Romantic Holidays

The village of Giethoorn in northern Holland has been called the Venice of the North for its serene canals; “like something out of a fairytale,” for its thatched roof homes, centuries-old wooden bridges, and tree-lined footpaths. You know what we call it? Quiet. Blissfully quiet. Honestly, there’s nothing more romantic than that—you can even rent your own boat to row down one of the gondolier-free waterways, too.

Isn’t she absolutely lovely? There’s something special about Hallstätt, made evident when you pull up by ferry across the glassy lake, with mist rolling down from the towering Dachstein mountains. Within the UNESCO World Heritage town are churches that date to the twelfth century, a buzzing market square, and plenty of cozy, candlelit restaurants for date night. Bonus: Hallstätt is only an hour’s drive from Salzburg and three from Vienna, making it a relatively easy day trip from Austria’s larger and more touristed cities.

Lake Como might get all the attention, but Lake Iseo is more tranquil, less crowded, and (dare we say) much more romantic. For starters, the town of Iseo itself, set on the lake’s southern shore, looks onto Monte Isola, a mountain that soars from the center of the lake. There are less tourists as compared to Como, too, which means you’ll have its lovely piazzas, Romanesque churches, and medieval castles all to yourself.

Said to be one of the Prettiest villages in Switzerland, Soglio lies in the Italian speaking Bregaglia valley, a few kilometres from Italy. Soglio is “the gateway to paradise,” mused Italian-Swiss painter Giovanni Segantini, but we’d argue that the Swiss town is paradise in and of itself. High up in the alpine Bregaglia Valley by the Italian border, Soglio is your perfect set of Sound of Music. Come here to stroll cobbled streets, breathe in that mountain air, and smell the roses in the garden of historic Palazzo Salis. Serenity is an aphrodisiac.

Sicily’s legendary resort town Taormina, with volcanic Mount Etna and the Ionian sea providing the cinema worthy backdrop, is one of Sicily’s most popular summer destinations, a chi-chi resort town popular with holidaying high-rollers and those wanting a taste of Sicilian dolce vita. Taormina is a popular and fashionable tourist resort with famously stunning views and a picturesque Graeco-Roman theatre, high above the sea and facing the volcanic and still active Mount Etna.

It doesn’t get much more romantic than Bled, a quaint, fairytale village on Slovenia’s glittering Lake Bled. Everything about it is swoon-worthy, from its 12th-century castle, set high on a cliff overlooking the lake, to its charming, candlelit restaurants. Take your sweetheart on a boat ride in a pletna, a traditional wooden rowboat, to the lush island in the middle of the lake. (Legend has it, visiting the island’s church and ringing its bell will make all your dreams come true.)

Sometimes called “the Venice of Savoie,” this dreamy alpine town is treasured for its sloping hillsides and bridge-covered canals (the perfect backdrop for a photo op—or even a proposal). The town’s cobblestone streets are ideal for strolling hand-in-hand, and its proximity to the emerald waters of Lake Annecy make it all the more romantic.

You’ll know how special and unique Bora Bora is as soon as you land: what you’ll see when you exit the airport on the island will leave you without words. The bright blue and green shades of water are unreal, and it will be love at first sight! Waking up in one of the overwater bungalows will make you feel like you own the entire world. Not to mention the perfect white beaches and thousands of tropical fish in the coral gardens. Add to that the unforgettable experience of swimming with sharks and giant manta rays, and you’ll be living one of the most romantic experiences the world has to offer!

Though you can drive yourself through the legendary Kruger National Park, a more romantic option is staying at a game lodge in the exemplary Sabi Sands Game Reserve, where many luxury resorts offer couple experiences you never imagined possible. You can wake up with a view of giraffes and zebras at a watering hole and end your day with an evening drive spotting the Big 5. Before you head back to your bungalow, you can cuddle in awe of the cascade of stars and constellations that shine above you and marvel at the universe that brought the two of you together.

With its candy-colored houses, magnificent Art Nouveau architecture, verdant gardens, and boat-filled canals, the charming seaside town of Aveiro is an easy place to fall in love. Take a ride on a moliceiro boat, picnic under the shady palms of the waterfront Jardim do Rossio, or simply duck into one of its many cafes and share a plate of ovos moles (Portuguese pastries). Plus, with the Atlantic on your doorstep, you’ll find sweeping golden beaches just minutes away by bus or boat.

The romance of adventure is evident in travelling through Patagonia; this immense area is both legendary and extreme, from the breathtaking natural wonder of the craggy Glacier Perito Moreno, to the savagely beautiful peaks of the Fitz Roy massif. Marvel at whales, penguins and elephant seals, and feel as though you’re travelling to the edge of the world along with your loved one.

Flanked by the tallest peaks in the Pyrenees mountain range, Benasque looks more like a village in the Swiss Alps than northern Spain. Benasque—considered one of the most beautiful small towns in Spain draws many ocutdoor activities seeking visitors looking to hike or fly fish, as well as shelter seekers who’d rather while away the afternoon with a mug of hot, spiced wine in a wood-paneled restaurant.

Nestled at the base of a UNESCO-protected fjord and surrounded by steep, snow-capped mountains, the village of Geiranger is as postcard-perfect as it gets. Views aside, it’s also a secret foodie paradise, home to chocolate shops, cheese shops and excellent farm-to-table restaurants (like the intimate and very proposal-worthy Brasserie Posten, found at the very edge of the fjord). Don’t miss a boat ride to view the fjord’s spectacular waterfalls, one of which is aptly named “The Suitor.”

Imagine this, if you will: canoodling with your number one and snapping a sunset selfie as you overlook the Tyrrhenian Sea from your cliffside villa in Italy. If that sounds just about perfect, the Amalfi Coast is an ideal spot for your next holiday-for-two. While this area of the Campania region is only 50 kilometers long, it lures many tourists thanks to its captivating beauty, fresh seafood, and photo-worthy panoramic views. You and your partner can navigate narrow roads and alleys; stop by fishing villages; tour clifftop villas; or spend the day on the beach, soaking up the sun along with the warmth of the Italians.

Another iconic destination for star-crossed lovers comes in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires, where a mix of tango, rose gardens and riverfront dining make for an alluring destination with few rivals. The city’s most famous architecture dates from the elegant late 19th and early 20th century Belle Époque, and parks are another big draw. But for romance, nowhere can top Paseo El Rosedal. As its name suggests, it’s a garden with 93 varieties of roses, walkways and benches for you and your beloved to sit a while or maybe enjoy a picnic.