Europe is one of my favorite places to travel because there are some of the most romantic cities to visit. There is so much to do, eat and see that we never get tired of going. The best part is, once you get there, flying from one country to the next is cheap! Each time we plan a getaway to Europe, we plan to visit at least two or three countries.
Europe has some of the best destinations for couples. Every country has something for everyone, adventure, relaxation, history and the BEST FOOD. Sometimes we plan the beginning of our trip to be busy and adventurous and then the last few days we plan for some rest and relaxation. We hate the feeling of needing a vacation from our vacation. It is nice to have a little romantic getaway every once in awhile. I have complied a list of my favorite European destinations for couples and what to do while you’re there.
Paris, France
Maybe a little cliche, but there is a reason Paris makes the top of the list for European destinations for couples. The city could not be any more romantic. Great food, beautiful sites and amazing views, what’s not to love? I recommend taking a tour of the Eiffel tour and drink a glass of champagne at the top. There is so much history and architecture to appreciate in Paris. Visit the Palace of Versailles, the Louvre and Notre Dame. Make sure you take the time to visit the local bakeries and have a fresh croissant!
London, England
London is the perfect place to adventure and explore. Watch the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace. Harry Potter and Shakespeare fans can soak up all the history and sites around the city. If you are not scared of heights, ride on the London Eye to get the best views of the city. Things you cannot miss, the London Tower, Big Ben, the London Bridge and Stonehenge.
Santorini, Greece
You will not get more perfect views of the sunset than in Santorini. The island is full of adventure and relaxation with beautiful beaches, bustling cities and long hiking trails. The island has many unique beaches to visit and relax. Spend the day shopping in the market and enjoy dinner with an ocean view. Sign up for a sailboat tour around the islands and volcanos. The sunset in Oia is a must see. As a heads up, it can get pretty crowded around sunset in parts of Oia. So find a good spot and get there early. During the day, there is a trail you can hike across the island from Fira to Oia. If hiking is not your thing, take an ATV around the island to get to your destination faster. For a more detailed itinerary, check out my guide for first time travelers.
Granada, Spain
During my last year of graduate school, I decided to do one of my clinical rotations abroad in Granada. After spending six weeks in southern Spain, I fell in love with the city. You can head to just about any restaurant or bar for tapas and a pitcher of sangria. Walk the streets of the old Moorish city and make your way to take a tour of the Alhambra. I would also recommend finding a private Flamenco show to spend an evening immersing yourself in the culture. If you are into hiking and adventures, make sure to take the time to hike part of the Sierra Nevadas. The views are absolutely incredible and worth the long winding trails. If relaxation is more your things, head to the Spanish baths or take a day trip to the beaches in Malaga.
Seville, Spain
While there are many cities in Spain that make the top of my travel list, there was just something about the atmosphere in Seville that made me never want to leave. The food is always incredible. I recommend ordering some authentic paella and a glass of Spanish wine. If you want to try lots of different authentic food for a reasonable price, most places offer smaller portions. Order a bunch to share and you can try a nice variety. If you are planning a trip to Spain, I recommend you check out my 9 day itinerary.
Venice, Italy
Just imagine beautiful buildings and architecture and city streets replaced with romantic waterways and bridges. Then you will have a picture of what it is like to visit Venice. Along with the the beautiful scenery is the incredible food. What is not to love about homemade pasta, pizza and endless gelato? You can’t get any more romantic than a gondola ride through the canals with the one you love. If you want a cheaper option, the water taxi is also a pretty cool experience. Also be sure to visit St. Mark’s Square and a local cafe for a cappuccino. You will find enough to keep you busy just wandering the streets and taking it all in.
Florence, Italy
Florence is one of my most favorite cities to visit in Italy. The history and the architecture are like no other. When in Florence, the Duomo is a must see. The architecture and detailed art is unreal. If you are up for the challenge, you can climb the 463 steps to the top for fantastic views of the city. There are so many beautiful historical buildings and gardens to see, you could spend days exploring.
There are so many romantic destinations in Europe that are amazing for couples to visit. These are just a few of my favorite places that I have visited. I have many more place in Europe on my bucket list!
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