15 Most Romantic Cities in the World Off the Beaten Path
- Maria DiCicco
- 2 minutes ago
- 8 min read
You won't be finding Paris, Venice or Bali on this list. Instead, discover horse and buggy rides, glamping in the desert, strolls down cobbled lanes past half-timbered buildings and more off the beaten path romantic vacation destinations.
From classic European elegance to exotic locales, these 15 most romantic cities in the world are perfect swoonworthy holiday getaways to take even with the whole family in tow.
Experience the romance of candlelit dinners and twinkle lit towns with or without your children in these wonderful worldwide locales. Does this list cover it all? No way. But it's a great start to fuel some inspiration for your next romantic getaway.
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Romantic Cities in the World (Off the Beaten Path)
Marrakesh, Morocco
In my travels, I was hard pressed to run into another American in Morocco. The French love the place, and there are plenty of other cultures of tourists coming through - but Americans, not so much.
When I started living part-time in Spain, I found that we could easily get to Marrakesh from our town for as little as $25 on Ryan Air. So...why wouldn't we go!?
What I discovered - scenes from Arabian Nights, the hanging brass lanterns, incense filling the air, carpets draped on every shop stall...the magic of the souks and romance of the nighttime chaos.
In coastal Essaouira, a few hours drive away, the vibe changes from chaotic to serene, where rooftop bars look out over the sea, where camel rides on the beach are the entertainment.
We also went glamping in the desert, serenaded by our hosts around a campfire. At Ait Ben Haddou we stayed in an ancient clay castle of sorts, enjoying a candlelit dinner in a cave. Nearby Ouarzazete was the home to Morocco's Hollywood - evoking the era of Casablanca and French-influenced black and white film.
The sites, the smells, the color and beauty of the architecture - not to mention the incredible food - it's all reason to visit Marrakesh and the surrounding areas for a romantic vacation.
Learn how to start your journey, with three days in Marrakkesh here.
Merida, Mexico
This Mexican city is buzzing with life. The colonial architecture hearkens back to a century or more ago, when the city saw a boom in wealth. Horse and buggy rides are offered up and down the Paseo de Montejo, where evening strolls past mansions and museums make for a beautiful evening in the cooler night time temps.
During the day, nearby beach towns beckon, and to the south, find the Puuc Route - an adventurous road full of ancient Mayan ruins to be explored.
The most romantic part of visiting Merida is undoubtedly the opportunity to stay in the gorgeous haciendas, which are renovated plantation homes made into opulent overnight stays.
Keflavik, Iceland
Although Keflavik itself isn't an often thought of 'destination town', its proximity to the Rejyavik airport make it a wonderful place to rest your head a few nights while you explore the Rekyjanes Peninsula.
A trip to Keflavik is best savored in maybe two nights, exploring the nearby geothermal areas, enjoying local cuisine, and perchance getting to see some Northern Lights.
Regardless of the itinerary, the landscape's natural beauty is so inviting for families and couples traveling through Iceland on a stopover, or for part of a larger itinerary through Iceland.
The size of Keflavik is perfect for exploring on foot, and the scenery really is breathtaking. Go on puffin viewing boat ride, see lighthouses, and experience the warmth of the Icelandic culture.
Bruges
I love to cruise, and this is one of those ports that pop up on every Northern European itinerary, especially for the Christmas Market Cruise season.
I knew Bruges would be cute, but this was one of those storybook cute destinations that ooze with so much romance and charm, it's hard to believe Mr. Disney didn't build it.
Enjoy horse and carriage rides around the main square, shop for Belgian chocolate, enjoy beer tastings, or pop in and out of lace shops.
It's a lovely location to stay a couple of nights before exploring more of the area by train. The Eurostar train goes to Brussels from London, so perhaps Bruges becomes part of a larger overland journey.
In any case, learn all about a day (or two) in Bruges here.
Orenjestad Aruba
Well known as a romantic destination close to the United States, Aruba has long been where people go to honeymoon or elope, but I recently discovered it myself as quite the family-friendly island.
Nonetheless, with or without the family there is so much to explore! Easily fill a weekend visiting local beaches, the Arikok National Park with its expansive oceanfront paths and natural cave systems.
I was honestly surprised by how unique the terrain of Aruba is. You won't find sea level flora and fauna, but instead cactus and high terrain. It's a whole other planet from the rest of its Caribbean Island neighbors!
Visit kitschy places like the Donkey Sanctuary or Butterfly Farm, and the Aloe Factory. But if you visit, be sure to check out my complete guide to Aruba - we did a lot of it in one day but I wish I had more time (we were visiting on a cruise).
Aruba is colorful, not to mention (sort of) Dutch influenced, and their coined name "One Happy Island" is totally accurate. Go for the color, the friendly people and relax. It's a perfect romantic destination.
Quebec City
For outdoor enthusiasts or Francophiles (either one works), Quebec City is a perfect place to experience the romance of Europe in North America.
Every street is full of gourmet restaurants boasting high quality French-influenced cuisine, and the first spoken language is indeed French, making you feel even more like you have stepped foot in Europe (for a fraction of the airfare).
Holidays bring dazzling light displays and winter weather activities, while a dusting of snow can really make an afternoon by the fire or a candlelit dinner the perfect companion for a day of romance in the air.
Explore Quebec City during American Thanksgiving to see the scenery change from fall to winter wonderland, or in the summer to experience day trips in the area to gastronomic haven Ile de Orleans, full of cheese, ice wine, creme de cassis, and of course - maple products. Or, head into Quebec City at the holiday season for the magic of Christmas to light up the main squares with their German Christmas Markets and numerous snow activities like ice skating, dog sledding, or the famous ice hotel, opening annually in the winter.
With year-round European elegance and the allure of the outdoors, Quebec City is one of the easiest off the beaten path getaways on this list.
Hiroshima (Miyajima Island), Japan
While romance may not immediately come to mind when you think about Hiroshima, this rebuilt modern city is actually hiding a beautiful secret - Miyajima Island.
Just a short ferry ride away, wander through traditionally inspired lanes full of shops selling maple cakes and fresh oysters, or stop into a teahouse for a set meal and buy some intricately designed kimonos.
With nature strolls, tranquil temples to visit and friendly deer roaming about the island, Miyajima is especially lovely during the cherry blossom season.
Valletta, Malta
With centuries of different inhabitants influencing the landscape and culture in Malta, Valletta is a perfect starting point to discover and explore. Visit fish markets, ancient forts, wineries, and ruins of the past - or explore the many beaches, grottoes and stunning cliff vistas looking out over the sea.
The treasures of Malta are countless, with a mix of Italian, British, Arabic and even Aragonese influence (which I'm quite familiar with living in the Aragon region of Spain part time).
With such a fascinating history, the melting pot of time makes for a really interesting historical vacation. We're talking stuff dating back to the Phoenicians and also the Knights Templar. For a couple or family obsessed with discovering ancient secrets, it doesn't get more Indiana Jones than Malta.
Stone buildings, colorful interiors and even more fascinating food await in this very multi-cultural island of romance.
Start with my itinerary for Valletta, and then map out a week in Malta.
Most Romantic Places in Europe by Region
These places on the globe are largely undiscovered by Americans. It's time to change that!
North Zealand, Denmark
Often called the "Danish Riviera", North Zealand is the area just north of Copenhagen, easily discovered by car. The journey will take you past countless thatched roof homes, many of which are available as vacation rentals for a cozy holiday.
Many tourists flock here in the warm summer months for the excellent beaches, but even in the off season North Zealand can be enjoyed for its castles, open air museums and coastal village vibes.
Take the overnight ferry from Norway's Fjords to add to the fun.
Southern Germany
It's no secret - Southern Germany boasts some pretty great road trip itineraries. See castles, take mountain hikes, go wine tasting, or relax in nature.
Visit fairytale villages, enjoy hearty German food, and perhaps even venture into France for a night or two.
With all the half-timbered building your heart could desire, Southern Germany is an excellent region for a romantic road trip. In fact, there's literally a road trip along something called "The Romantic Road", so don't miss it!
The North of France
Drink Kir Royales by a roaring fire in a centuries old home, walk through historic battlefields now covered in wildflowers, or explore iconic landmarks like Mont. St Michel just to the edge of the Normandy regional border.
Normandy offers a lovely road trip through coastal towns, farm lands, and enchanting villages. Paired with trips from Paris like Giverny (where you can visit the home of Monet), a visit to Normandy is full of opportunities for romance.
Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Whether it's fast cars and Ferrari museums you are looking for, or gastronomic daydreams exploring the prosciutto factories, wineries and cheese production facilities of Parma, there's so much to do in this beautiful region of Northern Italy.
Foodies will love it, but so will those seeking off-the-beaten-path Italy - the kind you can't easily access by train. Stay in countryside agriturismos, enjoy romantic picnics in the vineyard and more.
North Norfolk UK
This little talked about area near Norwich in England is a lovely place to spend a few days in the country. Rent a boat and drive it along the Broads, where you'll see adorable thatched roof homes and enjoy waterside pubs a plenty.
Or, stroll Sheringham, Southwold and Cromer for their waterfront activities and shops. See local farmer's markets, abbeys and more.
There are dozens of charming things to do in this area, all of which deserve an extra peek if you are looking for something to do away from the crowds of London.
Northern Spain (Asturias)
Still relatively undiscovered by tourism, Asturias boasts some absolutely gorgeous seaside towns, like Cudillero, pictured above.
The entire region is marked with a fascinating heritage, bringing Celtic roots to Spain, alongside an incredible gastronomic mix of seafood, cheese, cider and more.
Visit the path of the dinosaurs, enter ancient cave systems, explore coastal villages, and wander medieval towns.
With so much to explore, it's best to start here with my Northern Spain Road Trip guide.
The Border of France and Spain
Lastly, the final romantic region on this list is literally the whole stretch of land between France and Spain, where you'll find castle towns, seaside retreats, and so much more. The perfect romantic road trip follows the path north of Barcelona leading into towns like Tossa de Mar, Collioure, and beyond through Carcassonne and even the Pyrenees.
