Venice: A Romantic Escape For Couples

There are a handful of abroad destinations that are incredibly popular amongst couples, especially those celebrating their honeymoons. After my partner and I got married, we decided to randomly pick one of these destinations so that we could see for ourselves what all the fuss was about. As beautiful as our wedding day was, it had been a hectic couple of months, so we were both looking for a destination where we could relax and destress. Usually, we’re not the type of people to follow along with something just because it’s what everyone else is doing. But on this occasion, because we’d heard so many good things about Venice, we decided to pack our bags and take the next flight to the floating city.

We decided to book ourselves a cosy, rural Airbnb located in the village of Oriango di Mira. We could have chosen a hotel or apartment right in the city, but personally, I believe that the best way to understand the culture and lifestyle in a country you’ve never visited before is to escape the city and stay somewhere completely secluded. Most people love Venice for its romantic boat trips and rooftop terraces where you can enjoy a drink or two. For us, staying outside of the city’s bustling centre allowed us to spend quality time together away from any distractions. Our favourite activity was exploring the prosecco hills, which involved taking a scenic drive through the local vineyards and enjoying the wine tastings that they offered us.

​During our stay, Venice continued to surprise me in a number of different ways – firstly, because of its extensive shopping scene. Typically, I’m what you’d call a picky shopper, especially when it comes to beauty products, so when I had been told about Venice’s retail landscape, I wasn’t expecting much. We decided to head to St Mark’s Square once the sun went down, where we explored a beautiful variety of designer boutiques and jewellery stores. I was amazed at the selection of products they were offering. If you ask anyone who knows me, they’d tell you how I’m very particular with the stores I like to shop in. If you know me, you’ll know I never go anywhere without my REFY lip gloss – no other product has ever come close. But to my surprise, the boutique beauty stores in Venice introduced me to a whole new world of cosmetics, and I’ve been just as obsessed with them ever since!

​Following our vineyard and shopping trip, we decided to stay in the city for a candlelit canal-side dinner at a traditional Venetian restaurant. One thing I realised quickly about Venice, and the majority of regions we visited during our stay, was the warm and friendly atmosphere we were consistently greeted with. Along with the welcoming community in the city, we enjoyed every part of the cuisine and dishes we tried. If you like seafood, you’ll be overwhelmed by the freshness and variety of fish that they offer. Some of their most popular seafood dishes are their squid and shrimp specialities. I was hesitant by the sound of it at first, but in the restaurant we visited, I was convinced by an attentive young waiter to try the Risotto al nero di seppia (also known as the black squid ink risotto). I would absolutely recommend trying this dish if you’re planning on visiting.

Finally, if you’re looking for a hidden-gem experience in the city, I would strongly advise visiting the island of Torcello. You can hire a small boat at an affordable price that takes you across the ocean to Torcello. The island is known to be one of the quietest and most picturesque places in the entire lagoon – perfect for couples looking to spend a special time together. When we arrived, there were almost no crowds compared to central Venice, along with several walking routes and peaceful wetlands to visit. In a weird but wonderful way, the island felt abandoned but full of history and ancient landmarks that subtly brought it to life.