Most Romantic places to Travel in Europe
As we gear up for February 14th, some of you will be looking for a gift for your loved one, while others don’t care too much about this holiday, but still see it as a good excuse to escape reality for a bit.
Little background story: Back in ancient Rome, Emperor Claudius II banned marriage because he wanted soldiers, not lovebirds. But Saint Valentine, a rebel priest, kept marrying couples in secret. When he got caught and martyred on February 14th, the day became associated with love and romance. And that's how we ended up with Valentine's Day as we know it!
Now, whether you belong to one category or the other, this is prime time to travel (or plan your visit) to some seriously dreamy destinations.
I’ve been around Europe a lot, and these are my top picks:
1. Iceland: The Ultimate Adventure.
Picture this: you and your partner are driving in a van on the Golden Circle route, under a starry Icelandic sky, chasing after the Northern Lights and eating... drumroll, please... fermented shark! Yeah, you heard that right. They bury shark meat underground for months until it's, um, ready to eat. Bon appétit, anyone?
Then, after all that excitement, you hit up the Blue Lagoon geothermal baths to relax and soak away the day's adventures. Trust me, Iceland's got that otherworldly vibe that's guaranteed to make sparks fly.
One more reason to go: in 2024 we’ll be in the midst of a solar maximum, meaning more solar activity and charged particles for a stellar aurora display. Plus, it's the end of the 11-year solar cycle, so it's like the Northern Lights' grand finale before taking a break. Don't miss out on this epic show!
2. Madeira Island: Nature Lover's Paradise
Madeira Island, is like Mother Nature's playground, with epic hikes through lush forests and jaw-dropping views around every corner.
It is located in the Atlantic Ocean, about 600 miles off the coast of Portugal, and has an area of around 740 square kilometers (286 square miles).
Here you can hike, swim, explore at your pace: its mild climate year-round makes it an ideal destination for a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The sunsets? Absolutely unreal. After a day of climbing mountain trails, kick back and dig into some local grub that'll have your taste buds doing a happy dance. It's the perfect recipe for romance, if you ask me.
3. Salzburg: Where History Meets Romance
Salzburg is straight out of a storybook, with its medieval castles and classical music scene.
This is the place where Mozart's music still echoes through the streets, and even the hills are alive with the sound of music (remember the movie?!)!
It's a place where you can ski down slopes in the morning (popular ski resorts like Ski Amadé and Schladming are just a stone's throw away from the city), and waltz through cobblestone streets in the afternoon, feeling like you've stumbled into a real-life fairy tale. And let's not forget the castle looming over the city—because nothing says "romance" like a medieval fortress!
4. Amalfi Coast - Ravello: Love at First Sight
Ravello, perched on the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, is like a postcard come to life. Seriously, people come from all over to get hitched here, and it's not hard to see why. The views are insane, the vibe is laid-back, and every corner is just begging to be explored.
And don’t forget that you’re in one of the best places in Italy for food: Pizza comes from Napoli, Mozzarella comes from Napoli.
After this trip, you wish you’d come from Napoli.
Get ready to fall head over heels in love all over again.
That’s, in short, where I would go If I had to plan some trip for a couple.
However, If you want an experience designed for you, like a good suit, I suggest you reach out and plan your holiday with me. It’s easy and free, click on the button on the top right corner of this page and we’ll have a chat.
Ciao!
Vincenzo