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21 of the Most Romantic Towns in the World

Most Romantic Towns in the World

Are you looking for new romantic moments with your loved one? Travelling together is one of the best ways to make a relationship exhilarating. The opportunity to share new experiences and uncover new horizons with the person you love is truly rewarding. After travelling together for 15 months, my boyfriend Jon and I developed a deeper connection. Through every new country we visited, we created another beautiful memory together as a couple. Thinking of your next romantic travel destination? Here are 21 of the most romantic towns in the world, all of which we have visited on our recent travels.

Positano, Amalfi, Italy

A fascinating small town located on the Amalfi Coast, Positano is well known for its colourful cliff-side houses cascading towards the Mediterranean Sea. Walk along its narrow streets and uncover charming cafes, boutiques and restaurants.

READ MORE: Amalfi Coast: A Romantic Day Trip in Italy

Amalfi Coast - Most Romantic Towns in the World

Burano, Venice, Italy

As if Venice alone is not enough, the island of Burano is an easy day trip from the main islands. This small village is a feast for the eyes with houses painted with bold colours. It is like a miniature version of Venice with small bridges over its tiny canals.

READ MORE: Romance in Italy: Venice Will Make You Believe in True Love

Burano, Venice, Italy - - Most Romantic Towns in the World

Sintra, Portugal

Who can say no to the sight of majestic palaces and castles? Sintra, an easy day trip from Lisbon, is a magical small town with beautiful scenery and architecture. From the bright and colourful Pena Palace to the medieval Castle of the Moors, Sintra will leave you in awe.

READ MORE: 5 Days in Portugal: Lisbon, Sintra and Porto

Sintra, Portugal - Most Romantic Towns in the World

Fira, Santorini, Greece

In Santorini, the limelight goes to Fira, the island’s capital. The small tourist town overlooks the caldera and its white colour stands out against the rust orange and red hues of the cliff. It is a luxurious retreat in Santorini with its lavish hotels, fancy cafes and artisan shops. No doubt, it’s the most popular among this list of most romantic towns in the world.

READ MORE: The Contrasting Colours of Santorini: A Dream Destination

Fira, Santorini - Most Romantic Towns in the World

Bled, Slovenia

Do you believe in fairytales? Bled is one of those towns in Europe that really capture the beauty of a fantasy place. The highlight of this little town in Slovenia is the stunning Lake Bled and the small island in the middle. Surrounding the lake are the magnificent Julian Alps, on a clear day the scenery is just picture perfect.

READ MORE: A Fairy Tale in Europe: One Week in Slovenia

Bled, Slovenia - Most Romantic Towns in the World

Sighisoara, Romania

Sighisoara is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval towns in the historic region of Transylvania. Brightly coloured houses line the cobblestone streets in the Old Town of Sighisoara. Enhancing the beauty of the town are the intricately-designed towers and gothic-style churches.

READ MORE: Exploring Transylvania: A Week in Romania

Sighisoara, Romania - Most Romantic Towns in the World

San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico

There is so much to love about San Cristobal de las Casas. From the two hill-top churches that overlook town to the fascinating colours of the buildings around the open plazas.

READ MORE: 8 of the Best Colonial Towns and Cities in Mexico

San Cristobal, Mexico - Most Romantic Towns in the World

Flores, Guatemala

The small town of Flores is a tiny island on Lake Peten, Guatemala. There are plenty of nice restaurants and bars along the lake side. Sit in one of the terrace restaurants and enjoy the beautiful sunsets over the lake.

READ MORE: Flores: A Relaxing Welcome  to Guatemala

Flores, Guatemala - Most Romantic Towns in the World

Antigua, Guatemala

Antigua is probably the most beautiful colonial town in Central America. Antigua Guatemala literally translates to “ancient Guatemala,” which is perfectly true as the town exemplifies the old colonial times of this country. From the yellow coloured arches to the historic monasteries, from the intricately designed old churches to the majestic volcanoes towering the city – Antigua has all the elements of a romantic town.

READ MORE: Antigua, Guatemala: The Nicest Colonial Town in Central America?

Antigua, Guatemala - Most Romantic Towns in the World

Barichara, Colombia

There are places that will truly capture your heart. Barichara is one of these unforgettable destinations. There is so much beauty in this small colonial town in Colombia. The rust orange colour dominates the town and the quiet atmosphere as you walk along the cobblestone streets is just perfect.

READ MORE: 12 Top Places to See in Colombia

Barichara, Colombia - Most Romantic Towns in the World

Villa de Leyva, Colombia

Considered one of the most beautiful colonial towns in Colombia, Villa de Leyva is fit for a Spanish telenovela ( drama). The massive main square, the largest in Colombia, is sure to catch your eye. All the elements of a picturesque colonial town are here – cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings and traditional orange roofs.

READ MORE: Villa de Leyva: 130 Million Years of Colombian History 

Villa de Leyva, Colombia - Most Romantic Towns in the World

Baños, Ecuador

The town of Baños de Agua Santa (technically a city, but added here due to it’s small town feel and small population) is an interesting town named because of the baths within the town’s vicinity. The town is surrounded with stunning mountain scenery and gorgeous waterfalls. The best place to see town is in one of the cafes called Cafe del Cielo, were you get a panoramic view of the town of Baños and the lush green landscape around it.

Banos, Ecuador - Most Romantic Towns in the World

San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

The out of this world landscapes of the Valley of the Moon and Valley of Death can be visited on a tour from San Pedro de Atacama, a small town in northern Chile. This oasis town is unique with most houses made of adobe. The services are far from basic though, San Pedro de Atacama has a variety of restaurants and hotels from budget to luxurious.

READ MORE: A Journey to the Valley of the Moon, Chile

San Pedro de Atacama, Chile - Most Romantic Towns in the World

Huacachina, Peru

Two words – oasis town. One of the highlights of Peru’s diverse natural landscape is the Huacachina oasis. This small town is your entry point to awesome dune buggy adventures and sandboarding in the nearby Huacachina desert. The town is truly unique. The small green coloured pond is the centre of town, with its perimeter surrouned by bars, restaurants and hostels that really know how to cater to tourists. Make sure to check out this cool bar called Huacaf*ckingchina; the service is outstanding.

READ MORE: Crazy Dune Buggy Rides and Sandboarding in Huacachina, Peru

Huacachina Oasis, Peru - Most Romantic Towns in the World

Ollantaytambo, Peru

The gateway town to Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo is one of the best preserved Inca towns in Peru. Apart from the unique streets and irrigation system that can be seen in town, ther are some remarkable sights to see in this area such as the Ollantaytambo ruins, a religious and military site and Pinkullyuna, a hill with Incan storehouses overlooking the town.

RELATED POST: Inca Rail: A Scenic Train Ride to Machu Picchu

Ollantaytambo, Peru - Most Romantic Towns in the World

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Located near the Rif Mountains, Chefchouen is an incredible blue town with narrow streets and winding staircases. The medina can easily be mistaken for the Greek Islands with its monochromatic colour.

READ MORE: Exploring 6 of the Best Medinas in Morocco

Chefchaouen, Morocco - Most Romantic Towns in the World

Queenstown, New Zealand

New Zealand’s famous adventure town is set near Lake Wakatipu with the Remarkables mountain range in the backdrop. There are many activities that await in Queenstown including bungee jumping, sky diving, kayaking and many more. If you are there to unwind, the gondola complex is a a great place to visit with its beautiful views of town.

RELATED POST: Skyline Gondola: The Best Way to See Queenstown in a Day

Queenstown, New Zealand Skyline Gondola - Most Romantic Towns in the World

Oamaru, New Zealand

When you start to think that New Zealand doesn’t really have a lot of historical buildings, the town of Oamaru will prove you wrong. This town in the South Island is home to some of New Zealand’s best 19th century architecture. Aside from the historic buildings, there are a lot of interesting finds including quirky art galleries, vintage boutiques and the famous Steampunk HQ.

Oamaru, New Zealand - Most Romantic Towns in the World

Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An is probably one of the most photogenic towns I have visited in Southeast Asia. The unique mix of Chinese, Japanese and French architecture are well preserved in the beautiful buildings in the ancient town. The old Japanese bridge is an iconic structure you should definitely visit. Also take a stroll along the river and get a closer look at the lantern industry in this small romantic town in Vietnam.

READ MORE: 10 Fun Things to Do in Hoi An, Vietnam

Ancient Town of Hoi An, Vietnam - - Most Romantic Towns in the World

Vigan, Philippines

Vigan, declared one of the 7 Wonder Cities, (technically a city but it has a small town feel) is the Philippines’ best-preserved colonial town. The crumbling white buildings in Calle Crisologo are truly worth the visit! Take a horse carriage ride and go back in time in this historic city in northern Philippines.

Vigan, Philippines - Most Romantic Towns in the World

Udaipur, India

Set in the majestic region of Rajasthan, Udaipur is a fascinating city with a small town feel. The best way to capture the essence of Udaipur is by staying in one of the lovely haveli hotels facing the City Palace and Lake Pichola.  From dusk till dawn, the beautiful colours of the lake and its surrounding structures will surely to take your breath away.

RELATED POST: Udaipur, Rajasthan: The Most Romantic City in India?

Most Romantic Towns in the World - Udaipur India

Have you been to any of the world’s most romantic towns? Do you have other places that you can recommend to our readers? Let us know.


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About the author

Gia Kristel Algie

Currently based in New Zealand, Gia grew up in Manila, lived in Singapore for three years and travelled the world for nearly two years. From watching sunsets to hiking mountains, she loves the outdoors. She enjoys living in big cities but takes pleasure staying in quaint, small towns. An aspiring photographer and budding writer, she is the voice behind Mismatched Passports, a travel blog dedicated to the journey around the world with her husband, Jon.

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