Couples Travel

The Best Places to Propose Around the World, From a Castle in Santorini to an Icelandic Beach

A milestone moment calls for an unforgettable location.
best places to propose Villa Cimbrone Gardens on the Amalfi Coast Italy
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So, you’ve met someone you are so completely and madly in love with that you want to spend the rest of your lives together. Congrats! There’s no better feeling. You’ve likely decided on a ring, perhaps even told those close to you that you plan on doing it, but here’s the big question: where will you propose?

Getting engaged is one of those moments you’ll never forget, so you want to make it as memorable as possible—which is why popping the question while on holiday could be the answer. With so many awe-inspiring spots to choose from, it can be hard to know precisely where to propose. To give you a helping hand, we’ve whittled it down to some truly beautiful places, from clifftop gardens on the Amalfi Coast to a remote island in Fiji and an elephant-studded river in Botswana.

Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Stood at Cape Elizabeth’s Portland Head Light, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d landed upon the last corner of the earth. The landmark consists of a museum in the former keepers’ quarters displaying lenses, photographs, and various historical artifacts that tell the fascinating story of the 18th-century lighthouse. Mightly waves crash against the rocks below as they meet their maker after rippling through the vast Atlantic, birds circle overhead and squawk into the never-ending distance, and sunsets cast tangerine splashes against the towering beacon. You’ll find the landmark on the coastal edge of Fort Williams Park, which also houses equally dramatic attractions, including the dilapidated Goddard Mansion and Head Light North Viewpoint, from which Portland Head Light can be admired in all its glory.

Lake Como, Italy

Italian spots don’t get much more romantic than Lake Como, arguably the country’s most iconic body of water. Now littered with glitzy beach clubs and restaurants frequented by the rich and famous, these shores have a long history, with the remains of Roman baths suggesting it was a strategic stop-off on one of the Empire’s key trading routes. Today, visitors bathe in crystal-clear waters off beaches and lidos or in swimming pools in the best hotels on Lake Como. Among our picks is Passalacqua—one of the best hotels in the world. It is surrounded by manicured gardens that come to life each spring.

Park Güell, Barcelona

There’s no denying that Park Güell graces the top of many travelers’ bucket lists. However, being one of Barcelona’s largest green spaces, there’s always a secluded corner to be discovered for a sun-kissed Spanish proposal. Pick up treats from delis along the long pedestrian lanes of the Gràcia neighborhood on your way (cooler bag recommended in the summer months) and venture into a new landscape of blooming flower beds and shaded plains under the canopy of towering trees. Parents push little ones on swings in playgrounds, couples walk hand-in-hand, and visitors seek respite from the hustle and bustle of the vibrant city center.

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

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Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

No trip to New Zealand is complete without a visit to Lake Tekapo. Wedged between Queenstown and Christchurch, snow-capped mountains flank the azure lake. This spot is at its prime in late November and December when the pink and purple-hued lupins come out to play. Even if you don’t manage a visit during the Southern Hemisphere’s early summer months, Lake Tekapo is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, and you can see the Milky Way and even the southern lights, or aurora australis, from here on a clear evening.

Isabella Plantation in London, England

London’s largest Royal Park feels a million miles away from the bustling cosmopolitanism of the capital’s center—making it one of the best places to propose in London. Richmond Park spans an incredible 2,360 acres, so plenty of corners are ideal for romantic escapades. Among our favorite areas of the park is the Isabella Plantation, an enchanting 40-acre woodland garden within a Victorian plantation. Visit during spring (April and May) to see it in all its glory, as azaleas bloom funnel-shaped flowers and bluebells paint the woodland floor like an Impressionist painting. The park flows down towards Richmond upon Thames, a Thames-side town and part of the wider Royal Borough, where couples take to the water in rowing boats in summer and groups gather in picturesque pub gardens.

Groot Constantia Wine Estate, South Africa

There’s no jostling for the perfect picnic spot at Groot Constantia Wine Estate, one of South Africa’s most beautiful vineyards. The story goes back to the late 17th century, when Simon van der Stel requested land from The Dutch East India Company as compensation for years of loyal service. After examining various soil samples from across the region, he settled on a sprawling area totaling around 763 hectares—primarily for its wine-growing potential. Interest in the wine estate’s produce increased in subsequent decades and centuries, and Groot Constantia is now credited for forming the origins of the now-renowned South African wine industry. Explore Cape Dutch Manor House, gawp at countless bottles lining the cellars, admire the beauty of the peaceful Constantia Valley, and try the goods for yourself; the estate offers a range of experiences, including wine tasting, restaurant tables, and picnics.

The Lofoten Islands, Norway

It’s rare to discover a landscape as breathtaking as that of the Norwegian archipelago of Lofoten. Snow-capped peaks plummet into deep, dark ocean blues, fertile pastures and charming villages dotting the hillsides in between. The best way to get to the islands is by ferry from Bodø (around three and a half hours) or to fly—Norwegian operates flights to Harstad/Narvik Airport Evenes, from which you can drive to your desired destination. The awe-inspiring smattering of islands is one of the most romantic places in Europe, especially when the Northern Lights illuminate the seemingly endless darkness during the bitterly cold winter months. In summer, make the most of long days on mountain hikes before sampling local cuisine and dipping in and out of art galleries—there are plenty of ways to discover the peaceful islands.

Lucky Bay Beach, Australia

While most tourists head to Australia’s eastern coast hotspots like Sydney and Byron Bay or south to Melbourne, those in the know go west. Western Australia is home to some of the country’s most beautiful national parks—but the Cape Le Grand National Park takes the top spot. You’ll find some of the world’s most stunning white sand beaches here. Our pick is Lucky Bay Beach to have wild kangaroos hop beside you while you get down on one knee.

Pyrgos Castle in Santorini, Greece

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Pyrgos Castle in Santorini, Greece

Santorini is one of Greece’s most popular islands for a reason: the peachy pink sunsets over the ocean are unmatched. Yet, a jaunt to Oia to watch the sunset probably isn’t the best spot to propose unless you want to sidle up beside thousands of other spectators, so you should head to Pyrgos Castle instead. The castle ruins sit in Pyrgos, the highest village in Santorini, and give you excellent views of the sunset and the rest of the island. Plus, you’ll likely be the only people there, so bring a bottle of Champagne to pop open afterwards and have a sunset picnic to celebrate.

Turtle Island, Fiji

If lazing on white sand beaches, snorkeling through crystalline waters, and exploring untouched jungles is your idea of the perfect break, we recommend booking flights to Fiji ASAP. Turtle Island is part of Fiji’s Yasawa Islands, a group known to have some of the best beaches and sea life in the Pacific. There’s just one hotel on the island: an adults-only oasis with space for just 14 couples across its 12 private beaches. You’re guaranteed to find an intimate spot for you and your love.

Chureito Pagoda, Japan

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Chureito Pagoda near Mt Fuji, Japan

Japan is filled with many picturesque spots, but perhaps none as much as the Chureito Pagoda overlooking Mt Fuji. If you’re staying in Tokyo, pick a clear day and grab a train for the afternoon. After walking up the 400 or so steps to get to the pagoda, find a quiet spot under a cherry blossom tree (a visit during cherry blossom season is a must to see the hillside flanked in pink) and get down on one knee. It will undoubtedly be a moment to remember for the rest of your lives.

Hill Garden & Pergola, London

Scoot out of London’s vibrant heart, hop off the Northern Line at Golders Green, and embark on the 20-minute walk towards Hampstead Heath’s Hill Garden and Pergola. Don’t rush, mind you—the walk, that is. The stroll towards the Heath’s landmark is just as beautiful as the gardens themselves; take a tranquil moment in the Walled Garden, pick up coffee and sweet treats from Golders Hill Park Cafe, and keep an eye out for movement around the Park Deer Enclosure. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a moment of peace here on summer weekends, but visit early or on a misty winter’s day, and you could amble between the columns to the soundtrack of nothing but chirping birds. Parliament Hill is one of the most romantic spots on a summer’s evening, as Londoners gather and raise a toast to the sun as it sets over the city. Pack a picnic, hike up so that the glittering metropolis is within view, and see how the capital transitions from day to night, skyscrapers illuminating the cityscape with their glittering lights.

Chobe River, Botswana

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Chobe River, Botswana

Like a safari, getting engaged is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience. A trip to Botswana is an excellent choice to heighten your chances of seeing the Big Five (leopards, lions, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos). Be sure to spend a day on a boat on the Chobe River, where you can get up close and personal as herds of elephants make their way down to the water’s edge to cool off. While there will be many opportunities to propose, we suggest picking a sunset moment as you hug the river’s shore, watching the elephants walk beside you.

Villa Cimbrone Gardens on the Amalfi Coast, Italy

The Amalfi Coast on the southern coast of Italy is one of the country’s prettiest and most romantic places, but you’ll also be shoulder-to-shoulder with other tourists during your stay. So, if you have your heart set on proposing here, opt for the Villa Cimbrone Gardens, a clifftop hotel with stunning views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. The last entry for the public is at 7:30 p.m., so find a quiet spot to ask your love if they will keep loving you for the rest of your lives. Be sure to have a restaurant reservation waiting in the hotel afterwards, and inquire about their wedding packages as it might be where you tie the knot too.

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Skyline Trail in Nova Scotia, Canada

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Skyline Trail in Nova Scotia, Canada

While areas like Banff and Lake Louise are obvious choices for a Canadian proposal, if you want somewhere a little quieter and just as beautiful, we suggest heading east. The province of Nova Scotia hugs the Atlantic Ocean, and the Skyline Trail is a four-mile boardwalk loop that you can follow, giving you some spectacular views. Go at the start of autumn for trees washed in gold and red hues, and find a quiet spot to pop the question. Afterwards, drive north to The Sea Shack takeout at the northernmost tip of the peninsula for a fresh lobster roll.

Kyoto Gardens, London

Holland Park is among our favorite green spaces in London—22.5 glorious hectares in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Enter through the High Street Kensington gate, and the hustle and bustle of the popular shopping destination instantly seems a million miles away. However, venture to the heart of the park, and you’ll stumble across quite the oasis. Built to celebrate the 1992 Japan Festival in London, it’s now a popular stomping ground for loved-up couples—and married couples to be. Admire the manicured lawns, peek into the ponds at the glistening fish, and keep an eye out for the kaleidoscopic peacocks as they put on their splendid display.

Lagh de Calvaresc, Switzerland

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Lagh de Calvaresc, Switzerland

One for mushy romantics who also love a good hike, Lagh de Calvaresc, in Switzerland near the Italian border, is a heart-shaped alpine lake. The challenging hike takes around three and a half hours and involves a lot of steep uphills, but the reward is more than worth it, especially if you plan to propose overlooking the lake. Be sure to take a small picnic with you to nibble at while you take in the view and bask in the feelings of being newly engaged.

Slieve League Cliffs, Ireland

Among one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, the Slieve League Cliffs will make you feel like you’re on the edge of the world. Head to the Bunglas viewpoint for the best scenes and a particularly spectacular spot at sunset. Afterwards, take a short drive to Nancy’s Bar in Ardara, where trad music sessions play throughout the week, and order a pint of Guinness in celebration.

Diamond Beach, Iceland

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Diamond Beach, Iceland

If you had to choose a place to propose simply based on its name, it’s hard to beat Iceland’s Diamond Beach. Luckily, the scenery here is just as beautiful as its name suggests. Located on the country’s south coast, the black volcanic sand beach is famous for the thousands of icebergs that travel here from the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon that resembles large diamonds peppered along the seashores. It feels otherworldly and is the perfect spot to ask one of the most important questions of your life.

Penemu lookout in Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Sure, Bali is beautiful, but have you heard of Raja Ampat? An archipelago off the northwest coast of West Papua, the jungle-covered islands seemingly burst out of the sea, creating a landscape of the most brilliant blues and greens, along with some of the world’s best beaches and marine life (this place is a haven for divers). The Penemu lookout is a small wooden platform that offers a magnificent view across the islands and is a magical place to propose.

Artist Point in Yosemite National Park

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Artist Point in Yosemite National Park, USA

It’s not hard to see how Artist Point got its name: the view encompassing some of Yosemite’s most handsome sights like Clouds Rest, Bridalveil Meadow, Half Dome, and Ribbon Fall is picture perfect. The short loop hike is just two miles long, and it’s much less tourist-packed than the nearby popular Tunnel View point. Head there in the middle of the day for the most privacy (sunrise and sunset are busy times for nature photographers in Yosemite), and set up a tripod of your own to capture the moment.

Caño Cristales, Colombia

While Colombia might not be the first country you think of when you start to plan your proposal, it’s worthy of a wild card pick. The Caño Cristales is a river an hour’s flight south of the capital, Bogota, and it’s affectionately known as the “liquid rainbow” thanks to its stunning reds, yellows, and greens that appear underwater from July through October each year.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

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Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Also known as the Uyuni Salt Flat, Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni is one of the country’s most popular destinations—for good reason. The world’s most extensive salt flats are the remnants of a prehistoric lake, and it now stretches to around 4,200 square miles—meaning you are guaranteed to find a quiet spot for the big moment (and nab yourself a picture-perfect engagement to beat).

Lake Pehoé in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

With its glassy blue waters and striking mountain range, Lake Pehoé in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most recognizable lakes in the world. While you can see the lake from your car, if you want to up the ante for your proposal, Condor’s viewpoint is a two-hour round hike with unparalleled views. Go an hour before sunrise to reach the top just as the sky takes on a pink hue.

Dune 45, Namibia

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Dune 45, Namibia

Located in the Sossusvlei area of the Namib Desert in Namibia, Dune 45 is known as a “star dune” thanks to its various waves caused by the wind blowing in different directions. The orange sand is five million years old and now sits around 550 feet tall—but it only takes about 20 minutes to walk up to the top. After enjoying the view, perhaps wait until you’re back on the ground at the viewpoint of the dune below before asking the big question—you don’t want to go rifling through billions of grains of sand if you drop the ring.

Polin Beach, Scotland

Scotland is home to some of the most beautiful spots in the UK, but none compare to the sights along the North Coast 500. The little-visited Polin Beach sits between the more popular Oldshoremore and Sandwood Bay beaches. After picking up some goodies from the nearby Highland Charcuterie & Smoke House, park up your car and pass through the sheep-dotted walkway and the sign that reads “Here there be mermaids” before marveling at the white sand beach and sparkling waters before you. It’s one of those pinch-yourself places that you can’t quite believe is the UK. (And yes, I may be slightly biased with this one as it’s where I got engaged. But trust me: It’s a good’un).

Cypress Gardens near Charleston, USA

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Cypress Gardens near Charleston

Yes, it’s been two decades (!) since The Notebook redefined the romance film genre, and yes, we are still obsessed with that lake scene. If your future fiancée is anything like us, they will relish the idea of a proposal in the very same place from the film (minus the swans, they were CGI). Cypress Gardens is just over half an hour’s drive from Charleston, South Carolina, where you can rent a paddle boat and ask your love to marry you amid a stunning setting. Our tip? Get there first thing in the morning when the lake is quiet. Afterwards, head to the city center to dine on the local specialty: oysters.

Anse La Roche in Carriacou, Grenada

You can only reach this beach after walking for half a mile through the foliage on Grenada’s sister island of Carriacou, making it the perfect quiet spot to pop the question. Once there, you’ll be rewarded with a white sand beach and turquoise waters, and you might even see a turtle or two. The beach has been built up in recent years, and it’s now home to a small beach bar—although you shouldn’t expect crowds. Go in the late afternoon and order a sundowner from the bar to celebrate, before finding a spot to watch the sunset, just the two of you.

Ojstrica point in Lake Bled, Slovenia

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Ojstrica point in Lake Bled, Slovenia

Lake Bled is one of those bucket list beauties that everyone should see at least once, which makes it a perfect spot for a once-in-a-lifetime moment. For a birds-eye view of the lake and the church that inhabits Bled Island, head to Ojstrica Point. To get there, follow the signs from Bled’s bathing beach and through the forest to find yourself on the lookout. There are also two more lookouts higher up if you want even broader vistas and a touch more privacy. So, pack a backpack filled with Champagne and nibbles (don’t forget the ring!), and head there for sunset for a memory-making moment.

Parc Bagatelle – la Roseraie in Paris, France

Paris is a tourist haven, which means it can be difficult to find a quiet spot to pop the question. While you can go all out and ask your love to marry you in front of a sparkling Eiffel Tower, be warned that it will be the two of you, plus hundreds of others in the same spot. Instead, why not venture outside of the regular haunts to the Roseraie in Parc Bagatelle? The garden itself is a result of a bet between Marie-Antoinette and the Count of Artois (the French queen challenged her brother-in-law to build the space in less than three months), but now features rows of roses, irises, clematis, and peonies. Head there in late spring or early summer for the most beautiful blooms at their fullest.

Plitviče Lakes, Croatia

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Plitviče Lakes, Croatia

While Croatia is known for its pristine emerald coastline and bustling yacht-filled summers, its most beautiful natural wonder is hidden right in its center. Plitviče Lakes National Park sits between Zagreb and Zadar and features a chain of 16 terraced lakes connected by waterfalls that plunge into a limestone canyon. The park is well marked, with a series of walkways and bridges to discover each of the crystal clear lakes—but you won’t find the best view in the park on any map. Instead, it’s hidden away up a series of stairs and along a walkway that’s technically outside of the park limits. Finding the viewpoint is all part of the adventure (more detail on how to find it here) and, don’t worry, you can head straight back into the park once you’re done. Once located, you’ll be rewarded with an unparalleled view over the park’s biggest lake and waterfall. It’s the perfect spot to pop the question.

Hallasan Mountain, South Korea

Spring not only heralds cherry blossom season to Jeju, an island off the coast of South Korea, but it also blankets Hallasan Mountain in fields of blazing purple azaleas. While it may take a bit of hiking to reach the flower fields (opt for the easier two-and-a-half-hour return Eorimok trail), you’ll be rewarded with bursting wildflower fields. Reward yourself afterwards and celebrate your engagement by heading to the island’s Yongduam Haesu Spa Land seawater saunas for a hit of much-deserved relaxation.

This story has been updated since its original publish date. A version of this article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller.