Date of publication 26/02/2018
Romantic destinations Six Destinations in Europe for Six Stages of Romance
Wherever you are in your relationship, here are 6 European destinations to match your affection
There’s no question that Europe is home to some of the most romantic places in the world. From vibrant cities to secluded beaches and breathtaking landscapes, every country offers an unforgettable experience. And since every couple is unique, choosing the right destination based on your stage in the relationship makes all the difference. The good news is that each of these six romantic getaways offers something special, whatever the moment you’re in.
FOR NEW COUPLES: RIVIERA MAYA
The Riviera Maya is the perfect place to fall in love. This Caribbean paradise, with its turquoise waters and lush jungle, offers a little bit of everything for couples just starting out and looking for a getaway full of new sensations. Beyond its endless sunshine and white-sand beaches, the lively atmosphere and vibrant nightlife add an extra spark to any budding romance.
The destination has everything needed to nurture a love that’s just beginning. Walks, which might seem like the simplest of plans, become something entirely different when shared with the right person in places as extraordinary as the seaside Mayan ruins of Tulum or the hidden cenotes tucked into the jungle. Then there are the unforgettable experiences, like diving among colorful coral reefs or exploring the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve together, where nature softens every emotion, and every view seems to lead naturally to a kiss.
Another of its greatest strengths is how easily it adapts to each couple’s rhythm, not the other way around. You can spend time unwinding on the beach, seeking adventure in natural parks, or indulging in exceptional dining experiences. For those searching for the best couple-friendly hotels in the Riviera Maya, Iberostar offers an outstanding selection along the Caribbean coast. Iberostar Waves Paraíso Beach and Iberostar Waves Paraíso del Mar are perfect beachfront options to simply go with the flow, while JOIA Paraíso by Iberostar elevates the experience with a boutique luxury concept. For those who value space and comfort, Iberostar Selection Paraíso Lindo and Iberostar Selection Riviera Cancún are reliable all-inclusive choices, where the only thing that matters is enjoying the moment. There’s simply no room for boredom here.
FOR ENGAGED COUPLES: LISBON
Planning a wedding can be stressful, so why wait for the honeymoon to relax together? A spontaneous escape to Lisbon is a wonderful way to enjoy a romantic break in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Its charm, scenic viewpoints, captivating Portuguese lifestyle, and countless attractions are perfect for leaving pre-wedding stress behind and focusing on what really matters.
Cobblestone streets, pastel-colored buildings, and vintage trams climbing the hills create an atmosphere that feels almost timeless, transporting couples into another rhythm, another dimension. Lisbon is best experienced from one of its many miradouros, or viewpoints, scattered across the city. These terraces offer unforgettable views and make the perfect setting for an impromptu picnic or a quiet, romantic evening. Then there are its neighborhoods: historic Alfama, the magnetic riverside areas, or the lively Bairro Alto, where nights unfold in charming, intimate bars.
The best plan in Lisbon is often not to have one at all. It’s about wandering freely through stairways and funiculars, letting the city guide you. To complete the escape with a stay that matches the experience, Iberostar Selection Lisboa stands out as one of the best hotels in Lisbon for couples. This five-star property blends contemporary luxury with the essence of the city, offering the perfect setting to unwind, recharge, and reconnect.
FOR NEWLYWEDS: CRETE
For newlyweds dreaming of a honeymoon in paradise, there is no better European destination than Crete. The island’s raw, natural beauty creates the perfect setting to relax and enjoy the first days of marriage in peaceful luxury. Here, couples will find secluded, breathtaking beaches and crystal-clear blue waters.
The best way to experience Crete on a honeymoon is by renting a car and setting off to explore its most remote and rugged corners. On the wild southwestern side of the island lies Elafonisi, one of Europe’s most extraordinary beaches, known for its naturally pink sand. Nearby, along the coast, is the charming town of Chania, where the narrow streets of the old quarter invite you to wander and fall in love with every corner. A little farther on, Falassarna offers some of the most spectacular sunsets in the country.
For those looking for the best all-inclusive hotels in Crete, Iberostar offers two exceptional options overlooking the Aegean Sea. The five-star Iberostar Selection Creta Marine blends elegance with Mediterranean cuisine in a dreamlike setting, ideal for an unforgettable honeymoon. Iberostar Waves Creta Panorama & Mare also offers sweeping sea views and all the comforts needed to truly relax and disconnect. And this is only the beginning of a honeymoon defined by calm, connection, and love.
FOR THE STRESSED MARRIED COUPLE: TENERIFE
The daily stress of juggling work, kids, and routine can take a toll on any relationship. That’s why carving out time for a getaway together, even if only for a few days, is essential for couples with children. No matter how long you’ve been together, Tenerife is one of the best places to keep the spark alive. From dramatic volcanic peaks to crystal-clear beaches, the island’s striking landscapes create the perfect setting to relax, explore, and reconnect through new and exciting experiences. And with its year-round mild climate, it always feels like summer here.
Tenerife offers a wide range of experiences for every kind of couple, from climbing Mount Teide, the third-highest volcano in the world, to unwinding on sunlit beaches or rediscovering each other while walking through the ancient laurel forests of the Anaga peninsula. But there’s more to the island. Its peaceful Canarian villages provide a calm contrast to lively urban areas, while its landscapes and waves invite exploration by bike or surfboard.
Activities and sightseeing come together as the perfect way to break from routine and reconnect as a couple. And when it comes to finding the right place to stay, Iberostar offers some of the island’s finest hotels. For a truly elevated experience, JOIA El Mirador by Iberostar and JOIA Salomé by Iberostar represent the height of exclusivity. Iberostar Selection Anthelia and Iberostar Selection Sábila are all-inclusive hotels in Tenerife where comfort takes center stage. The historic Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey in Santa Cruz brings a timeless, classic feel, while Iberostar Waves Bouganville Playa and Iberostar Waves Las Dalias are ideal seafront options for those who prefer to stay close to the ocean. In Tenerife, the possibilities are endless, no matter the season.
THE EMPTY NESTERS: BUDAPEST
While saying goodbye to the kids as they head out on their own can be tough, there’s a newfound freedom to celebrate that comes along with becoming an empty nester. What better way to begin this new chapter as a couple than to explore one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals together in Budapest? This magnificent city situated along the Danube offers a wealth of deep culture, history, and beauty just waiting to be discovered.
Start your visit atop the Buda Castle Hill at Fisherman’s Bastion, one of the most popular spots in the city for its distinctive architecture and panoramic views. Originally built as a lookout tower in the 19th century, the romantic atmosphere of the stone façade looking out over the entire city makes it one of Budapest’s top sights to see. Then head over to the nearby Buda Castle, now home to the National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum, or across the iconic Chain Bridge to the city center.
After a few days of sightseeing, there’s no better way to unwind than by visiting one of the spectacular thermal baths in the city. Because Budapest sits atop more than a hundred thermal springs, visiting the baths has been important to the people of the city since Roman times. Today, visitors and locals alike enjoy the warm waters of Budapest’s many impressive baths all year long.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or prefer to pack your itinerary with activity, you’ll be free to have whatever kind of holiday you choose in Budapest. The city offers a bit of everything for couples looking for a fun and relaxing way to celebrate the exciting milestone of becoming empty nesters.
FOR RETIRED COUPLES: MALLORCA
The freedom to travel whenever you choose, without the pressures of work, is one of the greatest rewards of retirement. This stage of life offers the opportunity to enjoy time at your own pace, and even more so in a destination like Mallorca.
The island invites you to take scenic drives along its coastline, stopping at some of the best beaches in Europe. Playa de Muro, for example, stretches for nearly four miles of white sand and shallow waters, perfect for relaxing in the sun and enjoying a swim, one of the most recommended activities at this stage of life. Reaching Cap de Formentor is an accessible adventure, while the villages of the Tramuntana mountains, led by Valldemossa, offer a chance to reconnect with history, nature, and the quiet charm of stone streets and traditional architecture.
For a stay that matches the comfort this stage deserves, Iberostar offers a wide selection of hotels in Mallorca to suit every preference. In Playa de Muro, Iberostar Selection Playa de Muro Village and Iberostar Waves Playa de Muro are beachfront hotels with pools, ideal for those seeking tranquility by the sea. Iberostar Selection Es Trenc is set in one of the island’s most exclusive locations, facing the famous unspoiled beach of the same name. For those who prefer the capital, Iberostar Selection Llaut Palma blends urban sophistication with proximity to the coast. And to fully enjoy the bay, Iberostar Waves Bahía de Palma is hard to surpass. Wherever you go on the island, Mallorca is an unforgettable starting point for making the most of retirement. This Mediterranean gem, with its clear waters and unhurried rhythm, feels like the beginning of a vacation with no end.
From planning a wedding to planning a retirement escape, travel is one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate love at every stage of a relationship. Whether you’ve been together for six months or forty years, there is a destination that fits your story. These lively cities, spectacular beaches, and quiet hideaways offer some of the best settings to celebrate every chapter together.
RACHEL GRAF
Photography by Cordon Press and Getty Images
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