World’s Most Romantic Destinations to Visit

The world offers a wealth of romantic destinations. A gondola ride in Venice is a charming way for couples to experience a floating city that hasn’t changed much aesthetically in around 600 years. Beautiful beaches from Florida to Australia offer stunning outdoor playgrounds and breathtaking backdrops for an intimate meal with your loved one of flavorful food and mouth-watering drinks.

Alluring Zanzibar, known as Spice Island offers beautiful white sand beaches and indigenous red colobus monkey viewing for the more adventurous couples. Dramatic fjords and glaciers in southeast Alaska can ignite passion. Quebec offers luxurious romantic weekends relaxing in nordic spas and experiencing an excellent culinary scene that can rival a Paris getaway.

Romance is subjective, so this list has you covered from outdoor getaways to exciting city escapes. Here are 13 of the world’s most romantic destinations!

Venice

Canals with the gondolas parked and a dark moody sky over Venice

Romantic gondola rides around the canals of Venice might be the initial draw to this classically romantic destination, there is so much more on offer. Venice was one of the world’s most powerful cities during the 1400s, as the Venetians occupied territory around the Mediterranean. When you visit Venice today, it looks very much like it did 600 years ago.

St. Marks Square

St. Marks Square is the main square of Venice and one of the finest examples of Italian Byzantine architecture. The popular square is highlighted by St. Marks Basilica, which dates back nearly a thousand years to 1092. Venice is an idyllic location to enjoy aperitivos (pre-meal drinks to stimulate your appetite!) on cafe terraces while people watching or indulging in intimate conversations. A popular Venetian cocktail to enjoy is Aperol Spritz, a mix of soda water and Aperol liqueur.

Alex drinking a spritz on the terrace of Gritti Palace

The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Venice Stay

The Gritti Palace offers couples luxury via old-world opulence with a terrace canal side where you can watch gondolas and have a stunning view of Santa Maria della Salute, in English Saint Mary of Health. Have an apertivo and snacks and cheers to you and your loved one’s health! 

The recently restored Gritti Palace dates to the 15th century, where it previously housed nobles, including ambassadors to the Vatican. It has been a hotel since 1895 and now has 82 rooms. Rooms typically cost over $1,000 a night, but you can also cash in around 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for a stay too.

Cicchetti on the bar with guys behind making more

Bacaros

Venice does not have to be expensive though. Bacaros are small wine bars that serve cicchetti (small portions of food), similar to Spanish tapas. Bacaros are extremely popular with Venetians and offer delicious food and wine at great prices. Cicchetti typically cost around 2-2.50 per portion and glasses of wine typically cost around 2.50-3, sometimes even less.

Venice Food Tours

A glass of raboso, a local sparkling red wine produced in the province of Veneto only costs 1.50 at the bacaro Al Merca! Couples can discover local gems and learn about the history of the unique canal filled city on a Venice Food Tour.

Greek Islands

Bell looking away at Naxos Chora from the Temple of Apollo

The Greek islands are one of the world’s most romantic destinations. There are around 6,000 islands in Greece, but only 227 are inhabited. You can visit some of the uninhabited islands on day trips – which are fantastic for pristine beaches or archeological sites, like Delos (visit from Mykonos). The Greek islands are famous for picturesque villages built into mountains, with amazing gastronomy and breathtaking sunsets.

To fully immerse in this idyllic setting, the first step is arriving in Greece, and the most convenient gateway is through Athens Airport. As a central hub connecting to numerous islands, the airport in Athens plays a pivotal role in the Greek travel network. Familiarizing yourself with the Athens airport facilities prior to arrival is essential for a smooth journey. Understanding its layout, transportation options, and facilities can significantly enhance your travel experience. This knowledge is key to starting your Greek island adventure on the right foot, ensuring a hassle-free transition from the romantic and enchanting destinations.

Santorini

Santorini is probably the most iconic of the Greek islands. It embodies a perfect romantic destination with its breathtaking views of an extinguished volcano, unique architecture built into the cliffs and rare black sand beaches. Packed with trendy restaurants, bars and amazing hotels, Thira is the perfect place for couples to base themselves on Santorini. Santorini is becoming famous for its wine, so plan to visit a few wineries. Do not miss watching the sunset at Amoudi Bay in Oia.

Crete

Palace of Knosos wide angle photo with red colored columns, Minotaur fresco and walkway

Mykonos

Mykonos is one of the most lively Greek islands, where you can feel like a celebrity for a few days. Little Venice, a charming area with views of the iconic Mykonos windmills, offers wonderful dinner opportunities with a magnificent ambiance. For mischievous revelry, visit one of Mykonos’ many beach bars and dance clubs. Book a privately chartered cruise on an elegant yacht or rustic sailboat, depending on your style and budget. Take a day tour to the nearby ancient island of Delos – considered the “Athens of the Greek islands.”

Which Greek islands should you visit? Read this Greek Islands Guide for highlights on 25 of them, ranging from the most popular to lesser-known gems!

Paris

A glass pyramid in front of the Louvre Museum after it has just rained

A treasure trove of elegant highlights make Paris one the world’s most romantic destinations. The City of Light earns its nickname for its role in the enlightenment as well as being one of the world’s first cities to adorn its grand boulevards with street lamps. An abundance of great museum’s and one of the world’s finest culinary scenes make it an iconic city.

A park and houses as seen up above and a dusk sky

Eiffel Tower

An illuminated Eiffel Tower dazzles the night sky, with a sparkling light show on the hour. Enjoy magnificent views of Paris from three observation decks on the Eiffel Tower. One of the most romantic things to do in Paris is to take a river cruise on the Seine. The tour offers wonderful views of the Eiffel Tower. A one-hour scenic river cruise is included on a Paris Night Bike Tour. That was one of the best tours we have taken! Short tours are a wonderful way for couples to learn about the history of Paris, while orientating themselves with the city.

White church, a top a green hill and dusk sky in Paris

Montmarte

Montmarte, built atop a hill in Paris’s 18th arrondissement, offers dramatic views of Paris. An artistic hub of Paris for centuries, it is romantic to watch artists painting. Its cobbled winding streets and charming shops and eateries make this one of Paris’s best neighborhoods to explore. Atop Montmarte is the famed Sacré-Cœur Basicila, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris. As with much of Paris, excellent restaurants, cafes, patiseries and boulangeries are in abundance in Montmarte. Montmarte is also home to the famous cabaret, Moulin Rouge.

Luxury Paris Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris

Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris offers an all around luxurious stay in Paris. Located just off the Champs-Elysées, on the Georges V Avenue, the hotel offers spacious and luxurious rooms, many with private terraces overlooking Paris. Guests can also enjoy top-of-the-line spa treatments and three Michelin-awarded restaurants on-site.

Florence

Florence landscape with the Dumo and mountains

Florence was the birthplace of the Renaissance. Magnificent examples of Italian Gothic architecture were erected with the financial assistance of powerful Florentine families like the Medici’s. When you visit Florence today you can see why artists like Michelangelo were inspired by the city. Wander through the art-lined streets and take in the beautiful vistas and you’ll be inspired too!

Detail of the intricate masonry on the Duomo

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is an exquisite example of Gothic Italian architecture. Construction of the Cathedral began in 1296 and it took 140 years to complete. The famed brick dome was designed by famous architect Filippo Brunelleschi in 1436. It remains the largest brick dome ever constructed. If you want to climb to the top of the dome it’s 463 steps and a timed reservation is required. You can also include a trip to the top on a Walks Tour and learn more about the history of the Duomo and Florence.

Ufizzi

The Ufizzi is one of the world’s greatest art galleries. Housed in a building from the 1560’s, the museum is home to masterpieces of art and sculpture from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. The museum showcases timeless pieces by artists like Michelangelo, Leonardo, Botticello and Carravagio. One major highlight is Birth of Venus by Botticelli, depicting the birth of the beautiful goddess. This beautiful late 1400s painting oozes romance.

Close up of Michelangelo's David

Gallerie dell’ Accademia

The Gallerie dell’ Accademia was previously a school that taught sculpture and painting. It was established in 1750, and the galleries opened to the public in the 1800s. Today the museum houses what’s often considered the most perfect sculpture in the world – the statue of David by Michelangelo. David is a magnificent work, equal to gazing at a perfectly chiseled athlete. You can even see the veins protruding from his arms. Florence is the world’s most romantic destination for art lovers.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam cannel with bikes on a bridge and a blue sky

Amsterdam’s historic center is packed with 17th-century canal houses. It is one of the best preserved cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The world’s most bicycle friendly city can offer an ideal bicycle date and picnic along a canal. Its compact historic center also makes it perfectly walkable. Plan to take a scenic canal boat tour or dinner cruise to experience the city from the water. Everything combines to make Amsterdam a romantic destinations despite what you might first think.

Amsterdam Food

Amsterdam’s restaurants and pubs are some of the most gezellig (Dutch for “cozy”) in Europe. There are so many great spots to enjoy a picnic in Amsterdam too. One of our favorites is the boat dock in front of the Hermitage Museum, before heading there pick up some cheese, sausage, bread and wine from one of the nearby Albert Heijn supermarkets.

Amsterdam Red Light District

Amsterdam’s Red Light District is a popular tourist attraction that draws even couples to gawk at the scantily women flaunting their goods in windows. Whether or not this is romantic to you is your call, no judgment here!

day trips from Amsterdam

Day Trips from Amsterdam Around the Netherlands

Holland is packed with other romantic postcard worthy towns too. Imagine them as mini-Amsterdams without throngs of tourists. The Dutch have one of the most efficient train systems connecting their densely populated country. So it is easy to experience another nearby Dutch town for a few hours. Great day trips under 45 minutes from Amsterdam include Haarlem, Utrecht, Leiden, Zandvoort Van Zee, a beach town packed with a wonderful mix of beach bars and restaurants. For more tips, read our article on 10 Awesome Day Trips from Amsterdam.

Bruges

View of Brugge from the rooftop of De Halve Maan Brewery.

Bruges is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe. Canals, cobbled streets and quirky medieval buildings make this a super romantic destinations. We can personally attest to this as its the town we first met in!

Markt square has a 13th-century belfry with an 83m tower offering wonderful panoramic views. You can also take in sweeping views of town atop the De Halve Maan brewery. The cobbled laneways are dotted with small chocolate shops that offer samples. Stroll the laneways and purchase chocolate in small amounts so you can enjoy the samples.

Take a canal boat tour of Bruges when you arrive to learn about the history. Enjoy fantastic Belgian dishes over wonderful Belgian beers or wine. Beautiful architecture and a delicious culinary makes Bruges a sexy destination. It’s certainly one of the most romantic day trips from Brussels

San Marino

San Marino fort and mountains with a glider in the sky

San Marino is one of the world’s oldest and smallest republics. Because of its size, it is a perfect place for a romatntic weekend get away. Three towers, perched atop Monte Titano, date back to the 11th century and offer stunning views far across the horizon, all the way to the Adriatic Sea. The tiny enclave is surrounded by the picturesque Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, a culinary haven of the country. It’s a wonderful place to walk hand-in-hand with your partner the pedestrian-only cobblestone laneways and enjoy your food and drinks with picturesque views.

Alex with pizza and wine overlooking the romantic  San Marino at dusk
Perfect spot for a romantic dinner

San Marino is not for those seeking a vibrant nightlife, however it has a rich history and beautiful architecture to explore. It is perfect for those who are seeking a quiet get away and to spend time in museums learning about this quiant country.

Rimini, an Adriatic Sea Resort Town near San Marino

For those with more time, just 30-40 minutes from San Marino, is Rimini. Rimini is a popular seaside holiday destination packed with small beach resorts. It’s not somewhere on the radar of most Americans, but Fort Lauderdale, Florida is a sister city of Rimini. The Tiberius Bridge (Ponte di Tiberio) was completed in 20 AD by the Romans and cars still drive over it today. 

The Arch of Augustus at Aosta was dedicated to Emperor Augustus by the Roman Senate in 27 BC and is the oldest surviving Roman arch. Imagine a more inexpensive version of Fort Lauderdale, with delicious Italian food and historic sites. All of this combines to make this area one of the world’s most romantic destinations!

Stone bridge crossing over a river to a small village - Rimini
The Tiberius Bridge

Ireland

Landscape of the cliffs with the ocean, Ireland travel tips

From dramatic cliffs to charming storied pubs, Ireland is a popular romantic destination. Dublin, might not be your first thought for a romantic destination, but it offers some of Europe’s best nightlife, that includes friendly locals.

Dublin

When Bell and I visited first visited Dublin for our 6 year wedding anniversary, a couple of charming Irish ladies chatted us up at the bar and said they had to take us to their favorite club, Cafe En Seine. Next thing we knew, they had us out the door and in a taxi they even paid for! After such an engaging time in Dublin we were in love with city and eventually spent two and a half years living there.

West Coast of Ireland

The Cliffs of Moher is the most visited natural attraction in Ireland and for good reason, they are stunning. The west coast of Ireland is dramatically beautiful. Explore its stunning terrain and charming towns in a rental car. Enjoy traditional Irish music in charming Irish pubs in picturesque Galway and Dingle. If you stop in Galway be sure to eat some Galway Bay oysters. And remember, oysters are considered to be a natural aphrodisia!

Couples that visit Ireland can either fly into Dublin, Shannon or Belfast. They can also be great bases to plan a romantic and fun trip. Read our article on How to Spend a Perfect Week in Ireland!

Alaska

Part of the glacier falling into the sea and creating a large splash

Dramatic fjords and glaciers await couples in Southeast Alaska. This is a location for our adventurous couple readers! You can experience a wonderland of kayaking, hiking, bushwhacking and small ship skiff boat tours. Swoon over cheeky seals or majestic wales!

Front of boat, clean blue water and fjords under a blue sky in Alaska

Start your trip by flying into Juneau. Take in epic views 3,819 feet (1,164 meters) above Juneau and the surrounding mountains by hiking up Mount Roberts. Pro-tip, hike up and make a purchase at the store or restaurant at the top and catch the cable car down for free with your receipt. Also make time for Mendenhall Glacier which is just 12 miles (20km) outside Juneau and can be reached by car. Even if hiking is not your thing, you can still enjoy beautiful views of the glacier from rangers lodge.

Green and pink northern lights dance on the horizon with the stars above

We took a 7-day small ship cruise with UnCruise adventures and it was one of the greatest, but also romantic trips we have ever taken. Viewing whales, watching mountain goats traverse precarious mountain ledges and eagles soar overhead left indelible memories. We also watched the dancing Northern Lights on two nights comfortably from the bow of the ship, while snuggled up together and sipping delicious cocktails. Read everything you can expect aboard a small ship Alaska fjords and glaciers cruise aboard UnCruise.

Florida

Colorful sunset with palm trees on Lake Dora, in Mount Dora, Florida

Florida offers 663 miles of sandy beaches to unwind and play. Rows of palm trees offer the perfect backdrop to relax over a cocktail. It is also home to around 3,000 lakes, many offering picturesque spots for walks and enjoying sunsets. The state has romantic options for all types of couples – from adventurous, to those that just want to have fun at Disney World or those who want luxurious romance.

South of Miami, the Florida Keys are a wonderland of beautiful small islands connected by a fantastic highway to drive down whether it be in a campervan or a convertible or anything in between! Key West is the southernmost town in the United States and is famous for great parties from Fantasy Fest to just a typical weekend. The Florida Keys are also home to Florida’s best diving and snorkeling.

Alex & Bell stand in a sponge diving scene and Alex pokes his head through the divers helmet
The Sponge Docks of Tarpon Springs

Florida also has great historic and cultural towns too. St. Augustine is the oldest European settlement in the USA, founded in 1565. Tarpon Springs, on the Gulf Coast near Tampa, is home to the largest per capita Greek population and resembles a Greek fishing village. Then there are hidden gems like Cedar Key, where you will find no chains and some of Florida’s best seafood restaurants. Here is an extensive list of great Florida vacation destinations for couples to enjoy!

Quebec

French-speaking Quebec is one of the most romantic destinations in North America. It offers one of the best culinary scenes on the continent, with the feel of being in Europe, minus the long flight from the United States and jetlag.

If you’re planning a a long weekend in romantic Quebec City, Chateau Frontenac is an iconic luxury hotel. They celebrated their 125th Anniversary in 2018! It makes for a wonderful honeymoon or milestone anniversary trip as the hotel sits boldly above the St Lawerance River and has elegantly designed rooms.

Le Sain Sulpice, Montreal

Montreal

Montreal also has a lot to offer for a romantic couple’s getaway. Stay at the luxurious Le Saint Sulpice, next to the beautiful Notre Dame Basilica in charming Old Montreal. Enjoy a fantastic culinary scene and some of the best nightlife on the continent. Montreal is a great romantic getaway for couples that like to hit the town. Read our articles on Romantic Getaway Ideas for Montreal.

Laurentian Mountains

Couples can enjoy skiing around an hour outside Montreal in the Laurentian Mountains. The Esterel Resort is a wonderful place for couples to stay – with a picturesque outdoor Nordic spa and fantastic on-site dining. The resort is home to one of the finest wine collections in Quebec. Quebec is also famous for its sugar shacks, where you can enjoy delicious maple syrup, food, live music and outdoor activities.

Australia

Picture of rocks and the ocean, with cityscape off in the background
Bondi to Coogee Beach 6km Coastal Walk, just outside Sydney, Australia.

Sydney and Melbourne

Recent surveys have shown that Australia ranks first on many Americans’ travel bucket lists. Australia is one of the most romantic destinations for couples that enjoy outdoor adventures, city getaways and visiting wineries. Sydney and Melbourne are two of the world’s best foodie cities, and offer a wide variety of great activities for all types of couples.

Queensland

For the adventurous couples you can add scuba diving or snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef to your itinerary. To do this fly into Cairns, in northern Queensland. There are regular flights to Cairns from major cities in Australia. Rent a car and drive just north of Cairns to explore the beautiful Daintree Rainforest. This is a stunningly beautiful area of Australia to explore.

Melbourne Skyline along the Yara river

Australian Wineries

For those looking for a more luxurious trip, Australia is one of the world’s best destinations for wine enthusiasts. The Barossa Valley, just outside Adelaide, is considered Australia’s best wine region. The Yarra Valley in Victoria (near Melbourne) and Hunter Valley in New South Wales (a couple of hours drive north of Sydney) are also great.

Additionally, Tasmania produces some of the best Pinot Noirs in the world. All these regions specialize in different wine varieties, so if pinot noirs are your thing, head to Tasmania. Maybe you’ll also get to meet a Tasmanian Devil while you’re there!

Enjoy a romantic meal on the water in Hobart over looking boats and the mountains
Hobart, Tasmania

Travel to Australia requires careful planning due to the long distance. It is also a once-in-a-lifetime trip for many visitors. Bell is Australian and I lived in Melbourne for a year. Read our article on tips for planning a trip to Australia!

Zanzibar (The Spice Island of Tanzania)

Bell standing on the beach with dark stormy clouds

Zanzibar, aka Spice Island, is just off the coast of Tanzania, and is lined with picturesque beaches. The island offers a vibrant fusion of cultures as it was colonized by the Portuguese, Arabs and English. Tragically it was also the center of the East African slave trade in the 1800’s. Today it is a popular vacation destination for adventurous travelers.

Visitors can snorkel or dive, tour a spice farm, pet giant tortoises and see indigenous red colobus monkeys in Jozani Forest. There are a variety of resorts around the island that make this a romatnic destination.

Collage of pictures on the white sand beach including one with cows on the beach

Zanzibar Beach Stays

Spend time relaxing on the beautiful white sand beaches on the east coast of Zanzibar. We stayed in the Honeymoon Suite at the beautiful Bellevue Guesthouse. It is a lovely establishment on Bwejuu Beach, owned by a Dutch family from Amsterdam. They serve fantastic food and some rooms have gorgeous sea views. Monkeys even play in the trees near their pool, sometimes enjoying some romance too!

Sunrise over the Indian Ocean, boats and balcony

Zanzibar City – Stone Town

Centuries of history await visitors in Stone Town, the port of entry to the island. Spend some time strolling the narrow alleys during the day with your partner. The laneways are dotted with shops selling unique African crafts. Stone Town is the birthplace of Freddie Mercury; be sure to get your photo taken in front of his childhood home.

More on Tanzania, including Safari Highlights

This article covers how to spend one week in Zanzibar. And if you plan a trip to Tanzania, take a luxurious safari in the national parks like Serengeti or a combination of Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater on a shorter safari.

Trip map courtesy of Wanderlog, a road trip planner

Need tips on planning a get away to a romantic destination? Email me at alex(at)wanderlustmarriage.com or leave a comment below!

About the Writer and this Website

Alex Kallimanis is a UCF graduate who grew up in the Orlando, Florida area before living in destinations like Australia, the Netherlands, Ireland and east coast destinations like Boston and Washington, DC. As a travel journalist and travel consultant, I enjoy assisting readers with getting amazing experiences and value from their trips. I’ve visited 60 countries and counting!

I’m also a Greek citizen that has made around 15 trips to Greece. My wife of nearly 18 years, Bell, is an Australian scientist working in cancer research. We first met in a hostel in Brugge, Belgium while backpacking Europe solo after college. You can read more on that story in our about page if you’re interested.

I encourage you to browse some of the other destinations we’ve covered for helpful tips. I also share advice in our resources page that could save you thousands on travel costs!

Disclosure: This article contains some affiliate links. We earn a small commission when you use them to make bookings. Thanks for supporting independent travel journalism! 

Author

  • Alex Kallimanis

    Alex Kallimanis is an award winning travel journalist and travel planner who has visited 67+ different countries, including all 27 European Union countries across all continents except Antarctica. He has resided around the world, living in countries like Australia, the Netherlands and Ireland for over 7 years combined. Currently residing in the Tampa, Florida, area with his wife Bell, he still spends much of his time in Europe as a dual Greek citizen. Alex is a graduate of the University of Central Florida with a bachelor of arts degree in history, and was the president of Phi Alpha Theta (Honors History Society) during his senior year there. Alex is an avid enthusiast of sports, spas, delicious food, the outdoors, craft beverages, history and culture.

2 thoughts on “World’s Most Romantic Destinations to Visit

  1. I am a female biker, getting married next month, want a long honeymoon trip, not sure which destination to pick. Hope I can finalize some destinations before my wedding LOL.

    1. Hi Perry. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Happy planning and enjoy everything to the fullest. All the best with your trip plans and let us know if you have any questions about these destinations! 🙂

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