101 Romantic Weekends in Europe

By Sarah Woods

With 101 fabulous ideas for romantic and relaxing weekend breaks, this book provides all the inspiration you need for some truly special weekends away. Featuring a host of romantic activities in European destinations chosen for their charm and interest, you'll never be stuck for ideas again. Each weekend includes the low-down on romantic and relaxing activities in the area and how to contact the companies that provide them, plus fascinating historical background and useful information. Illustrated by stunning photography throughout, this book features many of the classic romantic destinations, such as enjoying an adventure on the Orient Express or sampling world-class chocolate in Belgium. It also includes fresh and unusual ideas for special weekends away, including jousting in Lithuania, salsa dancing in Madrid, staying in an igloo village in Lapland and exploring the medieval castles of Montenegro, plus many more. From Switzerland to Slovenia, and from Luxembourg to Latvia, all of the countries of the continent are included, making for a truly comprehensive guide to romantic European weekends.

• Language: English
• Publisher: IMM Lifestyle Books
• Release date: Apr 1, 2017
• ISBN: 9781607654469

Sarah Woods

Sarah Woods has been travelling nonstop for two decades, circumnavigating the globe in several directions along the way. She has scaled volcanoes, navigated windswept deserts and spent time with indigenous tribes in riverside thatched settlements. Now UK-based, Sarah works for Europe's largest wildlife conservation charity, the RSPB. She is a regular contributor to travel magazines, travel and documentary programmes and BBC radio. Sarah has won awards for her books, TV broadcasting and travel writing. She is author of the Bradt Travel Guides to Panama and Colombia.

Book preview

PORTUGAL

TIME DIFFERENCE GMT +1

TELEPHONE CODE +351

CURRENCY Euro

LANGUAGE Portuguese

POPULATION 10 million

SIZE OF COUNTRY 88,889 sq km (34,667 sq miles)

CAPITAL Lisbon

WHEN TO GO Mainland Portugal’s winters are exceptionally mild, especially in the Algarve region. Cooler inland temperatures typify inland provinces, with snowfall in the Serra da Estrela mountains. Autumns are pleasantly warm, turning steadily cooler into December. Islands offer year-round temperate conditions – 18ºC (64ºF) in winter and 22ºC (72ºF) in summer.

TOURIST INFORMATION

Portuguese National Tourist Office

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

www.visitportugal.com

On the west of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal’s 830 km (515 mile) Atlantic coastline flanks the nation to the south and west with the Spanish border to the north and east. The River Tejo provides a neat division across the country, stretching out to meet the waters of the Atlantic in Lisbon. Portugal’s 17 islands and atolls include the archipelagos of Azores and Madeira. Many of Portugal’s sleepy fishing villages of brightly painted sardine boats, cobbled streets and whitewashed houses sit alongside pristine beaches. Rugged, windswept coastal enclaves evoke the nostalgia of Old Iberia and are blessed with over 300 days of golden sunshine each year.

001 SINTRA

HOW TO GET THERE

The Tivoli Palácio de Seteais is a 40-minute transfer from Lisbon by taxi or hire car

CONTACT

Tivoli Palácio de Setais

Tel: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

www.tivolihotels.com

Sintra has long revelled in a reputation as an idyllic love-bird retreat, just a 40-minute drive from Lisbon and edged by beautiful, sheltered rocky coves. Stroll charming narrow streets, enjoy an enchanting journey through the town’s historic centre in a horse-drawn carriage or picnic in the sweet-smelling gardens of Monserrate and the stunning park of Palácio da Pena. Described by Lord Byron as Glorious Eden, Sintra’s charms have been praised by writers ever since. Portugal’s national poet, Luís Vaz de Camões, proclaimed Sintra’s glory in his epic works Os Lusíadas (The Lusiads), drawing nobility and aristocrats to its historic architecture and lush flowers. Today, visitors keen to treat their loved ones like royalty should consider a romantic weekend in Sintra’s handsome Tivoli Palácio de Seteais (Palace of the Seven Sighs), a distinguished late 18th-century castle built by the then Dutch Consul. If your idea of romance is to be joyously cocooned in cosseted luxury, then the Palacio de Seteais is your Shangri-la. Named in honour of a 12th century love story centred on an Arabian princess, the Tivoli Palácio de Seteais enjoys seductive seclusion in a quintessentially romantic niche amidst Gothic, Egyptian, Moorish and Renaissance art.

Expect opulent grandeur, tasteful dignity and every modern comfort in this perfect place for couples where romantic period elegance reigns. As befits its true neo-classical glamour, the Tivoli Palácio de Seteais is beautifully refined with lots of special touches for the romantic at heart. An impressive triumphal arch commemorates a royal visit while striking interiors are sumptuously appointed with fine antiques, tapestry, chandeliers and art. Marvel at fresco paintings, flowing drapes, polished woods, dazzling crystal, pewter, gilded motifs and towering floral displays. Lush, green gardens tumble down to a beautiful pool in a blissful romantic scene shielded by an exotic array of colourful pink and purple bougainvillea over garden trelliswork, red geraniums, eucalyptus, lemon trees and sweet mimosa. Choose from one of 30 rooms, each individually furnished in Baroque style with Champagne, heart-shaped pastries and hand-tied posies of romantic camellias on request.

Illustration

The perfectly manicured grounds of the Palácio de Seteais, Sintra.

002 ALGARVE

HOW TO GET THERE

The resort is a 20 minute transfer from Faro International Airport by taxi or hire car

CONTACT

Royal Spa

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

www.valedolobo.com

Since early times, fables and folktales have referenced salt in their fairytales. Salt has also been used in pottery production, was a source of medieval currency and, 4,700 years ago, was a pharmacological power. Salt has also played a vital role in religious ritual across many cultures, symbolizing immutable, incorruptible purity. There are more than 30 references to salt in the Bible, using expressions like salt of the earth. A salt tax was a significant cause of the French Revolution; it also motivated American pioneers and is essential for the maintenance of human life. Since time immemorial, salt has been honoured for its health-giving properties and is used to treat asthma, eliminate toxins, boost metabolism, enhance circulation, soften skin and improve well-being – and more. Little wonder that the Algarve’s prestigious Royal Spa pays homage to Portugal’s 2,700-metre rock-salt caverns at Loulé. Formed by the geological separation of Europe and Africa before the Jurassic era, the salt vein stretches as far as Barcelona and is one of Europe’s richest natural therapeutic salt sources.

Sitting within the Vale do Lobo resort, the Royal Spa applies ‘healing through water’ (Latin: sanus per aquum) from which the SPA acronym derives. Based on the principle that water is the very origin of life and possesses special healing powers, the sanctum of water is honoured in the prevailing influences of Vale do Lobo´s environment: the Atlantic Ocean and the lagoon-system and dunes of the Natural Reserve of the Ria Formosa. From the sandy beaches of Ancão to the charming village of Cacela Velha, the natural inlets of the Ria Formosa offer wildlife-rich wetlands, peaceful waters and deserted isles. Gushing fountains, trickling waterfalls and stunning cascades are evident in the spa’s design and play an important role in mind, body and soul therapies, from hydrotherapy showers and hydro-massage treatments to steam therapies – many using health-giving salt. Treatments focus on organic plant extracts, sea algae and natural essence oils. Generous use of stone, wood and plants throughout provide a mirror on the surrounding natural world.

The palatial Royal Spa may be ultramodern in construction but this 4,000 sq metre (43,000 sq ft) purpose-built wellness sanctuary draws inspiration from ancient health philosophies. Oriental and western techniques run side-by-side with traditional Chinese medicine complemented by aqua-therapies. Nutritional advice and minor cosmetic surgery are also available, in conjunction with Dr Thomas Kaiser, Director of the Vale do Lobo Medical Centre. The mood is mellow, the setting upmarket but not stuffy, and free from boot-camp deprivation. Physiological assessments help to identify individual health objectives using a holistic approach, from mud baths, hot stones, Reiki and ice therapies to weight loss and stress management. Ten therapy suites each bear the names of flowers indigenous to the local area together with two wooden spa pavilions set in quiet Oriental-style gardens around a white pebble waterfall and lily pond. Choose from saunas, a Turkish bath and steam rooms infused with local essential oils. Gentle water jets sooth fatigued limbs while salt peels soften, and deep, iced curative pools rejuvenate. Age-old touch therapies rid stressed joints of gnarls and knots while muscles are eased and vitality is restored.

In keeping with the royal theme, the Royal Spa menu is fit for a king, with specially created dishes by Chef Maurice Belhaj in collaboration with British diet and fitness expert Rosemary Conley. A mouth-watering array of dishes centres on simple fresh local produce and organic salads and vegetables together with a menu of health-giving juice drinks using energy-boosting ingredients blended to help brighten skin, heighten mood and enhance libido. Choose a refreshing pineapple, mint and ginger melange for a tasty mid-morning pick-me-up to experience an uplifting zingy surge that lasts well into the afternoon.

Long, uninterrupted sleep is a common theme of folkloric culture in Portugal with myths centring on the therapeutic powers of local nuts, fruits and berries. In the Royal Spa, undisturbed restfulness is aided by soothing massages that help to nurture quality sleep. Gentle pressure applied to the head, neck, shoulders and spine can ease areas of tension that lead to the build-up of stress. Sweet-smelling blends of warmed essential oils induce a deep state of relaxation and calm with the Royal Spa’s soothing thyme herbal tea infusion – the perfect aid to restful slumber.

Illustration

From the moment you enter the Royal Spa, you can immerse yourself in a haven far from the stresses of daily life.

003 MADEIRA

CONTACTS

Madeira Botanical Gardens

Tel: + 351 291 211 200

Fax: + 351 291 211 206

Email: [e-mail]

www.madeirabotanicalgarden.com

Madeira’s treasured 80,000-sq metre (861,120 sq ft) botanical amphitheatre not only contains a dazzling array of over 2,500 plant species but also offers spectacular panoramic views across mountains, bay waters and the city below. Look out across glorious, ramshackle rooftops to dramatic peaks and the deep blue Atlantic from Madeira’s cool leafy enclave where Japanese pagodas and romantic follies lie tucked amidst soaring ferns. Stroll along pebble-dotted pathways past ponds straddled by delicate wooden bridges. Discover handkerchief-sized plazas, boulder-strewn rockeries and crashing waterfall cascades fanned by giant creeper-clad palms. Or hike the orchid-rich leafy trails amongst a kaleidoscope of velvety pink and yellow blooms.

A romantic notion conjured up the Reid family in 1881, the Madeira Botanical Garden boasts a privileged location on the south side of a valley. At an altitude of between 200 and 350 metres (660–1,155 ft), conditions are perfect to support a spectacular array of exuberant vegetation. Nourished by nutrient-rich soils, the gardens are lush, vibrant and breathtakingly beautiful – just as the founders had dreamed. Revel in the fragrances of sprouting herbs, sub-tropical fruits and slender pine trees or discover semi-arid succulents and the dragon tree with its cylindrical trunk. A pattern of harmonious shapes and contrasting colours uses the vivid hues of Funchal Bay as a backdrop to create a tapestry-like floral carpet. Exotic plants from all continents combine to produce a glorious celebration of colour, from lilies, birds of paradise, magnolias and azaleas to bromeliads, cacti and hibiscuses.

For a truly romantic voyage through the gardens and beyond, take the Botanical Garden’s cable car up to the historic village of Monte with its beautiful church, gardens and wicker sledges. Savour expansive vistas of stunning tropical splendour, romantic Oriental tea-gardens and secluded love-seats tucked amongst the palms. Gaze out across the Atlantic Ocean as you cosy up in silent wonderment to the gentle sounds of seabirds and lapping waves. Monte’s fairytale aura once captivated Europe’s high society; today it is synonymous with miracles and centuries-old romantic legends. Since 1850, couples have observed the tradition of sliding at high speed on two-seater toboggans along Monte’s narrow, winding streets down to Funchal. Steered by two men dressed in traditional white cotton clothing and straw hats, the sledges glide on wooden runners. Poles are used for propulsion and rubber-soled boots as brakes, so lock hands and close your eyes for this romantic leap of faith.

Illustration

The Madeira Botanical Gardens are lush, vibrant and breathtakingly beautiful.

SPAIN

TIME DIFFERENCE GMT +1

TELEPHONE CODE +34

CURRENCY Euro

LANGUAGE Spanish

POPULATION 40.4 million

SIZE OF COUNTRY 504,782 sq km (196,865 sq miles)

CAPITAL Madrid

WHEN TO GO Spain is generally divided into a temperate north and a hot, dry south, with April to October the most popular time to visit. In the height of summer (July to August) temperatures soar to scorching highs inland. Coastal regions remain pleasant year-round but are prone to wet weather in winter.

TOURIST INFORMATION

Spanish Tourist Office

Tel: [phone]

Fax : [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

www.tourspain.co.uk

Spain has at least a dozen personalities, from the desert-style plains of Almeria and silver-sand beaches of Formentera to the curvaceous hills of Catalonia and the deep ravines, stalagmites and caverns of the Balearics. Vast highland plateaus are segmented by spiny mountains while narrow, low-lying coastal plains run like ribbons throughout the south-west. Dramatic cliffs are home to hook-clawed raptors while bears, lynx, and wolves roam mountain woods and streams. Vines, olives, figs and orange groves flourish in the fertile soil of the foothills while beautiful domed Moorish palaces sit in resplendent gardens amidst mosaics, frescoes and archways.

004 SANTANDER

CONTACTS

Santander International Music Festival

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

www.festivalsantander.com

August in Santander is set to a romantic musical score as breathtaking, rapturous symphonies and stirring concertos fill the city with wisps of harmonic joy. Moving orchestral drama evokes the passion of heart-rending tragedy while soulful sonatas and concerto ritornelli whirl through Santander like a melodic virtuosic cyclone. From sweet piano refrains and dancing violins to cello solos and full orchestral might, the city plays host to umpteen renditions and repertoires from every classical genre. Delight in moody modernisti movements and the delicate Romantic era’s lyrical touch during Northern Spain’s month-long celebration of music that culminates in a rousing performance by the National Orchestra of Spain.

Named for the Latin Sancti Emeterii, Santander is characterised by fine historic buildings on handsome, Roman-built streets lined with trees and shrubs. At the heart of the city, the garden-filled Paseo de Pereda boulevard splits the old quarter from Santander’s sandy, coastal strip. One of the city’s earliest constructions, a 13th-century cathedral, sits atop catacombs, underground sculpture and sombre, vaulted chambers close to the grand bourgeois mansion houses overlooking the Bay of Biscay. Here, the Palacio de Festivales (Festival Palace), built by Francisco Javier Sáenz de Oiza, is the venue of the prestigious Santander International Festival, one of Spain’s oldest musical celebrations. Though smaller performances can be enjoyed in the intimate setting of over 40 historic cloisters and gardens across the city, it is the Festival Palace that embodies the spirit of the occasion from a full-on symphonic extravaganza that sets the tone of the many dozens of operatic and choral concerts that follow. Inaugurated in 1991 with Handel’s oratorio, Joshua, a stirring piece from the height of his late creative period, the Festival Palace is in its element with big-stage productions mixing historic, ecclesiastic and aristocratic elements with a flavour of the mountains and the sea. The venue’s haunting acoustics blend with a stunning stage set – a large window that frames the Bay of Biscay provides the backdrop. To the sound of rapturous applause, the scenery takes on a romantic fervour at the climax of the festival when showered with thousands of single-stem roses from the stalls.

Illustration

Cuban dancer Lorna Feijoo, of the Boston Ballet, performs during a rehearsal of Les Sylphydes for the Santander International Festival.

005 MADRID

CONTACT

Madrid Tourist Office

Tel: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

www.esmadrid.com

Madrid’s sultry salsa scene revels in sensual seduction, in which simmering physical chemistry and overtly sexual rhythms collide in a full-on sensory assault. Meaning ‘sauce’ in Spanish, the salsa is anything but sweet in style. Yet a fiery chilli has soft flesh and the salsa is no stranger to tender sentiment, albeit wrapped in raw, heartfelt desire. With bodies pressed tightly together in rhythmic unison, Madrid’s spellbinding musical love potion adds an extra frisson to the dance-floor. ‘I’m drowning and I can’t live without you’ resonates the ultimate salsa love cry of Mi Todo (My All): an intimate cocktail of intoxicating lyrics and irrepressible, sweat-drenched beats.

In recent years salsa musicians from such places as Havana, Panama, Colombia and Argentina have made their home in the Spanish capital, joining forces with Spanish musicians to create various hybrid forms of salsa fused with African and Middle Eastern sounds. In Madrid, this melting pot of vibrant musical influences is easy to discover, from Cuban folk and Puerto Rican peasant dances to the tribal drumming of the Western Sahara. Visitors keen to experience Madrid’s sassiest dance form will need to wait until at least midnight when restaurants begin clearing the last dinner plates and city’s salsatecos begin to fill. Entering a salsa bar can be like joining a theatrical production where the dance floor is the stage and the salseros the actors. To the 1-2-3-touch, 5-6-7-touch of a pulsating, syncopated beat a moving sea of dancers revels in physical, musical and philosophical synch. Through shifting moods and tempos, couples sustain an intense level of inter-body communication as tendrils of salsa passion ignite.

Pick up a Guía del Ocio from any street corner kiosk for a comprehensive list of salsa lessons, venues and festivals, plus upcoming events. Madrid’s premier salsa joints include the trendy Barnon (17 Santa Engracia), tropical Azúcar (Pº Reina Cristina, 7, near Atocha Railway Station) and the fiesta-loving El Son (Victoria 6, Metro Sol, near Puerta del Sol). The city’s oldest salsateca, O’zona (Av. Mediterráneo, 12 Metro Conde de Casal o Menéndez Pelayo), may boast a pocket-sized dance-floor, but for a shock of sensual energy few can compare. A blaze of fast-paced spins and turns ensure a night of tight-fit dances among the salsa throng. Once the triple-twirls fade into a dreamy, slow-tempo salsa romántica, you’ll know daybreak has arrived.

Illustration

Dance a fiery salsa for a burst of sensual energy.

006 SAN SEBASTIAN

CONTACT

Cantabria Tourist Department

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

www.turismodecantabria.com

Romance in Spain conjures up visions of delicious tapas and free-flowing sangria overlooking the sea. Sharing mouth-watering regional delicacies in a warm sea breeze epitomises the beguiling romantic mellowness of the Spanish coastline where exquisite seafood dining wows gastronomes from around the