Romantic Getaways: Destination Europe
by Kelly J. McGuire
Europe has long been a popular place for couples wanting a romantic city break. When one thinks of the stereotypical ‘romantic European city,’ many people will automatically think of Paris, with its iconic monuments and boulevards, or of Venice, with its famous canals and gondoliers. But there is a lot more to Europe than just these two cities and couples looking for a bit of romance will be able to find it in places as diverse as Wales, the Czech Republic and Cyprus.
For those of you who are looking for somewhere to spend Valentine’s Day next year, here’s a short list of some of the best European romantic getaways.
Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Amsterdam has earned a reputation as a tolerant and hedonistic city but it also has its romantic side. Its canals and traditional Dutch architecture hark back to a more romantic era and couples can recapture the beauty of the Golden Age with a visit to one of the city’s many museums. A visit to the Van Gogh Museum should be on every visitor’s list. Art enthusiasts will enjoy the chance to see Van Gogh’s masterpieces and those of his contemporaries. They will also be able to see Rembrandt’s masterpiece, The Night Watch, at the nearby Rijksmuseum, which houses a sizeable collection of post-Renaissance paintings and art works. The Flower Market at Singel Canal is also worth a look and is a great place to buy tulip bulbs for your garden (or window-box). For a real culinary feast, an evening out at the Sea Palace floating Chinese restaurant is highly recommended and can be included as part of a canal tour package.
More information: www.holland.com
Bruges (Belgium)
Bruge’s canals, cobbled streets and historic buildings make it an ideal romantic getaway. Its nickname, ‘Venice of the North’, is warranted and couples will enjoy taking a boat trip through its many canals or travel in style in a horse-drawn carriage. Our Lady’s Church is one of Bruge’s most visited monuments. The church combines Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles and houses Michelangelo’s famous Madonna statue, a timeless masterpiece carved from marble, and the tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy. The Minnewaterpark, also known as the ‘Lake of Love,’ provides a peaceful retreat from the bustling city and is a great place for a romantic picnic. Chocoholics should not pass up the opportunity to visit the Choco-History Museum, where they will learn more about the history and production of chocolate, one of Belgium’s favourite delicacies. Visitors should also take the opportunity to buy some of the beautiful lace for which the city is famous.
More information: www.visit-bruges.com
Cappadocia (Turkey)
Couples with an interest in archaeology and ancient history might enjoy the chance to spend their romantic getaway in Cappadocia, an area in Turkey that was once part of Asia Minor. This ‘Land of the Beautiful Horses’ has been inhabited by the Hittites, Persians and Romans, all of whom have left their mark on this fascinating region. Many of the hotels in the region consist of cave rooms carved out of volcanic rock and its attractions include the underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı, ancient cave churches with their beautiful Byzantine frescoes and the peculiar geological formations known popularly as ‘fairy chimneys’. The latter can be found at the Göreme National Park, where adventurous couples can opt for a hot-air balloon ride and get a birds-eye view of this alien landscape.
More information: www.gototurkey.co.uk
Castilla-La Mancha (Spain)
Castilla-La Mancha was the setting of Cervantes’ classic novel, Don Quixote, and is home to numerous castles, sunflower fields and the windmills that the misguided Hidalgo took to be giants. The city of Toledo, which is listed as a World Heritage Site, is an excellent base to explore the region. Situated on a mountaintop overlooking the River Tagus, Toledo’s multicultural past is reflected in its architecture. Jewish synagogues, Arab fortresses and Christian cathedrals can all be found here as well as the famous Alcázar, a stone fortification that was once used as a Roman palace. The Parador de Toledo is a magnificent manor house which offers spectacular panoramic views of the city and is the perfect place for couples and honeymooners to relax in comfort.
More information: www.castillalamancha.es
Füssen (Germany)
Füssen is a picturesque town at the foot of the Bavarian Alps and conjures images of a fairytale kingdom with its beautiful castles, medieval town centre and azure lakes. Its most renowned attraction is Neuschwanstein Castle, one of the most photographed monuments in Germany and the dream residence of the ‘Fairy-Tale King,’ King Ludwig II. Ludwig was a hopeless romantic and his iconic castle served as the inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland. The king’s childhood residence, Hohenschwangau, can be found nearby and is a good option for couples wishing to get away from the hoards of tourists. Füssen is also regarded as a town of music and the birthplace of the European lute and violin. Visitors can stop by the numerous workshops or attend one of the many concerts held in this beautiful Bavarian town.
More information: www.stadt-fuessen.de
Lake District (UK)
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The Lake District is the UK’s largest national park and is one of its most scenic regions. Located in Cumbria, the region is famed for its mountains, unspoilt woodlands and its many lakes, Windermere being the largest and most well-known. Couples can enjoy exploring the district’s numerous towns and villages, walk along the country lanes, take a boat ride on one of the beautiful lakes or take hikes and bicycle rides together. The Lake District was home to one of England’s most renowned poets, William Wordsworth. Poetry aficionados may want to visit Wordsworth’s home at Dove Cottage, a picturesque cottage on the banks of Grasmere, and learn more about his work at the Wordsworth Museum. There are also many historic houses, including Hutton-in-the-Forest, with its charming gardens and English tearoom. Couples can also take the opportunity to visit Carlisle, a city that was of strategic importance in British history and site of the world-famous Hadrian’s Wall, a relic of Britain’s Roman Occupation.
More information: www.golakes.co.uk
Madeira (Portugal)
While strictly not part of mainland Europe, the subtropical island of Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal and lies in the northern Atlantic Ocean. Madeira is noted for its natural beauty and biodiversity and may be the perfect romantic holiday for nature lovers. Couples looking for a bit of privacy can stay at one of the island’s rural villas or country houses and explore the island’s many mountains and beaches. Visitors may want to visit the Quinta do Ano rose garden, which is home to 1,000 different types of roses, or spend the day at the neighbouring island of Porto Santo, whose sand is said to have therapeutic properties.
More information: www.madeiraislands.travel
Paphos (Cyprus)
According to Greek mythology, the Cypriot town of Paphos was the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love. Paphos is a popular destination for couples looking for a romantic getaway, with its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches and traditional Greek taverns and cuisine. Couples wanting to do a little sightseeing should visit the Petra tou Romiou, a rock which marks the spot where Aphrodite supposedly emerged from the sea, and see the ruins of the Sanctuary of Aphrodite at Palaepaphos, which was once an important site of pilgrimage and whose most ancient remains date back as far as the 12th Century B.C.
More information: www.visitcyprus.org.cy
Prague (Czech Republic)
Prague is one of Europe’s most charming capital cities and its historic city centre is a UN World Heritage Site, all 866 hectares of it. The city is home to countless monuments and historic buildings, including the State Opera, Prague Castle and the Old Town Hall with its Astronomical Clock. Couples visiting the Czech capital in December will be able to visit the annual Christmas markets and sample some of the most delicious local delicacies on offer. For the ultimate romantic Prague experience, couples can choose to book an evening cruise and enjoy a night of fine cuisine and music while sailing along the Vltava River.
More information: www.prague-info.cz
Reykjavik (Iceland)
Reykjavik has become one of Europe’s most chic capital cities in recent years and is a fun alternative for couples looking for something a little different. Iceland’s capital offers some of the best nightlife and restaurants in Northern Europe but it is also the perfect place for couples looking for a chance to relax in each other’s company. A visit to the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal pool which helps promote health and well-being, is an ideal way to unwind and stressed partners should make the most of the spa treatments and massages available. Furthermore, couples willing to brave the chilly Icelandic winters will also be treated to one of nature’s most spectacular displays, the ‘Northern Lights,’ between September and April.
More information: www.visitreykjavik.is
South Wales (Wales, UK)
South Wales offers an idyllic getaway with its rolling green hills and beautiful coastal areas. Couples have the chance to hire one of the several holiday cottages available and explore the surrounding area, which includes the famed Brecon Beacons National, and the cities of Cardiff and Swansea, which offer great shopping and nightlife. Wales is renowned for its numerous medieval castles and visitors to South Wales should not pass up on the chance to visit Caerphilly Castle, known for being the 2nd largest castle in the United Kingdom and its leaning tower.
More information: www.walescottages.com
St. Petersburg (Russia)
St. Petersburg is one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals and was the former home of the Russian czars. The city is regarded as the cultural capital of Russia, with its countless historic buildings and cultural amenities, and lies on the Neva River. St. Petersburg’s prime attraction is the Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace, which is visited by millions each year and houses over 3 million pieces of world art, including works by Da Vinci, Rembrandt and Monet and a wide selection of artefacts and relics from Central and East Asia. Another popular attraction is the Peterhof, the summer residence of Peter the Great. It is arguably one of the most beautiful palace complexes in the world and its picturesque fountains and gardens make for the perfect place to take a romantic stroll with your partner. A night out at the ballet at the Mariinsky Theatre is also highly recommended.
More information: www.travelpetersburg.com
Verona (Italy)
Where better to spend a romantic weekend than the home of the world’s most famous star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet? Visitors flock to the Villa Capelletti, the supposed home of Shakespeare’s tragic heroine, an elegant 13th Century building with a marble balcony. A bronze statue of Juliet stands below, where her lover would have stood to serenade her. Romeo’s house can be found in the nearby Via Arche Scaligere, a medieval house with a Gothic archway. While the authenticity of the two buildings is debateable, the romantic experience that this enchanting Italian city offers is as real as you want it to be. A visit to an opera in Verona’s Arena, the 3rd largest Roman amphitheatre in Italy, is the perfect way to end your romantic Italian getaway.
More information: www.tourism.verona.it
