Best Romantic Destinations in Europe (2/3)
Your head is full of romantic songs and you are looking for a romantic getaway? Discover the best romantic destinations in Europe, the best romantic getaways in Europe, the most romantic cities in Europe, but also the most romantic seasides, the most romantic medieval towns or castles. Here is our selection of the most romantic destinations in Europe.
Want to celebrate Valentine's Day, your honeymoon, a wedding anniversary, please your sweetheart? Book your hotel, apartment, B&B, guesthouse at the best price as well as your best activities in one of the most romantic destinations in Europe.
Need more inspiration? Discover the Best Honeymoon Destinations in Europe as well as the Most Romantic Places for a Proposal in Europe and the Best Destinations for a Wedding in Europe.
1. Lisbon
Portugal
Lisbon is an illuminated city and one of the Most Romantic Destinations in Europe. The almost constant presence of sunshine and the River Tagus transforms the Portuguese capital into a mirror of a thousand colours - highlighting the city’s unique architecture and beauty.
Experience calmer moments in Lisbon in the city’s parks, gardens, belvederes, cafés and esplanades. Or simply enjoy the pure pleasure of being in Lisbon, through its gastronomy, luxury hotels, spas and shopping centres.
During your stay make sure to discover the Most Fascinating Castles in Portugal!
2. Edinburgh
Scotland
From the atmospheric cobbled streets of the Old Town to the beautiful Georgian avenues of the New Town, Edinburgh, one of the Best
Cities in Europe for a Romantic Getaway, is a city of contrasts blending shopping, historic attractions, gardens and plenty of restaurants and cafes where you can relax.
Edinburgh’s stunning cityscape is one of dramatic contrasts. From the refined elegance of the New Town to the Old Town’s tangled web of medieval streets, these two complementary parts of the city
offer visitors an ever-changing perspective alongside countless fascinating historical and cultural attractions.
During your stay make sure to visit the Best Secret Destinations in Scotland!
3. Bordeaux
France
One of the shortcomings of old European cities is that the pavements are sometimes very narrow! But this is hardly a problem for lovers discovering the heart of one of the Best Romantic Destinations in Europe, Bordeaux, arm-in-arm.
Besides, they can always take a stroll through one of the city's many pedestrian streets. And after sampling some of the delicious local delicacies together, they can linger on the river bank, in the shade of a park or at the top of a tower, long enough to exchange a kiss and turn their gaze to admire the marvelous view together.
Need more inspiration? Discover the Best Places to Visit in France!
4. Vienna
Austria
A walk through the Old City, a boat ride on the Danube or a rest at a heuriger: Vienna, one of the Best Destinations in Europe for a Romantic Getaway, has many romantic aspects.
Here are a few tips for all lovers and honeymooners. Winding lanes, arcade-lined courtyards, time-honored palaces: in Vienna, the city center is especially romantic. In the oldest quarters of the city on the Danube around St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the narrow lanes are paved with cobblestones as they were centuries ago, while a stroll along Schönlaterngasse or Domgasse becomes an encounter with the past.
Need more inspiration? Discover Vienna's Christmas Market! One of the Best Christmas Markets in Austria!
5. Stockholm
Sweden
Are you planning a weekend in Stockholm with your sweetheart? Then you’ll be in the right place. Stockholm is one of the Most Romantic Destinations in Europe.
Stockholm is also widely regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful cities, built where lake meets sea, on fourteen islands, with eight centuries of history and culture to choose from.
For a magical stay discover Stockholm Christmas Market!
6. Zagreb
Croatia
The impressions of many foreigners who live in Zagreb, business people and tourists can be summed up in a single sentence : a large city which managed to stay romantic and safe.
There are unlimited possibilities for visiting music and theatre events, art exhibitions, museums, sporting events and enjoying pleasant walks, interesting architecture, plentiful parks in the centre of the city, pedestrian zones and the atmosphere.
Book your accommodation and your tours & activities in Zagreb and discover one of the Best Romantic Getaways in Europe!
Need more inspiration? Discover our full travel guide about Croatia!
7. Dubrovnik
Croatia
Like a sounding seashell of life, Dubrovnik, one of the Most Romantic Destinations in Europe, lies on the shores of the Adriatic, in Croatia.
You can arrive in Dubrovnik from all the corners of the earth. You can leave it for the most different corners of the earth too, but you can also come back to Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik is not a city for one time, it’s a gift for a lifetime. Dubrovnik harmonises and blends classic form and the romantic experience of different moods of the soul.
During your stay make sure to visit the Most Beautiful Beaches in Croatia!
8. Madrid
Spain
Madrid, in addition of being one of the Best Romantic Destinations in Europe, is an open-minded city where culture and entertainment share a thriving space.
Thanks to its modern and cosmopolitan flare and to the friendly and passionate character of madrileños, the Spanish capital makes everyone feel right at home while providing them with some of the world’s most interesting tourist attractions for lovers.
Book your accommodation as well as your tours & activities in Madrid and discover one the Best Cities for a Romantic Getaway in Europe.
Need more inspiration? Discover the Best Destinations to Visit in Spain!
9. San Sebastian
Spain
San Sebastián is an unparalleled destination for a romantic short break with your partner.
A natural setting and typical early 20th century urban development endow San Sebastián with unmatched beauty and make it easy to get around as you shake off the stress of everyday life during your pleasant romantic short break.
The city also offers you a series of especially suitable resources to lend quality and warmth to a special stay, whether alone or in the company of someone you love: spa centres, boutique hotels, fine restaurants, exciting routes and romantic activities.
Book your accommodation in San Sebastian as well as your tours & activities and discover one of the Most Romantic Destinations in Europe!
During your stay make sure to vist the Best Beaches in Spain!
10. Pisa
Italy
This summer discover one of the Most Romantic Cities in Europe, discover Pisa.
The city grew alongside the Arno river, with Romanesque and Gothic churches and majestic Renaissance palaces lining the Lungarni (riversides). The riverfront is especially spectacular at night, with the lights from the lamps and buildings reflecting on the Arno.
On the evening of June 16th, in celebration of the patron saint, the outlines of the buildings and bridges are decorated with thousands of candles: this is the magical atmosphere of the Luminara of San Ranieri / illuminations.
During your stay make sure to visit the Best Secret Destinations in Italy!
11. Eilean Donan Castle
Scotland
Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most recognised castles in Scotland, and probably appears on more shortbread tins and calendars than any other.
It is, without doubt, a Scottish icon and certainly one of the most popular visitor attractions in the Highlands. When you first set eyes on it, it is easy to understand why so many people flock to its stout doors year after year.
Strategically located on its own little island, overlooking the Isle of Skye, at the point where three great sea-lochs meet, and surrounded by the majestic splendour of the forested mountains of Kintail, Eilean Donan’s setting is truly breath-taking.
During your stay make sure to visit the Best Secret Destinations in Scotland!
12. Tallinn
Estonia
A fantastic way to get a feel for Tallinn, one of the Most Romantic Destinations in Europe, is to head to one of the city's many excellent view spots.
In fact, there are a lot of creative ways to get sweeping panoramas of the Old Town and city centre, charming views of Medieval streets and rooftops, or spectacular glimpses of the Tallinn shoreline. Enjoy the views when taking an uphill walk, beach side stroll, while exploring a museum or zipping coffee in a restaurant.
For a magical stay discover the Best Christmas Markets in Estonia!
13. Plovdiv
Bulgaria
What is unique about the city of Plovdiv is that human activity has never ceased from the very first time it appeared – some 6 000 years ago – until present day.
Although the town of Plovdiv went through various metamorphoses and change of boundaries, Plovdiv continues to be the eternal town of Bulgaria as well as one of the Best Cities for a Romantic Getaway in Europe.
No match can be found for the atmosphere of the city, which embraces the visitor at first glimpse, due to its centuries-old life and numerous cultural traces.
Need more inspiration? Discover the Most Amazing Beaches in Bulgaria!
14. Segovia
Spain
The castle of Segovia is one of the inspirations for Walt Disney's Cinderella Castle. The Segovia Castle is located in the old city of Segovia, one of the Most Romantic Cities in Europe.
Rising out on a rocky crag above the confluence of two rivers near the Guadarrama mountains, it is one of the most distinctive castle-palaces in Spain by virtue of its shape – like the bow of a ship.
The Alcázar was originally built as a fortress but has served as a royal palace, a state prison, a Royal Artillery College and a military academy since then. ( ©creative attributions)
During your stay do not miss to visit the Most Beautiful Castles in Spain!
15. Braga
Portugal
"Bom Jesus", "Sameiro" and "Falperra", are outstanding places that should be included in any tour of Braga, one of the Best Destinations in Europe for a Romantic Getaway.
Due to their beauty and religious value, they make up a triangle, based on religious interest and surrounded by unspoiled green areas. Meet some of the most important landmarks in Braga.
Need more inspiration? Discover the Best Places to Visit in Portugal.
16. Granada
Spain
This year discover one of the Most Romantic Cities in Europe. The Alhambra. Listed under the World Heritage Sites list of the UNESCO is indisputably the most well-known monument of the city and one of the most visited in Spain.
It has a defensive area, the Alcazaba, the Nasrid Palaces, named after the Dinasty of the Kingdom of Granada, and the Gardens of the Generalife.
During your stay make sure to discover the Best Castles in Spain!
17. Princes Islands
Turkey
Discover one of the Most Romantic Getaways in Europe, a quiet local life organized away from the big city, Istanbul, where sumptuous villas and apartments mingle with more modest homes which are inhabited throughout the year.
If you are feeling courageous climb as high as you can until the neighbouring islands emerge ; on a clear day you can see the whole of Istanbul.
Book your accommodation as well as your tours and activities in Istanbul. Need more inspiration? Discover the Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Turkey!
18. Neuschwanstein Castle
Bavaria - Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle, built for King Ludwig II between 1869 and 1886 on a rugged cliff against a scenic mountain backdrop, was intended to "embody the true spirit of the medieval German castle", as the king wrote in a letter to Richard Wagner.
While the building itself replicates the 13th century Romanesque style, some of the images of the murals are based on themes from Wagnerian operas such as "Tannhäuser" and "Lohengrin".
During your stay make sure to visit the Most Amazing Castles in Germany!
19. Zadar
Croatia
The city of Zadar is one of the Best Cities for a Romantic Getaway in Europe.
It is an easily reached destination by land, sea and air. It has a good traffic infrastructure through which it is directly connected to other bigger cities of the Republic of Croatia: Zagreb, Rijeka, Split and Dubrovnik, with extraordinary accommodation and contemporary service of numerous marinas. Whichever way you want to reach Zadar, the natural beauty of the landscape will not leave you equanimous.
Need more inspiration? Discover the Best Hidden Gems in Croatia!
20. Ghent
Belgium
The history of Ghent, one of the Most Romantic Destinations in Europe, begins in the year 630, when St Amandus chose the site of the confluence (or ‘Ganda’) of the two rivers, the Lys and the Scheldt, to construct an abbey.
Nearly 1400 years of history are still palpable in the city today: a medieval castle surrounded by a moat, an imposing cathedral, a belfry, three beguinages... Nowhere else does one find so much history per square metre than in the historical heart of Ghent!
For a Magical stay discover Ghent Christmas Market!
21. Monte Isola
Italy
Monte Isola is the largest lake island in Europe and one of the Best Destinations for a Romantic Getaway in Europe.
On the island you will feel as if you have gone back in time since there are no cars, except for the priest’s, the doctor’s and the mayor’s. The only vehicles allowed on the island are a public bus, motorbikes belonging to residents and bicycles, which can be ferried across or rented on site.
Montisola is linked to the mainland by a ferry service and the handiest and closest point from which you can reach the island is Sulzano. Here you can catch the ferry to Peschiera Maraglio, an old village of fishermen and craftsmen where fishing and hunting nets are produced. This village is very characteristic with the 17th-century church of St. Michael (S. Michele) and its ancient lanes which climb steeply up towards the mountain.
During your stay make sure to visit the Best Places to Visit in Italy!
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