The romance of Europe is attractive. And this is not surprising: its landscape is rich in fabulous castles, cozy restaurants, majestic landscapes and endless cobbled streets. Even if you do not take into account the romantic atmosphere, numerous tourist destinations in Europe often offer to combine all the best in one trip, for example, a relaxing beach holiday and lively city life.
This continent opens up endless possibilities for traveling together. We have chosen five destinations that any couple will like.
Enjoy the history, culture and wines of Tuscany
The landscapes of Tuscany always evoke romantic feelings, especially considering the abundance of sun and wine here. Florence is famous for its rich culture and excellent cuisine. Head to the Academy of Fine Arts to see the statue of David and the Uffizi Gallery to admire the “Birth of Venus”, and then have dinner at the Gucci Osteria restaurant, headed by three Michelin-starred chef Massimo Bottura — all in one day. Admire the terracotta facades in the surroundings of Siena, where horse races are held twice a year in the 13th-century Piazza del Campo in the shape of a shell. To escape from the crowd, go to the island of Elba. Swimmers will be able to swim in the purest waters, hikers will be able to explore trails overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, and history lovers will be able to visit the Palazzina dei Mulini Museum, the residence of Napoleon during his exile on the island. Let’s go back to the mainland. Tuscany boasts dozens of vineyards, including the coastal Terre del Marchesato in Bolgheri, accessed by an alley of 400-year-old cypresses; located in the heart of Tuscany, the modern Antinori enterprise, known for its Chianti Classico; and the less visited Montecucco winery, located on the slopes of Monte Amiata.
Where to stay
Book a room at COMO Castello del Nero, a luxury hotel built in the 12th century and specializing in wellness treatments. Renaissance frescoes and views from the hills of the 740-acre estate will compete for your attention. The Michelin-starred La Torre restaurant serves original Italian cuisine. The COMO Shambhala Retreat Spa takes a holistic approach to individual treatments, and yoga and Pilates classes are held against the backdrop of manicured gardens inspired by French design.
Explore the mystical landscapes of the Scottish Highlands
Many generations of writers, artists, poets and artists have found inspiration in the unearthly beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Starting from Inverness, travelers can hike along a variety of hiking trails that cross the verdant landscapes, including a 1.5-hour walk along the winding trail around the Schildeig Peninsula or a more strenuous, multi-day route around Fisherfield Forest, an area called the “Great Wilderness”. There are almost 50 whiskey factories scattered throughout the region, and lovers of this alcoholic beverage should go on a tasting tour to places such as Glentarrit, the oldest distillery in the region, built in 1775, or to the consistently popular Glenmorangie factory. Hearty Scottish dishes in cozy restaurants are the perfect antidote to the often cold weather of the Highlands. Evidence of this is The Struy Inn, a country restaurant built in the 19th century, where you can spend a delightful evening by the wood-burning fireplace, enjoying Scottish game and flowing whiskey.
Where to stay
The Torridon Hotel is set in a 19th-century hunting lodge in the style of a Scottish country estate, with blazing fireplaces and views of gloomy sandstone mountains and endless pine forests. The 1887 on-site restaurant features a pine-paneled dining room, which serves as a perfect backdrop for tasting local game and seafood dishes from the gourmet menu. The hotel can arrange activities such as guided mountain biking, clay pigeon shooting or archery.
Embark on a trip to the islands of Greece
Choosing the islands worth visiting may not be easy — 227 islands are considered inhabited here. You can’t go wrong if you choose a few of them, which, depending on your interests, are ideal for a romantic getaway. For a start, it’s worth visiting Mykonos, a party center with lively clubs on every beach. The glamorous Jackie O’ Mykonos Bar at the Super Paradise Beach Club serves champagne-based cocktails, and the Soho House Scorpio Club Bar has a more relaxed atmosphere, with meditations at sunset before the DJ starts playing his sets. If you are looking for a special place for just two, Santorini Island with its stunning sunsets and cozy restaurants will be an ideal option. Head to the Roka Restaurant, which is located on a cliff-top terrace overlooking the endless sea. The island of Crete, in turn, is famous for its spa resorts: the Blue Palace offers a menu of wellness treatments and secluded suites with private panoramic pools. But to fully relax, go to Hydra Island, where there are no cars, and people move on foot or on donkeys. Every corner of the island seems far from the rest of the world: from quaint trattorias such as Il Casta to quiet beaches such as Vlychos, where vacationers nap in sun loungers under straw umbrellas. These boundless Mediterranean landscapes will make your couple feel like the only people in the world.
Where to stay
The quiet Four Seasons Hydra is a paradise with pine trees overhanging the resort area. The suites are decorated in a minimalist style and warm colors, a private garden, as well as a veranda with a fireplace and sea views give this place a romantic accent.
Take a trip along the coast of Spain
Thanks to the constantly shining sun, impressive landscapes and a fascinating story that greets you at every turn, a trip to the south of Spain ranks first in the list of the most romantic trips on wheels. In Granada, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, there is the Alhambra with its stunning hilltop palaces, mirrored pools and verdant gardens. About two hours away from here, in Cordoba, you can observe all the splendor of Andalusia, whose buildings are dominated by elements of Roman and Islamic architecture — for example, in the Roman Bridge over the Guadalquivir River or in the Mesquite Cathedral, which previously served as a mosque, which are now listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In Seville, an hour and a half drive from Cordoba, where bullfights and flamenco coexist, there is a special sensual atmosphere. Even more archaeological sites can be found in coastal Cadiz, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, which is located an hour and a half drive west of Seville. Be sure to inspect the 100 watchtower that were once used to monitor incoming ships.
Where to stay
The Sacristia de Santa Ana Hotel in Seville houses quirky details such as furniture hand-painted with pastoral scenes and upholstered in tual de jouy fabric. Appreciate such minute details as the silhouettes of stars carved on the ceiling and take advantage of the hotel’s convenient location in the city center.
Take a walk through the Bordeaux wine region
Bordeaux gets drunk in different ways. In addition to the glory of the wine-making capital, this region boasts architectural masterpieces such as the Exchange Square, natural wonders such as the 18th-century English-style Public Garden and luxurious Michelin-starred restaurants such as Le Pavillon des Boulevards. But the main thing that attracts these places is, of course, wineries. It is difficult to make a wrong choice here, but the two main attractions include the Chateau d’agassac winery, with its fabulous 13th-century castle and wine tasting dinners, and the Chateau la Dominique winery and its wine cellar, designed by architect Jean Nouvel. On the top floor of the estate, in the La Terrasse Rouge restaurant, you can enjoy red wines, merlot-based wines, rich French cuisine and stunning views.
Where to stay
The romance of Bordeaux is especially evident in the InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel. The rooms of this historic building from the 1920s, influenced by neoclassicism and decadence, are decorated in rich bright colors, mahogany furniture is replete with gilding, and the windows overlook architectural monuments such as the Grand Theater of Bordeaux. The highlight of the hotel is the swimming pool, designed in the style of a Roman grotto, with columns of red, blue and gold colors that add to its splendor, and the head of a mythological creature spewing a stream of water.