Romance and travel make for easy bedfellows. Europe is home to some of the most quaint and romantic locations that are perfect for shacking up with that special someone—or a potential special someone you're looking to impress.

Sure, there are the obvious big city choices like Paris, Venice, and Prague, but sequestered away within the continent is an abundance of more intimate locations where you can get… well, intimate with your partner, while avoiding less romantically inclined tourists and the temptations of gay city nightlife.

Halstatt – Austria (Salzburg)

The Austrian village of Hallstatt lies within a serene valley alongside its namesake lake, under the humbling visage of the towering Salzkammergut mountains. Hallstatt is characterized by its picturesque alpine houses and is a contender for the most beautiful town on Earth—and let’s face it, beauty often begets romance. Hotels and apartments come with balconies overlooking the glistening lake below, and romantic hiking trails lead up into the mountains, passing through glacial gardens and secluded glades with cascading waterfalls.

A lot of progress has been made in Austria—especially in the surrounding area of Salzburg—with regard to making the country more gay-friendly, so homophobia isn’t likely to rear its ugly head and taint your romantic getaway. The nearby city of Salzburg is famous for being the filming location of The Sound of Music and is an up-and-coming LGBTQ+ friendly destination.

Polignano a Mare – Italy (Puglia)

Italians are known for having a flair for the romantic, and the region of Puglia—or Apulia in Italian—epitomizes this. The heel of Italy’s boot is an ideal place to fall head over heels yourself. The region boasts stunning cliff-faced coastlines punctuated by whitewashed villages and towns. Polignano a Mare is a charming seaside town with winding cobblestone streets, towers, and a Romanesque church, fronted by a white-pebbled beach with a Roman bridge at its side and a sheltered cove with emerald green waters. If you and your partner fancy being a little more on show, a short drive away you’ll find a gay nudist beach, Freak Beach.

Tossa De Mar – Spain (Catalunya)

Spain is a beloved holiday destination in Europe for its sunny weather and welcoming atmosphere—especially for the LGBTQ+ community. Those looking to avoid the influx of tourists and spend some alone time with a significant other should take the two-hour bus trip up the Costa Brava from Barcelona to the charming seaside town of Tossa de Mar.

The beaches are, of course, beautiful, but it is the stone-walled old town built around a castle jutting out on the cliffs beside it that imbues the seaside town with its unique—and undeniably romantic—visage. By night, the turrets, towers, and parapets light up to create the perfect backdrop for a blossoming romance. Furthermore, running alongside both the wall and the beach are fine dining restaurants that take full advantage of the atmosphere, specializing in delicious seafood.

Sintra – Portugal

Sintra is, at its essence, Disneyland for adults. Colorful fairytale castles and grandiose mansions tower over lush gardens, full of oddities to be discovered—like the Poço Iniciático, an inverted tower with a stone staircase leading to caverns beneath the gardens. Sintra isn’t a secret, and it is a popular day trip for tourists visiting Lisbon; however, the labyrinth-like gardens and palace grounds are filled with hidden spots to sneak away with your loved one. The town has cottages and apartments available for hire, while intimate restaurants and quaint cafes line its streets, offering fine Portuguese food and the region’s famous pastries.

Zermatt – Switzerland (The Alps)

A mountain resort in the Alps more commonly known for skiing and climbing, Zermatt also provides the ideal backdrop for a romantic getaway. The mountain town is surrounded by snow-covered peaks (notably the conical Matterhorn), pristine lakes, and charming alpine villages. Being car-free, there’s no traffic noise or pollution to interfere with its serenity, and the fresh mountain air leaves a clear night sky ideal for stargazing.

Luxurious hotels and chalets come equipped with cozy fireplaces to snuggle in front of, as well as spas, hot tubs, and saunas to unwind in. More active couples can take time out from amorous activities to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or even romantic sleigh rides. Exquisite restaurants offer delicious Swiss cuisine by candlelight, with the snow-capped mountains as the perfect backdrop. Love can be messy, and so can the fondues, ideal for sharing with that special someone.

Opatija – Croatia

Voted one of the most romantic locations in Europe by Forbes magazine, Opatija’s growing reputation has made it one of the most popular Valentine’s Day holiday hotspots, with hotels selling out every year. Croatia may not be the most gay-friendly country in Europe, but the tides are changing, and homophobia is rarely experienced by visitors.

The picturesque town is where mountains meet Croatia’s famously beautiful coastline, with historic architecture, grand villas, and stunning gardens adding to its romantic allure. Its promenade, the Lungomare, is perfect for a romantic stroll, known for the ambient music played there, which blends perfectly with the calming sound of the waves. Chocolate is rarely better than sex, but in Opatija, it comes close, with the town’s famous chocolatiers selling their wares on the promenade. Romantic accommodation choices include villas, boutique hotels with sea views, or luxurious resorts.

Pézenas – France

No list of romantic hideaways in Europe would be complete without mentioning France, where couples are spoiled for choice and all sexualities are openly celebrated. An underrated gem among them is the charming town of Pézenas in the Occitanie region of southern France. The town is considered one of the most romantic in France due to its well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture towering over narrow, winding streets—perfect for leisurely hand-in-hand strolls while browsing its many art galleries, artisan shops, and cafés, and discovering hidden squares and niche restaurants. Come nightfall, the streets illuminate, adding to the enchanting ambiance.

Let’s face it, sometimes love often needs a little lubrication, and Languedoc is a region famous for its quality wines. Pézenas is surrounded by vineyards ideal for day trips, and the town itself boasts a wealth of cozy wine bars. Accommodations range from charming bed-and-breakfasts to boutique hotels, all infused with that romantic elegance France does best!