The most romantic places in Europe

It’s never the wrong time to get away with the one you love, and what better place to chase romance than Europe? This diverse continent is almost defined by its romance—from its elegant architecture and masterful artworks, to its classical music, fertile countryside and invitations to snuggle up by a fire. If you’re ready to get to know the most romantic places in Europe, we’ve got the best destinations right here—from the archetypal cities of love such as Paris and Prague, to underrated spots like Bruges, Hallstatt and the Scottish Highlands…

The most romantic places in Europe: classic cities

The following destinations for a couples’ getaway will simply never go out of style; for experiential days together that feel cinematic and magical…

Paris, France: the eternal City of Love

No list of romantic places in Europe would be complete without Paris; the glittering Eiffel Tower forms the backdrop of so many scenes in our collective consciousness. The tower is indeed a memorable sight, especially at night—you can also wander past the glowing reflections on the River Seine, and get lost in the bohemia of Montmartre.

Once home to some of the world’s best-known artists (Picasso and Van Gogh, for starters), these cobbled lanes are lined with crêperies, painters, street musicians, and vintage cabarets like the instantly recognizable Moulin Rouge. For more combinations of vintage and modern culture, head to Le Marais, a neighborhood crammed with galleries alongside elegant mansions and trendy cafes.

Needless to say, France is also the birthplace of haute cuisine, so you’ll want to indulge in a candlelit dinner or two. Simply the best of food and wine is on offer here, and why not finish off with moelleux au chocolat, best shared with two spoons.

Prague, Czech Republic: for Gothic and bohemian delights

Another atmospheric gem, the Czech Republic‘s capital Prague is renowned for its old-world aesthetics and stunning Gothic buildings, and it’s a particularly alluring cold weather destination. The ancient Old Town is evocative in the early morning or at dusk, when the Astronomical Clock and pastel-colored buildings catch the sunlight.

There are street musicians, secret courtyards tucked away down narrow streets, and sprawling views from either the Prague Castle complex or Petřín Lookout Tower. Cozy up together with a mug of hot chocolate and traditional trdelník (rolled chimney cake); or book a riverside table for dinner, with jazz music and views of Charles Bridge as your accompaniment.

Venice, Italy: a floating fairy tale

Soak up the Shakespearean atmosphere in Venice, one of Italy’s most beautiful cities and a canal-ribboned masterpiece of architectural planning. There’s the quintessential gondola rides, the ornate Renaissance-era bridges, and the sense of amore that permeates the air (as it does most places in Italy)—but there’s more to Venice than the obvious. One of the best things to do is just wander, and take in the history and elegance of every winding lane and alleyway.

Art-loving couples can become immersed in the Gallerie dell’Accademia or Peggy Guggenheim Collection, or watch artisanal glass-makers on the island of Murano. When you’re hungry, go bar-hopping for cicchetti, bite-sized Venetian tapas often featuring local seafood, crostini and fresh veggies—or stop into Harry’s Bar to sip Bellinis. Round off the day at the Bridge of Sighs, as legend says those who kiss under it at sunset are blessed with eternal love; then allow yourself to be moved by exceptional opera singing at Teatro La Fenice.

Read more: An art tour of Italy: a world of masterpieces

Vienna, Austria: musical, magical and classic

The home to Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss, Austria‘s capital Vienna makes for a gorgeous lovestruck getaway, with stories of classical symphonies emanating from its romantic buildings. The Schönbrunn Palace, Belvedere and the Hofburg form the elegant, grand heart of the city, and the historic center is decorated with Baroque charm.

If you’re a fan of symphony orchestras, be sure to book a show in advance—our local travel experts in Austria can include this in your Vienna itinerary. Renowned for its exceptional acoustics, the Musikverein is home to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra; or the Vienna Mozart Orchestra often performs in Hofburg Palace.

Unexpected romantic destinations in Europe

Let’s get into the lesser-known romantic getaways, more renowned for their history or natural wonders that still offer the perfect ingredients for a loved-up couples’ trip…

Hallstatt, Austria: for Alpine lakes and panoramic views

Hallstatt is a picturesque village on the edge of Lake Hallstatt, accompanied by the serene backdrop of the Dachstein Alps. It’s the ideal city for comfort and coziness, but also a dose of kitschy fun. Walking the Lakeside Promenade alongside pastel houses feels like wandering through a storybook; the world’s oldest salt mine has a funicular ride up the mountain and a miner’s slide inside; while the Skywalk ‘Hallstart Five Fingers’ is the ideal spot for awesome views of the Alps.

A short drive away is the Dachstein Ice Cave, where you can wrap up warm to view incredible ice formations inside the mountain. There’s also a hearty food scene here, so after a long day you can tuck into Wiener schnitzel or käsespätzle, a noodle mac and cheese.

Bruges, Belgium: for a charming medieval setting

There’s a truly charming time to be had for couples in Bruges. This well-preserved medieval city in Belgium is often called ‘The Venice of the North’ due to its winding canals, and there are plenty of local delights to indulge in. Stock up on Belgian chocolate at Chocolatier Dumon, or take part in a chocolate- or beer-making workshop in The Chocolate Line or Brewery De Halve Maan, where you’ll come home with homemade truffles and honed pint-pouring skills.

To rest your feet somewhat you can stop to people-watch in Markt Square; or switch things up a notch by cycling as a couple along the Bruges Windmill Route, passing the historic Sint-Janshuismolen as well as enjoying refreshing canal views.

Sintra, Portugal: for enchanted palaces and gardens

The castles and misty hills of Sintra in Portugal give it an otherworldly energy that makes it ideal for a romantic getaway. Unlike many coastal Portuguese towns, it sits inland on the Serra de Sintra mountains, creating a cooler, forested microclimate. With a glut of Moorish castles and Romantic-era palaces like Pena Palace, and regal estates like Quinta da Regaleira, it’s also rich in history and stunning architecture to wander.

You can hike the hidden trails that link the palaces and castles, settle down for a picnic in picturesque gardens (like those in Montserrat Palace), and even take a lantern-lit tour at Quinta da Regaleira. If you’re driving, head up to Cabo da Roca as the day ends, for its breathtaking ocean-view sunsets.

Read more: The 10 best places to visit in Portugal

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany: for a glimpse of Old Europe

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a marvelous Bavarian town that looks like something out of a Grimms’ fairy tale book, and it regularly goes under the radar. This medieval walled city is old-world at its core; with pokey streets lined with 13th-century buildings, lots of exposed wooden beams, triangular roofs and quaint, painted shutters.

The most photographable spot is Plönlein, a crooked, half-timbered house with a fountain and two flanking towers, the Siebersturm and Kobolzeller Tor—a scene so whimsical it almost resembles a film set. Rothenburg is a stop on the ‘Romantic Road’ in Germany (Romantische Straße) that runs through the country’s most enchanting, quintessentially European towns and cities, starting with Würzburg in the north through to Füssen in the south.

Romantic coastal places in Europe for couples

Nothing says romance like a vacation by the sea, and Europe has some dream coastal spots to get swept up in…

The Greek islands: from Santorini to Folegandros

The Greek islands are on a must-visit list for most couples; a trip here is pure romance and Mediterranean radiance. Santorini is the scene-stealer and honeymoon favorite, with its whitewashed cliffside villages, unreal sunsets in Oia, and glorious viewpoint hotels to enjoy breakfast over sensational views of the caldera. But there are more modest islands that still ooze the beauty and passion of the favorites.

Kefalonia is a gorgeous choice, with pine-covered hills and still waters that formed the cinematic setting of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin; Crete is fantastic for foodies, with homegrown wine, honey, cheese and olive oil, and wine tastings that take place over sprawling vineyards; while peaceful, lesser-known Folegandros is resplendent with dramatic cliffs, bougainvillea-framed lanes and a timeless, local feel. You really can’t go wrong in the Greek islands with the person you love.

Unexplored islands in Croatia’s Adriatic Sea

Croatia’s ocean is some of the clearest you’ll ever see, and a must if you’re a fan of sailing and swimming with your partner. Croatia’s Adriatic coast is blessed with a scattering of islands, some very popular, and others with a delightfully off-grid feel. Hvar, which has a buzzing nightlife, wild lavender fields and gorgeous beaches is a favorite all-rounder; while Korčula, affectionately called ‘Little Dubrovnik’ has a medieval feel and verdant vineyards to clink a glass over.

Then there are the smaller, peaceful islands such as Cres and Lošinj, a haven for local wildlife and perfect for couples seeking a more solitary experience; or Dugi Otok, an unknown idyll that’s home to Telašćica Nature Park as well as soft, sandy beaches (most in Croatia are white and pebbly). Of course, you could charter a boat and just float off-coast, deciding where you’ll drop anchor next as you sunbathe, swim and snorkel.

Read more: The best Croatian islands to visit on an island-hopping trip

The French Riviera: for hidden villages and picnics

The way of life in the French Riviera is undeniably, effortlessly romantic. Cannes is known for its glitz and glamour, while Nice is ideal for romantic dinners and waterfront walks—but you could spend a whole trip stopping between the Riviera’s smaller towns and villages.

There’s the February Lemon Festival and pink-and-yellow houses of Menton; the sleepy harbor town of Villefranche-sur-Mer where you can watch fishermen haul in their catch; and inland, Grasse, where you can visit perfumeries and wander fragrant gardens in sensory wonder.

Also worth a visit are Sainte-Agnès, the highest coastal village in Europe, for a quiet and almost untouched atmosphere; and Coaraze, named one of the most beautiful villages in France, for panoramic views of the ocean and distant Alps. Imagine the picnics that are possible here, with brie, bread and wine aplenty as the coastal scenery opens out before you.

The Amalfi Coast, Italy: for picturesque cliffs and azure waters

The jewel-colored houses toppling over the cliffs of Italy‘s Amalfi is an iconic scene, with the tourist footfall to prove it. This is why it makes a fantastic Valentines trip, as the slim number of visitors means you’ll have the walking trails to yourselves. But at any time of year, a trip to the Amalfi Coast is delightful.

Stop in lemon-scented Positano, with its boutiques and artisanal shops, or to Ravello to wander the gardens of Villa Rufolo or Villa Cimbrone, with ocean views that seem straight out of a retro Italian postcard. After a day of hiking and wandering these historic towns, you can cozy up in trattorias and osterias for authentic Italian fare. Try local Amalfi pasta dishes like scialatielli ai frutti di mare, finished with a lip-smacking limoncello.

Read more: Our guide to the perfect Amalfi Coast trip from Rome

Get cozy on a trip to the countryside

Celebrate the one you love in one of the most romantic places in Europe for countryside getaways…

Tuscany, Italy: rolling hills and wine estates

Another resplendent region in Italy, Tuscany is the place to indulge the senses. Start with the world-renowned artworks, awe-inspiring Renaissance architecture and homegrown cuisine of Florence, one of Italy’s most romantic cities. Leaving Florence, the cypress-lined roads in the Val d’Orcia lead you deep into the Tuscan countryside, where vineyards and olive groves form an alluring patchwork tapestry. Wine lovers can head to the Chianti region, to ponder over grapes and full-bodied reds. At estates such as Castello di Ama, you can pair local wines with divine cured meats and cheeses for the full culinary experience.

Driving around Tuscany, stop at villages and towns where local agricultural life reigns supreme. San Gimignano is famous for its medieval towers and cobbled streets, or you can sample authentic Pecorino cheese in historic Pienza. For couples who are self-declared foodies and nature lovers, you can’t beat a trip to Tuscany—the possibilities are endless.

Loire Valley, France: hot air balloons over splendid châteaux

Romance and French châteaux go hand-in-hand, and if this appeals, France‘s Loire Valley is made for you. The elegant castles here resemble those from classic Disney movies, and are surrounded by flowing rivers, flower fields and vineyards. You can cycle along the riverbanks of the Loire, stopping at gorgeous villages such as the highly picturesque Montrésor, the flower-filled Chédigny, or Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire, the historic port town of Chambord.

Visit Château d’Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years (his remains are buried in the château chapel). Enjoy wine and food pairings in cozy cellars, with bites of goat’s cheese and truffles with crisp white wine. Or to really embrace the romance, take a hot air balloon ride over Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau at sunrise. It’s an incredible experience to float over the valley as it bathes in the gold and pink hues of the morning sky.

The Scottish Highlands: for wild nature and coziness

Sometimes romance is simple—like appreciating a warm place in the cold, and the Scottish Highlands invite these fireside snuggles in spades. In Scotland you have the mist-covered lochs, mythical peaks and glorious drama of rough and rugged cliffs to absorb at your leisure, like Glencoe, or Cairngorms National Park, where you can experience Scottish nature at its wildest.

Take a car along the North Coast 500 and stop at dramatic beaches like Achmelvich Bay and Durness, watching the sea thrash under moody skies. Not forgetting the legendary Loch Ness, where you can light a fire and look out patiently for Nessie herself. If time allows, you could even hop on a boat to the Isle of Skye, to wander the Fairy Pools and watch the sunset over the Cuillin mountains. Wherever you go, at the end of the day it’s easy to find a local pub with a fire, for a wee dram of whisky to warm yourself.

Read more: Traditions and history: our cultural guide to Scotland

Make it happen

Ready to book your next getaway to one of these romantic places in Europe? Get in touch with our local travel experts—they’re based on the ground within the destination, and equipped with all the in-depth knowledge to build the perfect itinerary for you and your partner.