Romantic Towns Waiting to be Discovered

Valentine's Day is coming up, and as always, we all want to do something special with our significant other. Why not take a trip together this year? Take a look at our suggestions if the thought of a romantic getaway in one of the most lovely and romantic towns appeals to you.

- Taormina, Italy

The town of Taormina is one of the most famous tourist resorts on the island of Sicily, thanks to its charming location on the sea, beautiful landscapes; rich historical, cultural and archaeological heritage. One of the first places you can visit on Valentine's Day is the Greek Theater, a majestic evidence of ancient Sicily. This is Taormina's most famous monument and the second largest theater on the island. It was built in the 3rd century BC by the Greeks, who chose it as a magnificent stage for their dramatic performances and musicals. Hanging there, between the sea and the sky, this magnificent architectural monument with excellent acoustics has been hosting concerts and cultural events during the summer season for several years. The most important one is the international arts festival Taormina Arte, known and appreciated for its rich calendar of music, theater, dance and cinema events.

If you and your significant other want to be among the flowers and trees, Villa Comunale is rich in these beauties and is a pleasant oasis of tranquility in the city center. The most characteristic building is the "Beehives", a creative pavilion that, as its name suggests, is reminiscent of a beehive. Ideal for strolling and enjoying the fresh air, Villa Comunale's gardens also offer spectacular views of Mount Etna and the coast.

Corso Umberto I is the main street of Taormina. Bordered by Porta Messina to the north and Porta Catania to the south, the ancient Greco-Roman road passes through the historic center of the beautiful Sicilian town. Characterized by a succession of fashion, souvenir and other kinds of shops, delicatessens and cafés; the narrow street, today named after the Italian king Umberto I of Savoy, is a bustling pedestrian promenade where thousands of visitors from all over the world pass every day. With stunning views, medieval churches and ancient ruins to get lost in, Taormina is a fun destination for Valentine's Day.

- Bamberg, Germany

Bamberg is a town with difficult-to-describe characteristics: a little bit Venetian, a little bit medieval. There are canals, quaint little bridges, and cobblestones all over the place. One of Bamberg's highlights is definetely "Little Venice," a former fishing community. Here are lined up a number of stunning half-timbered structures from the Middle Ages. A regular sightseeing boat departs from the Old Town Hall and travels directly past this distinctive row of homes.

You can find the New Residence, which has more than 40 magnificent rooms, directly across from Bamberg Cathedral. These rooms feature stunning stucco ceilings and frescoes, as well as lovely furniture from the 17th and 18th centuries. View the State Gallery's impressive collection of old German and baroque paintings while admiring the Electoral Chambers and the grand Imperial Hall. Additionally, the inner courtyard's rose garden provides a stunning view of Bamberg. The nearly 4500 roses in the rose garden are also waiting for you during the summer. In addition, you can rest your weary legs while enjoying a delicious cup of coffee in the Café Rosengarten's rose-scented surroundings.

Another popular attraction in Bamberg is the gondola ride on the Regnitz. Makes you feel like you are in Italy. This Italian feature seems a bit strange in a German city like Bamberg, but it fits perfectly into this beautiful picture.

- Sintra, Portugal

The first place you'll go in Sintra, one of Portugal's most picturesque towns, is Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe, which is about 35 minutes away from Sintra. The lighthouse and the breathtaking view of the wild sea and Portuguese cliffs are Cabo de Roca's highlights. Coming at sunset is especially recommended — it's pure romance!

Palácio de Monserrate may also be a stop on your Lisbon trip to Sintra. If you don't have much time, you can even take a shuttle from the palace's entrance and schedule your time for a thorough tour of the interior. There's even a nice café halfway between the entrance and the palace where you can have tea and a Portuguese pastis de nata.

The charming old town of Sintra is also worth exploring. The side streets are a little quieter, while the market square is dominated by gift shops and tourist attractions. Lawrence, the oldest continuously operating five-star hotel on the Iberian Peninsula, is located on the western outskirts. It was built in 1764.

- Zermatt, Switzerland

You and your significant other can ride a cable car to the highest mountain station in Europe with Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. The view crosses over the enormous Alps of Switzerland, France, and Italy from a height of 3,883 meters. You can also enjoy a wonderful evening at one of the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise mountain restaurants while you're here. Along with enjoying the delicacies, you can take in breathtaking views of the snow-covered Alpine peaks.

One of the most romantic spots in Zermatt is the Ricola Herb Garden. A mountain restaurant, a little chapel, and a haystack are all nearby to the Ricola Herb Garden. The garden is shaped like a circle. There are various information boards with descriptions of each of the 13 plants used in confectionery. A stroll through the herb garden not only provides visitors with a natural experience, but it also educates them. Because there is even a quiz for the visitors at the end of the tour, it is advised to carefully read the information boards. The most intelligent visitors will receive appealing prizes. As we all know, a Valentine's Day without a gift cannot be.

A small body of water called the Riffelsee can be found in the Valais Alps, 2,770 meters above sea level, in the canton of Valais. The body of water was formed as a glacial lake during the last ice age, just like many other mountain lakes in the Alps. The Gornergratbahn makes it simple for tourists to travel to the Riffelsee. It's very attractive and romantic to take a stroll to and around the lake. You and your loved one can be alone while taking in the magnificent view of the Matterhorn. The breathtaking view makes it possible to take lovely Valentine's Day photos as well. Don't let the lake's beauty fool you; swimming in the icy glacial lake is not recommended and should only be attempted by the most daring tourists.