The best couples destinations in Europe for romantic getaways, proposal, elopement or honeymoon by luxury travel advisor in Paris. Because your love story deserves a worthy setting.
Romance is so subjective isn’t it? A lot of things go into a the heady cocktail of romance and it can be different for each couple. But in the dozen years that we’ve been planning honeymoons and elopements in Southern Europe, we’ve seen what works and the which destinations fall short of their reputation. The best ones are places couples keep wanting to revisit time and time again. We want you to have the best time ever so we’re sharing our top 5 romantic destinations in Europe, and you may be surprised!
At Travellur, we believe romance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Maybe your idea of romance is a lazy morning eating fresh croissants from the corner bakery in bed. Maybe it’s a sunset swim on a hidden beach in Sicily, or a champagne toast as the lights of the French Riviera shimmer across the sea. Europe is the perfect canvas for your most romantic escape, whether it’s a honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply time away to reconnect.
But with so many dreamy destinations, where do you begin? We’ve narrowed it down to five of the most enchanting places in Europe to help you find your perfect match.
credits: Ruth Terrero Photography
Paris
✤ The city of light, love & classic elegance ✤
Paris isn’t just a romantic cliché, it’s the real deal. Cobblestone streets made for hand-in-hand wandering, candlelit dinners in cosy little bistros and sparkling views of the Eiffel Tower that never lose their magic. Whether you’re sharing macarons at Ladurée, drifting along the Seine at golden hour, or simply lingering over a café crème at a sidewalk cafe, Paris makes it easy to get swept away.
When to go ✤
Anytime of year is good in Paris, each season having it’s own charm.
Where to stay ✤
In arrondissements 1-9 or you’ll lose time and money on taxis.
Where to kiss ✤
Right here, under the willow tree at the downstream tip of the Ile-de-la-Cité, an island in the River Seine in the very heart of Paris with views of the Louvre and Eiffel Tower.
>>> Want to elevate the romance? Let us arrange a
rooftop dinner with Eiffel tower views, an after-hours
visit to the Opera house, or a stay at a 19th century
bordello cached away in a secret garden. <<<
French riviera
✤ Glamour, luxury & seaside seduction ✤
The Côte d’Azur knows how to do romance with glamorous panache. Think yacht-filled harbors, pastel-hued villages and scintillating sea views from medieval fortresses. Stroll the promenade in Nice, sip rosé at a beach club in Saint-Tropez, or lose track of time exploring hilltop towns like Èze or Saint-Paul-de-Vence. From sun-drenched luxury to laid-back Mediterranean charm, the Riviera is perfect for couples who love a mix of elegance, bling, and indulgent afternoons by the sea. We recommend doing a champagne picnic with views of the coast with a friend our ours who will pick you up in a vintage C2V Citroen and set out the instagrammiest picnic for you.
When to go ✤
May, June, September and October are the best months. May through August is the high season and more expensive. July and August are very hot and extra crowded - have a strategy in place for that period. If you dont have one, call us before May.
Where to stay ✤
Our favourite places are smaller seaside towns with all the sherbet coloured charm of St Tropez, but without the traffic and outrageous prices. Definitely not Nice.
Where to kiss ✤ Climb up the stairs just before sunset and kiss
right here with a view of the coast.
Amalfi Coast
credits: Sally, Amichi Co's photography
✤ Dramatic cliffs, old world charm & Italian passion ✤
If your idea of romance involves winding roads, lemon-scented air, and colourful villages clinging to cliffs above a sparkling sea: the Amalfi Coast delivers. Here, romance is written into every stone staircase and vineyard terrace. Delight in fresh seafood in Positano, toast to your future in Ravello’s cliffside gardens, or escape the crowds on a private boat to Capri. With its cinematic beauty and Italian warmth, the Amalfi Coast turns every moment into something worth remembering. If you’re thinking about elopement here, we have the perfect place embellished with history and ivy covered stone ramparts and a backdrop of misty seaviews.
When to go ✤
May, June and September are the best months. If swimming in the sea is important, wait until June. July and August are very busy and traffic along the one road that serves the entire coast is unbearable; avoid going at this period. If you want the Amalfi vibe in high summer, we know some under the radar places that would be better.
Where to stay ✤
If you want to stay in the main town of Positano, stay at Le Sirenuse because it’s a heavenly haven from the bustling town and they have a gorgeous pool; call us for booking there because we know the best rooms and can get you a deal. Stay around Praiano to get away from the bus loads of tourists.
Where to kiss ✤
Inside the Grotta dello Smeraldo bathed in the unearthly blue light.
Sicily
✤ Untamed beauty, ages of history & sultry slow living ✤
For couples drawn to something raw, rich, and authentic, Sicily is pure poetry. Explore ancient ruins together, sip Marsala wine at golden hour or wander quiet beaches until time stands still. Sicily’s romance isn’t showy, it’s whispered in the scent of orange blossoms, the rhythm of local life, the warmth of family-run trattorias. Here, you’ll find space to slow down, reconnect, and experience the kind of beauty that stays with you long after the trip is over.
When to go ✤
Again, May, June and September are the best months and you can swim in the sea May-September. July and August are blazing hot so be prepared, as in; plan you day accordingly. Most people, places and things are napping from 3-5pm for good reason.
Where to stay ✤
Stay around Palermo (but not in the city) if you want to visit gilded cathedrals, stay in Noto if you like Baroque splendour and stay in Syracuse if you want to discover Ancient Greece. The best accommodations in Sicily are small luxury boutique hotels in crumbling palazzos or rambling villas. You get a sense of the rich history and experience something only Sicily has to offer and meet some really nice people.
Where to kiss ✤
Inside the ancient temple of Venus (check the street view) atop Erice’s most hallowed ground now medieval ruins stand where once was the first temple of the cult of Venus.
>>> For something spectacular, like when you need a yes to a very import question or honeymoon magic, our good friends organise a music festival July in a UNESCO baroque town where international artists play nightly concerts by candlelight in old churches, piazzas with tinkling fountains and private aristocratic palazzos. Contact us for travel planning and we’ll get you VIP tickets and tell you where is the best pizza in town. Dont worry, it works every time.
Mykonos
✤ Greek island magic & sunset evenings ✤
If your love affair calls for turquoise waters, barefoot beach clubs, and velvety sunsets that take your breath away: Mykonos awaits. Yes, it’s known for its hedonistic party scene, but behind that festive facade there is a peaceful side of the island. If you know where to go you will find quiet coves below whitewashed villas on wind swept heights where it’s just you and the wild goats. Yes, we have a particular villa in mind. Picture mornings swims in your private pool, afternoons exploring the island’s beaches and casual dinners of fresh caught seafood under the stars.
When to go ✤
May, June, July, September. August is the time when annual winds are fierce and blow constantly for days at a time making boating and quiet beach days impossible.
Where to stay ✤
Stay not in the town unless you’re there to party. Avoid Paradise and Super Paradise beach. We like the eastern side of the island where the wild goats are. Read our Mykonos blog to see what we’re talking about.
Where to kiss ✤
On a sun bed at Bill & Coos Beefbar beach club because it’s luxurious, sexy and exclusive. Not the Spring Break vibe you’ll find in the town.
credits: Joyce Chris Photography
We got this:
If you need a little help with the heavy lifting of the planning (i.e. research, logistics, booking) contact us for custom travel planning. We’ll do all the all the boring stuff and you just make the fun decisions then pack your bags. This is particularly important if you are adding a proposal or elopement into the mix. Rely on a professional who has done all the research and therefore saves you time and money. At Travellur, we have been there and done that and know where the best granita cart is from noon to 3pm. It’s those little details that make or break a trip. Moreover, Travellur Weddings can plan your proposal/elopement/micro-wedding complete with photographer, make-up & hair, florist, violinist, fireworks, etc…
Contact us today to start planning your custom romantic getaway in Europe and fall in love, all over again….
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