Posted on Tuesday, 13 February 2018

Few activities add romance to a relationship more than taking a holiday together - and any more amorous pastimes can usually be undertaken while on a break as well.

But to really fuel-inject the romance, it's a good idea to ensure your destination is steeped in amor. Whether it boasts charming cobbled streets, picturesque bays or windswept castles - it pays to put a little thought into your destination.

Here are some truly romantic places to discover hand-in-hand with your lover.

Bruges, Belgium

While the plot of the movie set here wasn't terribly romantic, even the dark elements of that film were lifted by the beauty of this ancient Belgian city. Enchanting open squares, cobblestone alleys, alluring old houses; a trip to Bruges is unlikely to be forgotten quickly. Hop on a romantic boat trip and take in the sites, then ascend the Belfort's 366 steps for all-encompassing views of the city. If that doesn't get your romantic juices flowing, hail a horse-drawn carriage and ride over to the ancient monastery of Beguinage, where you can stroll over delightful bridges spanning charming ponds, further prettified with numerous swans.

Santorini, Greece

You won't feel like the most original couple upon arriving in Santorini, but any related angst will drift away once you glimpse a Santorini sunset - and probably long before. Famed for its pretty white buildings that in places spill down the hillside, seemingly into the Mediterranean itself, Santorini is a big, beautiful wedding cake of a place. Fantastic wineries, superb eateries and stunning multi-coloured beaches all conspire to make this a truly romantic place. Oh, did we mention the sunsets?

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Sure it's a long way from Britain, but it's very much worth it. And for lovers, it's hard to beat. Recline in the Teatro Colón's red velvet seats and enjoy a ballet or opera; then find a cosy restaurant in the trendy Palermo neighbourhood. By day you can enjoy picnics in the pretty local parks, and by night you can take your lover in your arms and dance until dawn - perhaps at the famous Rojo Tango club. Even if you and your lover have two left feet each, you'll be glad you took them to this enchanting and life-asserting city.

The Seychelles

Rainforests teeming with life meet castor sugar beaches, themselves lining cobalt-blue seas. It's easy to see why couples adore the Seychelles. With its numerous exclusive and intimate hotels, it's far from a cheap destination, but strolling hand-in-hand across the soft white sand, you and your favourite person will surmise that it's worth every penny.

Verona, Italy

Sure Verona has a remarkably well-preserved amphitheatre, delightful bridges and charming old churches, but what brings most couples here is the balcony from Romeo and Juliet. OK, Shakespeare never visited Verona, and the famous star-crossed lovers never existed, but that doesn't stop thousands of couples arriving here in search of that romantic (if slightly tragic) balcony. The city purchased a house from another lady called Juliet about 100 years ago, and decided to super-charge their tourist industry by imbuing it with Shakespearean glamour. And it's worked a treat. But the rest of the city has plenty to offer couples, from pretty winding cobblestone streets to superb restaurants and cosy hotels.

Paris, France

Yes, it had to appear somewhere on this list - but let's face it, the French capital is still a remarkably romantic place - particularly with your special someone in tow. We recommend eschewing the bustle of the Eiffel Tower in favour of the Pont Neuf; lovers have frequented this beautiful bridge for more than four centuries, drawn by the often-beguiling sunsets and fabulous architecture. A slightly unoriginal, but nevertheless truly romantic place to pop the question.

Venice, Italy

It's another hallowed spot for lovers, but any worries that you're just following the crowd will evaporate once you arrive. The slowly sinking city oozes romance from every nook and cranny and is sure to win over the most cynically unromantic of partners. Take in the Piazza San Marco, or Doge's Palace at sunset and they'll soon understand. It may make your wallet shrink, but it's sure to make your heart swell - with passion.

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