Love is in the air, and love is on the open road. It’s time to pack your bags and drive off into the sunset with your loved one…literally!
We’ve rounded up the best romantic road trips in the UK and Europe, so you and your partner can finally embark on those romantic getaways you’ve been talking about. Time waits for no one, so seize this chance to get away with the person you love most in the world and visit some of the most romantic holiday destinations in Europe.
Nothing is better than days spent with your partner, driving and exploring new places together. A road trip is a true test of any couple, and if you can handle navigating, traffic or getting lost together, then the two of you can take on the world.
1. Romantic Road, Germany
Let’s start with the most romantic of all road trip ideas for couples, as it’s literally right there in the name of this one. The Romantische Strasse road trip takes you across 250 miles of southern Germany, and it’s widely considered to be one of the most beautiful routes in the country. It’s filled with flowering meadows, winding rivers, endless hills and peaceful forests.
What makes this road trip so romantic? This entire region looks like it belongs in the pages of a fairytale. You’ll get to stroll along cobblestone streets, past thatched cottages, and gaze up at majestic castles. It’ll definitely feel like your own happily ever after coming true.
Things to do:
- Speaking of fairytales, you can visit the castle that inspired Walt Disney to create the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland. Neuschwanstein Castle was built for King Ludwig II of Bavaria but was unfortunately not finished at the time of his death. While here, visit the nearby Linderhof Palace and Park in Ettal, which was also commissioned by this king.
- Spend a morning strolling through the colourful houses of Landsberg am Lech. This town is beloved along the route, and many flock here to see the impressive Stadtpfarrkirche Maria Himmelfahrt. This 15th-century basilica features stunning architecture as well as a decorated interior that could steal your breath away.
- Halblech looks like a postcard has come to life. As you near the town, you’ll spot a dozen turquoise lakes and rugged mountains. The town itself features humble churches and bustling markets. Make sure to try Mariellenknödel (apricot dumplings) and Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancakes) while here.
2. Anglesey, Wales
This little island tucked away in the north of Wales feels like it’s half a world away from the rest of the UK. It’s easy to reach, as you simply follow the A55 directly onto Anglesey. It’s easy to drive a circular route around the island, following the turquoise Irish Sea as you go. You can complete a full Anglesey road trip itinerary in four days, perfect for a short romantic weekend getaway.
Just picture strolls along the beach, as you hold hands and debate what delicious food you’ll get for supper that evening. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see all the way over to Ireland, although you might only have eyes for your partner.
Things to do:
- If you can hike up a mountain with your loved one, you can tackle anything together. Either head up the famous Holyhead Mountain or the lesser-known Parys Mountain. The latter features rocks that span four eras and 12 geological periods, which cover over 1,800 million years. Another landmark you’ll spot is the ancient burial mound of Bryn Celli Ddu, which is believed to be over 5,000 years old.
- Visit St. Cwyfans Church, which is only accessible during the low tide. There is something magical about this remote place, and you’ll have to make sure you leave before the tide rises once more. Then you can stretch out on Aberffraw Bay to enjoy the gently rolling waves and salty air.
- A visit to Anglesey isn’t complete without visiting the South Stack Lighthouse. Perched on the summit of a small island, this lighthouse was built in 1809 to warn sailors of the rocky waters below. You can walk all the way to the top of the lighthouse for an unbeatable view — if you can handle the 400 steps leading up to it.
3. Amalfi Coast, Italy
A list of romantic road trips for couples in Europe would not be complete without a stop in Italy. This is definitely a romantic getaway for couples that like the finer things in life, as you’ll find gorgeous beaches, delicious food and luxurious interiors everywhere you look.
An Amalfi Coast road trip is best tackled by experienced drivers as it’s comprised of narrow winding roads, closely hugging the cliffside. You’ll get to see incredible architecture and stunning nature along the way. It’s a shorter route, ideal to combine with more romantic holiday destinations in Italy or to save for a bank holiday romantic weekend getaway. This 31-mile stretch is a UNESCO World Heritage coastline, earning its spot at the top of your bucket list.
Things to do:
- If you or your partner are interested in history, you should definitely plan a stop at the ruins of Pompeii. This town was perfectly preserved in the deadly ashfall from the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79. You can also head to the archaeological site of Herculaneum, a city perfectly preserved to provide a unique view into the daily lives of the ancient Roman population.
- Head to the most popular swimming spot in the region, the Grotta dello Smeraldo. This emerald grotto is tucked away in Conca dei Marini. You can get there through a boat tour departing from Positano, or driving to the nearby car park and walking down. It can be busy in the summer, but in the low season, you’ll find it shockingly empty.
- If you’d like to stay active during your holidays, you can hike the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods). This route should take about three hours and totals 4,8 miles. The views will definitely make it worth the effort.
4. Argyll Coastal Route, Scotland
This is a slightly longer road trip for couples, stretching 129 miles from Tarbet to Fort William, and taking you through some of the most breathtaking scenery that Scotland has to offer. It’ll be easy to feel like the only people on this route, which is far less crowded than the popular North Coast 500, and filled with endless nature.
The Argyll Coastal Route is particularly stunning in autumn when you can enjoy the changing of seasons and falling leaves along the way. It’s also a great choice for history buffs, as you’ll find plenty of castles along the way — what else would you expect in Scotland?
Things to do:
- If you love wildlife, then be sure to bring your binoculars and a great deal of patience. At the Scottish Beaver Trial, you can witness the impact of this exciting conservation project and spot the little creatures yourself. While in Argyll, you’ll likely also spot red deer, red squirrels, harbour seals and golden eagles, to name a few.
- Go film spotting! Glencoe has been the majestic backdrop for many films, including Skyfall and Harry Potter. This valley has been carved out by numerous glaciers and volcanic explosions, leaving it one of the most fascinating landscapes in all of the Highlands.
- Fancy some hillwalking while you’re here? Fort William is a popular spot for climbing Ben Nevis, which is the highest mountain in the UK.
5. Provence, France
What could be more romantic than you and your partner strolling through fields of lavender with a soft summer breeze? It’s not difficult to see why many consider France to be one of the most romantic holiday destinations in Europe, especially as French is considered to be the language of love!
So dust off your je t’aime and mon chéri and embark on a Provence road trip. It’s the best way to explore the southeastern region of France, taking you through Avignon, Aix-en-Provence and Marseille. Aside from the staple lavender fields, you’ll get to enjoy views of the glistening Mediterranean Sea and rolling hills.
Things to do:
- Head to the magnificent Gorges du Verdon, one of France’s most-visited river gorges. The Gorges du Verdon is the longest river canyon in all of Europe and offers white water rafting, canyoning, kayaking and much more. Cool off from the heat of your love with a dip in these chilly waters!
- One of the stops on your Provence road trip itinerary is the picturesque town of Avignon. This medieval town became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 and served as the European cultural capital in 2000. It’s best known for its architecture and historical significance. It only became part of France in 1791 and was under papal rule until this point, so be sure to visit the massive Palais des Papes to learn more about this.
- Visit the Fontaine de Vaucluse, France’s largest natural spring and the fifth largest in the world. The name ‘Vaucluse’ comes from the Latin phrase for ‘closed valley’, describing this sheltered area. You can easily spend an afternoon strolling around this stunning area.
6. Isle of Skye, Scotland
Let’s finish off this list with two of the best romantic road trips in the UK. First, let’s talk about the Isle of Skye route. This little island off the coast of Scotland is renowned for its rich history, majestic ruins, picturesque landscapes and endless beaches.
It’s one of the most popular romantic destinations in Scotland, with hundreds of thousands of travellers flocking here annually for a taste of the magic. It’s easy to drive onto the island using the Skye Bridge, along the A87.
Things to do:
- For a glimpse into the past of the Isle of Skye, visit the Skye Museum of Life. This museum acts like a time machine, taking visitors back in time to see how the inhabitants of the island used to live. You’ll get to stroll along traditionally thatched cottages and read historical archives, with the stories of individuals who once lived here.
- Your trip to Scotland wouldn’t be complete without some traditional whisky! Talisker Distillery is located in Carbost and is the island’s oldest working distillery. You can take a tour of the facilities to learn all about how their whisky is made and taste their award-winning Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
- Head to the Armadale Castle, Gardens and Museum which is the last ancestral home of the Macdonalds of Sleat, Scotland’s oldest and most powerful clan. Take a romantic stroll through the gardens, which are comprised of 40 acres of trees, flowers, and shrubs. Parts of the garden are just as old as the castle, which visitors can learn more about by following an audio guide.
7. The Cotswolds, England
And last, but certainly not least, one of our favourite road trip ideas for couples: the Cotswolds. This charming area is a short drive from London, perfect for an anniversary, birthday or any reason to get away together.
The Cotswolds look like they were taken straight from the pages of a fairytale. You can stroll past thatched cottages with ivy creeping up their walls, along cobblestoned streets and through charming woodland routes. There are many delightful places to visit in the Cotswolds, including Burford, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stroud and Cirencester.
Things to do:
- If you’re a fan of botanical gardens, we recommend taking a stroll through the impressive Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens. It is home to over 260 different species of wildlife across 160 acres of landscaped parkland and gardens.
- ‘Lord of the Rings’ must visit St Edward’s Church, a medieval church that is said to have inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘Doors of Durin’. This has never been officially confirmed, but Tolkien is known to have taken many trips to the Cotswolds, and we can certainly see the resemblance. After your visit, you can explore more of the market town of Stow-on-the-Wold.
- Head to the nearby city of Bath to visit the magnificent Roman Baths. These remains date back to 60 AD and were part of a small Roman urban settlement known as Aquae Sulis.
Now that we’ve shared these great road trips for couples in Europe, we’ll let you in on a little secret: it doesn’t really matter where you’re going, as long as you’re travelling with the right person! Oh, and as long as you’re travelling in the best way: with a motorhome.
Need a cosy van for your trip? You can hire a motorhome on Goboony to ensure that you and your loved one have your very own home on wheels for the journey.
