10 Small Towns Of Europe That Promise Endless Romance
These hidden gems are sure to offer an exquisite holiday to couples seeking something special.
Paris is charming, Prague is beautiful, Vienna is stunning, and Venice is dreamy. These big cities have earned themselves great reputations, but if you are the kind who likes exploring less touristy and offbeat places, Tripoetic is here to help. Check out its list of 10 lesser-known European cities that offer just as much charm as the bigger locations, if not more.
1. Bled, Slovenia
Slovenia – a country that has ‘love’ in its name is a true paradise. One must-visit location there is the private Bled Island which is situated in the middle of Lake Bled in the heart of the Julian Alps. It is Slovenia’s only island and it can be reached via a short ride on a Pletna boat. You can climb the 99 steps of the charming chapel there, ring the wishing bell and pose for lovely photos in the serene environs.
Tripoetic’s Tip
To add to your romantic memories, dine at Bled Castle that overlooks the lake. Surprise your loved one with a carriage ride around the calm waters or simply indulge your taste buds with an excellent Bled cream cake!
2. Zadar, Croatia
The dreamy seaside city of Zadar is coastal Croatia’s new capital of cool and has quiet wonders of its own, like some of the most beautiful sunsets in the country! Meander through the quaint and historically rich Old Town of Zadar, sip champagne as the sun dips into the Adriatic Sea, take a day trip to Plitvice Lakes or just relax at one of Zadar’s stunning beaches.
Tripoetic’s Tip
Keep an ear out for an experience unique to the north of Croatia – the Zadar Sea Organ! Listen to the wind and waves push air through a series of tunnels, creating a spellbinding sound to complement the stunning views of the Zadar waterfront.
3. Trieste, Italy
Trieste is an enchanting city that inspires a cult-like roll call of writers and dreamers. Take a trip to the wonderful Castle of Duino built on a rocky spur overlooking the sea, and learn about the legend of the ‘White Lady.’ Dine under dim lights at a cozy restaurant with a view over the gulf, admire the brightly lit Piazza Unità d’Italia, get lost in the narrow streets of Citta Vecchia and climb the hill of San Giusto to admire the Roman vestiges of Tergeste.
Tripoetic’s Tip
If you love nature, visit the famous Giant Cave which is the deepest tourist cave that is open to the public, or tour the small villages of the Karst and relish mouth-watering traditional Italian cuisine.
4. Lofoten, Norway
For a holistic and natural Arctic experience, head to the Lofoten Islands that are draped across the turbulent waters of the Norwegian Sea. Imagine a midnight expedition to hunt for the Northern Lights while paddling your kayak along the frozen coastline of Lofoten. Due to the area’s diverse landscapes, you can go hiking, skiing, fishing, ocean rafting or scuba diving. If looking for more adventure, try surfing at Lofoten which is one of the world’s northernmost sites and offers an unparalleled surfing experience.
Tripoetic’s Tip
Experience the outdoors in comfort and style in beautiful Lavvu Teepees at the Glam-Camp located on an island along a beautiful white sandy beach.
5. Ronda, Spain
Steeped in history and perched precariously on top of a cliff Ronda offers views of rolling hills and Andalusia’s white villages. Visit Puente Nuevo, the Plaza de Toros, and the Arabic baths. Ernest Hemingway rightly said about this magical city, “Ronda is the place to go if you are planning to travel to Spain for a honeymoon… the whole city and its surroundings are a romantic set…” – and who are we to argue?
Tripoetic’s Tip
With amazing countryside views, you will relish wine tasting in beautiful bodegas or small family-run boutique wineries. Visit Rhonda in September when the fields come to life to see the magic of the harvest season!
6. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
Discovering Cesky Krumlov together is like romantically uncovering a big secret. It is a picture-perfect place, with color-washed houses and detailed architecture dating back to the 14th century. Dominated by a walled castle so large it’s like a town in its own right, Cesky itself is quite chic, but it maintains a historical feel. The best way to discover Cesky is to set off without a map and simply keep walking.
Tripoetic’s Tip
You can rent a boat to glide up and down the Vltava river that surrounds the town. Hire a punt in the evening, enjoy, laze around and watch the town drift by.
7. Colmar, France
Colmar is perhaps among the most charismatic destinations in Europe! Petite Venise, where cobblestone streets run alongside canals lined with half-timbered houses in shades of rose, sky blue, lemon, peppermint, and apricot, is a warm and vibrant hotspot. Discover its architecture, gastronomy and some of the region’s most historic and charming cathedrals. And here is a piece of trivia – the famous creator of the Statue of Liberty, Auguste Bartholdi, was born in Colmar.
Tripoetic’s Tip
To enjoy this little town to the fullest, hire a bike and cycle to the nearby village of Eguisheim on the Alsace wine route.
8. Hallstatt, Austria
A picturesque village on the lake with the same name, Hallstatt owes its existence to the rich salt deposits in the mountains of Hallstatt. A romantic boat ride on the lake, a trip to the breathtaking cave world in Obertraun and a visit to the Lake Gosau with the mighty Dachstein glacier are some excursions that are recommended around Hallstatt.
Tripoetic’s Tip
Tie your boots, pack your rucksack and start hiking up the Bad Goisern, around Lake Hallstatt and the Gosau Valley. It is an exciting as well as calming experience to walk up the Alpine mountains – and if you do so hand in hand with your loved one, it will create a memory you will cherish forever.
9. Lugano, Switzerland
Nicknamed the “Monte Carlo of Switzerland”, Lugano bears the mark of both its Swiss legacy and Italian proximity. This scenic lakeside city is known for its gorgeous quasi-Mediterranean scenery and laidback lifestyle where couples can indulge in the amiable serenity of its parks and the Old Town’s porticos or take a stroll by the lakeside, among the palms and olive trees.
Tripoetic’s Tip
Visit Monte Brè, Lugano’s closest mountain, that can be reached via a funicular rail. The observation point gives you a view of the entire Lake Lugano valley and one can also see as far as the Bernese Alps on a clear day!
10. Marsaxlokk, Malta
Malta entices people with its warm climate, untouched beaches, crystal-clear Mediterranean waters, abundant hiking trails, and friendly locals. Dive into the rich diversity of Maltese culture in Marsaxlokk, a beautiful fishing town in southern Malta that’s famous for its colorful luzzu boats. From discovering ancient forts to surfing and browsing the Marsaxlokk fish market as well as feasting next to the island’s largest and most picturesque harbor, there won’t be a single boring moment here!
Tripoetic’s Tip
Jump into the St Peter’s Pool which is a beautiful natural loch carved into the Maltese coast and an excellent spot for swimming and sunbathing. The calm turquoise waters and brilliant sunshine is just what you need for that relaxing romantic sojourn.
To book an unforgettable romantic experience for your honeymoon contact Tripoetic on +91-9650298500.
