TAKING YOUR LOVED one on a romantic road trip this Valentine’s Day is sure to drive them into your arms.
So get the guy or gal out of your dreams and into your car, because, as Smokey Robinson put it, cruising is made for love.
With this in mind, we’ve put together a list of the six most romantic drives around Europe to make your love life miles better. So, grab the keys to your car and maybe you’ll get the key to their heart. OK, OK, I’ll stop (in the name of love)! Sorry, I can’t help myself. (I love you and nobody else)…
1. Ring of Kerry, Ireland
Fancy a romantic midnight stroll and a starlit picnic under the Milky Way? Then drive the Ring of Kerry when the sun goes down and the stars come out and spend the night in the Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve. This is the only Gold Tiered International Dark Sky Reserve in the whole of the Northern Hemisphere. This means that the view of the night sky is as clear and unpolluted as remote places like the desert plains of Africa or the Joshua Tree National Park in California.
On a clear, moonless night you can see the band of the Milky Way, the Andromeda Galaxy, star clusters and nebulas, all without any telescopes or other equipment. You can rent a house or stay in a hostel or just lie on the ground and look up at the stars shining bright above you while night breezes seem to whisper ‘I love you’.
2. Heart-shaped road (aka Road 937), Maribor to Špičnik, Slovenia
Looking for the perfect place to pop the question? Then take a road trip to Slovenia. Starting in Maribor, take road number 937 and head towards the tiny village of Špičnik, about 30 minutes away. The pretty road winds its way through quaint villages and vineyards and there are plenty of places to stop for a romanic picnic which are nestled along the banks of the Bresterniški potok that follows the road.
However, the real romance starts when the road twists into the shape of a heart in Špičnik. Make sure you get out of the car and walk up the hill so you can see that you really were on the road to love.
3. The Romantic Road, Germany
Of course THE Romantic Road in southern Germany has to be on this list, but it really does live up to its name. It is one of my favourite roads to drive as it takes you through some lovely old towns and rolling farmlands at the foot of the Alps. It is especially pretty around this time of year as there is usually snow everywhere which ups the romance to Barry White level.
By the end of this road trip your partner won’t be able to get enough of your love, babe.
4. The Cotswolds Romantic Road, England
Whilst Kissing Tree Lane might be the most romantic road name in the UK, the actual most romantic road is called Copse Hill Road in Lower Slaughter, which is in the Cotswolds. And I know it doesn’t sound romantic but believe me when I tell you it is incredibly darling and perfectly suited for those who are ‘courting’.
The Cotswolds Romantic Road splits into two loops, both centred on the elegant Regency town of Cheltenham. The northern loop is known as ‘A Road for Today’ and the southern loop is known as ‘A Road for Tomorrow’. Both routes follow twisty, narrow country drives through quintessentially English countryside. These roads are best enjoyed in an open-top British sports car – I recommend a 1974 Triumph TR6 – and don’t forget to steal a kiss at the turn of a mile.
5. The Bloemen Route, Netherlands
Flowers are traditionally synonymous with Valentine’s Day in Western culture as they represent romance and love. But this year, don’t just get your loved one a bouquet of flowers. Get them all the flowers.
This drive, known as the Flower Route, takes you through western Holland and is filled fields covered with multicoloured blooms that stretch as far as the eye can see. It really is breathtaking and almost otherworldly to see the landscape blanketed with such colour.
The Bloemen Route is around 40km (25 miles) and the flower show starts in late January, when the first crocuses come up. Daffodils, narcissi, and hyacinths spring up next followed by irises and tulips in early May, then gladioli, dahlias, and fragrant lilies. A trip along this fragrant route is sure to get you kissed by a rose on the grey.
6. The Amalfi Coast, Italy
Italy is a country known for its romance and passion and the Amalfi Coast is one of its most famous and most romantic roads. Start your passionate drive in Sorrento, preferably in a sporty Italian convertible, and preferably with a sporty Italian, and head north towards Positano. The thrill of driving the narrow, coastal road will leave you and your loved one buzzing with adrenaline and you’ll be hugging each other tight celebrating the fact that you made it to Positano alive.
Once in Positano, head to one of the most romantic restaurants in the world, La Sponda in the famous La Sirenuse Hotel. This Michelin-starred restaurant offers magnificent views of the coast and has an elegant atmosphere especially at night when the space bathes in the soft glow created by 400 candles. By the end of the night you’ll be fanning the flames of love eternal.
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