Top 10 European Romantic Getaways for Couples

Europe offers so many interesting places to visit that it’s not hard to find a romantic getaway in any country. True to our style, this article isn’t focusing on “mainstream” romantic getaways. Instead, we are talking about places which are interesting and offer a romantic feel.

Granada, Spain

granada

>>book your accommodation in Granada

The capital of Andalucia, Granada, is a city rich in history and culture. It is also a gateway into the excellent hiking offered by the Sierra Nevada, located nearby.

With a relative mild climate – though you will need a jacket from November to April – the city can be visited year round. Most of the sights are within walking distance of the center, so pack your walking shoes and don’t forget your fitness tracker!

Plan to spend a day at the magnificent the Alhambra, which was a palace, citadel, fortress and home of Nasrid sultans between the 13th and 14th centuries.

In central Granada, check out the superb cathedral and the many squares.

Mallorca, The Balearic Islands, Spain

mallorca

>>book your accommodation in Mallorca

Islands have a romantic feel to them, no matter when you visit. If budget is an issue, then aim for the low season.

Palma de Mallorca is the main city, the capital of the Balearic Islands and the largest city in Mallorca.

Castell de Belivar will keep you busy for quite a while with its museum and guided tour. And you must check out the views of the bay!

The historic center, with the Cathedral and its museum and the Arab baths, is also interesting to check out.

Sorrento Coast , Italy

sorrento

>>book your accommodation in Sorrento

Very close to Naples , there’s the Sorrento Coast. A jagged and very scenic area, with cliffs that plunge directly into the Mediterranean. It makes for amazing coastal driving if you have the courage for it!

With stunning views which capture Vesuvius and go as far as the island of Capri, Sorrento Coast is also amazing for sunsets.

Especially known for the lemons – and the limoncello made from them – Sorrento also offers excellent deserts and baked gnocchi, the local specialty.

Tiny villages dot the hillsides and there are a lot of hiking trails available to explore this amazing area.

Island of Capri, Italy

capri

>>book your accommodation in Capri

The small island of Capri is located close to Naples and is a gem worth exploring on foot. In fact, there are public footpaths which let you reach very interesting places.

You can also hike the beautiful trails which are usually not crowded since the tourists prefer to do other stuff.

On a clear day, take the chairlift up to Monte Solaro for amazing views over the bay of Naples.

The Cinque Terre, Italy

>>book your accommodation in Riomaggiore

The five villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso – located in Liguria are very picturesque and ideal for a romantic getaway.

Yes, there will be a lot of tourists (especially if you choose the high season), but they are worth it. There are many footpaths to explore – but at least the blue coastal routes of Riomaggiore to Manarola and Manarola to Corniglia are closed as of April 2016. However, there are also trains which go between the villages so you can still see every single one of them.

Rhodes : The Dodecanese, Greece

rhodes

>>book your accommodation in Rhodes

Thanks to its superb beaches, extensive medieval town and, archaeological site, Rhodes is one of the most visited Greek islands.

Rhodes Old Town gets most of the attention and can keep you busy for quite a long time. It is a UNESCO Heritage site and is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe.

The medieval remains at Filmerimos hill are interesting and offer excellent views over the island, and the three castles (Lindos, Kastellos, and Monolithos) are also nice to visit.

Corfu: The Ionian Islands, Greece

corfu

>>book your accommodation in Corfu

The northernmost of the Ionian Islands, Corfu is located in the Adriatic Sea, across from Italy and is only one of the romantic getaways in Greece.

Old Perithia is Corfu’s oldest village and a heritage protected site. Once the wealthiest village on the island, it offers an interesting glimpse into the Venetian influence on Corfu.

Old Town Corfu also offers a lot of interesting things to visit. Don’t forget to check the Old Fortress, with its gorgeous views towards Albania’s coast, and spend some time on the Esplanade.

You can also check out some of the interesting villages on the island, such as Kynopiastes, located just 10 km from Corfu town, or Achilleion.

Santorini : The Cyclades, Greece

santorini

>>book your accommodation in Fira

All of the Cyclades are interesting, but Santorini is the most popular of them thanks to the sunsets which everyone keeps talking about. Yup, it is also crowded and maybe quite “mainstream”. Still, it is an amazing romantic getaway.

Aside from chasing the perfect sunset, don’t forget to allow time to just wander around on the many streets and check out the architecture. Fira is the most popular village, but there are others to check out as well.

The interesting wines and the beaches add to the beauty of the island.

Bratislava , Slovakia

Bratislava

>>book your accommodation in Bratislava

Small and charming, Slovakia’s capital is a great romantic getaway for a couple who lives historical sites. Located on the Danube, Bratislava is a stone’s throw away from both Budapest and Vienna but feels a lot different than either.

Within the city, the Danube promenade offers a vast area where you can stroll and enjoy the river. You can also visit Bratislava Castle and check out the amazing views of the city. Blue Church is a gem, a bit hidden, but so rewarding when discovered.

Outside the city, Devin Castle is best visited in summer when there are boats which can take you there. In ruins but huge, it offers an excellent option for a day trip.

Budapest , Hungary

>>book your accommodation in Budapest

Hungary’s capital is absolutely stunning no matter when you visit. The long promenade offers the chance to take in the sights on both sides of town: Buda and Pest.

Climb up on Citadella for amazing views of the city. Another lovely vantage point is Fishermen’s Bastion, located on Buda Hill. On the Pest side, don’t miss strolling on Vaci utca and visiting the Central Market.

The Parliament is another stunning sight to visit, in all its hugeness and magnificent location on the bank of the Danube. Take the metro to Heroes’ Square and take in its hugeness. While you are at it, stroll a bit in the gardens surrounding Vajhahunyad Castle.

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17 thoughts on “Top 10 European Romantic Getaways for Couples

  1. Pingback: 5 Best European Destinations to Visit in February | Looknwalk

  2. Aw I loved Santorini, there’s a restaurant called Stogoli which had a sunset rooftop terrace which was beautiful. Im going to Sorrento and Capri this year so looking forward to seeing what they hold! Great post

  3. I’ve been to three of these with my love! They’re all fantastic destinations for couples. I think we need to add a few more to our list this year. We enjoyed Santorini because we have an amazing private villa, but I think my favorite was Cinque Terre.

    • I think it depends a lot on when you visit a place. And it’s true for all destinations. If you end up during the high season you’ll not really like the experience 🙂

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