The 8 most romantic cities in the world
In this sweet week of Valentine everyone is looking for the perfect romantic gesture. If you have the time and budget, then travel is perfect! Exploring somewhere new together is one of the most special and romantic experiences around.
Here are the most romantic destinations in the world.
1. Lisbon, Portugal
Why visit: Lisbon has an arty, romantic old soul. You can feel it clearly as you explore the old cobbled streets, dilapidated colonial palaces and wander by the river from which the conquistadores sailed out to discover the new world. The narrow streets have a distinct latin touch with tiny music venues, inexpensive cocktails bars and Mediterranean restaurants.
What to see: http://bit.ly/RomanticLisbon
Image credits: Mela Mörtenbäck
2. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Why visit: The city of tango, roses and wine offers a modern and romantic South American experience. Visit the tomb of Evita at Cementerio de la Recoleta, learn to tango or sit and talk until sunrise in little bars while enjoying world-class Argentinian red wine.
What to see: http://bit.ly/RomanticBuenosAires
Image credits: Emilie Holmgaard
3. Cape Town, South Africa
Why visit: Cape Town’s location near Stellenbosch, the wine district, is one of the big reasons it has made it to the top of the list. The area is filled with independent vineyards, many of which with beautiful gardens and sumptuous restaurants. The Cape Town vicinity is particularly charming if you visit the small villages dotted along the coastline, in general the landscape is perfect for romantic road trips with its mountainous roads along bays, small towns and perfect blue sea.
What to see: http://bit.ly/RomanticCapeTown
Image credits: Francois Botha
4. Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Why visit: The much loved Mediterranean island of Mallorca has seen a revival in and is once again among the hippest locations in Europe. Palma is the capital and oozes of European sophistication with design hotels, medieval old squares where you sip cold wine and fine dining opportunities for the evening. Because of the limited size of Mallorca you’re never far from a quiet corner, whether you prefer old fincas or secluded bays.
What to see: http://bit.ly/RomanticPalma
Image credits: John Deveraux
5. Marrakesh, Morocco
Why visit: Morocco is a classic when it comes to romantic spots, and Marrakesh is more spectacular than Casablanca where Bogart famously loved Bergman. Treat yourself to stay in an old Riad, a classic Moroccan villa with inside gardens, many are turned into the most beautiful hotels. Their calm interior is a good contrast to the vibrant, noisy world outside the gates. The medina is a must-visit and a world heritage site, come prepared to haggle!
What to see: http://bit.ly/RomanticMarrakesh
Image credits: Chris Kaalund
6. Wellington, New Zealand
Why visit: New Zealand’s capital is beautifully situated on the steep ridges of the harbor, with quaint wooden houses dotted in the lush green bush. The charming old houses, often painted in bright colors, house many great cafes as the locals are crazy about coffee. A visit to the Cook Straight where you can feel the antarctic winds and to a Maori site is a great way to get appetite for a dinner of New Zealand roast lamb accompanied by some of the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc, produced just across the straight.
What to see: http://bit.ly/RomanticWellington
Image credits: Alaina Lockowandt
7. Sausalito, United States
Why visit: Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and you immediately leave the hustle and bustle of San Francisco behind you. Instead, you’re surrounded by green hills and lush marinas filled with the white yachts of the dotcom jet set. The ambiance here is calm and restful and there are many cafes and restaurants perfect for romantic dinners. The views in the area fantastic so alternatively pack a picnic basket and go for a road trip up and down the green hills.
What to see: http://bit.ly/RomanticSausalito
Image credits: Maury Postal
8. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Why visit: Ancient Dubrovnik is built around the harbor and the combination of water and old buildings is a part of its special magic. Lord Byron called it “the pearl of the Adriatic”, perhaps because of the town’s finely carved stone facades and sunny squares, or maybe because of the blue waters and fine beaches nearby.
What to see: http://bit.ly/RomanticDubrovnik
Image credits: Kimberley Chan
9. Your favorite?
Tell us your favorite romantic place and win a bottle of champagne to share with your loved one at a romantic occasion.
How to enter: Save the place on your Everplaces profile and share it on Facebook.com/Everplaces or on Twitter @everplaces.
The winner will be announced on Valentines day.
ROAD TRIPPIN’ IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL
Guest post by photography and travel enthusiast Mela Mörtenbäck
For weeks I cannot think of anything but my upcoming road trip along the shores of Spain and Portugal. Starting in Malaga, the trip will moreover take me from Cádiz via Seville to Lisbon with some stopovers every now and then.
Although I already know some parts of Andalusia and the Algarve, there is so much more to discover and two weeks might not be enough to visit all the places I would like to. So I started to create a collection of must-see’s on Everplaces that I’d like to share with you.
Europa Point - GibraltarThe Europa Point is the southernmost place of Gibraltar with a lovely lighthouse. On a clear day, it’s possible to take a glimpse of North Africa and the shores of Morocco. Save place
Blue Juzcar - AndalusiaUsually, most villages in Southern Spain are painted bright white. But there is one exception at the moment: Juzcar. As the small village is chosen to host the premier of the new Smurf film, it’s currently painted entirely blue and a real attraction for all smurf fans. Save place
Eléctrico 28 – LisbonNumber 28 is rumored to be the most legendary one of the famous trams in Lisbon. The historic yellow tram follows the perfect route for sightseeing, passing numerous sights you’ll find in travel guides. Save place
Elevador de Santa Justa – Lisbon
It’s one of the major tourist attractions of Lisbon: the Elevador de Santa Justa. It’s a classic steel-frame elevator running up 30 metres, where you’ll find a café with sometimes playing live music. Save place
Palacio da Pena – SintraThe Pena National Palace is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and one of the so-called Seven Wonders of Portugal. It stands on the top of a hill above the town of Sintra. On sunny and clear days, it can be seen from Lisbon. Save place
Cascais – PortugalThe traditional small fishing port Cascais offers historic buildings mixed with a cosmopolitan atmosphere – but all without losing its local spirit. It’s worth walking around the pathways as the bay is probably the main attraction. Save place
There is actually no end in sight discovering new places that seem to be worth visiting alongside the shores of Spain and Portugal. I’m sure I will add loads of unique and special places to my Everplaces collection during my journey, so follow my road trip by browsing my Spain and Portugal collection on everplaces.com/mela.
By guest blogger Mela Mörtenbäck, passionate traveler and hobby photographer from Tyrol, Austria. Mela loves to combine traveling and photography by exploring new cities.
Photo credits: planetware.com, ellenzee.tumblr.com, dailymail.co.uk, laser-line.de, wikipedia.com
