Four Most Underrated Destinations for a Romantic Break

If you’re planning a romantic getaway, chances are you’ve already heard of the most popular destinations. From the Maldives to Paris, there’s many places across the world that are synonymous with romance and luxury. But, such iconic places are often spoiled by busy resorts, long queues, crowded attractions and inflated prices. With a little research and a glance off-the-beaten-track, you can find similarly beautiful and enchanting destinations with cheaper prices, fewer tourists, and a wealth of culture and history.

Whether you’ve already visited the most obvious gems, or their popularity has made them a little too over-budget, don’t worry – there are plenty of lesser-known destinations that are just as breathtaking and well-equipped to offer you and your loved one an unforgettable experience.

Here, we explore the four most underrated locations for a romantic break that are sure to not only leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, but will also leave you with a catalogue of unique stories to tell.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

While others may flock to Paris or Venice for their dreamy getaways, couples who are looking to think outside of the box should consider Slovenia. The picturesque city of Ljubljana, the country’s capital, has a youthful, serene atmosphere and is sprinkled with ‘love benches’ that are pitched perfectly to breathe in scenic views of pristine gardens, glistening lakes, and colorful streets. Be sure to pause at Butcher’s Bridge to join the collection of lovers-past by adding your very own padlock to the bridge, or enjoy a gentle boat ride along the canals that sweep through the historic centre.

Aside from the exquisite wines, Slovenia is one of the best places to taste fresh, wholesome food sourced locally and prepared with love. The abundance of sunshine, paired with the country’s traditional and sustainable attitude towards food, means you’re guaranteed to be swept away with every bite. Try a platter of Trnič cheese, the “cheese of love”, and delicately decorated Dražgoše and Škofja Loka breads, or a nutritious plate of seabass or native trout with Piran salt.

Wherever you go in this gorgeous country, Slovenia offers unmatched beauty, culture, and romantic experiences that are sure to steal your heart.

Con Dao, Vietnam

Image by Duyệt Trần Văn from Pixabay

Con Dao is a remote cluster of 16 islands and islets off the southeast coast of Vietnam, and is the perfect location for couples seeking an off-grid replica of the Maldives. It’s rarely visited by anyone other than Vietnamese tourists, and is an ethereal tropical paradise boasting stunning beaches and calm, crystal-clear bays. There’s a luxurious, sustainable resort to stay in if you want to indulge in fine dining and spa experiences, or you could opt for a guesthouse to sleep in comfort at incredibly low prices.

The Con Dao National Park covers most of the archipelago, and is teeming with dolphins, sea turtles, and dugongs, so there are plenty of opportunities to get close to nature with guided dives or snorkelling trips. Plus, the islands boast plenty of interesting hiking trails – though many are covered in moss-covered stone, so they can be slippery and difficult to complete in places.

Con Dao has an interesting history – the islands were used to house prisoners during the American, French, and Vietnamese wars between 1940 and 1975. You can book a tour of the cell blocks for a historical, yet slightly dark, contrast to the magical vistas of the islands.

Isle of Skye, Scotland

If you imagine Scotland to be a cold, rainy place that isn’t well suited to a romantic break – think again. The Isle of Skye is an enchanting, whimsical place that is as mysterious as it is beautiful. Though you likely won’t be bathed in tropical sunshine, the stillness of the lochs and the lush, emerald countryside more than compensates.

For hiking enthusiasts, you’ll find paradise in the winding, undulating hills of the island, where sparkling ponds and unusual stone arrangements wait around every turn. Be sure to visit Fairy Glen, a magical area said to have been crafted by the tiny hands of Scottish sprites, and climb up to Neist Point for a rare glance out from one of the most incredible viewpoints in the world. Wandering through the hills, you’ll find Fairy Pools – small waterfalls that flow into pools of iridescent blue water – and if you step outside at night, you may even spot the Northern Lights.

The best part about venturing to the Isle of Skye is that you’re likely to feel entirely alone – there’ll be no other souls in sight other than a few roaming sheep to disturb your peaceful and immersive journey into Celtic history and unspoilt, rugged paradise.

Polignano a Mare, Italy

Rather than heading to the over-touristed Rome or Florence, explore instead the small seaside town of Polignano a Mare, set on the heel of the boot of Italy. Perched dramatically atop a 20-meter-high limestone cliff, the charming white-washed Puglian town offers winding streets dating back to the 4th century BC, historic churches, and panoramic views of the azure Adriatic Sea.

You’ll soon discover a pretty little Blue Flag beach, bordered by two steep cliffs where locals dive from from sunrise to sunset. Or, for a more secluded beach day you could head to Lama Monachile Bay, which is nestled between two coves and features a Roman bridge arching over the top. Refresh yourselves in one of the many locally-run wine bars, serving the best wines of Italy, and dine in chic, unique eateries as you explore this little-known yet memorable town.

A trip to remember

These are just a few of the wonderful destinations available to couples looking to travel off-the-beaten-path for their next romantic escape. Whether you’re looking for a chilled out beach getaway, a historic city adventure, or a rural week with nothing but unspoilt natural beauty to keep you company, the places on this list promise an unforgettable, blissful retreat with your favorite person.

Be sure to plan your travel carefully, especially when visiting more remote locations, as it may require you to take some additional flights to reach your destination. Looking for deals on accommodation and checking the weather forecast are also essential details you won’t want to miss – there’s nothing that ruins a holiday faster than non-stop rain and high winds. With your research complete and your bags packed, the only thing left to do is enjoy your unique break and wow your friends and family with your photos and stories on your return.