When it comes to romantic destinations, you can’t go past Europe. Whether you’re wanting to rekindle your romance post-kids, have a second honeymoon, or celebrate a special anniversary, every one of these most romantic cities in Europe deserve to be top of your destination list.
I’m a huge fan of date night. The practice of intentionally blocking out time to have fun and grow as a couple is super important to any marriage.
The next step in that chain is to start going away for a weekend getaway or two.
You might also like: Cheap weekend getaways for couples.
And the next step?
Overseas travel!
Traveling as a couple brings some many positive benefits to a relationship. The experiences you have create memories that last a lifetime.
Ben and I, like many empty nesters, will be taking our first trip to Europe next year. I’ve enlisted in the help of travel blogger Thassia Dezan to share with us her top pick of romantic cities in Europe to help us work out where to go.
If you’ve been thinking of taking a similar trip, this post gives you some great suggestions.
Travel blogger Thassia Dezan lives in County Clare, Ireland. She writes about family travel tips, kid-friendly itineraries and stories over at Family off duty to encourage you to dream big and make your travel dreams a reality.
Romantic European vacations
Are you looking for the perfect European city for your second honeymoon, special anniversary or just because? Here you’ll find a list with the most romantic cities in Europe to visit as a couple.
Europe has many beautiful destinations that are perfect for couples looking to go on romantic vacation.
The problem is often to choose which place to go.
This guide will help you by narrowing down some of the most popular choices and also share a couple of underrated destinations that you might not have thought about.
The most romantic European cities are located in:
- France
- Greece
- Italy
- Croatia
- Spain
A second honeymoon or other special trip is romantic enough on its own, but a city trip to one of these beautiful European cities will definitely be icing on the cake!
Read on to find out some of the best European destination ideas for a second honeymoon.
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Paris, France
Affectionately known as The City of Lights, Paris is considered to be the most romantic city in the world, and there are plenty of reasons why.
From simply spending the day tasting amazing food at the tiniest of side street bistros to window shopping and celebrity watching along the glamorous Champs Elysees – all while having the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop – it’s enough to make any couple feel as though they are floating on air.
Make sure that you get to see some of the most romantic and famous Parisian landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Luxembourg Gardens.
But there is also plenty of cultural spots for your itinerary. Enjoy some modern art and sculpture at the Centre Pompidou, and see other internationally known masterpieces that are housed at the Louvre.
One highly suggested activity to add to your itinerary is to take a stroll with your partner along the Seine. This is a river in Paris that divides the city into right and left banks.
Along your route, the two of you can relax on the oldest bridge in the city (Pont Neuf), and also take some time to view the Notre Dame cathedral.
Santorini, Greece
Santorini has a reputation for having romantic sunsets and gorgeous panoramas, therefore it is considered one of the most romantic destinations in Europe, certainly making it one of the best places for a second honeymoon.
It is no surprise that this island is on many couples’ bucket list as a place to visit.
Santorini is considered a ‘supermodel’ among other islands in Greece, and its landscape is instantly recognized in photographs and videos. It is one of the best Greek Islands for couples.
Venice, Italy
Venice has a layout that is very unique with its curvy and narrow streets that are intertwined with canals. This layout truly makes Venice a city you will want to explore during your second honeymoon or couple’s vacation.
There are few destinations that can conjure up images of true romance as much as a gondola ride in the waterways of Venice.
Although there are major tourist spots that you should include in your itinerary such as the main square (Piazza San Marco), you should also venture off to the beaten path by boat. When traveling by water bus, also called a vaporetto, stop by Murano.
Murano is an island that is famous for its residents who are also glass-blowers. They practice their trade daily, and you may even be able to purchase a hand-blown glass cup or plate. You can also visit Burano. Even though it is not as popular, it is well-known for its lacework.
The best way to explore Venice is to simply wandering around. You do not have to worry about getting lost.
Just start at the Piazza San Marco and discover your own experience in the side streets.
Hvar, Croatia
Hvar is often called paradise on earth. You will not believe your eyes. This island is considered one of the most romantic European destinations.
Out of all of the islands in Croatia, Hvar is one of the most beautiful.
Visit Hvar during your second honeymoon and discover the historical heritage of the place while also enjoying its beaches.
Most hotels on the island will have a superb pool, and the lifestyle, sun, and clear blue waters are some of the reasons why many celebrities come here to play, work, and rest.
But Croatia has so many other amazing places that you can visit for an extraordinary couple’s vacation, including the most famous and visited National Park in Croatia, the Plitvice Lakes.
Positano, Italy
According to a well-known legend, this city was founded by Neptune. Neptune is also called the God of the Sea. If you are looking for a second honeymoon destination with postcard-perfect views, come discover Positano in Italy.
Positano is a small town that is located on the Amalfi Coast. Because it is also a popular wedding destination, Positano is also one of the best cities to renew the spark in your marriage.
It is typically recommended that visitors take at least four days to see the gorgeous places on the Almafi coast. However, if you are coming to Positano from a day trip from Sorrento and don’t have much time to see everything, here are some tips to help make the most of your time together here.
The simplest and least stressful option is to embark on an excursion with a driver. You can reserve a chauffeur driven car and request to be picked up at your accommodation or another agreed upon location. By doing this, you will be able to see three towns in a single day: Positano, Amalfi and Ravello.
In the route between these locations and in the towns there is will be plenty of amazing places to take gorgeous pictures.
Barcelona, Spain
Even if you are not a fan of architectural designs, you will likely be enthralled by Antoni Gaudi and his surreal designs. These designs can be found throughout the entire city of Barcelona.
Perhaps, the most amazing and still unfinished example of these designs is basilica Sagrada Familia. In fact, Gaudi worked on this design for many decades, and there is still work to be done to complete them. To make your visit to the Sagrada Familia as smooth as possible, you should book your ticket in advance.
While you are there, do not forget to wander around and explore the cafes and shops on one of the most popular and lively streets in Barcelona, Las Ramblas.
From there you can follow to the promenade to enjoy Barcelona’s good weather or relax by at the Barceloneta beach. If you are looking for a four day itinerary, this post has great information on all the places you should visit.
There is no denying that Europe offers unique cities and locations that are perfect destinations for couples looking to have a romantic vacation.
So, why not spend time with your loved one in an unforgettable destination such as Hvar, Santorini or Positano?
Between walking, coffee drinking, and gondola rides, you and your spouse will create memories that will last a lifetime.