Since summer is just around the corner, I am already thinking about “the summer vacation”. With our new baby here, you would think I would be looking for baby friendly travel but since August is our anniversary month, it always brings me to consider more romantic destinations for couple travel instead. With so many beautiful destinations, it can be difficult to decide where to go or stay for an intimate getaway. In this blog, I’ve picked out five beautiful destinations that serve as the perfect backdrop to a romantic weekend.
So, how did I choose these? I tried to include destinations that can be visited on a lighter budget, and I wanted to steer clear from the honeymoon destinations which are generally more expensive (like the Maldives, the Bahamas, etc) and more ‘resorty’. I have included places which have options for a variety of activities and are teeming with natural beauty, rich culture and history. I also wanted to include plenty of places I have been, places I have planned to go to and places I plan to visit later this year.
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Seville, Spain
Seville is the capital of Andalusia and one of Spain’s most beautiful cities. It’s characterised by charming public squares, striking Gothic architecture, and green spaces lined with orange trees. I really look forward to eating delicious tapas, watching traditional flamenco shows and explore stunning historic buildings such as the Real Alcázar, La Giralda Tower, and Seville Cathedral.
Seville made the list thanks to friends who have been there and recommended it time and again.
2. Tuscany, Italy
With gorgeous green rolling hills and exquisite warm weather, Tuscany is one of the most scenic regions of Italy for a romantic trip. Its countryside is covered with olive groves and vineyards, and it’s one of the greatest places in the world to eat delicious food and drink
exceptional wine. Plus, it’s home to some beautiful historic cities including Pisa, Florence and Siena. It only takes around 2 hours and 10 minutes to fly to Tuscany from London, making it a handy destination for a weekend away for couples from the UK. It is also one of the most popular destinations to get married in!
Tuscany also holds a special place in my heart since this is where we decided to spend our 10 year anniversary!
3. Porto, Portugal
Porto (also known as Oporto) is a charming historic city that lies close to the mouth of the Douro River in northern Portugal. It has a long, complex history, having served as an important port for thousands of years, and its historic centre shares such valuable insights into the region’s history that it is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a romantic sunset cruise along the river for incredible views of the city, and be sure to sample the world-renowned Port wine that is produced here using grapes grown in the Douro Valley.
Photo by Nick Karvounis on Unsplash
4. Santorini, Greece
The Greek island of Santorini is known for its attractive white buildings, fascinating archaeological sites, and jaw-dropping beaches. If you want sun and sand as well as interesting tourist attractions, Santorini is the perfect destination. Akrotiri, an early Bronze Age settlement, shares fascinating insights into the ancient communities that once lived here. You can also expect delicious food and drink in Santorini thanks to the volcanic soils that produce incredibly tasty fresh fruit and vegetables.
For a more romantic vibe, I would suggest steering clear of Santorini in August and going in September or October. This is when I visited and it was an all around better decision – it was cheaper, the weather was pleasant, and of course, it was less crowded.
5. Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland’s capital city of Reykjavik has some stunning natural scenery on its doorstep, including unspoiled lakes, dramatic waterfalls, and geothermal pools. Visit Sky Lagoon to bathe in natural hot springs while admiring incredible views of mountains, glaciers, and the North Atlantic Ocean. You can also enjoy bracing hikes through the countryside, or explore cutting-edge museums and galleries when you explore the city centre.
If you want mild weather, visit Reykjavik between June and August when everything is in bloom. For a cosy winter break, visit between December and March – you’ll be able to enjoy ice skating, snowy landscapes, and perhaps even the Northern Lights.
Photo by Mike Swigunski on Unsplash
If you have any suggestions for similar romantic holiday destinations, please send this my way. I am starting to plan our summer travel so would love to have some options to consider. Happy and safe travels everyone.
– Anisha
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