The 25 best romantic getaways for couples: cities, islands and hideaways for every season

A romantic getaway isn't about the most expensive hotel: it's about a place that makes you slow down and look at each other. Here are 25 destinations that couples keep coming back to, sorted by type, with when to go and what to do there together.

Romantic cities in Europe

1. Paris, France: the classic for a reason. Walk the Seine at sunset, picnic at Place des Vosges, dinner in Le Marais. Best in spring and September.
2. Venice, Italy: get lost on purpose, take a gondola at dawn when the canals are empty. Go in November or March for fewer crowds.
3. Lisbon, Portugal: yellow trams, miradouros at sunset and fado in Alfama. Mild all year.
4. Prague, Czech Republic: the Charles Bridge at sunrise and Christmas markets in December.
5. Vienna, Austria: coffee houses, a classical concert and the giant wheel at night.
6. Bruges, Belgium: canals, chocolate and a fairytale old town, perfect for a long weekend.
7. Seville, Spain: orange trees, flamenco and rooftop bars. Spring is unforgettable.
8. Budapest, Hungary: thermal baths together and a night cruise on the Danube.

Islands and seaside

1. Santorini, Greece: the most famous sunset in the world, in Oia. Go in May, June or September.
2. The Amalfi Coast, Italy: Positano, Ravello and lemon groves above the sea.
3. Mallorca, Spain: hidden coves, mountain villages and boat trips.
4. Madeira, Portugal: cliffs, levada walks and spring all year round.
5. Dubrovnik and the Croatian islands: old walls by the sea and island hopping by boat.
6. Sicily, Italy: Taormina, baroque towns and the best food of the trip.

Mountains, lakes and hideaways

1. Lake Como, Italy: villas, boats and dinner by the water.
2. Hallstatt and the Austrian Alps: a lakeside village and snowy chalets in winter.
3. The Swiss Alps: a mountain hut, fondue and a train ride through the peaks.
4. Tuscany, Italy: a farmhouse among vineyards, wine tastings and sunsets over cypress trees.
5. Lapland, Finland: glass igloos and the northern lights, from December to March.
6. The Scottish Highlands: castles, lochs and a fire in a cottage.

Far-away dream trips

1. The Maldives: an overwater villa, the classic honeymoon.
2. Bali, Indonesia: rice terraces, temples and private pool villas.
3. Kyoto, Japan: temples, gardens and cherry blossoms in April or red leaves in November.
4. Cape Town and the winelands, South Africa: sea, mountains and vineyards in one trip.
5. Patagonia, Argentina and Chile: for adventurous couples, the end of the world together.

How to choose your getaway

Before you leave: stay connected

Maps, bookings, the restaurant you saved, the photos you send home: on a trip, your phone is your guide. Roaming can get expensive and airport SIMs mean queues, so a travel eSIM is the easiest option: you install it before leaving and land already online. For the eSIM, you can use Wigoo: it works in over 190 countries.

Give the trip as a surprise

The best part of a romantic getaway can be the moment they find out. Instead of handing over a printout, make a love page with your photos and a letter, and end it with a gift to unwrap: they pull the ribbon and a boarding pass appears, with the city, the date and a few words. See how to surprise someone with a trip for more reveal ideas.