There’s nothing quite like whisking your sweetheart away for a spontaneous romantic weekend. And Europe is practically dripping with storybook towns and passionate hideaways, each more heart-melting than the next.
If you and your lover are looking for something a little different (and a lot more special) than Paris, you’re in for a treat. Together, let’s stroll through ten breathtaking European spots where love is not just in the air – it’s in the cobblestones, the sunsets, and every delicious bite of dessert.
Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm is pure magic for couples who love cozy moments and hand-in-hand strolls through sparkling streets. Built across 14 islands, this city holds the key to endless waterfront views, twinkling cafes, and the kind of charming, candlelit dinners that make you feel like you’re the only two people in the world. There’s also a crispness to the Scandinavian air that seems to make every cuddle even sweeter.
Together, you can wander through Gamla Stan, the storybook Old Town with its colorful buildings and winding alleyways, or take a dreamy boat ride around the archipelago.
For a truly unforgettable stay, book a room at the Hotel Skeppsholmen, a chic boutique hotel right by the water. And, when hunger strikes, you can snuggle up over some Swedish meatballs and wine at Fem Små Hus, a historic, candle-lit cellar restaurant that feels like a secret hideaway just for two.
Paphos, Cyprus
Paphos is pure, sun-drenched romance. Legend says Aphrodite, the goddess of love herself, was born from the sea foam just offshore. Not a bad spot for a few stolen kisses beneath the moonlight, right?
With golden beaches, ancient ruins, and fiery sunsets that seem a bit too beautiful to be real, it’s no wonder Paphos has a reputation as a lover’s paradise. All the while, the warm Mediterranean breeze will feel like it’s whispering sweet nothings in your ear.
Spend your days hand-in-hand, exploring the mesmerizing mosaics at the Archaeological Park, or take a swim at Aphrodite’s Rock, believed to bless couples with everlasting love.
If you can, try to stay at the elegant Almyra Hotel, a contemporary hideaway with sea views so stunning, you’ll think you’ve wandered into a dream. For dinner, you can dine in delight at 7 St. George’s Tavern, where the mezze is endless, the wine is flowing, and the atmosphere is true romance.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn feels like it was built specifically for lovebirds. With its fairy-tale towers, hidden courtyards, and old-world charm, it’s impossible not to fall a little more in love – with each other and the city itself.
The medieval Old Town is so romantic; it’s filled with cobblestone streets and pastel-colored houses. You might want to wander up Toompea Hill for sweeping views of the city or simply lose yourselves in the labyrinth of narrow streets.
For an endlessly romantic escape, stay at the Schlössle Hotel, a five-star boutique hotel that feels like a castle in the sky. And, when you’re ready to toast to your love, secure a table at Rataskaevu 16 – a cozy restaurant full of soul.
Boka Bay, Montenegro
If you dream of a place where the mountains kiss the sea and every corner looks like a painting, Boka Bay is calling your name. This sweet little corner of Montenegro is wildly romantic, with its serene blue waters, tiny stone villages, and slow, dreamy pace that makes you want to linger over every embrace.
Spend the day sailing across the bay, visiting ancient churches and sun-soaked beaches, or wandering through the enchanting old town of Kotor; every alleyway seems like it was designed for stolen kisses.
This may stretch your budget a bit, but if you can secure a stay at the Heritage Grand Perast, housed in a former palace right by the water, you’ll be the prince and princess for a few nights. To top it all off, plan for a candlelit dinner at Conte Nautilus. We can guarantee the sea breezes and coastal views will leave you swooning.
Edinburgh, Scotland
There’s a rugged, windswept romance about Edinburgh that’s simply irresistible. Between the gothic spires, misty hills, and cozy pubs, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a moody medieval love story. The city immediately sets the stage for you to grab your partner’s hand and set off on countless explorations.
You can climb Arthur’s Seat together for an exhilarating view of the city, or lose yourselves among the bookstores and hidden gardens of the Royal Mile. Visit Edinburgh Castle, too, to complete the shift back in time.
After a day of adventure, you can unwind with a few nights at The Caledonian Edinburgh, a historic hotel with serious old-world charm. Another great option is The Witchery – either to stay for a few nights or cozy up over a gourmet Scottish meal. It’s known to be one of the most romantic (and atmospheric) hotels in the world.
Galway, Ireland
Galway is pure poetry for the heart. Colorful, musical, and brimming with wild beauty, it’s the kind of place that gets under your skin and stays forever. The town’s lively streets and windswept shorelines are perfect for couples looking for a mix of energy and tranquility.
In the evening, you can dance to traditional Irish music in any number of pubs, then take a moonlit walk along the Salthill Promenade. If you’re feeling adventurous, a day trip out to the seaswept Cliffs of Moher will prove to be unforgettable.
For your stay, you’ll love The g Hotel & Spa, a glam and artsy hotel that’s perfect for indulgent getaways. In a sea of culinary options, be sure to savor an intimate dinner at Aniar one night, a Michelin-starred restaurant where every course tells a story.
Rovinj, Croatia
Rovinj is a dreamy blend of Italian and Croatian charm, perched right on the Adriatic Sea. Its colorful old town, narrow alleyways, and seaside sunsets make it feel like a place where time simply melts away; it’ll leave you blissfully suspended in the moment.
Together, you can rent bicycles and pedal through the Golden Cape forest park or take a private boat to watch the sunset together.
At night, nestle into the sumptuous sheets at the luxurious Adriatic Hotel, a stylish boutique masterpiece right in the heart of the old town. Then, you can end your perfect day with seafood and candlelight at Puntulina, where the tables hover just above the sparkling sea.
Sintra, Portugal
Returning to the prince and princess fantasy for a moment, Sintra could be your fairy tale come true. With its misty forests, whimsical palaces, and hidden gardens, Sintra oozes enchantment and romance from every mossy stone.
Visit the otherworldly Pena Palace, wander hand-in-hand through the Quinta da Regaleira gardens, or simply get lost in the town’s magical streets.
You’ll definitely enjoy a few nights at Valverde Palácio de Seteais, a real-life palace turned into a lavish hotel. And, for a dinner worthy of your love story, head to Cantinho Gourmet; it’s a cozy gem where the flavors are as rich as the surroundings.
Colmar, France
Okay – one more fairytale moment. Or, perhaps this one is more like ensconcing yourself in a snow globe. Try to imagine a place where every corner looks like it was lifted straight from a classic Disney film.
This is Colmar, a colorful, canal-laced town in Alsace that’s almost too pretty to be real. It’s the kind of place where couples find themselves pausing every few steps to steal another kiss – or three. Together, you can float along the canals in a wooden boat, stroll hand-in-hand through flower-bedecked streets, or savor a glass of Alsatian wine – or three.
Make your home for the weekend at La Maison des Têtes, a romantic and historic inn that whispers tales of the past at every turn. Also, be sure to enjoy an unforgettable meal at JY’s, a two-Michelin-star restaurant set right by the river.
Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is practically synonymous with romance. With its meandering canals, medieval architecture, and the smell of chocolate wafting through the air, it’s impossible not to feel like you’re starring in your very own play. Every moment feels timeless, and every cobblestone street is an invitation to walk a little bit slower and hold each other a little bit closer.
Take a carriage ride through the historic center; share a giant waffle under the shadow of the Belfry; end the day with a sunset boat ride.
See if you can stay at Hotel De Orangerie, a former 15th-century convent turned into a luxurious boutique hotel right by the canal. And, when you’re ready to indulge, reserve a table at Den Gouden Harynck, a romantic restaurant where every dish feels like a work of art.
Fall In Love All Over Again
Who’s ready to fall in love all over again? We know we are! All it takes is a simple weekend getaway in any of these snowglobes, we mean cities. Tuck yourself away for the night in a sumptuous setting before spending the day casually taking in the sights and sounds of a new town.
Before you pack your ChapStick for all those stolen kisses, be sure to explore our extensive library of destination guides. This article is just one example of how we love doing some of the legwork for you so you can plan the trip of a lifetime – or, in this case, the romantic getaway of a lifetime.