Top Fairytale Places to Visit on a Romantic Getaway 

The waters off Raa Atoll, in the Maldives, contain phosphorescent plankton
The waters off Raa Atoll, in the Maldives, contain phosphorescent plankton | © imageBROKER / Alamy
Konstantina Pyrnokoki

Travel Writer

Why wait until Valentine’s Day to express your love for one another? From a mystical garden with streams and ponds in Italy to a botanical ‘tunnel of love’ in Ukraine, these are the most captivating, fairytale places to visit on your next romantic escape.

Lake Bled, Slovenia

Slovenia has its fair share of pretty spots, yet Lake Bled, in the northwest, has to be the dreamiest. This emerald lake is framed by lush hills, with a tiny islet in the middle, complete with its own church. The climb to the bell of the Church of the Assumption of Mary is strenuous – it’s 99 steps – but if the views from the top aren’t rewarding enough, legend has it that if you ring the bell three times, any wish you make here is bound to come true.

Make a wish at the top of the churchtower on the island in Lake Bled

Bruges, Belgium

The architecture and canals make Bruges a fairytale getaway

Sea of Stars, Vaadhoo Island, Maldives

Stargazing is the epitome of romance, but what if you could swim in a sea full of shimmering lights instead? Those that appear on the surface of the water in the Raa Atoll, on Vaadhoo in the Maldives, are a type of phytoplankton – called dinoflagellates – that emit light when the waves move. Let the sea take you and your significant other on a loved-up ride among floating stars.

Phytoplankton cause shimmering light on the surface of the water in Raa Atoll in the Maldives

Garden of Ninfa, Italy

This landscaped garden which translates as Garden of the Nymph, looks like a fairytale oasis where mythical creatures live. It was built in the early 20th century on the ruins of the medieval town of Ninfa, in the Lazio region south of Rome. A natural monument today, the garden hosts deciduous magnolia, birch, water iris and Japanese maples that climb on ruins along streams and ponds. The scenery is so magical, it may remind you of the forest featured in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty.

The Garden of Ninfa, in Lazio, Italy

Rio Celeste, Tenorio Volcano National Park, Costa Rica

If you’re looking for an enchanting place to express your love or even pop the question, then Rio Celeste is it. This river in Costa Rica is so fluorescent, locals say it took its unusual sky-blue colour when God washed his blue brushes as he was painting the sky – its name means “heavenly”, after all. Celeste flows through the abundant Tenorio Volcano National Park. There are many spots to see its neon glory; the most popular is a waterfall that gushes into the river, forming a pond steeped in greenery.

Rio Celeste, in Costa Rica, is said to be where God washed his brushes after painting the sky

Colmar, France

Paris might be known as the most romantic city in Europe, yet the French region of Alsace could be a better option for lovebirds. The town of Colmar, with its great wine, half-timbered houses, flower-filled cobbled streets, canals and fountains will make you see hearts. Sail down the canal or walk along the serene Quai de la Poissonnerie in the town that’s said to have inspired Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. As long as you’ve got the right Belle or Prince by your side, Colmar will not disappoint.

Colmar, France, was the inspiration for Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’

Kromlau Azalea and Rhododendron Park, Saxony, Germany

This landscaped park, built in the 19th century in Saxony, Germany, in the 19th century hosts bright-green, leafy trees next to tranquil lakes and ponds. Its most popular feature is the Rakotzbrücke, known as the Devil’s Bridge. It’s semicircular shape is reflected in the water, creating the illusion of a half-submerged stone ring set in nature – more like paradise than hell.

The semicircular Rakotz bridge in a landscaped park in Saxony

Nesso, Italy

For a yet more loved-up landscape, marked by waterfalls feeding into lakes, you have to visit Nesso. The towns around Lake Como are all gorgeous, but Nesso – halfway between Bellagio and Como – feels particularly special, thanks to the idyllic stone bridges and imposing gorge, with a series of waterfalls gushing out of it. Stroll hand in hand across the Ponte della Civera, while taking in the sheer beauty of the water as it falls from Nesso Gorge into the emerald lake.

Nesso’s dramatic scenery make it ideal for a loved-up getaway

Tunnel of Love, Klevan, Ukraine

This tunnel, near Klevan, Ukraine, is part of an industrial railway line that connects the area to the town of Orzhiv, serving freighters transporting plywood; yet it’s as whimsical as they come. The so-called Tunnel of Love is basically a super-green botanical corridor that looks like a pathway taken from Alice in Wonderland. It’s very photogenic, so it will definitely appeal to couples who like to flaunt their love on Instagram. But even if you’re not the sharing type, this tunnel is #relationshipgoals all the way.

This functional railway tunnel in Ukraine has been dubbed the Tunnel of Love
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Winter Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

X
Edit article