Top 10 Most Romantic Holidays In The World
Whether you are looking for love, falling in love, or just in love, traveling together is a great thing to do. But romance doesn’t always mean roses and ... read more...champagne. If you want a trip to be truly romantic, you are better off doing something you really enjoy. Looking for secluded beaches, luxe tents, country retreats, or urban series? Here is the list of the most romantic holidays in the world to stay, all of which have a mix of ambiance and amenities that are sure to up the romance factor on your next vacation.
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Santorini ranks 1st on the list of the most romantic holidays in the world. The calling card of this popular island in Greece is its famous sunsets. Blue-and-white villages trickle-down stark mountains saluting the sea, with dozens of hotel and bar terraces positioned for the chink of champagne glasses as the sun sinks. Many accommodation options are designed for maximum privacy, some have private plunge pools, and several are adults-only. Santorini gets crazy busy in summer, but that’s no biggie if you can afford your own little slice of the horizon.
Blue-domed houses so white, they sparkle are a treat to behold, while the twinkling azure Aegean Sea beckons travelers in the distance. This picturesque sea is the main reason many newlyweds choose Santorini. In addition to its ability to cool off even the most overheated of travelers, this watery haven offers captivatingly pink, orange, and golden sunsets best viewed from the town of Oia. It's still utterly romantic, but you won't be the only ones enjoying Mother Nature's fantastic nightly display — Oia gets packed at sunset, no matter the season. Many of Santorini's boutiques, restaurants, and resorts are built into the jagged cliff sides, giving couples the chance to book a unique private escape for their trip. While walking through town, don't be surprised if you end up on someone's roof. If you're feeling more adventurous, rent a scooter. There's little more romantic than holding on to your partner as you wind your way along the scenic roadways.
Location: Santorini, Greece
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Is any romantic roundup complete without singing the praises of the City of Lights? Provence in France ranks 2nd on the list of the most romantic holidays in the world. Artistic luminaries of the 19th and 20th centuries were clear on the romantic appeal of Provence. Cézanne was a native of the region, but it also lured Picasso, Monet, and Van Gogh with its lavender fields, pavement cafes, and attractive light. From the sweeping bridge of Avignon to the glamour of Nice and cobbled squares of Aix-en-Provence – there’s enough eye-candy in this southern swathe of France to make even the most hardened realist swoon.
Fragrant lavender fields can be found popping up everywhere in Provence in summer. It’s the most famous crop in the region and one that has held significant importance for the people for centuries. But the lavender fields of Provence aren’t just a source of pride for the locals; they’re also a key Provence attraction that draws in visitors from around the world, year after year. An important note – some lavender farmers have put up fences surrounding part of their farms in an effort to thwart visitor numbers.
The Valensole Plateau is famous the world over for its lavender fields, but it’s also home to impressive historical sites, golden fields of wheat and sunflowers, charming Provençal villages, and deep turquoise lakes. Perhaps the most famous village in the Valensole Plateau is deservedly that of Valensole itself. This colorful village sits elevated above the plateau, with the 11th century St Blaise church at its helm. Pastel-colored houses crowd the narrow streets and the hidden gardens beckon you to discover their secrets. Take a pause here on your tour of the lavender fields of Valensole to take a stroll, sample lavender-laced delicacies, or sit in a curbside cafe for lunch. At the other end of the Valensole Plateau lies Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, a picturesque village hanging on the hillside overlooking the vast lac de Sainte-Croix.
Location: Provence, France
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Venice in Italy ranks 3rd on the list of the most romantic holidays in the world. There's a saying that you either love or hate Venice when you visit this romantic northern Italy city. But the guess is if you go when you're feeling butterflies, The City of Water will have them swarming. Even for the well-versed traveler, Venice presents an entirely new experience, since it is the capital of the Veneto region, comprised of 100 tiny islands. Here, there are very few roads, but many canals, making a gondola ride with your main squeeze a must.
As you stroll hand-in-hand across romantic bridges, soaking up the undeniably hospitable Italian culture, you'll witness nods to the Renaissance era, as well as Gothic landmarks. Nibble your way through St. Mark's Square, where local vendors display their handmade goods. Hold tight to your food, though, as hundreds of pigeons swarm this area in search of tasty treats. For an Instagram-worthy photo op, scale to the top of the Campanile Bell Tower, offering quite the view. If you're traveling for a milestone, take a boat to the glass-blowing region on Murano Island and take home a keepsake. The city of Venice has become the most famous Italian tourist destination with its ancient and distant beauty punctuated by zigzag old streets, tube houses with many windows, and unique architecture combined with ancient stories. The romantic love story of lovers. All make up the city of Venice as a World Heritage site.Location: Venice, Italy
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Tokyo gets all the noise, but Kyoto is for lovers. Known as Japan’s most romantic city, the historic and cultural capital of this most fascinating nation is a picture-postcard city of classical Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, traditional wooden houses, and imperial gardens. The food is incredible, the people are magnificent, and the atmosphere is spellbinding. What more could you want from a couples getaway? The city has become something of a hotspot for proposals, and it isn’t hard to understand why. If you want to make the most of Kyoto’s amorous ambiance, you’ll have to visit during spring.
The best time to visit Kyoto for cherry blossoms is between March 15 and April 15, with the full blooms usually bursting forth in early April. There’s little more romantic than taking a ride or walk through Philosopher’s Path, dodging branches drooping with the weight of their magnificent pink blooms. Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also enhanced by the blooms. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is unmissable, especially if you planned to take romantic photos on your couples’ vacation. Whether you hope to take engagement photos in a memorable setting, or selfies that will make friends at home drool with envy, this is one of the most beautiful places to photograph in Japan. The Golden Pavilion. A 14th-century villa turned Zen Buddhist temple, this gold-leaf-laden masterpiece stands above a pond and is so tranquil, that you can’t help but feel amorous.
Location: Kyoto, Japan
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While images of this one-of-a-kind tropical nation might not come up if you Google "romance," it is definitely what comes to mind when you dream of the picture-perfect honeymoon spot. This luxurious destination in the Indian Ocean has a unique landscape, with 26 circular micro islands woven together. Most couples will splurge on the infamous overwater bungalows with an expansive balcony and transparent floors that allow the sea to illuminate your room.
The Maldives is an island nation with many private islands, moving between islands is not easy, so choosing where to stay will largely determine the tourist's experience. In addition to some of the most impressive — and beautiful — beaches in the world, snorkeling duos will enjoy exploring reefs and sea life of every shape and size. For couples who enjoy experiencing local culture as part of their adventure, consider spending a day in the capital of Male, where you can watch a local fish market at work and shop for artisan goods on the main street of Majeedhee Magu. Looking to get hitched during winter? The Maldives is one of the best honeymoon destinations in January.
Location: Lakshadweep, Indian Ocean
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Canada’s city de l’amour, this French-speaking Ville is about as romantic as you can get outside of Europe. It's overlooked by the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, which stands stoically atop a steep cliff in Upper Town, surrounded by stone walls. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this charming spot is one of Canada’s best cities, and one of its most romantic, for good reason. Lower Town (a.k.a. Basse-Ville) is chock-full of dreamy narrow streets, eclectic shops, quaint restaurants, and a lane named Rue du Cul de Sac that’s covered by blue and white umbrellas.
Québec City’s setting on the banks of the St. Lawrence River only helps increase the quixotic feel. Palace Royale is the central tourist area, which perfectly blends the town’s history and contemporary features. A vast province that makes up about one-sixth of Canada, Québec covers diverse landscapes – from historic cities to isolated Arctic tundra. The region reaches almost to the Arctic Circle in the north, borders the American states of Vermont and New York in the south, and Hudson Bay in the west. The St. Lawrence River, almost 1,200 kilometers long, runs through the most populated regions of the province. While most visitors head for the two main cities, Montréal and Québec City, there are many things to do throughout the province in both summer and winter. Historical sites, cultural institutions, festivals, small towns, and beautiful parks and natural areas are just some of the highlights.
Location: Quebec, Canada
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One of the most romantic holidays in the world is Hawaii. If you're American, there's no passport required for this romantic hub, but you might feel as if you went to another country when you catch a glimpse of the truly remarkable beauty of Hawaii. While there are dozens of islands to navigate — from Oahu to Kauai — if you want to wear those head-over-heels rose-colored glasses, set your sights on Maui. In addition to some dreamy luxury resorts, the varied landscape of this Hawaiian island sets it apart from its neighbors. The beaches are so glorious, you won't want to leave.
Couples can drive along the picturesque Hana Highway and explore the Haleakala National Park, including the volcano it's named after. And since most amorous vacations require a beach day, there are 30 miles of sand to set up shop on. Make sure you save time to fall asleep under the dazzling stars and constellations that bring light to the midnight sky. With stunning white-sand beaches, lush valleys, and historic villages to explore, Maui really is a paradise island destination. You can choose to spend your days sun-worshipping together, or you can trek to Haleakala National Park and take in 360-degree views of the park’s volcanic crater. Top tip, winter is humpback whale season!Location: Sandwich Islands, North Pacific Ocean
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Bali offers a little bit of everything to please all types of romantic travelers. From elephant experiences in the jungle to traipsing through rainforests with a monkey on your back, there's no shortage of excitement for you and your loved one to enjoy. A vibrant country, this Indonesian superstar is teeming with lush beauty — you're talking emerald green rice fields; deep, mossy jungles; and white sandy beaches. This place is the stuff that dreams are made of, and everywhere you turn offers up a vista so perfect, it belongs on a postcard.
Ubud is the place to be for those looking for an enchanted, jungle feel that embodies Bali's heart and culture. Kuta is a busier, more touristy section of the island, peppered with locals hawking their wares, surfers hanging 10, vibrant restaurants, and a shopping scene. For a quieter beach experience, head to the soft idyllic beaches of Nusa Dua or Jimbaran Bay, home to the island's best sunsets. Don't miss Uluwatu Temple, which is situated on the southern tip of Bali. The cliff-top views are unsurpassable, and you'll be more than charmed by the simple yet spectacular temple. The best time to visit Bali is during its dry season-April through October, so you may want to plan your trip well in advance.
Location: Bali, Indonesia
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Iceland can feel like another world, a world filled with all the best bits of nature, from thrilling geysers to moon-like craters and more. A bit like love, right? Okay, there might not be geysers and craters in love, but you get the point. A romantic holiday to Iceland is something of a bucket list item for couples who visit in search of that very unique atmosphere. It doesn’t get more special than the staggering light show of the Aurora Borealis, an achingly gorgeous experience that everyone should seek out at least once in their lives. The eccentric side of capital Reykjavik is plenty romantic in its own right.
With gorgeous landscapes inclusive of dreamy beaches, thermal pools, breathtaking glacier views, northern lights, cute villages, lush fields, and more alluring natural wonders, Iceland proves to be an ideal honeymoon destination for newlyweds. Planning a trip to Iceland may seem overwhelming. Jokulsarlon is one of the bucket list places not to be missed while traveling in Iceland, and hands down one of the most romantic places on the face of the earth. This spectacular glacial lake is located within the Vatnajokull National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Hollywood to Bollywood to GOT, Jokulsarlon has been a popular filming location as well.
Diamond Beach, officially called Jokulsarlon Beach, is a magical stop on the southern route of Ring Road in Iceland and is the perfect place for honeymoon photographs. Glacier pieces from the nearby icebergs drift in the water off of the beach and are carried to the shore by the tide. The beached diamond-ice pieces glisten on the contrasting volcanic black sand, waiting to be discovered by excited newlyweds. Scoop up some of these diamonds and present them to one another and take romantic selfies near the glacier pieces of all sizes. Is there a better way to start or end your day than with the sunrise or sunset in this beautiful setting? With so many romantic destinations in Iceland, you’ll have many wonderful experiences!
Location: Nordic island, North Atlantic Ocean
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Krabi ranks 10th on the list of the most romantic holidays in the world. Thanks to an unbelievable shade of blue water, the low cost of aromatic and flavorful food, and dreamy beaches, many jet-setters make a point to visit the romantic beach resorts of Thailand. There are dozens of gorgeous places to choose from in Krabi province. Head out to the best islands in Krabi and disconnect on a quiet trip or visit the bustling streets and beaches of Phuket.
Located in the southern area of the west coast of the country, you'll find mangroves, limestone formations, boulders, and many other works of wonder from Mother Nature herself. You can book a long-tail boat to take you to Railay Beach or go on a snorkeling tour to see colorful creatures of the sea. For a bit of a splurge, you can stay at five-star resorts, most of which come complete with beach access and a private pool for lounging.
The peak season of Krabi tourism is the period from November to January next year. Ao Thalane is a mangrove forest with craggy gorges and towering limestone mountains. Kayaking through the forest is an extremely interesting way to explore the tropical flora and fauna here. In addition, Krabi is a province with many vertical limestone mountains along the coast. Therefore, this is also an attractive destination for mountaineers everywhere. The main climbing points will be concentrated at Ton Sai, Railay, and Phra Nang with a beautiful view of the Andaman Sea. Going to a massage is an experience you definitely should not miss when traveling to Thailand. Massage will bring you moments of comfort after a full day of experience and exploration.
Location: Krabi, Thailand