If you’re looking for a romantic getaway but want to avoid the usual European hotspots, there are plenty of other options a bit further afield
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, but fear not, there’s still time to arrange a love-filled getaway – or at least pencil one in for later in the year.
With a world full of breathtaking destinations, choosing the perfect spot for a couple’s retreat can be a daunting task. Sure, classic romantic cities like Rome and Paris are always solid choices, but why not consider something a bit more off the beaten path?
Enter Marrakech, Morocco’s enchanting city that might not be your first thought for a romantic escape, but has plenty to offer couples seeking an alternative to Europe’s typical lovebird locales.
Riviera Travel has compiled their Most Romantic Cities Index, ranking cities based on their potential to deliver a dreamy holiday for couples this Valentine’s Day, with Marrakech securing a respectable fifth place.
The travel experts evaluated factors such as the number of romantic hotels, restaurants, and ‘couple-friendly’ attractions before assigning scores and rankings.
According to Riviera Travel, Marrakech earned a commendable 72 out of 90 points, making it a top contender for a Valentine’s Day getaway. The Moroccan gem boasts 1,337 romantic hotels, second only to Rome, and offers a selection of 333 suitable restaurants, perfect for a memorable date night.
As expected, Rome clinched the title of the world’s most romantic city, boasting 1,341 romantic hotels, exquisite cuisine, comfortable accommodations, and thrilling attractions.
Beating out Paris, London clinched second place, with a staggering 2,000+ romantic eateries and 1,048 ‘good for couples’ attractions on TripAdvisor. The ‘city of love’ itself trails just a smidge behind, boasting 565 romance-ready restaurants dishing up an array of global flavours including French, Italian, and Mediterranean cuisine.
Regarding the findings, Riviera Travel’s own Travel Expert Will Sarson commented: “With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, we found it appropriate to rank the most romantic destinations around the world, to uncover the cities offering all the essentials for the perfect couples retreat.”
“Interestingly, it was Rome who took the top spot this year, ranking high for its incredible number of romantic restaurants and hotels.
“Additionally, it was intriguing to see so many continents featured within the top ten – with cities from North America, Africa and Europe all offering some incredible trips for lovers. This Valentine’s Day, why not try out one of these amazing destinations for yourself? “
Top 10 romantic destinations for a Valentine’s getaway
- Rome, Italy
- London, UK
- Paris, France
- Florence, Italy
- Marrakech, Morocco
- New York, USA
- Prague, Czechia
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Santorini, Greece
- Madrid, Spain