Most romantic destinations for travellers in 2023

How ‘bout a little romance? Give them plane tickets, roses, and an award-winning travel insurance policy for any one of these romantic holiday classics. After all, who doesn’t love a sunset view, ice-cold champagne, and a comfy loveseat?

Here are the thirteen most romantic destinations to sweep your partner off to this year.

• Renaissance art vibes
  
• Rich culture, food, and shopping lifestyle
  
• Italian sunsets
  

Who wouldn’t adore a classic Roman holiday in the Tuscan heartland? Wander the eminently walkable cobblestone streets, weaving in and amongst elegant palazzi. Astonishingly jam-packed for a small city, you’ll find plenty to do with your loved one. Between sightseeing and shopping, wine and dine them in some of the world’s finest restaurants, then cap it off with a sunset evening on a bridge spanning the Arno river. La dolce vita, eh? 

How to say “I love you”: Ti amo

• Reef literally shaped like a heart
  
• Darling coastal towns or lavish resorts
  
• Beaches
  

Keen on a domestic holiday? No worries, mate. Australia’s northeastern coast abounds with white sand beaches, tropical waters, and plenty of luxurious places to stay with the person who makes your heart glow. Jet out for a diving session or snorkel among vibrant native marine life. Afterwards, relax by cuddling up in a hammock with a cocktail for the evening.

How to say “I love you”: Love ya guts, ya fair dinkum legend

• Historic castles and highlands
  
• Teeming with nightlife
  
• Something with every season
  

Mystical Scottish vibes suffuse this artistic city, whether it’s the morning fog on the cobblestone streets, winter snow on the castle, or spring blooms in the Princes Street Gardens. Set on Scotland’s east coast, Edinburgh’s a treat in itself or a gateway to the rest of Scotland. Walk the sweeping highlands, get amongst the lively pub scene, then join one of the many yearly festivals such as the pagan Beltane (featuring half-naked partiers with fireworks). Heaven for couples who’d love a drink and a sleep-in! Also extremely LGBTQIAP+ friendly, if you’re dreaming of a holiday for Pride.

How to say “I love you”: Tha gaol agam ort

• Exquisite volcanic surroundings
  
• Surfing galore
  
• Experience Hawaiian culture
  

As the sacred piko (navel) of this legendary island chain, Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaii stands tall and fearless among dazzling seas. Engage with authentic Hawaiian culture and explore wild landscapes, including the red-glowing slopes of Kilauea. Climb atop the White Mountain herself to experience brilliant night skies – a perfect place to hold someone’s hand and feel humble with the universe. 

How to say “I love you”: Aloha wau iā ʻoe

• No choice but romance
  
• Literal haute cuisine
  
• Proposal magic wherever you go
  

As a once-in-a-lifetime must, Paris reigns over all romantic fantasies. Sure, it has the Eiffel Tower, Lourve, and Champs-Élysées, but how heavenly would a quiet café with a croissant and black coffee be, especially with your special someone? Buy them a rose and wander arm-in-arm through the city: let the cobblestone streets show you something new!

How to say “I love you”: Je t'aime

• Perfect blue and white evenings
  
• Mediterranean locale
  
• Bask in beautiful year-round weather
  

Set in the well of a drowned volcano, this Aegean Isle remains a tourist hotspot for a good reason. Iconic village tiers ascend the dramatic slopes to give you some peerless views of a turquoise sea. Not to mention the food! Baklava, anyone? 

How to say “I love you”: Se agapó

• Enchanting blend of modern and traditional
  
• Dramatic mountain and seaside vistas
  
• Seafood, yummy
  

An unconventional but classy choice, Busan is known as South Korea’s “second city”. Its bustling seaside markets serve up some of the scrummiest authentic cuisines beneath the shadows of inspiring mountains. Plus, nautical shopping, tent cafes, and the Busan International Film Festival: there’s something for every style here, and every stylish couple. 

How to say “I love you”: Saranghae

• Archipelago islands
  
• Craggy, ancient cliffs
  
• Northern lights
  

Lofoten’s archipelagic mountains herald something almost mythic in their grandeur, like this landscape should only exist in a fantasy epic. But it’s fantastically real. Norway makes for an attractive place for couples who prefer chilly vistas, folklore, and idyllic villages, and Lofoten sits as its crowning jewel. Tour the Viking museum to breathe in some history, or seek out Henningsvaer Stadion for something truly mindblowing – a literal soccer island. 

How to say “I love you”: Jeg elsker deg

• Castle walls
  
• Pristine seas
  
• Brag to your friends about pronouncing the name
  

Golden Age Hollywood stars like Elizabeth Taylor escaped to Croatia as a halcyon hidden gem and no wonder! With its high-walled cities, shining seas, and baroque spires, Rovinj cuts a romantic figure on the Adriatic coastline. Make an effort to tour Grisia in particular: this boutique street cuts a winding path through the old town to St. Euphemia church. Plus, Croatia’s now in the Schengen Area – your European holiday awaits!

How to say “I love you”: Volim te

• Bohemian gothic art
  
• Europe’s best beer – allegedly
  
• Recreate your own international spy romance
  

More than just majestic bridges, castles, and art galleries, this ‘new’ romantic heart in Central Europe boasts a millennium of history. The languid Vltava river inspired Smetana to write the Moldau, after all, while sculptures, architecture, and gardens harkening to seemingly every era (Communist, Mediaeval, and Romantic alike) blend into their own symphony. For date night, try one of the legendary microbreweries before strolling across the Charles Bridge. 

How to say “I love you”: Mám tě ráda

• Taj Mahal (seriously)
  
• Colourful bazaars
  
• Wildlife sanctuaries and marble pavilions
  

One of India’s most iconic views has well-earned its mythos. Constructed as a living ode to Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, this wonder draws couples and proposals from all over the world. But Agra is more than a monument: the narrow streets behind Jama Masjid boast vibrant markets (chowks), while marble pavilions overlook the cityscape from all angles. Make it a point to visit the Elephant Conservation Centre with your loved one, too. 

How to say “I love you”: "Main tumhe pyaar kartha hoon" (said to women) OR "main tumhe pyaar karthee hoon" (said to men)

• Japanese teahouses
  
• Serene temples
  
• Sumptuous local markets
  

Somewhere in the green stillness of one of Kyoto’s 2,000 temples, gardens, and shrines, someone is whispering, “I love you” for the first time. And who can blame them? Kyoto marries the elegant uniqueness of Japanese culture with Michelin-starred restaurants, authentic artisans, and walkways where it’s so delightfully easy to get lost. The Fushimi Inari-Taisha shrine is unmissable, with its maze of salmon Torii gates spread across the sylvan slopes of a mountain.

How to say “I love you”: Ai shiteru

• Hot air balloons
  
• Honeycomb desert landscape
  
• Marvels built into underground caverns
  

Air and earth collide in this dramatic landscape, whether it’s touring the exposed Göreme Open-Air Museum beneath epic skies, hiking the Rose Valley, or soaring on cloud nine with your lover in your very own hot air balloon. Try some savoury snacks and genuine Turkish delight at the markets before retiring underground to one of Cappadocia’s cosy cool cave hotels. Fun fact: the unique rock formations are known as ‘Fairy Chimneys’. How lovely is that?

How to say “I love you”: Seni seviyorum

Keen on more holiday destinations? Choose your adventure…

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