The best activities for a couples’ holiday in Europe

Bike to the Bridge of Love – Ayia Napa, Cyprus

The Bridge of Love – who knew rocks could be this romantic? / Image: Adobe Stock

Relationship on the rocks? Going to look at some literal rocks together could be the remedy. And once you’ve clamped eyes on the Bridge of Love on Cape Greco, near Ayia Napa, it’s hard not to feel like you’re on a honeymoon holiday. Grab a bike from a rental shop and cycle out to the natural phenomenon in less than 30 minutes. If you’re staying on the other side of the island, fear not, as there’s a similarly romantic lump of stone in the sea for you to go and gawp at with your significant other: Aphrodite’s Rock (aka Petra tou Romiou), said to be the birthplace of Aphrodite, which rises out of the water near Paphos.

Hike out to the calanques – Marseille, France

Hidden beaches await in the Calanques National Park / Image: Adobe Stock

Take a day trip from Marseille to the Parc National des Calanques. A land and marine national park stretching over more than 520km², it comprises a series of limestone cliffs and eye-popping coves lined by mini-beaches. It’s a joy to while away a whole day sunbathing, cliff jumping and swimming in the calm, malachite waters, made even more exciting by the fact you have to hike down to them – and back up, of course. Just make sure to swap the open-toe sandals for trainers before you set off. Many of the calanques don’t have restaurants or shops, so pack a bag with plenty of water, snacks and sun cream. There are over 25 to choose from, but Calanque de Sugiton and Calanque d’En-vau are known for being blindingly beautiful, while Calanque de Sormiou is a snorkelling paradise.

Scale a volcano – Catania, Sicily

Go tackle that volcano like the power couple you know you are: Mount Etna / Image: Adobe Stock

There’s nothing like hiking one of the most active volcanoes in Europe to really put a relationship to the test. You can trek up to around 2,800 metres as a twosome, but to reach the summit you’ll need to book a guided tour. The journey to the top should take around six hours, assuming you have a harmonious hike and not an ongoing argument about whether you should’ve taken that left in the lava field. But the view from way up high is a shared memory you’ll cherish forever.

For something more traditionally romantic, make sure to visit Ortigia during your stay in Sicily. The tiny island off the east coast, near Syracuse, has an impressive historical past spanning the Normans to the Ancient Greeks, which shines through in its architecture.

Kayak around the Bay of Kotor – Kotor, Montenegro

Kayaking into the sunset, just like in the movies / Image: Adobe Stock

No matter where you’re viewing it from, the Bay of Kotor is audaciously scenic. The best way to explore its islets, caves and calm waters, however, is by kayak. Not to be missed are Gospa od Skrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks), a miniscule, artificially built islet that’s home to a 17th-century church. Other aquatic activities to seek out include snorkelling in the Adriatic and paddling past idyllic fishing villages like Stoliv and the quaint town of Perast. Why not show off your teamwork and book yourselves a double kayak? Reach this blissful bay via an easy 20-minute drive from nearby Tivat (even less if you’re coming straight from Tivat Airport).