If you’re looking for a special type of holiday with your loved one, let’s be honest. There is only one continent to look at. Europe. From the City of Love (ooh la la) to beautiful views and an abundance of naked statues (literally, everywhere you look), the Europeans just do the whole ‘love’ thing better, don’t they?
That’s all without mentioning the sensational food and drink, as well as our very own exceptional boltholes and love nests for your romantic adventure. You see, here at Plum Guide, we’re the experts with this stuff. Read on below to find out all about the very best romantic getaways in Europe.
Paris
Sure, it’s a cliché. But with damn good reason as far as we’re concerned. This is the city of love, madame. And oui, French is the sexiest language in the world. It’s a no brainer.
In a city this gorgeous, even stepping out onto the wide boulevards, purchasing your morning croissant and boarding the Metro can be hopelessly romantic. Try doing that in London or Berlin.
A few of our favourite romantic treats in Paris include dining out on an evening cruise as it sails down the River Seine (there’s plenty of champagne tasting too). Obviously, one has to see the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower and, if your legs can handle it, the dizzying views from the top. However, our favourite view is actually from Sacré-Cœur. Grab a bottle of wine with a baguette and some cheese and head up to the hill for sunset. There’s always a buzzing vibe here - it’s full of locals and visitors alike, all drinking in the beautiful views looking out over the city. You can sit for hours talking (and drinking), just letting the Parisian world float by.
Paris Sacre Coeur in Montmartre Neighbourhood church white
Of course, there are countless restaurants to choose from as well. Some of our favourites and the most romantic include Le Cinq, gourmet dining in true French style; Boutary, one of the top seafood restaurants in France and Girafe – perfect if you have a proposal on the cards. Whatever your plans are, Paris can cater for them. The French capital is unarguably one of the most romantic getaways in Europe (and the world, for that matter).
Check out the incredible Eiffel Tower views from our home, The Tannery.
The Tannery, Plum Guide home in Paris
Rome
It’s hard not to love a place like Rome. It’s another one of those effortlessly beautiful European capitals that’s been around as long as anyone can ever remember.
Of course, the thought of bloodthirsty lions ripping apart innocent Christians as a baying crowd of Romans roar the horror on from within the Colosseum... that is not romantic. But take the time to get lost amongst the winding alleyways and cobbled streets and we guarantee you’ll fall in love with this city in no time.
For starters, enjoy a romantic evening meal on Piazza Navona. Here, you’ll find plenty of rustic buildings and within them, traditional Italian restaurants. Enjoy the best cuisine on earth whilst music fills the air thanks to the local musicians playing in the square. You’ll also find plenty of artists displaying paintings and a few fountains for good measure.
Next, there’s the old saying ‘when in Rome’. It rings particularly true when it comes to Teatro dell’Opera di Roma. It is, without a doubt, one of Europe’s finest amphitheaters and the perfect way to round off your romantic evening.
Other lovely things to do include riding around the city on a Vespa eating gelato (because who doesn’t love ice cream and vintage scooters), a cruise along the River Tiber or perhaps a sunset stroll and picnic atop Aventine Hill. The Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden) here is a particularly good spot to escape and enjoy the magical views of the eternal city.
Pensieri Stupendi, Plum Guide home in Rome
Barcelona
Narrow streets, cosy little restaurants, plenty of cafes, bars, galleries, art and miles of golden beaches. Don’t let anyone ever tell you Barcelona isn’t one of the best romantic getaways in Europe. One of our favourite things to do here is simply just forget time and get lost wandering around. Some of the best neighbourhoods for a romantic stroll include The Gothic Quarter, El Raval and El Born.
El Born Neighbourhood, Barcelona
Enjoy a few drinks from any number of rooftop bars. Mirablau is a particular favourite of ours. The tapas is to die for (another must in Barcelona) and it has the best views over the city as the sun sets.
As evening draws in, treat yourselves to a nighttime spa visit. Aire Barcelona is a particularly luxurious Arabic spa with a sauna, a hot tub, a salty pool, free tea and just about anything else you can think of. It’s the perfect way to spend a night with your other half.
Looking for something a little more active? Why not learn to make homemade paella with a cooking class. You can book yourself onto a tour that takes you on a visit to one of the local markets before learning how to prepare Spain’s national dish. It’s great fun and a brilliant way to bond and reconnect.
Cinder Spark, Plum Guide home in Barcelona
Lisbon
Sometimes still criminally underrated, Lisbon is a hidden gem when it comes to romantic getaways in Europe.
One of the best ways to experience the city is hopping aboard the No.28 tram. These old, classic yellow streetcars are synonymous with the city and the No.28 is the best route. As you trundle along, arms wrapped around each other in a sickening display of PDA, you’ll see a number of monuments, museums and viewpoints, as well as passing through several of the city’s most-loved neighbourhoods.
A yellow tram driving through the city, Lisbon, Portugal
For a romantic dinner, try Senhor Vinho. While you tuck into your sensational candlelit dinner, enjoy strains of fado – a traditional and emotional style of music found within many of the small bars and restaurants throughout Lisbon. You’ll find a delicious choice of traditional Portuguese options alongside a carefully selected wine list. In between courses, the lights are dimmed and the small audience is serenaded with a haunting voice and sumptuous guitar.
Alternatively, enjoy a sunset scroll and date up at a miradouro – a scenic outlook. Lisbon is built on no less than seven hills and each of them offer great views out over the city. The perfect place for a bottle of wine and picnic.
You could also take a sailboat out on the River Tagus, go wine tasting (BA Wine Bar has over 500 varieties on offer) or book a quick trip to the spa.
Alfama Affair, Plum Guide home in Lisbon
