Travel Destinations Inspired by Romance Novels

Travelnet Marketing Team • 8 February 2023

With Valentine's Day coming up - you may be looking for a new travel destination or perhaps a new romantic novel to read - why not both? Many love stories have been set in iconic and beautiful destinations. We have compiled a list of MUST-see locations from our favourite romance novels.

The banner of the book Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman - Blog Post Barters Travelnet

 

Setting: Italian Riviera, Northern Italy

 

Taken place during the summer of 1983 in the Italian countryside, Call Me By Your Name tells the story of falling in love for the first time. Both the novel and the film feature many of the picturesque scenery Northern Italy has to offer.

Bordighera, Italy

Typical Italian street during the summer in Bordighera, Italian Riviera, Italy - Blog Post Barters Travelnet

While many of the film locations took place throughout the town of Crema, Northern Italy. The real setting for the book is Bordighera - a small seaside town located near the French/Morocco border. Known for its gorgeous beaches, gardens and colourful architecture - it is no wonder why Aciman chose the old town as the setting of his novel! Bordighera is an ideal travel destination for anyone who is looking for a quiet getaway while being surrounded by scenic views.

Lake Garda, Italy

Beautiful Panoramic view of Lake Garda in Italy with a village and mountains in the background, Italian Riviera

Lake Garda is Italy's largest freshwater lake. Featured in both the book and the film, Lake Garda is a popular beach destination and is located not far from Verona - making it an ideal day trip. Tours of the Lake and its surrounds are available via boat, walking or even Vespa!

The banner of the book The Fault In Our Stars by John Green - Blog Post Barters Travelnet

Setting: Indiana, USA & Amsterdam, The Netherlands

John Green's - The Fault in Our Stars follows two teenage cancer patients as they learn to celebrate life to the fullest and fall in love in the process. The novel is set in the small town of Indianapolis and the city of Amsterdam.

The Herengracht Canal, Netherlands

The Herengracht Canal during sunset in Amsterdam, Netherlands - Blog Post Barters Travelnet

The Herengracht is one of the four canals that run throughout Amsterdam. Herengracht is regarded as being the most important and "richest" canal in the city! Attractions across the canal include The Anne Frank House (also featured in The Fault in Our Stars), various history/art museums and the iconic bench seen in The Fault in Our Stars film.

The Rijksmuseum - The National Museum of the Netherlands

Perfect view of The Rijksmuseum The National Museum of the Netherlands located in Amsterdam - Blog Post Barters Travelnet

The Rijksmuseum is the National Museum of the Netherlands and Is regarded as one of the world's most famous museums. Featuring around 8,000 pieces and artworks from famous Dutch artists such as Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Vermeer! It is a must-see for art lovers.

The banner of the book The Song Of Achilles by Madeline Miller - Blog Post Barters Travelnet

Setting: Ancient Greece

Interested in a historic read? Set in 12 BC Greece, The Song of Achilles retells Homer's Iliad and the events of the Trojan War from the POV of Patroclus. The novel deals with themes of fate and star-crossed love.

Troy - Çanakkale, Turkey

Ruins of the Ancient City of Troy in Çanakkale, Turkey - Blog Post Barters Travelnet

Explore the lost city of Troy, located in north-western Turkey. With various attractions to see such as the Trojan Horse, ancient ruins and battlegrounds - the city of Çanakkale is a must-visit for any History or Greek mythology enthusiast.

Mount Pelion - Thessaly, Northern Greece

Aerial View of Mount Pelion Region in Thessaly, Northern Greece - Blog Post Barters Travelnet

Mount Pelion is known for its nature, beautiful scenery and exotic clear-water beaches. Along with being one of the main settings for The Song Of Achilles, Pelion was also a filming location for Mamma Mia! Many tours are available along the coast of Pelion including activities such as paddle boarding, canoeing and rock climbing.

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Ordinary on the Map, Unforgettable in Real Life

by Leonor Resende • 23 April 2026
Not every place makes a good first impression. Some destinations look quiet on the map, unremarkable in photos, and easy to overlook when compared to Europe’s better‑known cities and regions. They don’t promise instant wonder or dramatic scenery, they don’t shout for attention, in fact, they can seem so familiar that you wonder whether they’re worth the trip at all. And yet, these are often the places that surprise us the most. Once you arrive, expectations begin to fall away. You stop searching for highlights and start noticing moments instead: the rhythm of daily life, the way people interact with their surroundings, how time feels different when nothing is urging you forward. Slowly, almost without realising it, the place begins to matter. This is the kind of travel that doesn’t reveal itself all at once, it unfolds through small details, unplanned pauses, and experiences that don’t always fit neatly into an itinerary. By the time you leave, you understand something important: the places that felt ordinary before the trip are often the ones that stay with you longest afterward. Europe is full of destinations like this, quiet, understated places that reward curiosity rather than expectation. These are some of them.
blue danube river

Discover Riviera Travel River Cruises: Itineraries, Excursions & Current Offers

by Elizabeth Leonard • 21 April 2026
Explore Riviera Travel river cruise itineraries across the Danube, Rhine, Seine and Douro, with curated excursions and immersive experiences. Now with €99 deposits, 10% off 2027–2028 sailings and limited-time savings on selected 2026 cruises.

Travel the World’s Biggest Music Festivals

by Leonor Resende • 14 April 2026
At their core, music festivals are more than live performances or carefully curated line‑ups. They are cultural gatherings, temporary communities where locals and travellers come together in shared spaces shaped by creativity, tradition, and emotion. For a few days or weeks, familiar landscapes are transformed, and in that transformation a place reveals how it celebrates, how it communicates, and how it welcomes outsiders.  These moments go beyond what happens on stage. Festivals unfold within real places, not isolated bubbles, and they carry the imprint of their surroundings. The food reflects regional traditions, the rhythms of daily life seep into the schedule, and local values are expressed through art, design, and the way people interact. Whether set in countryside fields, historic cities, or coastal neighbourhoods, festivals offer travellers an unusually intimate way to experience a destination. This is what makes music festivals such compelling entry points for cultural travel. They encourage movement without urgency, discovery without a checklist, and connection without preconception. Rather than following an itinerary, travellers follow a feeling, allowing sound, place, and human connection to shape the journey. In these moments, travel becomes less about where you go next, and more about how deeply you experience where you are.

The Ultimate Malta travel guide: Top Attractions & Hidden Gems

by Kelly Collins • 1 April 2026
Malta is one of those places that completely catches you off guard, in the best ways imaginable. For such a tiny island nation, it packs more beauty, history and “wait, why does nobody talk about this?!” moments than seems fair. One minute you're wandering through golden stone streets that look straight out of a period drama, and the next you're floating in shockingly blue water, wondering why it isn't illegal for the sea to look that good. It’s the kind of destination where the big attractions blow your way, but the hidden corners are what quietly steal your heart This guide is here to walk you through Malta the way a fellow traveller would, with honest insight, friendly advice and all the info you need to make your trip effortless and unforgettable

Find Your Perfect Holiday Based on Your Personality

by Leonor Resende • 27 March 2026
Choosing a holiday is more than deciding on a place to visit, it’s choosing the version of yourself you want to step into for a little while. Some people come alive on high mountain trails, others find their joy floating in warm turquoise seas. Some feel energised exploring new cultures, while others crave nothing more than sunshine, good food and the simple luxury of slowing down. Travel isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all. It’s personal. It’s emotional. It’s a reflection of you. And that’s why the best holidays aren’t picked at random, they’re chosen by discovering what kind of traveller you truly are. Are you the adventurer? The luxury seeker? The family memory‑maker? The culture lover? Or the dreamer ready to explore a far‑flung corner of the world? When you match your personality to the right holiday style, something magical happens: the anticipation grows, the excitement builds, and suddenly the journey feels like it’s already begun. So let’s dive in. Let’s explore the escape that suits your spirit, the holiday that feels like it was created with you in mind. Your perfect match is waiting…and it might just surprise you.

The Rise of Fitness Tourism: Why Irish Travellers are going abroad for races & events

by Kelly Collins • 25 March 2026
If you have noticed more Irish people swapping sun loungers for start lines, you are not imagining it. Fitness tourism, sometimes called race-cation have become one of the fastest growing travel trends for Irish holidaymakers. From destination marathons to HYROX events abroad, more of us are choosing to travel with a purpose, challenge ourselves in new cities and come home with a medal rather than just a tan. And the numbers back it up. Global marathon participation rose 9% last year, with runners increasingly choosing races based on location rather than proximity to home. HYROX, too, has exploded on social media, giving travellers a whole new kind of event to plan trips around So what's behind Ireland's growing love affair with fitness-focused travel? Let's break it down. 

Top 6 Travel Destinations with Direct Flights from Cork Airport for 2026

by Leonor Resende • 25 March 2026
Imagine Cork Airport not as a terminal, but as a hallway lined with doors, each one opening onto a completely different world. Behind one door: golden beaches warmed by the Canary sun. Behind another: cobblestone streets, cafés buzzing with conversation, and the soft glow of city lights reflecting off canal water. Further down, a hidden gem on the Adriatic coast invites you to slow down, wander, taste, and explore. No matter what type of traveller you are, sun chaser, culture seeker, foodie, or adventurer, Cork’s direct flight network now connects you to the places you’ve been dreaming about. Here are six of the most inspiring destinations you can reach in just one flight. Step through any door you like.
Rocky coastline with green mountains meeting the blue ocean under a bright sky.

Madeira: The Island That Feels Like Five Destinations in One

by Leonor Resende • 12 March 2026
When most people think of island holidays, they imagine one thing: golden sandy beaches and long, lazy days by the sea, but the Portuguese island of Madeira is unlike any other. In this destination, you can experience landscapes and activities that feel like travelling across several destinations.  One moment you’re wandering misty mountain peaks shrouded in clouds, the next you’re swimming in volcanic pools, and by evening, you could be savouring world-famous wine while watching the sun dip into the Atlantic. Madeira is nature, adventure, culture, and relaxation all in one compact island. Here’s why it’s a destination you simply cannot miss.
Open suitcase with hat, sunglasses, headphones, camera, phone, and clothing on a bed.

Where to Travel in Summer 2026 in Europe

by Leonor Resende • 5 March 2026
Summer 2026 is just around the corner, and travellers are already dreaming of sunny beaches, cultural getaways, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you're planning a short city break, a family holiday, or a luxury escape, knowing which European destinations are trending this year can help you plan the perfect getaway. From the postcard-perfect cliffs of Santorini, Greece, to the medieval charm of Dubrovnik, Croatia, the rustic beauty of Calabria, Italy, the cultural energy of Bilbao, Spain, and the year‑round sunshine of Tenerife, Europe is full of extraordinary places waiting to be explored this summer. In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the hottest destinations of 2026, complete with insider tips, must‑see attractions, and ideas to help you plan the perfect summer getaway. 

The Best Hikes Around the world: Unforgettable trails for adventure travellers

by Kelly Collins • 10 February 2026
Hiking is one of the most immersive ways to experience the world's natural beauty, offering travellers the chance to slow down, breathe deeply and connect with landscapes that feel untouched by time. From dramatic mountain passes to lush tropical coastlines, the best hikes around the world provide not only physical challenge but also cultural discovery and breathtaking scenery. For Travel Enthusiasts seeking their next great adventure, these iconic trails represent some of the most rewarding journeys on the planet.