{"id":3209,"date":"2020-02-11T14:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-02-11T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.secretescapes.com\/magazine-uk\/?p=3209"},"modified":"2021-03-03T16:23:55","modified_gmt":"2021-03-03T16:23:55","slug":"seven-unexpected-romantic-destinations-across-europe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine.secretescapes.com\/escapist\/seven-unexpected-romantic-destinations-across-europe\/","title":{"rendered":"Seven unexpected romantic destinations across Europe"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Romantic getaways often tell the same story: you might think that gliding down the Grand Canal on a gondola or taking photos in front of the Eiffel Tower are the ultimate in city-break romance, and why wouldn\u2019t you? Paris is nicknamed the \u2018City of Love\u2019 after all, and Venice often tops lists of the world\u2019s most romantic escapes. And yet, there are plenty of romantic destinations in Europe you probably haven\u2019t ever thought of jetting off to, for a break from the tourist-filled chart-toppers without compromising on the love factor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Bologna. Italy. Image: iStock\/emicristea<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bologna, Italy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

With its myriad cobblestone streets and abundance of candlelit rooftop restaurants for intimate meals, Bologna should definitely be on your romantic radar. San Luca Hill is an exquisite spot to watch the sunset (and pop open a bottle of Italian red), and be sure to visit Palazzo de Podesta\u2019s Il Magico Voltone, an arched vault that magically transmits sound from one side of the room to the other \u2013 the perfect way to whisper sweet nothings to your paramour. Even The Two Towers of Bologna have a romantic tale behind them: some say that a penniless farmer\u2019s son built the Asinelli Tower by hand in order to secure a woman\u2019s hand in marriage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Bled Island, Slovenia. Image: iStock\/borchee<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bled, Slovenia<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Lake Bled, perched next to an alpine lake in Slovenia\u2019s mountains, is nothing short of idyllic. Plucked straight out of a fairy tale, this quaint town still maintains centuries-old traditions and remains picturesque and unspoilt. Nothing is more romantic than a trip to Bled Island, perched in the middle of the lake and once home to a sanctuary giving worship to the Slavic goddess of love, Ziva. Float across the serene lake in a traditional Pletna boat, with a jaw-dropping mountain backdrop, then wander hand in hand up to the island\u2019s church. As legend has it, if you ring the bell three times, your greatest wish will come true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Pont des Amours in Annecy, France. Image: iStock\/Giuseppe Piazzese<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Annecy, France<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

When planning a romantic trip to France, most travellers don\u2019t feel the need to look any further than Paris. And though Paris is beautiful, amour is in the air all over France \u2013 particularly in the pastel-hued alpine town of Annecy. Lake Annecy is a sanctuary for couples if ever there was one, and some say that if two lovers kiss on Pont des Amours (Lover\u2019s Bridge) then they will be together forever. After you\u2019ve secured your future beau, wander along the canals of the River Thiou at sunset, admiring the colourful houses and canalside flowers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Innsbruck, Austria. Image: iStock\/adisa<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Innsbruck, Austria<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Full of beautiful churches, Gothic architecture and lively-coloured buildings, Innsbruck is overlooked by the picture-perfect Alps and is a fascinating amalgamation of cultures. Be sure to bring a lock with you and hunt out the pretty wooden river bridge by the River Inn, a small homage to Paris\u2019 fallen love-lock bridge, before sitting streetside with a coffee and watching the city go by. Alternatively, take a ride on the Nordkette Cable Car for stunning vistas all the way to Italy in the south and Germany to the north.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Alhambra in Granada, Spain. Image: iStock\/merc67<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Granada, Spain<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Granada is a little- known gem, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains in southern Spain. With a pink and orange-hued, alpine sunset behind it, Granada\u2019s hilltop fortress, The Alhambra, makes for stunning evening viewing straight out of a fairy tale. The riverside old town street of Carrera del Darro is no less picturesque, thanks to its cobblestone paving, lush vegetation and Renaissance architecture. For an authentic flamenco experience, head up to the Roma gypsy district of Sacromonte for an atmospheric and spirited evening watching the magical dancers in a traditional cave home \u2013 and maybe even giving it a go yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sognefjord, Norway. Image: iStock\/BreatheFitness<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bergen, Norway<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Famous for its breathtaking mountain views, Bergen is nature at its finest, surrounded by dramatic landscapes in every direction. Bundling up with your boo to explore the myriad alleyways of the Bryggen Wharf, or cruising to Sognefjord to marvel at the neon blue waters should definitely be on your to-do list. For the ultimate in sundowner romance, catch a cable car to the top of Ulriken, the highest of Bergen\u2019s seven mountains, to watch an unforgettable sunset from above the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tallinn, Estonia. Image: iStock\/alekseystemmer<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tallinn, Estonia<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

With one of the oldest and best preserved Medieval centres in Europe, Tallinn is a hub of culture and history that makes the perfect unique city break. The Kohtuotsa viewing platform offers sweeping views of the city, while the Kadriorg Japanese garden is a beautiful setting for an arm-in-arm wander. A trip up Kissing Hill is also a necessity for any lovebirds out there, where a romantic atmosphere is aided by the overhanging trees and tweet of birds in spring and summer. To put the icing on the cake, wrap up warm and potter over to Harju Street\u2019s ice rink \u2013 the ultimate in romantic winter fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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