Naples

Romance under the volcano

Propose here

Escape from the buzz and noise of Naples and head to the gardens of Certosa di San Martino, where the splendid views of the coastline and the peace and quiet will be more conducive to eliciting a favourable answer.

To get you in the mood

Watch The Talented Mr Ripley. It's set on Ischia, a beautiful island in the bay of Naples. The sight of Gwyneth Paltrow, Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett and Jude Law sipping Sundowners in the harbour wearing stylish 50s clobber should do the trick. To get a sense of the beauty of the bay of Naples, see Il Postino (The Postman) which is also set on a small island there. The film casts an enchanting spell with its hypnotic blue sea and dizzying cliffs, as Mario (the postman) decides that the way to win his Beatrice's heart is through poetry.

Susan Sontag's novel, The Volcano Lover, should get you in the mood for your trip to Vesuvius. The romance is set in 18th century Naples and is based on the lives of Sir William Hamilton and his celebrated wife Emma and her affair with Lord Nelson.

For a bit of music, look no further than old crooner Dean Martin. Although he was born in Ohio, his parents were Italians, and his songs are full of references to Napoli -- the perfect soundtrack for your spin down the Amalfi coast.

Language of love

Buon anniversario! = Happy anniversary

Ti amo = I love you

Auguri! = Congratulations!

Mi voui sposare? = Will you marry me?

Stags and hens

Just a hydrofoil trip away from Naples, the pretty island of Capri, with its dizzying cliffs is partly remembered as the orgy capital during the reign of Emperor Tiberius. Now, rather more sedate, it serves excellent ice cream and is a great place to spend a few days’ bathing and frolicking.

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