Whether it’s snuggling up by a cabin fireplace, walking white-sand beaches, or sharing sips on a vineyard crawl, it’s no secret that travel sets the stage for some of the world’s most romantic moments. To find out which destinations truly send hearts aflutter more than all the rest, Go2Africa conducted a study analyzing travel reviews from real couples—and the results might surprise you.
The safari operator examined over 1.5 million reviews of more than 200 global tourism hot spots, and took note of how many were written by couples. From there, they calculated what percentage of couples gave each destination or landmark four to five stars. Only places with at least 100 couple reviews were included in the report.
According to the study, the Matterhorn in Zermatt, Switzerland is the most romantic place in the world. The majestic alpine getaway received glowing reviews from an impressive 98.66 percent of couples.
Like a village straight out of a fairy tale, Zermatt makes the perfect backdrop for a romantic sojourn. The charming town is free of both cars and pollution, and it’s filled with cozy chalets, ski-in-ski-out accommodations, and elegant hotels like the famous Grand Hotel Zermatterhof. It has breathtaking views not only of the Matterhorn, but a total of 38 peaks and 14 glaciers in Switzerland, Italy, and France.
Since no one travels around Zermatt in vehicles, that leaves other, more romantic modes of transportation through the snowy landscape and to the best views of the Matterhorn. Leisurely rides on horse-drawn carriages, trains, and trolleys allow for deeply engaging with your companion while relishing the enchanting views together. One day trip not to be missed is to Klein Matterhorn—or “Little” Matterhorn—where the Matterhorn Glacier Ride cable car whisks visitors up to the world’s highest glacial palace. Apart from its inherent natural wonder, the inside of the glacier is made even more magical with intricate ice sculptures, glittering tunnels, and even a frozen slide.
While the snow-covered Matterhorn is an iconic winter image, the area makes for a fantastic couple’s retreat all year long. Biking trails and scenic hikes can be enjoyed in the spring, summer, and fall, along with Zermatt’s luxurious shopping scene and Michelin-starred dining. It’s perhaps an even more intimate stay when the crowds are away during off-season.
The study’s runner-up honor went to Salar de Uyuni, an otherworldly salt flat in Bolivia. Sydney Harbour in Australia, Les 7 Cascades in Mauritius, and the Great Wall of China rounded out the top five. Brazil Iguazu Falls narrowly beat out the only U.S. destination to make the top 10, the Grand Canyon, followed by Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh, Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls, and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center in the United Arab Emirates.