Any excuse is good for a romantic getaway. In Europe, several destinations seem tailor-made for a romantic interlude. Some big cities have a heritage and atmosphere conducive to long, hand-in-hand strolls, while others invite you to enjoy the silence and reconnect with nature. Unless, of course, you'd rather wait until the end of the day to watch the sun set over the sea, sitting quietly at the table of a fine restaurant. Does all this sound like a dream to you, and you're short of ideas for a future weekend for two? Here are 10 European destinations that rhyme perfectly with love.
1- Venice, the obvious choice
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We kick off this selection of perfect destinations for a romantic weekend in Europe with the beautiful city of Venice. The lakeside city offers an ideal setting for a romantic stroll, with its remarkable heritage, bridges and canals. A gondola ride is a must for a perfectly blended moment. After watching the sun go down from the mythical Piazza San Marco, join a restaurant for some antipasti with a glass of wine. We complete this timeless weekend with a visit to some of the city's most beautiful monuments, including the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute. An evening at the La Fenice theater, an escapade on the colorful island of Murano - there 's no shortage of options in Venice for creating memorable memories for two.
Read more: What to do and see in Venice in 3 days? Itinerary tips
2- The Highlands, the power of nature
What if, for a romantic weekend in Europe, we opted to rent a cottage at the foot of the Highlands mountains? After endless walks on the moors as far as the eye can see, you'll enjoy warming up around the fire. And what about the Glen Coe valley? With its mountains and lush green landscapes, it's the perfect bucolic setting for a hike for two. For travelers who think romance goes hand in hand with a medieval ambience, the Highlands offer the chance to get up close to some incredible castles. Accessible by a single stone bridge, floating on the loch Duic, Eilean Donan Castle is the perfect place to cross the ages for two. Definitely one of the most beautiful destinations for a romantic weekend in Europe!
Read also: What to do and see in the Highlands The 15 most beautiful places
3- Bruges, the Venice of the North
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With its canals and medieval charm, Bruges is an idyllic destination for a romantic weekend in Europe. It's a delight to lose yourself for two in the streets of its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each alleyway is sure to reveal an eye-catching monument. A stroll along the Quai de Rosaire, a climb up the belfry or a memorable moment in front of a work by Michelangelo in the Church of Notre-Dame are just a few of the must-do activities on offer to create beautiful memories for two. And don't forget to take the time to enjoy the local gastronomy. Eat a Belgian waffle, try the various chocolates, relax with a beer at the end of the day: we definitely know how to delight lovers in Bruges, one of the most beautiful destinations for a romantic weekend in Europe.
Read also: What to do and see in Bruges in 2 or 3 days? Itinerary tips
4- Oia, love on a cliffside
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A typical Cycladic village is the perfect setting for a romantic weekend on the Old Continent! On the island of Santorini, the romantic pearl, Oia shines with its whitewashed walls, blue domes, other colorful touches and cobbled streets. Stroll past windmills and churches and take a few romantic photos. In the evening, watching the sun set over the Aegean Sea is an experience not to be missed. The next day, you can choose to browse the village's art stores or follow the hiking trails that flood the cliffs. As for the beach, Oia is close to Badexes, a stretch of sand where tranquillity is absolute. To find out more, read our article What to do in Santorini? The 19 must-sees.
Read also: Where to go for Valentine's Day? Top 14 most romantic destinations
5- Vienna, the sweetness of an Austrian waltz
Sco?nbrunn Castle© © Dermot68 - iStockphoto.com
Fancy a romantic city trip to a European capital? Vienna is one of the world's most romantic cities. This is evidenced by the many incredibly well-preserved palaces. A must-do tour starts with a walk in the footsteps of the Habsburgs through the gardens of Schönbrunn Palace. Then marvel at the works of Gustav Klimt in the sumptuous, Baroque Belvedere Palace. What better way to take in the architectural wealth than with a horse-drawn carriage ride or a cruise on the Danube? An evening out is bound to include candlelight in a restaurant, before heading to the Vienna State Opera to watch a ballet.
Read more: What to do and see in Vienna in 2 or 3 days? Itinerary tips
6- Heidelberg, romantic university town
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In southwest Germany, Heidelberg is a charming city built along the banks of the River Neckar, and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Germany. It's also surrounded by beautiful wooded hills. A lively student town, it is also popular with those seeking a romantic atmosphere. The old houses of the old town and the countless cobbled streets lined with cafés and restaurants await couples for soothing strolls and gourmet breaks. Want to treat your other half at the weekend? Then head for Haupstrasse, a shopping street with a wide variety of boutiques. You should also take the time to stroll along the Promenade des Philosophes. It's an opportunity to discover the beautiful natural surroundings, while enjoying fine views of the old town and Heidelberg Castle, dating back to the 13th century.
Read more: Where to go on honeymoon? The 25 best honeymoon destinations
7- Krakow, a city of love and heritage
Wawel Castle© Marcin Krzyzak - Shutterstock.com
In Poland, Krakow has plenty to delight couples with a passion for architecture. The Wavel Castle overlooking the Old Town, the Market Square and its countless buildings, the Barbican and the Old Synagogue - there 's plenty to do for lovers of fine stonework and history. A horse-drawn carriage ride is a great way to discover the town's heritage. After enjoying a mini-hike along the Vistula, you can stroll through the Museum of Modern Art in Krakow and discover exciting exhibitions of contemporary art. In the evening, the trendy Jewish district of Kazimierz awaits lovers for a romantic dinner and a nightcap. To round off this romantic weekend, a stroll through Planty Park is a must, simply to enjoy the tree-lined paths and stop for a few moments on a bench to kiss.
Read more : What to do and see in Krakow in 2 or 3 days? Itinerary tips
8- Madeira, isolated by the waves
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For a romantic getaway, let's head off to the seas off the coast of North Africa. Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal, awaits travelers who set down their bags in Funchal. The historic center is a marvel. Up in the hills, the botanical garden and its rare plants will capture the attention of lovers. For sporty couples, Madeira offers an ascent of Ruivo Peak, with the reward of a splendid view of the island and the ocean from 1,862 m above sea level. And for another unforgettable moment for two, head for the marina at Calheta, where you can take to the water and watch dolphins, whales and many other marine mammals. To find out more, read our article on What to do in Madeira? 15 must-sees.
Read more: Where to go for a cheap weekend break in Europe? Top 15 destinations
9- Kotor, romance in the Balkans
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One of the most beautiful places in Montenegro, Kotor is a city well worth a visit for all lovers of the world. It offers an intimate setting and a remarkable heritage, such as the two churches of St. Nicholas and St. Luke, or the Cathedral of St. Tryphon. The old town, dominated by the Lovcen and Orjen mountains, boasts some lovely Venetian buildings. Romantic atmosphere guaranteed! Lovers are also sure to leave the city behind and take to the hiking trails. All around, nature is superb and the plunging view over the mouths of Kotor is an incredible moment. We finish with a visit to the cat museum, which couldn't be cuter. Illustrations, drawings, postcards: the entries are used to feed and care for the alley cats of Kotor, one of the most beautiful destinations for a romantic weekend in Europe.
Read more: What to do and see in Kotor out of season? Must-sees and The 5 best tours for discovering Montenegro.
10- Geiranger, the call of the fjords
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Close your eyes and imagine for a moment a beautiful hotel with spa lost in the middle of the Norwegian fjords. Then enjoy the hushed atmosphere of a small village surrounded by breathtaking nature in Geiranger, one of Norway's most beautiful spots and one of Europe's top destinations for a romantic weekend. The wooden houses and old boathouses give it a charm all of its own. The views over the Geirangerfjord on a hike for two are sure to seal the deal. On this unforgettable, romantic weekend, whether you follow the path beside the Storfossen waterfall, or join the old Skageflå farmhouse to contemplate snow-capped peaks, green spaces and the magnificent Seven Sisters waterfall.
Read also: our selection of ideal destinations for a romantic weekend in France
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