Some places just seem to be built for love—sunsets that linger a little longer, streets made for wandering hand in hand, dinners that beg to be shared over a bottle of wine. Whether you're planning a honeymoon, an anniversary trip, or simply a getaway with someone you adore, these destinations set the scene.
Table of Contents
- Santorini, Greece
- Paris, France
- Venice, Italy
- Bora Bora, French Polynesia
- Maldives
- Amalfi Coast, Italy
- Kyoto, Japan
Santorini, Greece
Whitewashed buildings cascade down volcanic cliffs into the deep blue Aegean, and every evening in Santorini ends the same unforgettable way: a crowd gathering in Oia to watch the sun sink into the sea. Beyond the famous sunset, the island rewards couples who wander its quieter villages, like Pyrgos and Imerovigli, and who book a table at a cliffside taverna for wine made from grapes grown in volcanic soil. Good to know: Book sunset-view accommodation in Oia or Imerovigli months in advance, especially for a May-to-September visit, as the best spots sell out fast. A private catamaran cruise around the caldera is a splurge worth considering for a milestone trip.
Paris, France
It's a cliché for a reason: Paris remains one of the most romantic cities on earth, from a picnic beneath the Eiffel Tower at dusk to a slow stroll along the Seine past booksellers' stalls. Skip the tourist-trap bistros near major landmarks and instead wander into the Marais or Saint-Germain-des-Prés, where candlelit wine bars and neighborhood bistros feel far more intimate. Good to know: The Eiffel Tower sparkles for five minutes every hour after dark—time your evening walk to catch it. A river cruise on the Seine at sunset is touristy but genuinely lovely for a first-night splurge.
Venice, Italy
There's no city quite like Venice, where the streets are canals and the only traffic is gondolas gliding past centuries-old palazzos. A quiet ride through the narrow back canals, away from the crowds of the Grand Canal, is far more atmospheric—and considerably cheaper—than the standard tourist route. Good to know: Visit early morning or in the shoulder seasons of April-May or September-October to avoid both the summer heat and the cruise-ship crowds around Piazza San Marco. Get lost on purpose in the Dorsoduro district for the city's most romantic, least crowded corners.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
For couples chasing pure, uninterrupted seclusion, Bora Bora delivers with overwater bungalows suspended above a lagoon that shifts through every shade of blue imaginable. Resorts here specialize in privacy—think private plunge pools, in-room spa treatments, and candlelit dinners served on your own deck above the water. Good to know: This is a splurge destination; flights connect through Tahiti, and resort prices reflect the exclusivity. Snorkeling straight off your bungalow deck with reef sharks and rays is often included and is not to be missed.
Maldives
Honeymooners have flocked to the Maldives for decades, and it's easy to see why: private island resorts, glass-floored villas over the lagoon, and sandbanks so remote you can have them entirely to yourselves for a few hours. Many resorts offer a "private island picnic" experience—a boat drops you and your partner on an uninhabited sandbar with a packed lunch and nothing else in sight. Good to know: Choose a resort based on how you want to travel between islands; some require a scenic but pricier seaplane transfer, while others are a short speedboat ride from the airport. November through April brings the calmest, driest weather.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Pastel villages tumble down cliffs into the Tyrrhenian Sea along Italy's Amalfi Coast, where towns like Positano and Ravello have been drawing couples since the days of the Grand Tour. Rent a boat for a day to reach hidden coves inaccessible by road, then finish the evening with a limoncello on a terrace overlooking the water in Ravello, long favored for its views and quiet elegance. Good to know: The coastal road (SS163) is stunning but narrow and can get congested in summer—consider arriving by ferry from Naples or Sorrento instead of driving. Visit in late spring or early fall to skip the peak-summer crowds and heat.
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto offers a quieter, more contemplative kind of romance: lantern-lit streets in the Gion district, a stroll through the thousands of vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari, and the golden reflection of Kinkaku-ji shimmering in its pond. In spring, cherry blossoms turn the Philosopher's Path into a soft pink tunnel perfect for an unhurried walk together; in autumn, fiery maple leaves do the same. Good to know: Book a traditional ryokan stay with a private onsen bath for one of the most intimate experiences in Japan. Cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and autumn foliage (November) are the most beautiful times to visit, but also the most crowded—book accommodations well ahead.
Whatever kind of romance you're after—cliffside sunsets, candlelit canals, or a private sandbar all to yourselves—these destinations have a way of making any trip feel like it was made for the two of you.