The best romantic mini-breaks from European capitals

A mere sixty minutes from Berlin, this scenic spa town seduces visitors with the splendour of Mother Nature. Situated at the base of the serene Scharmützelsee Lake, leisure activities include lakeside boat rides, forest hikes and for the winter months, soothing spa therapies for the body and soul. Villa Contessa, a cosy cottage by the lake, provides an idyllic setting for intimate encounters.

Boasting a 12^th-century medieval centre virtually unchanged through the centuries, this former mining town is home to a few quirky remnants of the past. The gothic St. Barbora Cathedral dramatically hovers over the horizon like a middle ages spacecraft while the hair-raising “bone” church offers a graphic account of the country’s great plague; over 40,000 bones are piled together to form a macabre diorama. Fortunately, your honey can provide a cuddle at the eclectically elegant Chateau Kotěra a short driving distance from the centre of town.

The jaw-dropping Italian countryside always presents a great excuse to venture outside the capital. Tivoli, a tiny town in the Lazio region, boasts two of the most visually stunning historic sites in the country. Hadrian’s Villa is a lavish retreat featuring 30 ancient structures including theatres, baths, temples and even the private quarters of 2^nd century Emperor. While equally impressive, Villa d’Este is more of a garden lovers’ paradise, offering a labyrinth of fountains, flora and sculpted statues. For your own storyed adventure, check into the chic 15^th century Residenze Gregoriane.

Once the glitzy summer playground of Portugal’s glam kings and queens, cool Casçais remains a haven for sun-loving revellers who enjoy a little culture with their beach frolicking. From quaint museums to a mosaic-tiled pedestrian-only old town and outdoor eateries, this teeny town near Lisbon offers all you need for a weekend to remember. Opt for a stay at the ultra-mod Farol Design Hotel for posh furnishings (the matinee idol chairs are a blast) out-of-this-world seafood and brunch spreads and arguably the most amazing lounge views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The thought of travelling to a rambunctious university town close to Stockholm might seem unappealing to some, but the pristine beauty, romantic cobbled walkways and landmark-filled centre might just be enough to change their minds. Curious visitors will appreciate the 13^th-century cathedral, said to be the largest in Scandinavia, the botanical gardens and 6^th-century old town featuring an ancient burial ground among other artefacts. And at the end of a long day exploring, the Grand Hotell Hörnan is a great place to put up your feet in a space that follows Sweden’s famed minimalist aesthetic to a T.