Whether to celebrate Valentine's Day or an anniversary, or simply to give your partner an amazing gift, here are some ideas for a romantic getaway.
Love is shown with actions not gifts, no doubt about it. But all the better if it's far away from home in one of those charming boutique hotels. A while ago we suggested some getaways to see the world's most beautiful skies (super-romantic). We also talked about a romantic gastronomic getaway to Paris (classics never go out of fashion). Now we're back with 4 more destinations that have an unmistakable romantic vibe about them and settings that look like the backdrop for a big-screen love story. In which one are you going to fall in love again?
1. Florence
Florence, the most romantic city in Italy (move aside Venice and Siena), awaits you with its majestic Duomo, charming little piazzas and wonderful cobblestone old town. It only takes a couple of days to succumb to the charms of a city like no other, which by the way has seen so many people fall in love. Plus, it has excellent train connections to other parts of Tuscany if you want to extend your getaway.
Must-see attractions
The Piazza del Duomo is the star attraction of old Firenze, and what could be more romantic than climbing up to the top of the campanile di Giotto with your partner? The Piazza de la Signoria, Piazza de la Repubblica, Piazza de la Santa Croce and the little square around the church of Santo Spirito are all charming places to wander through after you've visited the Galleria de l'Accademia to admire Michelangelo's David, always a breathtaking sight. Needless to say, be sure to set a few hours aside to explore the Galleria degli Uffizi. And after a day dedicated to art, there's no better way to wind down than by taking a gentle stroll through the Giardini di Boboli.
The most romantic spot
The Ponte Vecchio is undoubtedly the perfect place to take that romantic selfie with views of the River Arno in the background. All the better if you can take it at dusk to capture that special light you only find in Florence. Mind you, there's every chance you could end up like Stendhal, overcome by so much beauty. Careful!
2. Porto
Porto is another good example of the romantic aura that nearly always cloaks cities with rivers, especially in case like this when you can enjoy wine tastings as you gaze out at the Douro. The great thing about Porto is that it has so many romantic spots, whether it's the riverside restaurants, rugged beaches (practically deserted in winter) or cobblestone alleys in an old town that always seems studiously shabby. The cadence of the language, the slow pace of the city and low-key warmth of the locals all add to the magic of this unique destination.
Must-see attractions
A stroll by the river as night falls, culminating in a few photos from the Maria Pia Bridge, built by Eiffel, is an absolute must after dining on excellent fish at one of the restaurants overlooking the Douro. The São Bento train station, the Romanesque cathedral, the Casa da Música and the Clérigos church and tower are all good options before a cruise up the river, which will also give you the chance to admire another of the city's iconic bridges: the Ponte Luís I.
The most romantic spot
Whether your 'partner in crime' is a lover of literature or not, a perfect place to declare your undying love is between the book-lined walls of the amazing Livraria Lello, the most beautiful bookshop in Europe according to all the rankings and anyone who has a heart. Although the star feature is the emblematic red staircase, there are plenty of other magical treats, from the José Saramago Room to the rare books in the Gemma Room. Oh, and you'll probably be able to catch a temporary exhibition.
3. Granada
Granada holds endless charms for travellers, offering an innate romanticism as well as an unmistakable cheeky roguishness that oozes from its vibrant streets. In this city you can celebrate love in an enchanting bar where the waiters carry the (free!!) tapas aloft, in a romantic restaurant with views of the Alhambra, or in cafe tucked away in one of the alleys in the irresistible Albaicín quarter.
Must-see attractions
You should definitely set aside a few hours – preferably with a guide – to visit the Alhambra, the finest example of the Muslim legacy in Spain that still lives on today. Next stop, a stroll through the Albaicín with its steep white streets to marvel at the enchanting beauty spots, and to end the day you can take in a flamenco show in Sacromonte. And be sure to climb up to the Carvajales and Santa Isabel La Real viewpoints to enjoy amazing panoramic vistas of the city.
The most romantic spot
The mirador de San Nicolás is undoubtedly one of the top viewpoints in Granada, and probably in the whole world. There are certainly few more memorable experiences than watching the sun set over the Alhambra from the top of this magical city. If you can book a table at the viewpoint restaurant, Estrellas de San Nicolás, once the home of flamenco singer Enrique Morente and a genuine jewel, you will have picked a sure winner in the romance stakes.
4. Bordeaux
This French city is perfect for a romantic getaway, thanks among other things to the spectacular Port of the Moon, the name given to the old town and its splendid monuments. To wander aimlessly through the centre of Bordeaux is to revel in that sophisticated romantic air we all associate with French cities, and in this case there's the added value of a wine producing tradition that pervades every corner, all of which makes for an even more romantic trip, as you can see from these wine shops.
Must-see attractions
The stunning Place de la Bourse, with its photogenic Fountain of the Three Graces, has been the iconic landmark of Bordeaux for centuries. Another sight you can't afford to miss is the Miroir d'eau, the world's largest reflecting pool, before you explore the magnificent Cathédrale Sant-André. Bordeaux offers an infinite choice of monuments to admire: the Grosse Cloche, former bell tower of the city hall, the Monument aux Girondins and the Porte Cailhau, former gateway to the walled city, are just a few to choose from.
The most romantic spot
It doesn't matter if you've never been to an opera in your life: visiting the magnificent building that houses the Opéra National de Bordeaux is an unforgettable experience if fate (with the help of Vueling) takes you to this city, the six largest in France. One of the most beautiful places in the world and a masterpiece built by Victor Louis in the days of Louis Luis XVI, it's well worth attending a performance by leading figures of the international opera scene.
