Oceanfront villas nestled in the sand, historic chateaus dressed in vines and hilltop pools lit by fiery sunsets characterise the world’s most romantic travel destinations. When you’re looking for a dash of love with your next travel adventure, here’s where to go.
Venice, Italy
Romance awaits around every corner of the floating city of Venice. Take a gondola ride down the Grand Canal for sweeping views of palaces, bridges and the crumbling opulence of a bygone era. Dine under the stars on exquisite cuisine, in lamp lit alleyways and lagoon front restaurants. Wander around St. Mark’s Square, visit art galleries and get off the beaten path to explore the districts of Santa Croce, Dorsoduro and Lido di Venezia. With its perpetual air of mystery and glamour, Venice ignites a love in those who visit worthy of Casanova’s legendary reputation.
The Canary Islands, Spain
The Canary Islands sing to the tune of beach-side romantic escapes, with sand, surf and sea in year-round warm weather. Lanzarote, with its blend of white-sand and black volcanic beaches, provides couples with a range of lavish accommodation options, including adult-only resorts, boutique hotels and eco-friendly apartments. Visit Timanfaya National Park, take a boat trip for a swim in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island of La Graciosa or stroll through poetic vineyards in La Geria.
Bali, Indonesia
Many of the world’s romantic travel destinations come with an expensive price tag. However, romance and affordability go hand in hand in ‘The Land of the Gods’. You can literally holiday like a King and still have money left for bartering at the markets every day. Stay in traditional villas set in the midst of wildlife-filled jungles and stroll along beaches adorned with colourful umbrellas, bean bags and lanterns on dusk. Mostly though, just bask in the all-encompassing wellness vibe the island imbues.
Mallorca, The Balearic Islands
The largest of the Balearic Islands sits off the coast of Barcelona, with beach resorts, olive groves and sleepy hilltop villages combining as custom-made backdrops for couple’s retreats. Indulge in candlelit dinners with views of the Mediterranean, visit the Carthusian monastery, former home of French composer Frederic Chopin, and spend days swimming and sunbathing on romantic beaches, including Cala Llamp, the Port of Valldemossa and Cala Varques.
Paris, France
It goes without saying that Paris forever reigns as one of the most romantic travel destinations in the world. If you haven’t been though, forget about the hype and know that it really is worthy of its sensual crown. There’s the historic palace hotels drenched in crystal chandeliers, antiques, marble baths and champagne-worthy views of the Eiffel Tower. Step outside the hotel and you’re immersed in seductive ‘pleasure for pleasure’s sake pursuits, with lovers kissing in public parks, lingerie stores beckoning, culinary delights in elegant restaurants, sexy shows at the Moulin Rouge and Gothic settings straight out of fairy tales.
Marrakech, Morocco
If you’ve ever had ‘genie in a bottle’ type fantasies, Marrakech is the spot for you. Luxurious Riads breathe romance into travel, with lanterns swaying in the breeze, rooftop plunge pools, fragrant inner gardens and intricate tile work setting the scene for your own Arabian nights. Dine on street food in Dejemma el-Fna, with the pink setting sun and an exotic play of acrobats, musicians and snake-charmers, before losing yourselves in the winding alleys of the souks.
Rome, Italy
Italians are known for being in love with love, so it makes sense that Rome is one of the world’s most romantic travel destinations. Just a simple stroll around the Aventino district to admire medieval cathedrals is enough to inspire ‘romanza’. Make a wish together at the Trevi Fountain, delve into the grandiose remains at the Roman Forum and kiss on the Ponte Sant’Angelo, with twilight views reflecting on languid water below. Then, there’s the pasta, which is an object of passion in itself.
Santorini, Greece
Surely Aphrodite herself designed the love struck haven of Santorini. Oia, in the north, is the postcard famous spot with white-washed buildings tumbling precariously down cliffs towards the sea. Swim in the cove at Red Beach, bathe on the hot sand at Black Beach, shop for jewellery in Fira and eat fresh seafood from clifftop abodes, with the famous sunset lighting your way.
Tips For Couples Looking for Romantic Travel Destinations
Can’t quite decide where to go on your romantic break? First up, consider the activities you like to do with your partner, along with your budget and time constraints. Here’s a quick guide, for popular categories of travel:
Short Beach Break Destinations:
Head to one of these romantic beach destinations when you’ve got limited time. All offer stunning beaches, hotels, shops and restaurants within easy walking distance of each other, or within self-contained resort areas, so you won’t have to spend valuable time travelling to find holiday fun.
- Boracay, Philippines
- Port Vila, Vanuatu
- Menorca, Spain
- Maldives
- Mauritius
Extended Beach Holidays:
If you can escape for three weeks or longer, these loved-up regions offer endless exploration, with awe-inspiring coastlines at every turn.
- Greek Islands
- Hawaii
- Queensland, Australia
- Riviera Maya, Mexico
Affordable Couple’s Destinations
When you don’t want your romance to break the bank, these spots offer culture and coastlines with budget-friendly food, accommodation and attractions to go with them.
- Phuket, Thailand
- Uluwatu, Bali
- Langkawi, Malaysia
- Phu Quoc, Vietnam
- Paphos, Cyprus
- Algarve, Portugal
1 comment
Informative and well written as always. Thanks Nicole.