A romantic getaway can be as active or as laidback as you want it to be, so long as you pick the right destination. You might share a love for the great outdoors, discovering new cities, or simply relaxing by the beach. What matters most is that you get to recharge and spend some much-needed time together.

Our guide contains some of the most romantic places in Canada, America, Europe, and Mexico. Each destination offers something special for travelling couples, giving you plenty of options when planning an unforgettable vacation with your significant other.

  • 1

    Paris, France

    Nothing says romance quite like the City of Love

    Paris, France
    • Couples
    • Food
    • History
    • Luxury
    • Photo

    Paris is one of the most romantic cities in the world – it’s called the City of Love, after all. There are plenty of things to see and do for couples, such as leisurely walks through flowery gardens and cobbled lanes, candlelit dinners, and twilight cruises along the Seine River.

    Almost every landmark in Paris seems to exude romance, especially the Eifel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, and the Museum of the Romantic Life. The city’s many cafés, brassieres, and restaurants also add to that iconic romantic Parisian atmosphere. Read more…

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  • 2

    Rome, Italy

    Charming piazzas, pretty gardens, and fantastic cuisine

    Rome, Italy
    • Couples
    • Food
    • History
    • Photo

    Rome is an excellent destination for couples thanks to its rich collection of charming piazzas and historic landmarks. A must-visit is the ornate Trevi Fountain, where it’s believed that flipping coins into the water from over your shoulder promises you a return visit. For couples, throwing in a third coin is said to help lead the way to marriage.

    Taking a stroll along Rome’s cobblestoned streets and ancient bridges results in amazing views of notable landmarks, such as the Colosseum, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Pantheon. Don’t miss out on Villa Borghese, especially if you’re looking for a quiet and intimate escape from the city centre. Couples often unwind at the hilltop Pincio Gardens, where a viewpoint balcony overlooks Piazza del Popolo. Read more…

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  • 3

    Santorini, Greece

    A tiny Greek island with spectacular sunset vistas

    Santorini, Greece
    • Adventure
    • Couples
    • Food
    • Photo

    Santorini is famous for its historic towns and villages, with whitewashed houses clinging to the clifftops. This picturesque Greek island boasts pristine beaches with crystal-clear water but is perhaps most famous for its spectacular sunset vistas.

    Couples can enjoy plenty of romantic adventures, including hiking the island’s rugged volcanic landscape and lazing on black-sand beaches. A must-see is the Heart of Santorini, a charming heart-shaped rock formation that creates a lovely frame for views of the caldera. Of course, no romantic getaway in Santorini is complete without a candlelit dinner – book a restaurant in Oia to enjoy tasty Greek cuisine and wines with arguably the best sunset view on the island. Read more…

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  • 4

    Banff, Alberta

    Plan a wintery romantic vacation in Alberta's Rockies

    Banff, Alberta
    • Adventure
    • Couples
    • Photo

    Banff is great for Canadian couples looking to enjoy a wintery but romantic vacation without having to travel overseas. At over 1,400 metres up in Alberta's Rockies, this resort town and its neighbour, Lake Louis, has 3 world-class ski areas for adventurous lovebirds looking to hit the slopes. If you prefer a leisurely vacation, the Banff Upper Hot Springs is where you can soak in mineral-rich waters.

    Summertime is also a great time to visit Banff, thanks to scenic trails leading to alpine lakes, lush forests, and waterfalls in the Banff National Park. The town itself has numerous romantic spots, including the Cascades of Time Gardens and Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. Read more…

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  • 5

    Whistler, British Columbia

    An alpine town with excellent shopping and dining

    Whistler, British Columbia
    • Adventure
    • Couples
    • Luxury

    Whistler is a charming alpine village at the base of British Columbia’s Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. It has everything you need for a romantic, ski-filled vacation, including boutique shops, swanky restaurants, evening entertainment, and tranquil spas.

    Staying in Whistler puts you close to over 3,200 hectares of skiable terrain across these mountains and 3 glaciers. However, you can still visit any time of the year – some of the best things to do include hiking along the Valley Trail, swimming or boating in Alta Lake, and ziplining across Fitzsimmons Valley. Read more…

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  • 6

    Killington, Vermont

    One of the best après-ski towns in New England

    Killington, Vermont
    • Adventure
    • Couples
    • Photo

    Killington is your gateway to Vermont’s Green Mountains, where the world-class ski resorts of Pico and Killington are found. This alpine town is known for offering excellent après-ski entertainment, including shops, restaurants, bars, and spas.

    Killington Ski Resort spans 485 hectares of skiable terrain, with around 155 trails across 6 mountain peaks. It also has the largest vertical drop in New England, at over 900 metres. Couples planning a summer getaway in Killington can take advantage of the scenic trails – the Thundering Brook Falls Trail is an easy 480-metre hike leading to one of the highest waterfalls in Vermont.

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  • 7

    Maui, Hawaii

    Fabulous beaches, verdant valleys, and magical sunsets

    Maui, Hawaii
    • Adventure
    • Couples
    • Photo

    Maui appeals to couples around the world, thanks to its picturesque beaches, magnificent sunsets, and romantic excursions. A vacation on this tropical island can be both adventurous and relaxing – it really depends on your idea of a couple’s retreat.

    Escape to Maui’s secluded beaches, where the only sound you hear is the lapping of the waves. Standouts include Makena Beach, Hamoa Beach, and Napili Beach. At dusk, you could board a luxury yacht and set sail across the glittering seas off the shores of Maui. Read more…

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  • 8

    Riviera Maya, Mexico

    Over 120 km of palm-lined beaches and natural wonders

    Riviera Maya, Mexico
    • Adventure
    • Couples
    • History
    • Nightlife
    • Photo

    The Riviera Maya lines the north-eastern coast of Mexico – the famous Yucatán Peninsula. Pretty coastal towns, golden beaches, and archaeological sites are just some of the many landmarks lining this 120-km-long stretch.

    A popular couple's getaway in the Riviera Maya is Playa del Carmen, which offers all-inclusive resorts, beachfront restaurants and bars, as well as easy access to lush Mayan jungles. Tulum is great for a secluded yet romantic vacation, boasting some of Mexico’s best beaches, spectacular cenotes, and an upscale nightlife scene. Read more…

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  • 9

    Negril, Jamaica

    Unwind with your significant other on Jamaica’s longest beach

    Negril, Jamaica
    • Adventure
    • Couples
    • Luxury
    • Photo

    Negril is a seaside town on Jamaica’s western coast where couples can find sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, upscale spas, and elegant restaurants. Couples who love diving can head to Bloody Bay, where vibrant corals and a sunken plane can be found on the seabed. Seven Mile Beach is one of the town’s most popular attractions, where you can enjoy a romantic stroll with spectacular sunset views.

    End the day with a candlelit dinner at one of Negril’s many high-end restaurants. For something out of ordinary, you could enjoy a 5-course Jamaican dinner inside a private cave.

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  • 10

    Turks and Caicos

    Dreamy beaches, luxurious spas, and upscale dining

    Turks and Caicos
    • Adventure
    • Couples
    • Luxury
    • Photo

    Turks and Caicos comprises 40 islands that sit in the tropical Caribbean Sea. The archipelago hosts plenty of diving spots, including the Bight Reef (Coral Gardens), West Caicos Marine National Park, and Salt Cay.

    Providenciales and Grand Turk are among its most popular destinations, especially for couples looking to enjoy a wide range of outdoor adventures. Providenciales boasts luxurious resorts, pristine beaches, upscale restaurants, and water sports. The secluded Leeward Beach is great for couples looking to lie back and enjoy a few precious moments together, while Long Bay Beach attracts lovebirds who love exciting activities like kitesurfing.

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Penny Wong | Compulsive Traveller