European short breaks for young couples

Travelling as a young couple is a blast (provided neither of you gets hangry). So we’ve compiled a list of European short break destinations that are just right for young romantics, being both affordable and rich in youthful culture.

Sandy coves and cider, Devon

Take a train from London to Devon for wild moors, sheltered sandy coves, hidden valleys, granite tors, and lots of West Country cider. Of the many, many attractive towns in this county, Topsham, Dartmouth, Salcombe, and Totnes are particularly pretty, the latter being a more new-agey kind of place, with shops selling curiosities and independent cafés serving up vegan-friendly food. There’s also a recently-opened Italian restaurant in town, The Curator, whose menu will even impress homesick Italians.

Camping is a great way to see Devon, and Reforge Retreat offers circus-style tents in a garden just a short drive from Dartmoor. Or, you can splurge on a few nights at Yarner House, an ivy-coated stately home with a history dating back to its mention in the Domesday Book. Today, it’s a grand hotel located within Dartmoor National Park, with outstanding views.

Pop ups and boat trips, Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city brimming with pop-ups, festivals and bars. Order some Dutch bitterballen and beer and sit on brightly-painted canalside benches in the sun at Waterkant, then hire your own boat from Mokum rentals (just opposite). Or, catch the ferry to the Noord (north Amsterdam) and have dinner at Hotel de Goudfazant, a laid-back, revamped warehouse decorated with retro cars and ping pong tables – the food is seriously good, too. Finally, for the ultimate local, romantic experience, cycle and hold hands as you pedal through Vondelpark.

In the young and bohemian de Pijp area, BB by Servio is a romantic accommodation that puts on an impressive, organic breakfast spread.

Nightlife and great food, Berlin

If you like good food and going out, head to Berlin. The nightlife is possibly the best in the world, with established venues like the Berghain proving just as exciting as up-and-coming talent curating club nights like Creamcake. In terms of restaurants, they tend to be astonishingly affordable compared to the rest of Europe. Visit Isla for brunch, a speciality coffee shop focusing on sustainability and serving up recipes like eggs in a basket with dukkah and chili mayo. For dinner, the brick walls and warm lighting of Der Goldene Hahn provides a romantic setting with impeccable, simple Italian food for two.

The Michelberger Hotel offers modern, industrial-chic suites only 20-minutes’ walk from Der Goldene Hahn.

Culture and creativity, Reykjavik

Though it’s on the pricier side of most European city breaks, Iceland’s capital has a lot to offer young couples on holiday. The Grandi area should be your first pitstop; traditionally the Old Harbour of the city, it’s undergone a cultural transformation, now housing boutiques, museums, restaurants, and cafés built in repurposed fishermen’s sheds. The food at these restaurants is fantastic, creatively mixing up Icelandic dishes while using traditional ingredients like fresh, local seafood, dill, and whey butter. After visiting acclaimed eateries like The Coocoo’s Nest and Matur og Drykkur, take a wildlife-spotting boat trip out into Faxaflói Bay or hike into the snow-capped mountains behind the city.

Stay at Heart of Reykjavik – Luxury Apartments for an affordably indulgent stay in the city centre.

Concept boutiques and cafés, Copenhagen

The narrow, pastel-coloured houses, old wooden boats, and many waterways of this maritime city make it aesthetically very romantic. Its concept boutiques, cafés, and the fact it’s easily walkable or bike-friendly also contribute to its suitability for a relaxed holiday for two. Take a lover’s stroll around the Rosenborg Castle and its sculpted grounds, before dining at the restaurant in the Orangery. In the evening visit the popular Tivoli Gardens, a retro amusement park and pleasure garden where trees are draped in fairy lights and ferris wheels and merry-go-rounds light up the lakes.

In the fashionable, youthful Vesterbro district, this spa hotel is only a few minutes’ walk from the Tivoli Gardens.