The city has topped a new ranking by Icelandair, with its historic charm, sunset spots, and intimate settings proving more romantic than traditional favourites such as Paris
Europe’s most romantic city has been revealed, and it might come as a surprise.
Paris has long been celebrated as the ‘city of love’ with countless proposals taking place there, whilst Venice provides sunset gondola rides through its canals. However, according to one recent ranking, they’ve both been eclipsed as the most romantic destinations in Europe.
The sun-drenched Spanish capital, Madrid, has claimed the top spot with its historic appeal and intimate atmosphere. There are intimate eateries, rooftop bars, upmarket hotels, alongside magnificent landmarks, colourful street art, and passionate flamenco performances, all contributing to a truly remarkable break.
Some of the most noteworthy attractions include hiring a rowing boat on the tranquil, scenic lake at El Retiro Park, or enjoying a relaxed walk around the charming El Capricho Park or the stunning Sabatini Gardens at the Royal Palace.
The Spanish city boasts some of the finest locations to watch the sunset, including the restaurant Azotea del Círculo, which provides sweeping views from its rooftop terrace, and the gardens in Cerro del Tío Pío, ideal for an evening wander,” reports the Mirror.
However, one beloved area praised as the ‘best sunset spot in Madrid’ is the ancient Egyptian temple, Templo de Debod.
Witnessing the sunset last year, one traveller posted on TripAdvisor: “The magic hour to visit is sunset! .. The temple’s ancient stones turn a rich orange, and the reflective pools surrounding it create a mirror effect that is a photographer’s dream.”
For a respite from discovering the city, there’s the Arab baths at Hammam Al Ándalus for a soothing soak and a journey back in time amongst its historic buildings, or energetic flamenco shows at Corral de la Morería. Couples can savour a glass of wine and tapas at the Mercado de San Miguel, a fresh food market, or take the cable car, the Teleférico de Madrid, which spans the river.
A wander around the city is sufficient to leave you spellbound, with colourful graffiti adorning its charming streets lined with tapas bars and coffee shops, and stunning architecture. From the iconic Plaza Mayor, Plaza de la Villa, and Puerta del Sol square, to the Royal Palace and the Prado Museum, it’s simple to spend hours discovering this bustling yet delightful city.
Madrid was crowned the most romantic European city following research by Icelandair. The airline examined data from various European cities, comparing their location, nightlife, single population, inclusivity and happiness, along with Tripadvisor romance ratings and sunset visibility, with Madrid leading the list.
The list becomes even more significant, as a study by Icelandair of 3,000 individuals found that 1 in 10 Brits believe travel is the optimal way to meet a partner. Meanwhile, 1 in 5 Brits confessed to falling in love whilst on a flight, and additional research discovered that most holiday romances occur during volunteer work abroad, on business trips, or whilst travelling alone.
Most romantic European cities
- Madrid, Spain
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Barcelona, Spain
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Helsinki, Finland
- Vienna, Austria
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Rome, Italy
- Athens, Greece
- Geneva, Switzerland
- Oslo, Norway
- Berlin, Germany
- Reykjavik, Iceland
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