World's 20 Most Romantic Destinations

Looking to rekindle the flames with a romantic escape? From the Maldives' secluded beaches to Savannah’s charming B&Bs, these destinations are perfect for wooing your significant other.

September 09, 2019

Related To:

Shop This Look

Photo By: Tatakis / iStock / Getty Images

Photo By: Getty Images

Photo By: GettyImages/DenisTangneyJr

Photo By: GettyImages/RudyBalasko

Photo By: DWalker44 / iStock / Getty Images

Photo By: JJS-Pepite / iStock / Getty Images

Photo By: Getty Images

Photo By: Monica & Michael Sweet/Getty Images

Photo By: istock

Photo By: GettyImages/Pgiam

Photo By: GettyImages/Vladones

Photo By: Philip Lange

Photo By: GettyImages/Mathias Trumminger

Photo By: Getty Images

Photo By: Steve Lorillere, Getty Images

Photo By: luk7811 / iStock / Getty Images

Photo By: Ronira / iStock / Getty Images

Photo By: James Daisa via Flickr Creative Commons 2.0

Photo By: Pandu Adnyana/Moment/Getty Images

Photo By: GettyImages/bpperry

Santorini, Greece

Watching the sunset over the brilliant blue Aegean Sea from your own private terrace in Santorini? Pure romance. The only thing that could top this postcard-worthy moment? Never having to leave.

SEE MORE: Most Romantic Places to Watch the Sunset

Majorca, Spain

Hollywood’s elite have been spotted canoodling on Majorca, the largest of Spain's Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea. With its unspoiled golden sand beaches and intimate boutique hotels, it's easy to see why this island inspires romance.

SEE MORE: Experience Spain and Morocco

The Berkshires, Massachusetts

Historically a haven for writers and artists, this New England getaway nestled in picturesque rolling mountains is perfect for culture and nature lovers. Listen to classical music at Tanglewood, summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, or take a tour of Edith Wharton’s Gilded Age mansion.

SEE MORE: Top 10 New England Bed-and-Breakfasts

Bruges, Belgium

Legend has it that couples who cross the bridge over the "Lake of Love" in Minnewater Park (on the southern side of Bruges) will be together forever. That bridge is an ideal spot to begin wandering along the medieval port city’s cobblestone streets and crisscrossing canals. Once the province of merchant ships, the postcard-perfect waterways now welcome graceful swans and holidaymakers in small boats. Bruges is gorgeous at any time of year, but it’s especially enchanting when the summertime tourists have departed and the crisp air of fall and winter heightens its fairytale atmosphere.

Savannah, Georgia

Only have time for a long romantic weekend stateside? A popular weekend escape for couples, Savannah puts on the Southern charm with its Spanish moss-covered canopies, cozy B&Bs and tucked-away restaurants.

St. Moritz, Switzerland

This Swiss resort town, famous for its "champagne climate," is ideal for cosmopolitan couples seeking an alpine adventure. Picture a day skiing amongst snow-capped peaks, followed by an equally heart-pounding evening snuggled up on a horse-drawn carriage ride along the frozen lake.

The Maldives

The most romantic archipelago on earth? The Maldives, of course. Pretend like you are in your own private paradise with a stay in one of the overwater bungalows strung along the crystal-clear turquoise sea. Bask on the private white-sand beaches, feeling like you and your S.O. are in a world of your own.

SEE MORE: Majestic Places to Stay in the Maldives

Kauai, Hawaii

Say aloha to romance on Kauai, Hawaii’s least-developed island. Kauai is a favorite for those who want to get away from the crowds and enjoy secluded, natural beaches. Get your heart pumping on a hike through the lush mountains or with a private dip in the waterfalls.

SEE MORE: Kauai's Hidden Beaches

Florence, Italy

Nothing says romance like watching the sunset from Florence’s Piazzale Michelangelo. After a day ogling frescos in the numerous museums in Florence and sipping Chianti in outdoor cafes, you're guaranteed to feel a little amorous here in one of the most romantic cities in the world.

SEE MORE: Best of Florence, Italy

Carmel, California

If you like rugged coastlines and isolated beaches, Carmel is calling your name. Hop in the car for a romantic road trip down the picturesque Pacific Coast Highway to this famed beach hideaway. A former artists' colony, Carmel is now a romantic refuge for those who desire a slow-paced beach escape.

Quebec City, Quebec

Dreaming of a cozy winter getaway? If you and your partner aren’t afraid of a little cold then head to Quebec City, a charming French-Canadian city full of snow-covered streets, romantic restaurants and plenty of fireplaces to cuddle up by.

Islamorada, Florida

Think you can’t get away from tourists in Florida? Nestled in upper Florida Keys, Islamorada is a world away from the rowdy crowds in Key West. Named “Purple Isle” by its Spanish explorers, this hidden gem is known for its seductive sunsets and luxury resorts.

SEE MORE: Florida's Best-Kept Secret

Vienna, Austria

Raise a glass to your special someone in the wine-growing capital of the world, where over 1,700 acres of vineyards and 320 vintners create showstopping sips within the city limits. Its beautiful Baroque buildings also thrum with the classical music that has thrived there for centuries: Mozart, Beethoven, Strauss and Schubert all composed in the Austrian capital. To experience the best of the best, reserve seats at a Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra performance, or plan to be in Schlosspark at the beginning of the summer, when its alfresco arrangements attract more than 100,000 music lovers.

Kyoto, Japan

Could you think of a more romantic boat ride than along Kyoto’s cherry blossom-lined Okazaki Canal during spring? The cherry blossoms are very symbolic in Japan — the Japanese believe the short blooming cycle of the blossoms is a metaphor for life, an annual reminder that time is precious. So plan this romantic trip of a lifetime with your partner now.

SEE MORE: Explore Kyoto, Japan

Paris, France

We’d be remiss if we left Paris off this list. From sidewalk cafes perfect for getting cozy to some of the world’s most passionate art, Paris is synonymous with romance.

SEE MORE: Things to Do in Paris

Koh Tao, Thailand

This tiny island in Thailand, known for its world-class scuba diving, beckons couples looking for a romantic tropical getaway. Relax on the quiet beaches or learn how to scuba dive as a couple. Then in the evening, watch spectacular sunsets from lantern-lit restaurants that line the beach.

SEE MORE: Thailand's 7 Hidden Beaches

Prague, Czech Republic

Known as the “city of a hundred spires,” the Czech Republic’s capital is pure magic from its dazzling architecture and winding streets to one-of-a-kind gems like its fifteenth-century astronomical clock (be sure to visit the old town square to watch its spellbinding mechanical figures come to life on the hour). Prague is so in love with love that its official tourism site offers a special guide to experiences for couples — and each year on the first of May, locals celebrate romance by gathering to kiss in Petrin Park.

Napa Valley, California

Napa Valley has a well-deserved reputation for winemaking, of course, but it’s become a destination for couples with eclectic tastes: a morning that begins with a soak in local hot springs could ease into a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant, an afternoon of gallery-hopping and wine-tasting, and a sunset flight over the golden hills in a hot-air balloon.

Bali

Locals in Bali are well aware of the Indonesian island’s status as one of the world’s top honeymoon destinations, and its spectacular resorts offer intimate accommodations of all kinds: visitors can enjoy otherworldly sunsets from the privacy of luxurious villas, stretch out for massages overlooking the sea and even request rooms in local restaurants that cater to just two guests at a time. The pristine beaches, in turn, are ideal for strolling all year long; unlike other tropical destinations, the weather on Bali’s shores is consistently, perfectly temperate.

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Nestled like a jewel in the central highlands of Mexico, San Miguel de Allende was best known to foreigners for its intricate colonial architecture — until the ‘30s, when artists and writers began settling in the city and adding new traditions to its tale. Today, it’s known for hosting a kaleidoscope of festivals (many of which conclude with exuberant fireworks displays) and a dizzying array of cultural offerings. It’s the perfect place to celebrate your love story.

Trending

Trending

Trending

Trending

World's 20 Most Romantic Destinations

Related To:

Shop This Look

Santorini, Greece

Majorca, Spain

The Berkshires, Massachusetts

Bruges, Belgium

Savannah, Georgia

St. Moritz, Switzerland

The Maldives

Kauai, Hawaii

Florence, Italy

Carmel, California

Quebec City, Quebec

Islamorada, Florida

Vienna, Austria

Kyoto, Japan

Paris, France

Koh Tao, Thailand

Prague, Czech Republic

Napa Valley, California

Bali

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico