When planning a romantic getaway, most couples instinctively think of classic destinations like Paris, the celebrated 'city of love', or perhaps a picturesque Italian coastal retreat. Few would immediately consider global icons like the Great Wall of China or Australia's Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. Similarly, a grand mosque might not spring to mind as a quintessential romantic spot. However, groundbreaking new research has completely upended these traditional perceptions.
Surprising Rankings from Extensive Data Analysis
Travel specialist Go2Africa has conducted comprehensive research, analysing an impressive 1.5 million reviews from couples worldwide to determine the globe's most romantic landmarks. The findings present some astonishing results that challenge conventional wisdom about romantic destinations.
The Unlikely Champion: Switzerland's Matterhorn
Remarkably, the study revealed that the world's most romantic landmark is Switzerland's majestic Matterhorn. This near-symmetrical Alpine mountain received four to five-star ratings from a staggering 98.66 per cent of reviewing couples, securing the top position. Many described their experience as 'unforgettable', with numerous reviewers advising future visitors to 'be prepared to be awestruck'. The iconic peak offers perfect opportunities for skiing adventures or scenic romantic train journeys through the breathtaking surrounding landscape.
Perhaps most surprisingly, the Eiffel Tower – long considered the ultimate romantic symbol – placed only 68th overall in the global rankings, failing to make the top twenty list entirely.
Global Diversity in Romantic Destinations
The research highlights remarkable geographical diversity among the world's most cherished romantic spots. Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni, an immense salt flat renowned for its mirror-like surface during rainy seasons, claimed second place with 98.55 per cent positive ratings. Australia's Sydney Harbour followed closely in third position, earning praise from 98.48 per cent of couples for its spectacular city views and picturesque walking opportunities.
Mauritius's Les 7 Cascades, a stunning collection of seven waterfalls set within lush greenery, secured fourth place, offering perfect conditions for swimming, hiking, and enjoying natural beauty. The Great Wall of China completed the top five, with 98.11 per cent of couples awarding it high ratings for its awe-inspiring scale and historical grandeur.
Completing the Top Ten Romantic Landmarks
The research identified several other unexpected romantic destinations that made the prestigious top ten list:
- Brazil's magnificent Iguazu Falls ranked sixth
- America's Grand Canyon placed seventh
- Edinburgh's Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano in Holyrood Park, claimed eighth position as a popular UK destination for couples
- Victoria Falls, straddling Zambia and Zimbabwe, secured ninth place
- The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center in the United Arab Emirates completed the top ten with 97.51 per cent positive reviews
Further Notable Entries in the Top Twenty
The complete list reveals several other landmarks that couples find particularly romantic, including Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro, Australia's Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, Russia's Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, and Peru's ancient Machu Picchu. The research demonstrates that romantic appeal extends far beyond traditional European destinations, encompassing natural wonders, architectural marvels, and urban landscapes across six continents.
This comprehensive study provides valuable insights for couples seeking unique romantic experiences, suggesting that sometimes the most memorable romantic moments occur in the most unexpected locations, far from the traditional 'city of love'.
