Bidish I bet most of us have thought at least once in our lives, “Oh, how wonderful it would be to travel to Europe, and how romantic it would be to go with my partner.” Romantic getaways in Europe is a dream that’s held by couples all around the world —and why wouldn’t they be! With the romantic backdrop of medieval cities, dipping in the ocean and lying on the beach with a few martinis, walking the winding streets of Italy with the most tastiest gelato, or searching for food and views with the person who brightens your day by just being next to you —Europe has romance written all over it.
I asked a few of my travel-loving couple friends to vote for their favorite romantic getaways in Europe based on their personal experiences. I have to admit, the suggestions I received were much different than the ones I had expected. While the mainstream media has long portrayed Paris, Venice, and other big cities as the most romantic destinations, it seems that couples enjoy more off-the-beaten-path, quieter destinations to have better quality time with their partners. Well, let’s hear why they love those romantic cities, in their own words. Below are some suggestions for city breaks for couples in Europe if you are looking for a short romantic getaway.
Berchtesgaden, Germany
Recommended by Pooja and Sanjeev
Ever since Pooja and I first met in Nepal, our mutual love for food and travel has been the heartbeat of our relationship. Since we moved to Germany in 2021, this has continued. We have explored around seven EU nations and had equally good times during all our trips, but if we had to point to just one, I guess it has to be none other than Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, right here in Germany.
Berchtesgaden holds a special place in our hearts. It offered us a unique sense of calm and happiness that we had never encountered before. I kid you not when I say that this town, nestled in the Bavarian Alps, is the most beautiful town in all of Germany (at least for us). You just have to be there to experience the beauty of that place. But this has to be THE place to visit once in your lifetime.
We stayed in a cozy, albeit a bit expensive, Airbnb with a stunning view of the Alps. The sense of calmness this place provided was like nothing we had ever experienced. You could gaze into the mountains, the river, and the landscape for hours and hours and never get tired of it. We walked throughout the whole town for an entire day and still yearned for more because it was just that beautiful and calm.
Just a bus ride away from Berchtesgaden lies Königssee, arguably the most beautiful lake in Germany. The lake is just surreal, and a boat ride through the lake lets you appreciate the beauty of that lake on a different level. Although we regretted not bringing our swimsuits because the water was just so pristine and tempted us to take a big splash, now that’s for another time. Tip: So don’t forget your swimsuits if you plan to visit Königssee.
Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
Recommended by Ambica and Sudip
Having visited popular cities like Paris, Prague, and Athens, as well as beautiful places in Switzerland and Italy, we found Cesky Krumlov to be a delightful change. This small town in the Czech Republic felt like a fairy-tale escape, perfect for a romantic getaway. While it does attract tourists, it still offers a more relaxed pace compared to major cities.
We loved wandering through its cobblestone streets, surrounded by well-preserved medieval architecture. The colorful buildings and quaint shops added to the town’s charm. It felt like a mini Prague, but without the overwhelming rush. Because it’s small, we never felt hurried to see everything. We could relax and take our time, making our visit truly special and memorable.
Interlaken, Switzerland
Recommended by Ichchha and Sabin
In Interlaken, my partner and I found our little slice of heaven. Taking a train ride through the beautiful landscape of Switzerland to reach this charming town was an adventure in itself.
Tucked between two pristine lakes, Interlaken turned out to be a perfect setting for our romantic break. The calmness of the lakes and the visually magnificent appeal of the landscapes made our trip unforgettable by itself. In the evenings, we loved walking around the lakeside tasting the local chocolates and cheese. The simplicity of life here, away from the city’s hustle, had a calming effect on us.
Tip: We took a short trip to Grindelwald, a village just a train ride away from Interlaken. The experience of the most beautiful train ride with the views of the Swiss Alps was captivating. It held true to the visual appeal of Switzerland. Visiting a cliff in Grindelwald and witnessing the beautiful mountains on all sides was a sight that was too magical.
Lake Como, Italy
Author chose to remain anonymous
As a couple, my partner and I really loved exploring Lake Como. We started from Stuttgart with our car and the journey was lovely as we enjoyed the Alps view on our way in Switzerland too.
When we reached there, Lake Como mesmerized us with its breathtaking scenery, romantic ambiance, and serene atmosphere. The picturesque lakeside villages, lush gardens, and stunning mountain views made every moment special.
Must do: One must-do activity here is taking a boat tour around the lake, allowing you to explore charming towns like Bellagio and Varenna, and marvel at the opulent villas and beautiful landscapes from the water.
Not to forget the food there was heavenly! There are some restaurants that serve homemade pasta- this was my favorite. And don’t forget to bring some for yourself to cook it at home. ; )
Here’s a budget friendly tip if you are a wine lover- buy wine bottles from the local winery. They are so cheap and taste luxurious! You could just find a quiet spot near the lake and enjoy the delicious wine. 🥂
La Spezia, Italy
Recommended by Chanchal and Sreejith
Visiting La Spezia in Italy with my partner was unforgettable, making it one of our favorite destinations for couples in Europe. Our Airbnb faced the port, offering us a stunning sea view right from our window, which set the perfect tone for our trip.
We spent the entire day exploring the vibrant streets of this charming city, soaked in its coastal vibe, and enjoyed one of the best pizzas we’d ever had, as well as various local delicacies with picturesque port views.
In the afternoon, we hiked to Parco Naturale Regionale di Porto Venere, which rewarded us with breathtaking views and exquisite natural beauty. Although it required a bit of effort, the reward was one of the most beautiful gateways we’ve ever seen, perched in a higher area with spectacular views of the sea from the top. The natural beauty and serenity of this park made it a highlight of our trip. The architecture of the windows and gates was incredible, making it a great spot for photography enthusiasts. This place isn’t widely known, ensuring it wasn’t crowded. There is also a serene swimming spot where one can swim in the sea.
As the evening approached, we experienced one of the most beautiful sunsets we’ve ever seen, with the sky ablaze in hues of orange and pink, reflecting off the serene waters. The peaceful ambiance and stunning natural beauty of Porto Venere, with few people around, made it a perfect and intimate ending to our day in La Spezia.
Tip: For couples visiting La Spezia, I suggest spending the day on the city’s coastal paths and tasting the local cuisine, particularly the pizza. You could use La Spezia as a base to visit Cinque Terre.
Madeira, Portugal
Recommended by Asmita and Dipen
Nestled southwest of Portugal, the autonomous region of Madeira is a hidden gem that We highly recommend everyone visit at least once in their lifetime. We had few expectations and little knowledge of Madeira prior to visiting, besides the fact that Cristiano Ronaldo was born there.
Madeira has a unique vibe. You can really sense the history of the place when you roam the streets, and it offers a vibrant landscape from luscious beaches and grand cliffs to dense forest greenery and incredible mountains that rise above the clouds.
When we arrived in Madeira, the overcast sky made our initial impressions quite dull. However, this immediately changed as we drove up higher and higher above the clouds until it felt like we were above the heavens.
Tip: We made our way to Pico do Arieiro, the third highest peak in Madeira, and what we witnessed was beyond words. The crystal-clear blue skies and clouds below, the surrounding mountains—a sight that simply cannot be explained and photos do not do it justice.
Once we descended from the mountains back to town, we grabbed a meal for the two of us, and when we received the bill, we were certain that they had made an error and charged us for only one meal. However, little did we know that Madeira was an extremely budget-friendly place.
All in all, Madeira was 10/10—it was short and sweet, but it is one place we will definitely be returning to.
Tromsø, Norway
Recommended by Jyotsna and Bikal, Vlogger at Buda Budi Tales
Tromsø, located in Norway’s Arctic region, is perfect for nature-loving couples seeking for romantic getaways in Europe. Our trip to Tromsø in October was magical, immersing us in peace and solitude among stunning snow-capped mountains and crystal-clear fjords. The highlight was undoubtedly watching the Northern Lights together. Standing under a sky bursting with bright colors and stargazing at midnight, wrapped in each other’s warmth, was incredibly precious for us. As the auroras danced above, we felt deeply connected to nature and each other—a truly surreal and magical experience that we will remember forever.
Tip: If you’re visiting Tromsø, I highly recommend a trip to Sommarøy Island, just a 1 to 1.5-hour drive away. The journey itself is a visual treat, showcasing breathtaking views of Northern Norway’s landscapes. Sommarøy’s pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and tranquil atmosphere create the perfect backdrop for unforgettable moments. Tromsø and its surroundings are a haven for romance and natural beauty.
Jyotsna and Bikal are a Nepali couple who share their European travel experiences through vlogs on their YouTube channel, Buda Budi Tales and their Instagram handle.
Did you find your favorite places in this list? If you have some awesome destinations that couples should not miss, please let us know in the comment section below. : )
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