Madrid has been named the best destination in Europe for finding love while on holiday, according to new research by Icelandair.
The Spanish capital topped the list thanks to its thriving nightlife, large single population, inclusivity and clear sunset viewing conditions. With a final score of 86.34 out of 100, Madrid outperformed other major cities, including Amsterdam, Rome and Dublin.
The study analysed key factors that contribute to a holiday romance, including the number of single people per capita, happiness levels, nightlife, LGBTQ+ friendliness, Tripadvisor data and sunset visibility. Madrid scored highly across the board, particularly for its vibrant nightlife (85.90) and LGBTQ+ inclusivity (91.69), making it an attractive destination for love seekers.
Prague came in second place with a score of 84.75/100, thanks to its perfect nightlife rating (100) and a high Tripadvisor romance score (94.57). Lisbon followed closely in third place, excelling in LGBTQ+ friendliness (93.47), with Barcelona and Zurich rounding out the top five.
Interestingly, Paris, the famed City of Love, scored just outside the top 20. Coming in 21st, the destination scored lower than expected in key areas, with a nightlife rating of just 34.60, an LGBTQ+ friendliness score of 74.23 and a sunset visibility score of 63.77.
Overall, Europe’s best cities for finding a holiday romance were revealed as:
Top five European cities for finding a holiday romance
- Madrid, Spain
Topping the list with a final score of 86.34, Madrid is the perfect place for love to blossom. The Spanish capital excels across the board, boasting an 85.90 nightlife score, making it ideal for late-night encounters. Its 91.69 LGBTQ+ friendliness score reflects the city’s welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, ensuring romance is open to all. Coming in fifth overall for the size of its single population (82.00/100), and with dreamy sunset viewing conditions (85.51/100), Madrid offers the perfect setting for sparks to fly, whether it’s a passionate evening of fun and frolics, or a stroll through the charming streets of Malasaña.
- Prague, Czech Republic
With its cobbled streets and breathtaking river views, Prague is straight out of a romance novel. It ranks second with a final score of 84.75, in part thanks to its perfect nightlife score, the best of any city in the study. Whether it’s a cocktail at a rooftop bar or a dance-filled night in one of Prague’s renowned clubs, there’s no shortage of places to meet someone special. The city also boasts a 94.57 Tripadvisor romance score, proving that Prague is not just picturesque but also brimming with opportunities for love.
- Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon secures third place with an 84.64 final score, standing out for its LGBTQ+ friendliness (93.47/100) and 91.30 Tripadvisor romance score. The Portuguese capital is a dream for those seeking romance, with its charming tiled streets, intimate Fado music bars and breathtaking coastal sunsets (82.61/100). With a vibrant nightlife (86.61/100) and plenty of single people (81.59/100), Lisbon offers the perfect blend of excitement and intimacy for a spring fling.
- Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona’s unique mix of beachside relaxation and buzzing city life makes it a top contender for romance. With a final score of 82.95, the city is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations (94.17/100), ensuring a welcoming space for all love seekers. Its 92.39 Tripadvisor romance score highlights its reputation as a city full of love-inspiring spots, from the enchanting Park Güell to its lively tapas bars. While its nightlife score (66.47/100) is slightly lower than other top-ranking cities, its vibrant atmosphere and stunning sunsets (81.16/100) more than make up for it.
- Zurich, Switzerland
Rounding out the top five is Zurich, where love meets luxury, with a final score of 82.54. Known for its high quality of life, Zurich scores an impressive 96.31 for happiness, making it a great place to meet positive, like-minded people. While its 52.01 nightlife score is lower than others in the ranking, the city’s 97.19 LGBTQ+ friendliness score and 81.52 Tripadvisor romance score ensure there are plenty of opportunities for romance. Whether it’s a lakeside date, a cosy fondue dinner or a scenic stroll, Zurich is ideal for a more refined holiday romance.
Sex and relationships expert Georgina Vass said:
“Novelty in a partner can increase arousal and attraction, so flying to an amazing destination like Madrid where prospective partners may communicate and show emotions in an unfamiliar way, demonstrate affection differently, or engage in new activities could inspire a holiday romance.”
Edvardas Paskevicius, a spokesperson for Icelandair, said:
“With the rise of online dating, modern travellers are looking for more than just sightseeing – they want real connections. A holiday romance is just the ticket for many, and Madrid’s top ranking proves it’s the ultimate destination for love-seekers. From its vibrant nightlife to its stunning sunsets, the city creates the perfect setting for sparks to fly while Reykjavik stands out as Europe’s most LGBTQ+ friendly city for a romantic getaway.”
