Whatever your preferences, there is something out there for every couple.
From blissful Cycladic island life to Italian gondolas made for two, an illuminated Aurora Borealis or a gastronomic feast high up inside the Eiffel Tower. There is an abundance of European hotspots seemingly made with romance in mind.
Here are five of the most couple-friendly destinations for you and your partner to try:
1. Venice
It’s champagne at midday in an ancient palazzo, gliding by gondola straight into a luxury hotel and sunrise at St Mark’s Square as early morning mass releases a chorus of melodies.
A city that’s ever so couple-friendly, you’ll find candlelit restaurants that spill out onto the waters, the iconic Bridge of Sighs to steal a kiss under and a plethora of secret tunnels of love – known as sotoportego – if you want to be squirrel away somewhere far more private.
Try La Zucca if you fancy the thrill of entering your restaurant by boat, Terezza Danieli for panoramic city views and legendary Harry’s Bar if you want to sip a bellini in honour of Hemingway.
This tiny city is made for wandering, whether you’re strolling past engraved padlocks secured all over the iconic Rialto Bridge, meandering down tiny cobblestoned streets or traversing whitewashed Doges Palace in search of Venetian statues, ethereal balconies and ancient artwork.
2. Islands of Greece
For a real Robinson Crusoe adventure with your loved one, why not head to an island and surround yourself with water on all sides?
There are about 140 inhabited islands in Greece and if you tot up every little outcrop, you’ll find about 3,000.
From super stylish Santorini hotels complete with infinity pools and gleaming white caldera views to Aegean-hued Mykonos seafood restaurants overlooking a bright blue sea, the islands of Greece are filled with magical romantic spots to while away your days.
Explore tiny churches and monasteries by day and lap up the legendary Greek nightlife come dusk before lingering over brunch at a beach club the next day.
3. Paris
Secret whispers from a pavement café, sunset dining cocooned inside the Eiffel Tower, cruising at dusk along the River Seine and a midnight stroll alongside the golden lights of the Louvre.
Paris is unquestionably one of the most romantic cities in the world.
And it’s not just the obvious that fuels the fire of love. Head to Marais and wander vintage cobblestoned streets as dusk falls, visit Montmartre and canoodle in front of the spellbinding Sacré Coeur.
Couples can enter a world of otherworldly romance inside the Jardin du Palais Royal where you’ll find two-person ‘poem chairs’ complete with personal headphones that when prompted recite French poetry to your ears.
4. Reykjavik
Imagine winter nights curled up on an oversized sofa with fur blankets and a cup of cocoa in hand. Then imagine a sky lit up with a multitude of electrifying colours as the Northen Lights make an appearance all across the sky.
Welcome to Reykjavik, Iceland’s coolest spot for hot romance.
Bundled up in cozy gear you can snowmobile over humungous ice caps, dive into the healing waters of the Blue Lagoon and travel out to volcanic black sand beaches, waterfalls and ice glaciers.
5. Barcelona
Barcelona seamlessly blends beach and city life, offering a quixotic destination of history and hedonism.
From the electrifying illuminated Pedrera night tour of Gaudi’s iconic building to a heady night of wine and flamenco in a Spanish tapas bar, this is a city that springs to life for lovers. Try the rooftop terrace at Hotel 1898 in Las Ramblas then wind your way through the maze at El Labyrinth d’Horta.
If you really want to wow your partner why not charter a luxury yacht around the Mediterranean’s Catalan coastline and on your return dress up to the nines and watch a live musical performance at Palau De La Musica.
