When it comes to setting the mood, Italy has so much more to offer than serenades along the canals of Venice. In fact, some of its most dreamy holiday destinations are little-known towns and villages, from low-key Sicilian seaside escapes to medieval hamlets in the Umbrian countryside. This roundup of Italy’s 10 most romantic small towns should provide enough inspiration for Valentine's Day (but really, who needs this holiday as an excuse)?

Sirmione, Lake Garda
At the tip of a peninsula on the southern shore of Lake Garda sits the village of Sirmione. Just look at that picture—it's only the beginning. There are fresco-filled churches, 13th-century castles, and magnificent villas that were once home to the likes of opera singer Maria Callas and the Latin poet Catullus. Pro tip: Though Sirmione is romantic year-round, it's best visited in the spring, when you can have its golden beaches and natural hot springs all to yourself.