introduction Most Romantic Small Towns in Europe
We are aware of your passion for Florence, Venice, and Paris. The issue is that every other couple on the planet does the same. Instead, discover the peaceful romanticism of these remote, tiny towns throughout Europe forValentine’ss Day or during a romantic weekend getaway.
The first edition of this essay appeared in February 2017. It now includes the most recent data.
Netherlands’ Giethoorn
Numerous adjectives have been used to describe the northern Dutch village of Giethoorn:””like something out of a fairytale”” for its thatched roof houses, centuries-old wooden bridges, and tree-lined walkways;””the Venice of the North”” for its tranquil canals. What do we call it, you know? Keep quiet. Blissfully silent. Nothing is more romantic ifyou’ree from a major city, and you may even rent a boat to row down one of the waterways without gondoliers.
Austria, HallstättIsn’t
Isn’t she delightful? Hallstätt possesses a unique charm, which becomes apparent as you arrive by ferry across the mirror-like lake, with mist cascading down from the majestic Dachstein mountains. The UNESCO World Heritage town features twelfth-century churches, a bustling market square, and numerous intimate restaurants with candlelight—ideal for a romantic evening. Bonus: Hallstätt is just a one-hour drive from Salzburg and three hours from Vienna, making it a relatively easy day trip fromAAustria’smoree prominent and more touristy cities.
Italy’s Taormina
Finding an Italian seaside town lacking a romantic allure is no easy task, but Taormina—perched on a cliff in Sicily—is enchanting. The ancient ruins and streets lined with cafes keep you busy, while the views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea mesmerize. However, wewouldn’ttwouldn’tagainstt you if you checked into the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo—one of our favorite hotels worldwide—for your honeymoon and never left the room.
Soglio in Switzerland
Another inspiring town is Soglio, which Italian-Swiss painter Giovanni Segantini called”“the gateway to par” “ise”” However, we conte”” that the Swiss town is a paradise in its own right. Perched in the alpine Bregaglia Valley near the Italian border, Soglio seems destined to be the location for a remake of The Sound of Music. Visit to wander along the cobbled streets, inhale the mountain air, and enjoy the fragrance of roses in the garden of the historic Palazzo Salis. Peacefulness acts as an aphrodisiac.
Slovenija, Bled
Bled, a charming village that seems to belong in a fairy tale on the sparkling Lake Bled in Slovenia, is as romantic as it gets. Everything about it is worth swooning, from its charming, candlelit restaurants to the 12th-century castle perched on a cliff above the lake. Insider tip: Treat your beloved to a romantic boat trip in a pletna, a traditional wooden rowboat, to the verdant island at thelake’ss center. (It is said that if youvilake’see church on the island and ring its bell, all your dreams will come true.)
Aveiro in Portugal
The delightful coastal town of Aveiro, with its candy-colored houses, splendid Art Nouveau architecture, lush gardens, and canals filled with boats, is a place that one can easily fall in love with. Enjoy a moliceiro boat ride, picnic beneath the palm trees at Jardim do Rossio by the water, or pop into one of the numerous cafes for some ovos moles (Portuguese pastries) to share. Additionally, with the Atlantic right outside your door, expansive golden beaches are only a few minutes away by bus or boat.
Benasque, located in Spain
With the highest Pyrenean summits on either side, Benasque resembles a Swiss Alps village rather than one in northern Spain. It is regarded as one ofSpain’ss most charming small towns. BenasqueattractsSpain’srr enthusiasts who aim to hike or fly fish and those seeking refuge who prefer to spend the afternoon in a wood-paneled eatery with a mug of hot, spiced wine.
Annecy in France
This enchanting alpine town, sometimes called””the Venice of Savoie”” is cherished for its slop”” hillsides and canal””ystem adorned with bridges (making it an ideal setting for photographs—or even a marriage proposal). The romantic ambiance is enhanced by thetown’ss cobblestone streets, perfect forhand-in-hatown’sollss, and its closeness to the emerald waters of Lake Annecy.
Norge, Geiranger
The village of Geiranger, located at the bottom of a UNESCO-protected fjord and encircled by steep mountains topped with snow, is as idyllic as one can find. Aside from the views,it’ss a hidden gem for food lovers, featuringchocoit’ss and cheese shops and outstanding farm-to-table eateries (such as the cozy, highly date-worthy Brasserie Posten at thefjord’ss edge). Take a boat ride to see the spectacularwafjord’sss of the fjord, one of which is aptly named””The Suitor””
Iseo in Italy
While Lake Como might be theshow’ss star,””ake Iseo o “”ers a more peaceful atmosphere, fewer crowds, and (dare we suggest) a significantly more romantic vibe. To begin with, the town of Iseo, located on thelake’ss southern shore, faces Monte Isola, a mountain that rises from thelake’ss center. There are fewer tourists, soyou’lll have its charming piazzas,Rolake’suee churches, and medieval castles.
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