Where to Find Romance in Spain

Where to Find Romance in Spain

Spain boasts one of Europe’s most unique cultures. Modern cities, traditional art forms, a passion for high quality food and drink, and some of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes make Spain an ideal destination for couples seeking to create memories together. Spain might not have the same status as a tourist destination for couples that France and Italy enjoy, but its uniqueness makes it an ideal place for people who want to create their own memories, not simply trod the well-worn path to the so-called romantic European destinations that have long ago lost their charms. Here are the best places to make romance-filled memories in Spain.

Granada

Photo: teoruiz / Flickr

Granada, a town in a province of the same name in the Andalusia region of Spain, is a picturesque and quietly exotic place to visit. Its Moorish palaces are the perfect historic setting for a hand-in-hand stroll. Despite their old age, the grandeur of these places is still evident, with fountains, amazing tiled floors, an domed roofs creating an exotic atmosphere. And, of course, Granda is a perfect place to see flamenco dancers performing one of the world’s great styles of dance and music.

Toledo

Photo: Librarygroover / Flickr

Toledo is a town that often overlooked by tourists. That is perfect for couples seeking places to enjoy romantic excursions without having to worry about having the mood ruined by overcrowded tourist attractions. Cobblestone streets, five hundred year old churches and palaces and a bustling old town make this the perfect spot to mix a romantic vacation with some authentic Spanish experiences.

Montjuic, Barcelona

Photo: rhurtubia / Flickr

Montjuic is an ever-present part of Barcelona‘s skyline. The views from the summit of this mountain are beautiful, day or night. However, Montjuic truly becomes a hot spot for couples after dark, with the combination of the views, a lighted fountain and an assortment of restaurants and nightlife options making for a perfect evening.

Plaza de Espana, Seville

Photo: PictFactory / Flickr

Plaza de Espana, in Seville, was originally built for a World’s Fair in the 1920s. It is a large public space with tile-like walking areas and design with lots of different influences, from Moorish to Art Deco. The area can be accessed by picturesque bridges, which cross over a large moat. Head here early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.

Formentera

Photo: victoriapeckham / Flickr

Formentera is an island in the Balearic chain. Tourists flock to neighboring islands of Ibiza and Mallorca in the millions. This small, less-visited island is reached by ferry and is known for its white sand beaches, which have idyllic scenery. Most beaches allow nude sunbathing. For couples who want an ideal place for a Spanish beach vacation, this is it.

Mallorca

Photo: Pepetravel.com / Flickr

Mallorca, Formentera’s larger neighbor, is very crowded. However, its agriturismos, which are rural farmhouses that have been converted into small resorts and inns, are ideal for a honeymoon or any type of romance-filled getaway. Most of these places are completely isolated, with miles of natural landscapes between them and the nearest tourist hub.

Plaza Mayor, Madrid

Photo: ScriS – www.scris.it / Flickr

Madrid is the political and cultural heart of Spain. Plaza Mayor is the heart of Madrid. This bustling plaza is lined with bars and cafes, many which serve tapas to locals and tourists each evening. This is an ideal place to start a romantic night in Spain’s capital. Nightclubs and bars here are open until dawn, so this is the great city to visit if you want your night out to last all night.

Costa Blanca

Photo: PhillipC / Flickr

Costa Blanca is a beautiful stretch of land on Spain’s Mediterranean coastline. The beaches here are worth visiting, but the small cities and classic Mediterranean vegetation makes this feel like a laid back version of the French and Italian Rivieras. Towns like Altea are the perfect base for couples who want to experience this vibe while exploring this popular, but not overcrowded, region of spain.

Cordoba

Photo: IvanWalsh.com / Flickr

Cordoba is a town that is known for its festivals. Late spring is the ideal time to visit, with several noteworthy events taking place. It doesn’t get any more romance-filled than the Battle of Flowers, which takes place on the final Sunday or April. A huge parade with floats is the headliner of this event. People on the floats throw flowers into the crowds of spectators. A city-wide patio contest leads to this being an especially great time to stroll through the streets taking in the welcoming, exotic atmosphere.

Spain is a great place for a romantic vacation for those who are seeking something outside the ordinary. This diverse and beautiful country has something for every type of couple, no matter what their definition of romance might be.

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About Josh Lew

Josh Lew has traveled widely in Asia and the Americas. He has contributed to popular travel sites like Gadling and Brave New Traveler and currently writes a weekly travel column for MNN. His work has also appeared on the websites of CNN and Forbes Magazine.

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