Love might come from the heart, but it passes through the stomach and there is no doubt in that. Food had always been closely related to travel, which is only natural, since traveling means exploring, and there is nothing better than exploring the local food traditions of every country, city or town around the world.

However... you cannot simply mention food and not talk about wine as well. It has been proven that pairing a dish with a correct wine upgrades the dish's flavors and further upgrades the food travel experience. These destinations around the world will be loved by every couple of foodies since they know how to food and wine!

Santorini, Greece


Where is the Romance?

When talking about romantic holidays, at least in Greece, the first destination mentioned is none other than Santorini. Indeed, Santorini is currently among the best destinations for couples around the world, particularly popular for its stunning sunset, luxurious hotels on the cliff, and gourmet restaurants. Top 3 Romantic Things to do in Santorini are:

What about the Must-Try Dishes?

Santorini has the ideal setting to make you crave for Greek food, with its breathtaking sunsets, picturesque alleys and white villages. The top recipes to try on the island are:

  • Fava me Koukia
  • Tomato Gefthedes
  • Saganaki
  • Greek Salad
  • Keftes/Kofta

What's so great about this area for Wine-Tasting?

Santorini produces the best wines in Greece, which is mainly due to its unique climate and volcanic soil. Apart from the countless wineries around the island, you can taste premium quality wine at the local bars and restaurants. The best wineries in Santorini are:

  • Art Space Winery
  • Antoniou Winery
  • Argyros Estate
  • Boutari
  • Canava Roussos

Tuscany, Italy

Where is the Romance?

Romance in Tuscany is like a dream come true, no wonder why it ranks up so high for romantic holidays. There are actually countless romantic things to do around the region, here are the best ones: 

  • Ride a Vespa through the countryside!
  • Watch the beautiful sunset over Florence!
  • Take a stroll across Arno River!
  • Explore the picturesque Tuscan villages!

What about the Must-Try Dishes?

Tuscan food is characterized by its simplicity, and the dishes are not covered in heavy sauces. Olive oil is a major ingredient for the majority of the recipes, while it is used for cooking as well. Some of the most popular foods in Tuscany are:

  • Lampredotto Sandwich
  • Crostini Toscani
  • Panzanella
  • Lardo di Colonnata
  • Ribollita
  • Pappa al Pomodoro

What's so great about this area for Wine-Tasting?

Tuscany hosts some of the most popular wine regions in the world. The majority of the region's vineyards can be found at altitudes of 150-1600 meters, while the wines are listed as DOCG, DOC, and IGT. The top wine regions in Tuscany are:

  • Bolgheri
  • Chianti
  • Montalcino
  • Montepulciano
  • San Gimignano

Porto, Portugal

Where is the Romance?

Porto might not very photogenic on the first sight, however, it's one of the best cities to spend romantic holidays in Portugal. Romance comes in many forms and shapes in Porto. 3 Must-Dos for Couples in Porto:

  • Enjoy a romantic dinner in a Port wine cellar!
  • Take a walk at the Crystal Palace Gardens!
  • Watch the Sunset at Serra do Pilar!

What about the Must-Try Dishes?

Since food tasting is part of your trip, your holidays in Porto would not be complete if you didn't try some of the local recipes.

What's so great about this area for Wine-Tasting?

Porto is a popular wine-tasting destination for many reasons. Its exquisite wine cellars is the main reason for its high popularity, however, you will also fine various amazing wine bars and wines that you can buy at supermarkets at very affordable prices! Some popular Wine Cellars in Porto are:

Umbria, Italy

Where is the Romance?

Umbria is located in the center of Italy and it truly has nothing to fear from other popular Italian destinations like Florence or Pisa. Its packed with towns, parks, and mountains ideal for any kind of romantic vacations. Some Must-Do Activities for Couples include:

  • Watch the breathtaking views over the Gubbio Mountain!
  • Visit the Terni, Narni and Marmore Falls!
  • Have a picnic at the stunning and colorful Oasis of Alviano!

What about the Must-Try Dishes?

Only 2nd to Tuscany, Umbria is definitely the best place for a gastronomic journey in Italy. A typical meal in Umbrian is very similar to a Tuscan meal, including a selection of starters (antipasti, like ham, salami and other food. Porchetta originates from Umbria, even though it's pretty popular throughout all Italy.  The best dishes to eat in Umbria are:

  • Porchetta
  • Tartufo
  • Ribollita
  • Pappa al pomodoro
  • Crostini alla norcini
  • Panzanella

What's so great about this area for Wine-Tasting?

Even though Umbria has  been shadowed by its bordering region of Tuscany, it is widely known for its vast and diverse wine culture. Each area of Umbria produces its own wine, so you will have to actually make a tour of the region to discover the local wines completely. Some of the best wines in Umbria are:

  • Torgiano Rosso Riserva DOCG
  • Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG
  • Montefalco Rosso DOC
  • Orviento DOC

Bordeaux, France

Where is the Romance?

Well, being in France, Bordeaux could not but be a romantic getaway. The city is packed with narrow pavements to discover and pedestrian cities to walk with your other half. Moreover, the city's amazing food culture will further upgrade your romantic holidays into a delicious gastronomic journey! Some Must Dos in Bordeaux are:

  • Take on the "Rustic Vines" Food and Wine tour!
  • Walk through Rue Ste Catherine, one of the longest pedestrian streets in the world!
  • Discover Clocher de l'eglise Monolithe, one of the largest European churches!

What about the Must-Try Dishes?

When talking about food, Bordeaux has won the heart of every foodie that has visited it. The dishes are countless and it's pretty difficult to decide which are the best ones, however, these dishes will pair perfectly with your premium Bordeaux wine!

  • Braised Lamb with Giant White Beans
  • Sauvignon Blanc-Steamed Mussels with Garlic Toasts
  • Bacon-and-Leek Quiche
  • Sauteed Bass with Lemongrass

What's so great about this area for Wine-Tasting?

Bordeaux is all about wine, with the majority of the most popular wine labels around the world coming from this region. The majority of the wine produced in the area is red, while there 54 appellations of Bordeaux wine! The top 3 vineyards in Bordeaux for your wine-tasting holidays are:

  • Chateau de Pitray
  • Chateau Mouton Rothschild
  • Chateau Pape-Clement

Alentejo, Portugal


Where is the Romance?

Alentejo is considered to be of the Portuguese hidden gems, packed with romantic rural retreats and other activities to do in nature. There are not any big cities in the region, so it's mainly for peaceful and relaxing romantic holidays. Some Must-Dos in the region are:

  • Discover the ancient Mosaraz Castle and Walls!
  • Sunbath in Troia Beach, a paradise-like beach known for its soft white sand!
  • Take a walk at the Dona Dorinda Vineyard!

What about the Must-Try Dishes?

Alentejo is also called the Portuguese land of tradition, and one of the reasons is due to its preservation of the local gastronomy. The region is literally packed with restaurants serving age-old Portuguese recipes, while the local cheeses are to-die-for. The top dishes to try are:

  • Acorda
  • Carne de Porco a Alentejana

What's so great about this area for Wine-Tasting?

Alentejo is considered to be one of the best wine regions all over the world, since it has won the award of the Best Wine Region in the world according to USA Today and Portal 10Best. The top wineries in Alentejo are:

  • Adega da Cartuxa
  • Adega Mayor
  • Herdade da Malhadinha Nova
  • Herdade do Esporao
  • Herdade dos Grous