19 of the most romantic destinations in the world

Romance is in the eye of the beholder. For travelers, passion for a place can be the greatest love affair. A palm-lined coast in the south of France. The magic of a medieval city at sunset in Belgium. Swimming in a cenote in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.

It’s easy to grow accustomed to the emotional allure of travel—the giddy sense of possibility that comes when your plane lands, the serenity and gratitude you feel taking in new surroundings, and the soaring feeling of experiencing something you’ve long been anticipating.

National Geographic’s book The World’s Most Romantic Destinations is loaded with places that are easy to fall in love with and experiences that will make your heart skip a beat. Click through this photo gallery to see a few of our favorite romantic destinations around the world.

Moselle River Valley, Germany

The Moselle River winds through some of the most picturesque landscapes of Luxembourg, France, and Germany before feeding into the Rhine River. Along the promenade on the river’s west bank, just before it feeds into the Rhine, you’ll see rolling green hills, lush vineyards that produce fine Riesling wines, charming villages, and stately stone castles.

Bruges, Belgium

At sunset, this medieval city and its meandering canals are bathed in gold. Legend has it that if you and your beloved cross the Minnewater Bridge you’ll be forever in love. The city’s most famous landmark is the Belfry, a 13th-century tower housing 47 bells.

Isle of Skye, Scotland

The Storr is a steep, rocky hill surrounded by gentle, grassy slopes. A rugged trail leads to the largest pinnacle, the Old Man of Storr, rising from the sea. Visitors can wander the area known as the Sanctuary in front of the cliffside and gaze up at more otherworldly formations.

Mykonos, Greece

The Little Venice neighborhood in the town of Mykonos seems to merge with the sea. Inspired by Venice, Italy, restaurants, and bars dot its waterfront, and balconies line the shore. Once you find a comfortable spot, enjoy a sunset you’ll never forget.

French Riviera, France

The Côte d'Azur (the French Riviera) region on the southeastern coast of France contains the glamorous beach towns of St. Tropez, Cannes, and Nice. If you’re not in the sand (or on the pebbles), browse farmer’s markets for local produce, enjoy a glass of rosé along the terraces of Nice, or take a ferry to hike among the pines of Sainte-Marguerite island.

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Famed for its houses painted in cobalt, the city’s name comes from the Berber/Amazigh word for “horns,” referring to the mountains that surround the area. Stroll in the Old Medina neighborhood to wind through narrow, labyrinthine alleys of blue, and take in the smells of fresh bread and tagine.

San Sebastián, Spain

The coastal town in Spain's Basque Country has the most Michelin-starred restaurants per square meter in Europe. The city’s Old Town is famous for delectable little bites, known as "pintxos." Walk the ancient streets and restaurant chalkboard for daily specialties.

Black Dragon Pool Park, Yunnan Province, China

Just outside the Old Town of Lijiang in China’s Yunnan Province, the shimmering Hei Long Tan (Black Dragon) pool is shaded by willows and reflects the open skies above. Its emerald waters are said to have healing powers. Visitors can access the Moon-Embracing Pavilion, one of several buildings on the lake, via a white marble bridge (pictured).

Big Sur, California

See the West Coast’s natural wonders along this 90-mile stretch of Highway 1. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, seen here, offers redwoods, an 80-foot waterfall, hiking, camping, and incredible views. The region is rich in wildlife and ideal for water sports.

Kerala, India

Watch the sunrise from a kettuvallam (houseboat) while floating along the lush backwaters of Southern India. These boats often feature modern amenities including kitchens and bathrooms. The vessels have a rich history as trade and cargo boats dating back to 3,000 B.C. in the area.

Lake Bled, Slovenia

The Church of Assumption, also known as Our Lady of the Lake, sits proudly on a small island in Lake Bled, with autumnal foliage blanketing the Karavanke Mountains in the background. To get there, take a gondola past the waterlilies that line the serene lake.

Manda Island, Kenya

Walk beneath the shade of palm trees to explore the remains of what was once a flourishing coastal trade hub. Manda town, which dates to the 9th century, prospered with trade from China and the Middle East. The people of Manda town left behind unique brickwork and sea walls made of blocks of coral.

Hamilton Island, Australia

The island in the Great Barrier Reef is known affectionately to locals as “Hamo.” Its blue waters and white sand make for prime snorkeling and diving. For romantics, there’s even a heart-shaped reef nearby. A wildlife park at the center of the island protects habitats for some of the country’s native animals, including koalas to dingoes.

Ik-Kil Cenote, Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

Cenote Ik-Kil, near Chichén Itzá, is just one of many beautiful cenotes (sinkholes) you can swim in around the peninsula. To reach the pool, travelers descend the 85-foot staircase to the waters considered sacred by the ancient Maya.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

Built as King Ludwig II of Bavaria’s private refuge, the castle is perched on a rock outcropping surrounded by mountain forests. The 19th-century landmark is said to be the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty’s castle.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Take the cable car from the 1,300-foot tall Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain) to the red sand beach of Praia Vermelha. One of the city’s smallest beaches, it’s sheltered in a cove. Kiosks behind the beach offer cold coconut water to cool you down as you enjoy the views.

Jukkasjärvi, Sweden

Built in 1608, the small wooden Jukkasjärvi Kyrka (Jukkasjärvi church) adds a shock of color to a stark white snow scene. The interior of the church is vibrant, with vivid blue pews and colorful altarpiece paintings by Swedish artist Bror Hjorth. Regional highlights for visitors include seeing the northern lights, reindeer, and tasting traditional meals of the indigenous Sámi culture.

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Take in the breathtaking sights of Chilean Patagonia in these 700 square miles of crisp blue lakes and rivers, glaciers, and mountainous pine forests. You might spot the park’s unique wildlife, including the Andean condor, Chilean flamingo, and endangered South Andean deer.