Skip Paris: These Are Europe’s Most Romantic Towns in 2026

1. Azenhas do Mar, Portugal

📍 Closest airport: Lisbon (LIS). ~45–60 min by Uber (20–30 EUR) or train + bus via Sintra.

Azenhas do Mar is a small coastal village in Portugal, set on cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean. It is close to Lisbon, but feels quieter than nearby Cascais or Sintra. Only a few locals spend time in the village, and occasional tours pass through, but mass tourism has not taken over.

Most time in Azenhas do Mar is spent near the beach. The beach is small and reached by stairs, with strong waves that make swimming inconsistent, so many people use the natural swimming pool next to it. The beach is not accessible at high tide.

There are only a few seafood restaurants, located either above the beach or uphill in the village. A viewpoint above the town is a short walk away. Coastal paths toward Praia do Magoito are easy to follow for short walks.

If you are planning a longer stay, it pairs well with time in the capital. You can find more details in my Azenhas do Mar travel guide, and those lingering in the capital may also want to explore romantic things to do in Lisbon nearby.

2. Stresa & Lake Maggiore, Italy

📍 Closest airport: Milan Malpensa (MXP). ~50–60 min by train or car; Milan ~1–1.5 hrs.

Lake Maggiore sits between the Italian regions of Piedmont and Lombardy and extends into Switzerland. It is Italy’s second-largest lake after Lake Garda. Compared to Lake Como or Lake Garda, this is an absolute hidden gem in Italy, partly due to more limited transport connections.

Stresa is one of the main towns on the lake, and it’s known as the Queen of the Lake. Boasting one of the most beautiful promenades in Italy, the town is full of beautiful villas and offers easy access to the Borromean Islands.

Accommodation ranges from small hotels to larger historic properties. Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées & SPA is one of the town’s best-known hotels, and its restaurant is open to non-guests, which means you can see the Art Nouveau interiors without staying overnight.

If your idea of a romantic getaway involves car rental, I recommend a roadtrip around Lake Orta as well. You can easily combine it with Lake Maggiore; however, that requires a car and a bit of planning.

3. Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

📍 Closest airport: Prague (PRG). ~2.5–3 hrs by bus or car.

Český Krumlov is a small historic town in the southern Czech Republic, located along a bend of the Vltava River. The old town follows a labyrinth of narrow streets clustered below a hilltop castle. Thanks to its compact size, the town is easy to explore on foot.

The town’s medieval layout, wrapped around the curves of the Vltava River, gives the town a unique character. Above it all rises the impressive castle, which dominates the skyline and offers views over the red rooftops, the river below, and the surrounding hills.

Walking routes follow the riverbanks and connect small squares, bridges, and residential streets. I am sure you will love wandering around the streets of Český Krumlov or sitting at one of the cozy cafés and restaurants, especially once the day trippers leave.

4. Ragusa Ibla, Sicily, Italy

📍 Closest airport: Comiso (CIY) ~30 min by car; Catania (CTA) ~1.5 hrs by car.

Ragusa Ibla is the historic lower town of Ragusa, located in southeastern Sicily. The district is built along a hillside, with narrow streets and stairways connecting churches, small squares, and residential areas.

You can visit churches such as the Duomo di San Giorgio, stop at small squares and gardens, and take in views over the old town. Cafés and restaurants are spread throughout the historic center, and evenings usually center around dinner.

Some of my personal highlights of Sicily were this Private Cooking Class at a Local’s Home and staying at Terra del Sole Ibla. The views from the balcony are perfect for a romantic evening with your loved one.

From Ragusa Ibla, you can easily visit nearby towns by car. Modica is a short drive away and is known for its Baroque architecture and traditional chocolate, produced using methods that date back centuries.

Scicli is another nearby stop, with a dense concentration of Baroque buildings, including palaces and churches, spread across a compact historic center.

If you continue south, you reach the coast, where towns such as Punta Secca, Marina di Ragusa, and Sampieri offer long sandy beaches and far fewer crowds than other bucket list places in Sicily.

5. Perast, Montenegro

📍 Closest airport: Tivat (TIV). ~30 min by car; Podgorica (capital) ~1.5–2 hrs by car.

Perast is a small waterfront town in Montenegro, located along the Bay of Kotor. The town is compact and shaped by Venetian-era architecture, with stone buildings lining the shore and steep hills behind it. It remains quieter than nearby Kotor, especially outside peak summer months.

Most time in Perast is spent along the water. The town has a short promenade with direct access to the bay, and movement is limited to walking distances. You can also rent a boat and explore the rest of the area.

Despite its small size, Perast has several bars and restaurants set directly on the waterfront. When I spent my birthday in Montenegro, I dined at a fantastic family-run restaurant in Perast, and I still dream about that seafood platter we shared.

Accommodation in Perast is limited, with only a small number of higher-end hotels available. Booking early is usually necessary, especially in the high season. We stayed at the Heritage Grand Perast By Rixos, and I just can’t recommend it enough.

6. Bath, England, UK

📍 Closest airport: Bristol (BRS). ~45–60 min by train or car; London Heathrow (LHR) ~2–2.5 hrs by train or car.

Bath is a small historic city in southwest England, built around natural hot springs. The city grew as a spa destination during the Roman period and later became a major Georgian-era resort town.

A typical visit focuses on the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, and the Georgian streets around the Royal Crescent and The Circus. You can also add the Pump Room for a short stop next to the Baths, or walk through the shopping streets around Milsom Street and the covered market. 

For views, head up to the Royal Crescent area or walk to Alexandra Park, which looks back over the city. If you want something quieter, follow the towpath along the Kennet and Avon Canal toward Sydney Gardens.

For a spa session, Thermae Bath Spa is the main option in the city centre. Pulteney Bridge and the River Avon are an easy stop nearby, especially in the late afternoon. If you have extra time, a short walk takes you to Prior Park Landscape Garden for a longer loop and a different viewpoint.

7. Cádiz, Spain

📍 Closest airports: Jerez (XRY) ~45 min by car or bus; Seville (SVQ) ~1.5–2 hrs by train or car.

Cádiz is a coastal city in southwestern Spain on the Atlantic, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. The historic centre sits on a peninsula and is compact, with streets and plazas near the water and several landmarks from different periods.

In Cádiz, you can visit the Cádiz Cathedral with its domed roof and cathedral square at the edge of the old town. You can climb Torre Tavira for views over the city and bay, or see the Roman Theatre and Castillo de San Sebastián on the coastline. 

The central market features many food stalls, and local cuisine is one of the highlights of Cádiz. Restaurants and bars are spread throughout the narrow streets of the historic centre, which means you can stop for tapas and wine any time.

La Caleta is the main city beach, located within walking distance of the old town. Even in high season, it stays calmer than many of the best summer destinations in Europe.

8. Bergen, Norway

📍 Closest airport: Bergen (BGO). ~20 min by light rail or car from the city centre.

Bergen is a coastal city in western Norway, set between fjords and mountains. The historic centre is small and centered around the harbor, with wooden buildings, narrow streets, and direct access to the water. Despite being a major city, it feels like a small village.

In Bergen, you can walk along the Bryggen waterfront, visit the fish market near the harbor, and take the funicular up Mount Fløyen for views over the city and surrounding fjords. Boat trips into nearby fjords depart directly from the center, which makes short excursions easy to plan.

Restaurants and cafés cluster around the harbor and old town. Seafood features heavily on menus, and evenings are usually spent indoors due to weather conditions. The pace stays steady rather than busy, especially outside the summer months.

9. Monsaraz, Portugal

📍 Closest airport: Lisbon (LIS). ~2.5 hrs by car; accessed via bus, then taxi or car.

Monsaraz is a small walled village in eastern Portugal, near the Spanish border. The village sits on a hill above the Alqueva region, with whitewashed houses, orange-tiled roofs, and a castle overlooking the surrounding plains.

In Monsaraz, you can walk through the entire village without a plan. Streets are short, but the viewpoints are impressive. Ermida de São Bento offers one of the main viewpoints outside the walls, while the castle provides views across the valley and reservoir.

For meals, Taverna Os Templários serves a small menu focused on regional dishes, with seating overlooking the surrounding landscape. It is an absolute must!

If you ask me, Monsaraz is one of the most beautiful places in Portugal, but it rarely gets recommended, especially for an overnight stay, due to the lack of ‘entertainment’. Which makes it a strong option among romantic places in Europe for couples who enjoy slow travel.

10. Toledo, Spain

📍 Closest airport: Madrid (MAD). ~30 min by high-speed train or ~1 hr by car.

Toledo is a historic city in central Spain, known for its long coexistence of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim cultures. The old town sits above the Tagus River and is enclosed by medieval walls, with narrow streets connecting churches, synagogues, and mosques.

In Toledo, you can visit the cathedral, walk through former Jewish and Moorish quarters, and stop at viewpoints overlooking the river. Many of the main sights are close together, and most visits focus on the old town rather than the surrounding areas.

Day trips from Madrid are common, and the city can feel busy during the afternoon. Once the day trippers leave, the city becomes noticeably quieter, and it’s easier to enjoy viewpoints and restaurants inside the old town.

Looking for a place to stay in Toledo? Don’t miss these top-rated hotels 👇🏻

• Eugenia de Montijo, Autograph Collection
• Áurea Toledo by Eurostars Hotel Company
• Hotel San Juan de los Reyes

11. Villefranche-sur-Mer, France

📍 Closest airport: Nice Côte d’Azur (NCE). ~15–20 min by train or car.

Villefranche-sur-Mer is a beautiful coastal town on the French Riviera, just east of Nice. The city sits along a deep natural bay, with the old town built directly above the waterfront.

In Villefranche-sur-Mer, you can visit historic sites such as the Romanesque Saint-Pierre Chapel, which features murals by Jean Cocteau, and Église Saint-Michel, hidden in the old town lanes. 

You can walk along the Promenade des Marinières beside the harbour or stop at the Citadelle Saint-Elme above the town for views over the bay. The town’s beaches, including Plage des Marinières and quieter spots near La Darse, are close to the centre.

The promenade of Villefranche-sur-Mer is filled with inviting restaurants with tables set directly on the water. We tried LOU BANTRY and DRY Restaurant & Cocktail Bar, and both were great! If you want to know more about this town, make sure you read my Villefranche-sur-Mer travel guide.

Accommodation is limited due to the town’s size, with small hotels and apartments concentrated near the bay. Staying overnight is a must, so you can enjoy calm mornings and local evenings.

12. Giethoorn, Netherlands

📍 Closest airport: Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS). ~1.5–2 hrs by train, local transport, or car.

The purest charm of the Netherlands can be found in Giethoorn, a small village built around canals instead of roads. That setup feels unique, as the houses sit right along the water and are connected by footpaths and wooden bridges. This means that you can only walk or take a boat to move around.

With almost no traffic noise, the village stays quiet even when there are people around, which is why it often shows up on lists of the most romantic towns in Europe.

In Giethoorn, you’ll spend most of your time drifting through the canals, crossing bridges, and taking slow walks along the water. You can rent a small boat and do a simple loop through the village, then stop at viewpoints over the canals and reed-lined edges of town.

On top of that, you will find plenty of picturesque corners and romantic spots to enjoy some quality time with your other half. It’s one of the most picturesque towns in the Netherlands, so don’t forget your camera!

13. Bruges, Belgium

📍 Closest airport: Brussels (BRU). ~1.5 hrs by train; Charleroi (CRL) ~2–2.5 hrs by train/bus + train.

Bruges, often called the Venice of the North, is one of the most romantic European towns. Its beautifully preserved medieval center is crossed by canals and stone bridges, with historic Flemish buildings lining the water. 

Boat tours are a popular way to explore the city and take in the scenery, which has earned Bruges its UNESCO World Heritage status. This setting has given Bruges a well-deserved reputation as a romantic, fairytale-like destination. 

Beyond the canals, the cobblestone streets, and the lively Market Square add to the city’s unique atmosphere. For one of the best views, climb the Belfort tower and enjoy a panoramic look over the rooftops and winding canals.

Like the rest of Belgium, Bruges is also famous for its high-quality chocolate. It’s the perfect excuse to step into a local chocolate shop and pick up a sweet souvenir or perhaps a thoughtful gift for someone special. Also, don’t forget to try a delicious local beer and waffles.

Romantic Places in Europe for Valentine’s Day 2026

If you are looking for Valentine’s Day ideas, February can actually be a good time to travel to romantic places in Europe for couples. Some places slow down, prices ease, and it becomes easier to move around without planning every detail.

Glass igloos in Finnish Lapland are common for northern lights trips in February. In Switzerland, The Omnia and Boutique Hotel Glacier both center the stay around spa time. Hotel Krallerhof in Austria focuses on wellness, while Chalet Al Foss Alp Resort in Italy has become a popular choice for couples.

Further south, Valletta in Malta is an easy winter escape for couples. The French Riviera is another great European destination in February, as you can stay in one of the beautiful coastal towns with fewer crowds and lower prices.

Verona is a common Valentine’s getaway for Italians, but not popular among foreigners. In February, it stays far less crowded than Venice and is easier to move around on foot. Restaurants and cafés remain active without long waits.

For Valentine’s Day trips centered on food, Brescia is worth considering. February keeps visitor numbers low and makes dining plans easier.