THE 10 MOST ROMANTIC PLACES IN EUROPE

Usually, the right company makes one place romantic, but every couple loves destinations that predispose to tenderness and intimacy with their romantic setting.

Here are the 10 most romantic places in Europe, suitable not only for Valentine’s Day, honeymoon or anniversary, but also for every day without a reason, just for charging with a romantic mood and shared pleasure.


1. PARIS, FRANCE

Paris is the city of love, and this nickname dates back to the Middle Ages, when the many water channels along the Seine became a popular destination for lovers. Today, the city is known as the European Capital of Love for its romantic atmosphere, throughout the city and it is one of the most desirable places for couples in the world.

What to do there? Climb the Eiffel Tower, take a boat trip on the Seine, go shopping on the Champs-Elysees, take a day trip around Versailles, or even a day trip to the castles of the Loire with a wine tasting of excellent French wines

How to get there? Wizz Air, Ryanair and Bulgaria air have direct flights to Paris from Sofia. The first two airlines stop at the more distant Paris Beauvais airport (from where there are buses to Paris), and Bulgaria air lands at Paris Charles de Gaulle (from where there are convenient direct trains to the city center). EasyJet also offers direct flights Sofia – Paris, with the airline landing at Orly Airport, from where OrlyBus takes you in less than 30 minutes to the center of Paris.


2. VENICE, ITALY

Venice is one of the most romantic cities in the world, with numerous canals and stunning architecture, scenic views, and delicious food, the city is a perfect destination for couples of all ages.

What to do there? Take a gondola, or at least use public transport (boats) to tour the main canals and the lagoon. Take a walk in St. Mark’s Square, climb the high clock tower, from where there is a wonderful view of the city, explore the Doge’s Palace and walk along the Realto Bridge.

How to get there? There are direct flights to Venice, Treviso Airport with Ryanair, starting from 31.03.2025 and being every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. From the airport there are direct buses to Riazzale Roma – Venice’s main terminal for buses and trains


3. THE ROMANTIC ROAD IN GERMANY

The Romantic Road is a tourist route in southern Germany that connects Würzburg and Füssen, and is dotted with numerous castles and picturesque towns. In fact, this road is largely based on old Roman roads that connected the cities, but the modern marketing idea gives it a more romantic atmosphere, and the German architecture along the way will leave you speechless and inspired.

What to do there? Stroll through the baroque town of Würzbrug and taste local wines, see the fabulous Neuschwanstein Castle near Füssen at the foot of the Alps and the delightful town of Dinkelsbühl.

How to get there? Depending on which part you want to start from, Frankfurt and Munich are good starting points. The road itself can be passed by car, by Europabus buses (which run from April to October and connect the cities of Würzburg and Füssen). Most cities along the way are also connected by train, and more often there are enthusiasts who pass the 420-km journey by bicycle in about 10 days.


4. LAKE BLED, SLOVENIA

Lake Bled is the perfect place for a romantic getaway. The beautiful castle among the rocks, the romantic church on an island surrounded by gentle waves and the many swans give a fairytale atmosphere to this magical place. In addition to leisurely walks, Lake Bled offers a bunch of opportunities for rafting, canoeing, cycling and even climbing.

What to do there? Take a walk around the beautiful lake (which is 2120 m long and 1380 m wide) and take a boat to the island. Visit the picturesque 17th-century white and red castle, which rises above the lake and offers a wonderful panoramic terrace. There is also a small wine center where you can learn how to perform Sabree – the art of cutting off the top of the bottle with a blade. 4 km from the lake there is a beautiful Iglitsa waterfall, famous for rock climbing, as well as nearby there are the caves of Baji Zob (Witch’s Tooth) – this is a 300-meter cave with rare helictites and a tooth-shaped pillar.

How to get there? The closest airport to Lake Bled is the one in Ljubljana and there are convenient buses from there. Unfortunately, there are still no direct flights Sofia-Ljubljana, the most convenient are those of Air Serbia with a transfer in Belgrade. The distance by car from Sofia to Ljubljana is about 10 hours.


5. BARCELONA, SPAIN

Barcelona is the capital of the region of Catalonia and the second largest Spanish city, and is a real mix of modernism, historical monuments, laid-back atmosphere and active nightlife. Right next to Barcelona is the beach of the Costa Brava, which is worth visiting in the summer.

What to do there? In addition to exploring the main attractions such as the Sagrada Familia Cathedral and Park Güell, we recommend taking a sunset cruise, visiting Montserrat and a wine tour along the way, and why not attending one of the many flamenco shows in the city.

How to get there? There are direct flights Sofia-Barcelona with Ryanair and Wizz air, and the airport is only 12-14 km from the city center and there are convenient bus transfers.


6. PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

Prague, often referred to as the “City of a Hundred Towers”, is not only a treasure trove of history and architecture, but also a paradise for lovers looking for a romantic getaway. The city offers charming cobblestone streets to breathtaking views, beautiful bridges and numerous attractions created for couples.

What to do there? Walk along the Charles Bridge at sunrise, tour the lush gardens of Prague Castle, take a boat trip on the Vltava River, and book a day trip to the vineyards of St. Wenceslas (these terraced vineyards create a real fairytale setting, especially at sunset).

How to get there? There are direct flights from Sofia to Prague with Bulgarian Air, and Vaclav Havel Airport has 3 terminals (Terminal 1 for non-Schengen flights, Terminal 2 for Schengen flights and Terminal 3 for private jets). Travel from the airport to the city center is by buses, approximately 45 minutes.


7. BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

The Hungarian capital is known for its charming streets, historic architecture, and stunning panoramic views that create a romantic atmosphere. From intimate walks along the Danube River to breathtaking views of the hills, Budapest offers countless experiences for lovers of all ages.

What to do there? Take a boat trip at sunset, enjoy the spa services in the city’s many thermal baths, stroll through the picturesque Fisherman’s Towers and explore Buda Castle, and why not have a picnic on Margaret Island? If you want to extend your romantic trip, go to Lake Balaton, which is only an hour by car, and it offers a plethora of castles, attractions, and an energizing holiday.

How to get there? There are direct flights Sofia-Budapest with Ryanair. Budapest Franz Liszt Airport is 16 km southeast of the city and is easily connected to the center by public transport.


8. ATHENS, GREECE

Until now, Santorini led the ranking of the most romantic place in Greece, but after the natural disasters in early 2025, the focus shifts to the capital Athens or another romantic Greek island like Rhodes.

Rhodes is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Greek islands thanks to its size and incredible history, filled with ancient ruins and medieval castles, beautiful beaches and nature. Athens is the ancient heart of Greece, known for its rich history and unique culture, as well as one of the most romantic places in Greece, attracting lovers 24 hours a year round.

What to do there? There are wonderful beaches in Rhodes that are worth touring, as well as trying one of the many water sports, such as snorkeling, diving and boat trips around the numerous Dodecanese islands, such as Symi, Kos, etc. In Athens, in addition to the Acropolis and many ancient landmarks and museums, it is worth tasting wines in the famous Plaka district, enjoying the sunset from Cape Sounion, where the ruins of the ancient Greek temple of Poseidon are located, as well as walking through the National Garden, located in the very heart of Athens and a real peaceful refuge away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Balloon flights are also organized over Athens and the experience is worth it.

How to get there? There are direct flights to Rhodes from Sofia from June 2025 with Ryanair, and the Sofia – Athens route is served by Bulgaria air, Aegean and Sky Express all year round.



9. KRAKOW, POLAND

Krakow is not only a historical and architectural gem, but also a wonderful romantic destination, located picturesquely on both banks of the Vistula River, at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. It is the second largest city in Poland and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.

What to do there? Walk hand in hand through Wawel Castle, zip up your love with a padlock on Father Bernatek’s footbridge and enjoy a candlelit dinner in Kazimierz. For lovers of tranquility and nature, we recommend the Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden, which offers a peaceful refuge from the busy city streets, as well as a peaceful cruise on the Vistula River, from where you can rediscover the city from a different perspective.

How to get there? Krakow Airport is 12 km from the city center, but from Sofia there is currently only a direct flight to Warsaw.


10. DUBROVNIK, CROATIA

Dubrovnik, the pearl of the Adriatic Sea, is the perfect destination for lovers, and with its well-preserved Old Town, ancient city walls, and stunning coastal views, it is ready to supplant Paris as a city of romance.

What to do there? Take a walk around the old part of the city, keeping in mind that the entire city of Dubrovnik is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world. Enjoy the wonderful panoramic views from the Dubrovnik cable car, take a boat trip along the southern Adriatic coast or simply enjoy the many excellent beaches in the surrounding area.

How to get there? Dubrovnik Airport is located 20 km south of the city, and the most convenient way to reach the center is by bus and car. There is still no direct flight from Sofia to Dubrovnik and a transfer is required, probably through Vienna are the most convenient.


11. TENERIFE ISLAND, SPAIN

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and one of the most visited among them. For lovers, there are a bunch of places to visit, excellent nightlife and wonderful beaches for relaxation.

What to do there? Take a walk around the capital of the island of Santa Cruz, as well as to its other pearl – Puerto de la Cruz, where, in addition to beaches, there is also a wonderful promenade lined with palm trees, shops and restaurants. Probably one of the most romantic places I have been to is Mount Taide, where on February 14 we enjoyed the sunset with a glass of champagne and contemplating the wonderful stars afterwards, that seem to shine at our fingertips.

How to get there? There are two airports in Tenerife: Tenerife South (Reina Sofia) near Los Cristianos and Tenerife North (Los Rodeos) next to La Laguna, and there are regular bus lines to both airports that connect you to anywhere on the island. From Sofia to Tenerife there are only direct charter flights, or with connections through some of the major airports such as Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna or Madrid