Europe is normally considered as the home to some of the world’s most beautiful cities. From Prague through to Paris, there’s a city for any hopeless romantic. But which are the most passionate cities of Europe? Below we list what we think is the top 6 of the romantic getaways in Europe.
Rome
With its paved squares, al fresco trattorias as well as time-weathered Baroque cathedrals, Rome gives the feeling of being a movie set created particularly for your very personal Italian experience. It is likely that you won’t be allowed to go wading barefoot into Trevi Fountain as Anita Ekberg did in the film La Dolce Vita. However there are plenty of other scenic settings for a romantic dalliance or perhaps even a special announcement. And Rome has a fantastic climate which always helps create a fabulous holiday, romantic or not.
Venice
It’s hard to bring up Venice without mentioning the word ‘passionate’. From its beautiful reflections in the peaceful waterways to its gently splashing gondola boats, along its winding backstreet and quiet lanes where the peace get disrupted by nothing other than the intermittent echoing tread of another person, each and every single inch of Venice is filled with romance. You must have the EHIC card ready before going to any of these places. Your imagination will be insprired as you thrust your way through throngs crossing over the Rialto Bridge, or in the queue for visiting St Mark’s basilica. This incredible buildings maybe popular but they are part of the fabric of this beautiful city and what sets it apart. They are well worth braving the crowds for – although if you go in winter you often have these places to yourselves and the misty atmosphere can be even more romantic than the sunshine!
Amsterdam
Friendly, quirky, scenic and entertaining, Amsterdam both charms and seduces. This old historic city has been attracting visitors for centuries, and is still a prime attraction for tourists. Its canals that are lined with trees, fairy-lit overpasses, soaring swans, beautiful houses, interesting boats, friendly cafes and restaurants and of course people on bicycles! In this place there are many small-scale places that seem to be made exclusively for romance; cafe culture is strong in Amsterdam and the perfect place for couples to enjoy the great view and talk to each other whilst watching the world go by.
Paris
Despite being an old classic this charming city rarely lets you down. Paris is the very definition of romance and passion and is often top of the list when the time comes for a weekend away a deux. You can enjoy leisurely walks along the length of the River Seine with its romantic bridges, enjoy a drink in a pavement cafe watching the world go by, dining in romantic candlelit eateries or gastronomic places of worship, or perhaps sharing a kiss at dusk on the sparkling Eiffel Tower.
Dubrovnik
The Old township of Dubrovnik carries you centuries back in time, along ancient paved lanes lined by gracious Baroque stone buildings. Along the edge of the city are the wonderful medieval city walls which are a wonderfully atmospheric place to take a stroll. You can also take a dip in the deep cobalt waters of the Adriatic at the hip Banje beach or you can take a taxi-boat out to Lokrum isle, which is famous for its botanical gardens as well as its peacocks. You can also go on a tour of the wineries at Pelješac for tasting the velvety reddish Dingač and eating oysters at Ston. Following sunset, you can feast by candlelight at Proto in Old Town of Dubrovnik’s or at Orsan that overlooks the fabulous boats in the yachting marina.
