I think Spain is one of the more romantic countries in Europe. I first moved to Spain in 2003 and have since lived in various parts of Spain and traveled around the country extensively.
With my boyfriend I love to visit new places or find things to do in Spain for a romantic date or weekend getaway.
And in this article I want to share with you what I think are some of the most romantic places in Spain worth visiting and things to do, perfect for couples.
Romantic Things to Do in Spain
1. A Hot Air Balloon Ride over Segovia
Float above the stunning landscapes of Segovia, taking in panoramic views of the ancient aqueduct, Gothic cathedral, and medieval castle.
Soaring above the historic city of Segovia in a hot air balloon is beautiful and such a unique experience! And yes, there’s just something incredibly romantic about being in a hot air balloon together.
Drifting slowly over the city and its picturesque surroundings, taking in the stunning landscape of rolling hills, valleys, and historic landmarks, embracing the tranquility of the moment.
For the most romantic experience you can book a private balloon ride with cava. But, for a more economical option you can also book a shared hot air balloon ride.
And, although I highly recommend spending some time in Segovia because it’s such a beautiful city, you could also choose to stay in Madrid, because both hot air balloon options can arrange pickup from Madrid as well.
Where to Stay in Segovia
If you decide to stay in Segovia, the Parador de Segovia offers an idyllic setting on a hill with stunning views of the city. It has a cozy and romantic atmosphere, perfect for a trip with your partner.
If you decide to stay in Madrid instead, also read Things to Do in Madrid – Tips From a Local Tour Guide
Tip: although Segovia is definitely one of the most beautiful places in Spain for a hot air balloon ride, you can book hot air balloon rides in many other parts of Spain as well. Ive written a detailed article about my first time hot air ballooning in Barcelona.
2. A Private Winery Tour and Tasting in La Rioja
La Rioja, in northern Spain, has a rich winemaking tradition set amidst rolling vineyards and picturesque landscapes.
If you both enjoy wine and are looking for something romantic to do in Spain, a stay in La Rioja and a private winery tour is a great option.
Spanish bodegas (wineries) are beautiful places to visit and a great way to learn more about the long wine-making history that’s such a big part of the Spanish culture.
There are a lot of different wine tours you can book in La Rioja, but for a romantic getaway I particularly like this one. It takes you into one of the oldest traditional cave-cellars in La Rioja and includes lunch in a great local restaurant.
Of course a private wine tour is more intimate, but also a bit more expensive than a group tour. Depending on where you choose to stay in La Rioja there are several group tours you can book as well. Or, rent a car and drive to one or more wineries yourself for a cellar tour and tasting. Do book in advance though!
Tip: try to plan this romantic trip between May to October. Outside of these months fewer tours and tastings will be available.
Where to Stay in La Rioja
If youre looking for a VERY unique place to stay, check out Marqus de Riscal, in the town of Elciego. This iconic hotel, designed by Frank Gehry, is a true architectural marvel in the Rioja region. Located in the town of Elciego, it blends modern design with the region’s winemaking heritage. The hotel’s titanium faade stands out amidst the vineyards, and the luxury rooms, a stunning spa, and gourmet dining experiences will make for an unforgettable romantic trip.
Another romantic place, and a little more budget-friendly, is the Parador de Santo Domingo de la Calzada. This charming hotel in a historic 12th-century building is located in the heart of La Rioja. With its stone walls, wooden beams, and antique furnishings it provides a really nice romantic setting.
Tip: If youd rather combine a visit to La Rioja with a city trip, you can take day trips from both Bilbao and San Sebastian to the Rioja wine region. Both cities have a lot to offer and are a great base for a romantic trip to northern Spain.
Or, you could even find multi-day wine tours from Madrid and Barcelona that include a visit to La Rioja.
Also Read: The Benefits of Booking Tours
4. Sailing in the Balearic Islands
Charter a private sailboat in the Balearics to explore hidden coves, crystal-clear waters, and stunning coastlines away from the usual tourist spots.
Having sailed extensively in Spain, I can confidently say that the Balearic Islands are one of the most beautiful regions to explore by boat.
And of course, there’s something very romantic about sailing into the sunset together or enjoying an afternoon anchored in a beautiful bay, swimming, having lunch or a drink on deck…
And, unlike what you may think:
- You don’t have to know how to sail to charter a sailboat.
- It isn’t only for rich people.
The Balearics offer a wide range of sailing options. Whether you just want to get out on the water for an afternoon to visit hidden coves and enjoy crystal clear waters or want to spend one or more nights aboard a boat, perhaps even sailing from island to island, it’s all possible in the Balearics.
You can rent a sailboat (or motorboat) for a few hours or several days, and with or without a qualified captain.
From budget-friendly boats to luxurious yachts, there’s a boat to suit every sailing dream. Enjoy the unique tranquility of the sea, discover secluded places you otherwise can’t get to, and create life-long memories.
Where to Sail in the Balearics
Mallorca is probably my favorite of the Balearic Islands, especially when it comes to chartering a sailboat. Palma de Mallorca, in particular, offers fantastic opportunities for setting off on an unforgettable sailing adventure. But lively Ibiza is a great sailing destination as well and, if you’re looking for a more serene and tranquil escape, Menorca is the island for you.
The two best websites to book a private boat charter online are Click&Boat and Sailo. Have a look at both to see what is available and to get an idea of what it could be like to plan a romantic trip on a boat.
Having lived on a sailboat myself for several years now, for a truly romantic experience I highly recommend spending at least one night aboard a boat!
Tip: the Balearic Islands arent the only place in Spain where you can charter a sailboat. I can recommend sailing in the Canary Islands, especially when mainland Spain gets too cold. And I love exploring my former home, the Costa Blanca, by boat as well.
Instead of chartering a boat there are also (sunset)cruises you can book. Ive done those, and enjoyed those, but they can get crowded and touristy, which does make them less romantic, in my opinion.
4. A Flamenco Show in a Cave in Granada
When it comes to Spanish cities, Id say Granada is one of the most romantic places in Spain. And a flamenco show in a cave is a unique, romantic thing to do here.
The intimate setting of ancient cave homes that have housed Flamenco for centuries make this a special way to watch a Flamenco show and immerse yourself in Andalusian culture.
You can find these cave houses in the hills on the outskirts of Granada in an area called Sacromonte. Sacromonte is known as the gypsy quarter, hosting lively Flamenco performances in the evenings. It’s a distinctive cultural experience in the region and a great evening out.
Yes, it’s a bit touristy and you definitely won’t have the cave to yourself, but if you like the idea of experiencing a Flamenco show, this is a cool setting for it. You can book the flamenco show here.
Combine it with a romantic dinner in the city and you’ll have a great night out.
Where to Stay in Granada
The Palacio de Santa Paula Autograph Collection is a great place to stay for a romantic getaway to Granada. Its a luxury 14th-century convent-turned-hotel, thats just gorgeous!
Alternatively, a more affordable option for a romantic stay in Granada is the Gar Anat Hotel Boutique. It’s a very charming, small hotel in a 17th-century building. And it’s centrally located which makes it great for exploring the city.
Also Read: Interview About What It’s Like to Move to and Live in Granada
5. Staying in a Parador
Yes, theres a reason why two of the romantic hotels I recommended above are Paradores.
Paradores are, in my opinion, some of the most romantic places in Spain.
These Paradores aren’t your typical hotelsthey’re meticulously restored historic buildings that have been transformed into beautiful hotels, ranging from medieval castles and monasteries to palatial estates.
Each Parador offers a unique setting and shares a bit of Spain’s rich heritage.
Picture yourself waking up in a centuries-old castle, surrounded by stunning landscapes, or lounging in a former monastery, all while enjoying modern comforts and top-notch amenities.
What makes Paradores truly special is their ability to offer an exclusive glimpse into Spain’s cultural tapestry. They’re strategically located across the country, often close to iconic landmarks and surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes.
Whether you want to explore the rugged coastlines of Galicia, the vibrant cities of Andalusia, or the picturesque countryside of Castile and Leon, there’s a Parador you can stay in perfect for a romantic retreat.
For more information read Paradores in Spain: What They Are and Why I Recommend Them
6. Horseback Riding on Menorca’s Beaches
If you really want to get away from it all Menorca is a beautiful island, much more tranquil than its neighbors Mallorca and Ibiza.
And horseback riding along one of Menorca’s pristine beaches or to stunning viewpoints is a great thing to do here on a romantic getaway.
Unlike the other two islands, Menorca is known for its unspoiled landscapes. That, plus the crystalline waters, secluded coves, and soft sandy beaches, creates an idyllic backdrop for a romantic horseback ride.
The guided horseback rides on the island are perfect for beginners as well, so even if you’ve never ridden a horse before, or your partner hasn’t, this is a great place to give it a try.
Where to Stay in Menorca
If you’re planning a luxury romantic getaway then Hotel Torralbenc is perfect. It’s a luxurious boutique hotel, set amidst vineyards and rolling hills. Plus it offers really nice rooms, a stunning pool, and fabulous food.
For a more budget-friendly option, Hostal La Isla is a great choice. It’s a nice, family-run guesthouse just a 5 minutes walk from the historic center of Mahon.
7. Taking a Private Cooking Class
I love taking cooking classes wherever I travel. Not only is it fun to learn something new, but I find that cooking classes also give you a nice glimpse into the local culture.
A lot of cooking classes in Spain will take you to a local market first to buy fresh ingredients and will teach you a bit about the history of the dish(es) you are making as well.
Taking a private cooking class can be a great romantic thing to do all over Spain.
And of course, after cooking you’ll get to enjoy the food you made, paired with some nice Spanish wine.
This market tour and private cooking class in Barcelona is possibly one of the best in Spain, taking you to a chef’s private home to learn all the secrets of Catalan cooking.
But, you can find both private and group cooking classes all over Spain.
Also Read:
8. Stargazing in Teide National Park, Tenerife
What about a romantic evening of looking at the stars together?
Teide National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the island of Tenerife. It includes Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, which is renowned as one of the world’s best stargazing locations.
Its high altitude, clear skies, and minimal light pollution create an ideal environment for looking at the stars together.
You can book a guided sunset and stargazing tour which includes transportation and dinner.
But you can of course also drive to Teide yourself if you rent a car on the island. There are several good lookout points to enjoy the sunset and stargazing. Mirador de Chipeque is a good option, however you might want to drive a bit further if you find that one too crowded.
Bring a blanket, a nice bottle of cava, and a snack to share for a romantic evening under the stars.
And apart from stargazing, Teide National Park offers great hiking, there’s a cable car, and an observatory you can visit. For some more adventure, you could go on a quad bike tour as well.
Where to Stay in Tenerife
For a luxury stay, check out The Ritz-Carlton. It’s a luxury resort overlooking the Atlantic Ocean with unique, Moorish-inspired buildings. There are 7(!!) pools, and 8 restaurants, including 2 with Michelin stars, and there’s a great spa as well.
If that’s all a bit too much, Hotel Boutique San Diego is a really nice boutique hotel with lovely staff.
9. Relaxing in Hot Springs in Galicia
Galicia is renowned for its therapeutic thermal waters, so if you’re looking to soak in some hot springs together, this is where you want to go.
From public hot springs to luxury thermal resorts, you have a lot of options here.
Out of all of Galicia Ourense is the area most popular for its hot springs so I’d recommend going here.
The As Burgas Thermal Pool (Piscina Termal de As Burgas), located in the center of Oursense, and dating back to Roman times, is normally the public hot spring I would recommend. Unfortunately, it’s currently closed for renovation. And although it’s said to reopen in 2024, no date has been mentioned yet.
But, not to worry, there are plenty of other options. In fact, there’s a whole ‘Thermal Route’ along the river in Ourense, lined with several hot springs you can visit.
Ourense’s tourism board has a useful page here with more information about that route and the different hot springs you can visit.
Another good option, outside of the city, is the Termas de Prexigueiro. You can book a range of spa treatments here as well. It can get crowded, however, so for a quiet, romantic getaway I would avoid weekends and any public holidays.
Alternatively, you could choose to stay in a hotel with hot springs. Lobios Caldaria Thermal Resort is located in the mountainous region of Lobios, and a perfect place to unwind together. You can enjoy the natural hot springs by the river here or opt for the spa facilities inside the resort.
Where to Stay in Ourense
Unless you decide to stay in a hotel with hot springs, as mentioned above, I recommend going to Ourense.
And in Ourense, Hotel Carris Cardenal Quevedo is a nice place to stay in the city center.
Or, a more romantic place to stay outside of Ourense is the Parador de Santo Estevo. It’s a 10th-century, beautifully converted monastery.
10. Staying in a Romantic Dome
Have you always wanted to stay in one of these ‘bubble rooms’? Then maybe this is the perfect choice for your next romantic trip.
Located in Hormigos, a scenic 90-minute drive from Madrid, Miluna offers a uniquely romantic stay in their domes.
Looking at the stars from your bed at night, or enjoying your private jacuzzi with a glass of wine in your hand… it’s a great way to get away from everyday life for a night or two.
Tip: if youre thinking about a romantic trip to the Canary Islands, you can rent a beautiful dome in Lanzarote as well, at Eslanzarote Eco Dome Experience.
Final Thoughts About Romantic Things to Do in Spain
When it comes to romantic things to do and places to visit in Spain, you have plenty of options.
With its beautiful historic towns, gorgeous coastline, and rich culture, its not difficult to create a romantic setting.
My boyfriend and I love picking a random Spanish town for a weekend getaway. We live in Valencia, and, apart from sailing along the coast, some of my favorite romantic trips in this part of Spain have been to Albarracin, Peiscola, and Altea (the last two are possible as day trips from Valencia as well).
Anyway, that is just to say that no matter where you are in Spain, there are romantic places within easy reach everywhere.
I hope this list has given you some inspiration for romantic things to do, whether for a date night or a romantic getaway!
Also read:
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