he awakened in her.

Forster's portrayal of Florence is timeless, and the novel explores themes of social convention, personal freedom, and following your heart. It's a beautiful, thoughtful romance that shows how Italy can change a person forever.

Romantic Books set in Italy

Now that you've had a taste of these nine wonderful romantic books set in Italy, let's talk about what makes them so special. Each of these novels uses Italy not just as a backdrop, but as an integral part of the story. The settings — whether it's the rolling hills of Tuscany, the dramatic Amalfi Coast, or the artistic treasures of Florence — become characters in their own right. The authors understand that Italy has a way of making everything feel more intense, more beautiful, and more romantic.

One thing you'll notice across these romantic novels set in Italy is how food plays a central role. Italian cuisine isn't just about eating; it's about connection, tradition, and love. Many of these books feature memorable scenes around the dinner table, descriptions of local markets bursting with fresh produce, or characters bonding over the preparation of traditional dishes. This focus on food adds another layer of sensory pleasure to the reading experience and reminds us that romance engages all the senses.

Italian Food with a View

Another common thread is the theme of transformation. Italy seems to have a magical ability to change people, to help them see themselves and their lives differently. Whether it's Frances Mayes finding herself in Tuscany, Katy discovering her mother in a new way in Positano, or Lucy Honeychurch awakening to her true feelings in Florence, these characters are transformed by their Italian experiences. If you're going through a transition in your own life, these books might resonate with you on a deeper level.

The historical novels on this list offer something extra special; they transport you not just to a different place, but to a different time. Reading about Renaissance Florence in "The Birth of Venus" or World War II Tuscany in "The Light in the Ruins" gives you a richer understanding of Italy's complex history. These stories remind us that Italy's romantic appeal isn't just about the present; it's built on centuries of art, culture, passion, and struggle.

Your Reading Experience

If you're trying to decide which of these books to read first, think about what kind of experience you're looking for. Do you want a light, feel-good escape? Try "The Italian Matchmaker" or "The Italian Villa." Are you in the mood for something more literary and complex? Pick up "Beautiful Ruins" or "The Italian Teacher." Want a true story that will inspire you to make big changes in your own life? "Under the Tuscan Sun" is calling your name. There's truly something here for every type of reader.

Beautiful Tuscany

It's also worth considering which region of Italy appeals to you most. If you're dreaming of Tuscany's countryside, you'll love "Under the Tuscan Sun" or "The Light in the Ruins." If the coast calls to you, "Beautiful Ruins" and "One Italian Summer" will satisfy that longing. For city lovers, the Florence of "A Room with a View" and "The Birth of Venus" or the Rome of "The Italian Teacher" will captivate you. Each region has its own personality and charm, and these books showcase that beautifully.

Inspiration to Visit!

Many readers find that these romantic books set in Italy inspire them to actually visit the country. There's something about reading a love story set in a real place that makes you want to walk those same streets, eat that same food, and see those same views. If you're planning a trip to Italy, reading one of these books set in your destination can enhance your experience. You'll arrive with a deeper appreciation for the place and maybe even visit some of the locations mentioned in the story.

Even if you can't travel to Italy right now, these books offer the next best thing. They're like a vacation in book form, allowing you to escape your everyday life and immerse yourself in Italian beauty, culture, and romance. On a cold winter day or during a stressful week, picking up one of these novels can provide a much-needed mental getaway. The power of a good book to transport you is real, and these stories do it exceptionally well.

Celebration of Love

Romance in Italy

What we love most about these romance books in Italy is that they celebrate different kinds of love. Yes, there's romantic love between partners, but there's also love of place, love of family, love of art, and love of self. The best romantic novels understand that love is complex and multifaceted. These books explore all those dimensions while wrapping you in the warmth and beauty of Italy.

As you explore these titles, you might discover new favorite authors or find yourself drawn to a particular time period or region. Don't be afraid to branch out from your usual reading preferences. Sometimes the books that surprise us the most are the ones we didn't expect to love. And if you find an author whose style really resonates with you, check out their other works — many of these writers have written multiple books, and some have other novels set in Italy or other romantic locations.

Conclusion

Whether you're a long term lover of Italian romance or you're just discovering this wonderful genre, these nine romantic books set in Italy offer hours of reading pleasure. They'll make you laugh, cry, swoon, and dream of Italy.

So pick one that sounds appealing, pour yourself a glass of wine (Italian, of course), and let yourself be swept away. After all, life is too short not to indulge in a good love story set in the most romantic country in the world.

Buona Lettura — Happy Reading!

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