Romantic getaways

The most romantic vacation spot in the world depends entirely on the couple. Adventure-seekers and sun-worshippers may never agree on the perfect trip — one wants a mountain trek at dawn, the other a cocktail at sunset. And that’s the point. What matters most is finding the destination that fits your version of romance.

With that said, there are a few destinations that consistently deliver romantic vibes, regardless of your travel style:

• The Maldives offers dreamy, over-water accommodation that’s hard to beat, and our guide to Sri Lanka and the Maldives: the best pairing for far-flung romance makes a strong case for combining both.
• Japan is perfect for couples who want something genuinely different: quiet temple gardens, ryokan stays, and intimate tea ceremonies.
• Peru is one of the most romantic vacation destinations for couples who share a sense of adventure; our Peru travel tips from a local expert cover the possibilities well.
• Morocco is home to ancient medinas, candlelit riads, and Atlas Mountain landscapes that feel a world away from the everyday.
• And Greece, with its picture-perfect island villages and clifftop sunsets, is one of the most reliably romantic countries in the world.

Read more: Have a browse through our dreamy wedding anniversary and second honeymoon destinations and our favorite tailor-made honeymoon ideas before you start planning.

Europe is full of romantic vacation spots, and the best ones tend to be the places that invite you to slow down and appreciate your surroundings:

• Italy is one of those rare destinations that feels designed with couples in mind. From vineyard-dotted hills to sun-soaked coastlines, Italy offers the perfect combination of scenery and culture. Our guides to the heart of Tuscany and the perfect Amalfi Coast trip from Rome offer itinerary ideas for both.
• Greece is beloved as one of the most romantic countries in the world. From cliffside views in Santorini to the long sandy beaches in Naxos, you’re spoiled for choice with romantic settings. Our tips for planning a romantic trip to Greece cover the classics.
• Portugal is an easy choice for couples. Lisbon’s hilltop viewpoints, the Douro Valley wineries, and the dramatic coastline of the Algarve all offer something different. Our most inspiring itineraries for your trip to Portugal is a good starting point.
• France has a reputation as one of the most romantic vacation destinations in Europe, and not only because of Paris. The wine villages of Provence, the Atlantic coast of the Basque Country, and the market towns of the Dordogne all make for memorable couple trips. Our France travel tips from a local expert are worth a read.
• Montenegro and Slovenia are two of Europe’s most underrated romantic destinations, offering incredible scenery and fewer crowds than their neighbors. Our Montenegro travel tips from a local expert and essential guide to planning a trip to Slovenia are both helpful starting points.

History and culture come together in Europe’s most romantic cities, showcasing their charm through centuries-old wine bars, waterfront promenades, and cafe-lined plazas. These 10 destinations consistently deliver:

• Paris, France remains the gold standard for romantic city breaks, and our guide to Paris’ best arrondissements offers a closer look at its more local, under-the-radar neighborhoods.
• Florence, Italy boasts Renaissance art, storybook piazzas, and some of the world’s best food and wine. For plenty of trip inspiration, check out these four unforgettable things to do in Tuscany.
• Porto, Portugal has azulejo-tiled facades, low-lit wine bars, and a riverfront that sparkles at sunset. Our most inspiring itineraries for Portugal include several couple-focused ideas.
• Dubrovnik, Croatia is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, with its Old City walls and sweeping Adriatic views. Our guide to spending five nights in Dubrovnik shows how to make the most of your stay.
• Santorini, Greece is technically an island, but its clifftop villages of Oia and Fira offer some of the most dramatic sunsets in Europe. To dive into this gem, explore our best Greece itineraries for honeymoons and more.
• Seville, Spain is one of Europe’s best cities for romance, known for its sun-drenched plazas, passionate flamenco performances, and atmospheric tapas bars. Check out our best itineraries in Spain for planning ideas.
• Vienna, Austria is a dream destination for couples who appreciate grand imperial architecture, classical music, and exceptional coffee. Our in-depth guide to Vienna covers the city in detail.
• Prague, Czech Republic enchants with a Gothic and Baroque skyline, a hilltop castle that overlooks the city, and intimate cellar bars. Our guide to the top things to do in Prague is an excellent starting point.
• Tallinn, Estonia is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities and one of the most romantic, with cobbled streets leading to hidden courtyards and candlelit restaurants. Our guide to the top things to do in Tallinn gives the highlights.
• Ljubljana, Slovenia charms with pastel Baroque architecture, a car-free Old Town, and a laid-back ambiance that make it easy to settle in. Read our essential Slovenia guide for beginners for the country’s must-see spots.

The answer depends on what kind of romantic vacation you’re looking for, which is a more helpful question than it might sound.

For food lovers and slow travel, France, Portugal, and Italy are hard to beat. These countries reward couples who want to linger, whether it’s over a long lunch, a glass of local wine, or an afternoon with no dedicated plan. Our guides to what to eat in France, eating your way through Portugal, and Italy for foodies give a taste of what’s on offer.

For island romance and seclusion, Greece tops most lists. It offers an extraordinary variety of landscapes and experiences across its islands: our guide to planning the ultimate Greek islands itinerary covers how to approach it. Meanwhile, dreamy tropical islands like the Maldives, Bora Bora, Fiji, and the Seychelles offer unmatched luxury, privacy, and quiet.

For adventure-seeking couples, Costa Rica, Peru, and New Zealand offer some of the world’s best romantic vacation destinations for those who’d rather be on the move than sitting still. Our guides to the seven best things to do in Costa Rica, the top 10 best things to do in Peru, and experiencing New Zealand are all worth reading.

For culture and history, Morocco, Jordan, and Japan offer some of the most immersive and unique romantic trips in the world. Our Morocco travel tips and Japan travel tips from a local expert lay out the possibilities.

The honest answer is that the best country for lovers is the one that fits how you both like to travel, which is exactly why a tailor-made romantic vacation, planned by a local expert who knows the destination best, tends to produce the most memorable results. Browse our trip ideas to start narrowing your choices down.